How do I care for outdoor furniture over winter?

Clean everything with mild soap and water and let it dry completely before storing it. Bring cushions and pillows indoors, or store them in a dry bin. Cover frames with breathable, waterproof covers, or move them to a garage or shed if you get heavy snow. Teak and concrete can stay out, but lift them off the ground so water doesn’t pool underneath.

Which outdoor furniture materials hold up best in sun and rain?

Teak, powder-coated metal, and concrete are some of the most durable choices. Teak’s natural oils resist moisture, and it weathers to a soft silver-gray. Powder-coated metal resists rust. For cushions and pillows, choose solution-dyed acrylic or olefin fabrics, which resist fading and dry quickly. Avoid untreated wood and standard upholstery fabrics, which break down outdoors.

Can planters stay outside year-round?

Glazed ceramic and concrete planters handle most weather, but in climates with hard freezes, water trapped in the soil expands and can crack them. Before the first freeze, empty planters or move them to a sheltered spot, and set them on pot feet so they drain. Terracotta is the most porous, so bring it inside for winter.

How do I clean outdoor cushions?

Brush off loose dirt, then wash cushions with mild dish soap and warm water, using a soft brush. Rinse with a hose and stand them on their sides to dry completely in the sun. For mildew, use 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water. Clean cushions every 4 to 6 weeks during the season to keep them fresh. Check our Product Care page for more information.

What size outdoor rug do I need?

Choose a rug large enough for at least the front legs of every seat to sit on it, usually 8x10 for a sofa and two chairs. Under a dining table, the rug should extend 24” past the table on every side so chairs stay on it when pulled out. Leave 12”-18” of patio showing around the edges.