UV Protection for Your Outdoor Furniture

New patio furniture can bring with it long days of relaxation and enjoyment with family and friends. However, if you're not careful, it can be subject to the ravages of the elements. While the rain, snow, wind and sleet are more obvious potential forces of damage, there is another hazard that is less obvious but no less harmful: the sun.

The Perils of UV Damage

Just as our skin needs protection from the sun, so too do items that stay exposed to it for many months out of the year (or year round.) Unfortunately, many home and business owners fail to take this into account, and their furniture is left exposed to the insidious damage of the sun. The following are some of the damage types that can result from sun exposure:

 

• Sun fading
• Warping of the furniture material
• Cracking
• Lumps and bumps in the upholstery
• Wear and erosion

 

Sun combined with intense heat and humidity can also lead to rot in wooden furniture. Once it begins, rotted wood can also act as an attractant to pests.

Protecting Your Outdoor Furniture

Minimizing or avoiding UV damage to your outdoor furniture can be accomplished with the following measures:

Seasonal storage. Keeping your outdoor furniture stored indoors during the winter can go a long way in ensuring that it is protected for a large portion of the year. Even during cooler seasons the sun's UV rays can do damage, so reducing the amount of time your furniture is exposed to it can protect it and extend its life.

Patio umbrella. The use of a patio umbrella with your lounge or outdoor dining set is another way to protect both yourself and your furniture from the sun's harsh rays and increase your enjoyment of your outdoor patio furniture.

Sunshade or awning. A shade or awning attached to your home or garage covering the patio area is another great protective accessory.

Furniture covers. Covers that are custom fit to your furniture can neatly and effectively protect it when not in use. If you go this route, cultivate the habit of covering your furniture after you've finished using it for the day. A storage chest that doubles as a bench can offer additional seating as well as a place to store your covers while using your furniture.

When it comes to protecting your outdoor furniture from UV damage from the sun, awareness of the risk is the first step. From there, you can make use of strategic storage and protective accessories to keep sun damage to a minimum. Use these furniture tips to help keep your outdoor furniture collection looking amazing for years to come.