Are you beginning to notice signs that your garden furniture is showing its age? If that’s the case, it could be an opportune time to bid farewell to your old furniture and welcome some fresh pieces of garden furniture into your outdoor space.
Stains, rust and mould are a common sight on older garden furniture, but, at what stage does it stray beyond repair and require replacing? Keep reading to find out.
1. Chipped Paint
If you see any chipped paint on your furniture, it could be an indication that a replacement is in order. The reason behind this is that chipped paint can permit moisture to penetrate a wood frame, leading to more severe issues beyond the need for a simple paint touch-up.
However, in some cases where a chip has occurred due to other causes such as a knock, or if the furniture is metal, a paint touch up will do the job. Here at KETTLER, we provide easy to use Mesh Furniture Touch-Up paint available in both iron grey and white.
2. Dirt and Stains
As you entertain guests during barbecues or parties, spills are bound to happen. So, it’s important that you have the right equipment in place ready for when these accidents occur.
Check out our Garden Furniture Multi Surface Cleaner. Suitable to use on a wide range of garden furniture materials including stone, cast aluminium, textile sling, resin, and HPL. The easy to apply formula is made with innovative nanotechnology, which protects surfaces better, so you don’t have to clean as often. The formula is 100% water-based, so less hazardous and eco-safe.
While most stains can be promptly cleaned, if you’re consistently noticing numerous long-standing stains, it could be an ideal opportunity to indulge in that new lounger or garden bistro set that has captured your interest. Additionally, stains can easily transfer onto clothing, further emphasising the importance of replacing your garden furniture at this point.
3. Rust and Rotting
If there are visible indications of rusting or rotting on your garden furniture, it serves as another significant indicator that it’s time for a replacement.
Furniture exhibiting signs of rot or rust can pose safety hazards and therefore should be replaced at this stage.
You may want to consider purchasing non rusting garden furniture for your replacement, such as aluminium, wooden or wicker furniture.
4. Mould and Mildew
The presence of mould and mildew suggests that your outdoor furniture is showing its age, has sustained damage, or has been subjected to prolonged moisture exposure.
Beyond the unattractive appearance, the growth of mould and mildew can also pose health risks for individuals who come into contact with the affected areas of the chair or sofa.
To prevent this, it is crucial to store your outdoor cushions in a dry and cool location during the winter season. If space is limited indoors, you can consider keeping them outside on a deck or porch, provided that rainfall is infrequent in your area.
5. Creaking Noises
When you settle into a chair, you need a comfortable and sturdy seating experience, free from concerns about breakage or creaking. However, if your outdoor furniture begins to emit creaking sounds when you sit on it, you might need to replace it.
So, why does garden furniture creak? The creaking noise in wooden furniture signifies the effects of weathering. Over time, prolonged exposure to the elements causes the wood to contract or expand unevenly. Consequently, the alignment of joints between wooden components in a chair, bench or table becomes compromised. This misalignment places stress on the joints, leading to their gradual loosening and ultimately resulting in the creaking sound when weight is applied. In this scenario, your options are to delicately replace the affected planks of wood, or replace the furniture entirely.
As for metal garden furniture, this could just be a sign that the bolts need tightening, or some lubricant is needed. This is an easy fix that won’t require replacement.
6. Worn Out Upholstery
Have you found that, over time, your garden furniture fabric has worn out, torn, or faded due to prolonged exposure to sunlight? Or maybe dirty hands, grubby paws, and wine accidents have left stubborn marks on your garden furniture.
Luckily, the KETTLER fabric, rope & upholstery complete care kit can give your furniture extra TLC to keep it looking its best. 100% water-based, the complete care kit is non-hazardous and environmentally friendly. The innovative formula is made with Nanotechnology, which shields the surface better, so you can spend more time relaxing and less time worrying about the cleaning. The versatile cleaner and protector is suitable to use on a wide range of materials including fabric sofas, cushions, rope, upholstery, and even parasol canopies.
Initially, your garden furniture cushions were likely firm and provided comfort. However, as time goes by, they may have lost their shape, becoming flat or saggy. If these signs are apparent in your outdoor furniture, it indicates that it’s time to replace the old cushions.
7. Out-Dated Style
When creating your ideal garden, the selection and style of furniture holds significant importance. Outdated or worn-out pieces can diminish the inviting ambiance of your outdoor space. By replacing your garden furniture with designs that resonate with you, you can easily revitalise the appearance of the area and enhance its welcoming atmosphere.
Instead of discarding the old and unwanted furniture, consider upcycling it into something beautiful, donating it to charity, or selling it to someone who may find value in it. This way, you can ensure that your furniture finds a new purpose rather than going to waste.
Discover Durable and Stylish Garden Furniture at KETTLER
At KETTLER, we provide a wide array of garden furniture options aimed at crafting a serene outdoor environment. Whether you seek comfortable seating or inviting dining spaces, we offer diverse styles that cater to individual preferences.
Be sure to check out our spares and care products too to ensure you’re keeping your new garden furniture good as new.