Want to keep the sun from ruining outdoor furniture?
Every summer tens of thousands of homeowners say goodbye to faded, cracked patio furniture pieces.
Sun Damage & UV rays don’t discriminate. They destroy wood, plastic, metal & fabric furniture alike. And UV degradation isn’t reversible.
Here’s the crazy thing…
Outdoor furniture markets worldwide was worth $50.89 billion in 2024.
In simple terms – everyone is spending tons of money on outdoor furniture that can be ruined in just a few seasons if you don’t take the proper precautions.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Saving your outdoor furniture from sun & weather damage is much easier than you think. And the best methods don’t need to break the bank.
In this article you’re going to discover:
- Why Sun and Weather Damage is Important
- How to Keep Outdoor Furniture Looking New
- How Outdoor Patio Covers Protect your Investment
- Choosing materials that will last the longest
- Simple Maintenance Routine You Can Follow
Why Sun and Weather Damage is Important
Here’s what most people don’t understand…
Sun damage isn’t an overnight issue. It happens over years & months of abuse from UV rays.
UV radiation literally breaks down furniture materials on a molecular level.
Slowly.
Over time this breakdown causes discoloration, fading, cracking and furniture brittleness.
Rain, humidity, wind & temperature changes aren’t much better to outdoor furniture either.
Take metal patio furniture frames for example. Moisture causes rust on metal. Rain causes mold on cushions. Temperature swings causes paint and joints to crack from the inside out.
The end result?
Your gorgeous patio furniture from last season now looks like it’s been in the sun for 10+ years. Just like that.
Suddenly furniture you spent hundreds of dollars on just a few years ago is going to cost you another $400–$800+ to replace. PER ITEM.
Add it up quickly and you could be replacing your entire patio set every few years if you don’t provide proper protection.
Simple fact: If you don’t protect your outdoor furniture from sun & weather damage it WILL be damaged. Offering it a long lifespan shouldn’t be your expectation.
Simple Ways To Protect Outdoor Furniture
Fortunately protecting outdoor furniture from sun damage is easy.
Easy & effective.
Here are a few simple methods that work…
Outdoor Patio Covers (Shade Structures)
This point can’t be stressed enough.
If you own outdoor furniture – get a shade structure.
Outdoor patio covers act as a physical barrier between your furniture and sun’s UV radiation. No sunlight means less damage and heat.
Heavy sundown fabric patio covers or outdoor pergolas are wildly popular for this reason. The right patio cover can block up to 99% of UV rays from hitting your outdoor furniture.
In hotter climates like Phoenix, Arizona MANY homeowners opt for an alumawood patio cover because it has that traditional wood look most homeowners love. However – it’s made from aluminum so it won’t warp, crack or deteriorate like wood patio covers.
Doing your homework on outdoor patio covers is highly recommended if you want to protect your investment. They’re the single best thing you can do.
Furniture Covers
UV resistant furniture covers are one of the least expensive ways to protect your outdoor furniture.
Cover Materials like polyester and polyethylene can block 99% of UV rays. Most quality furniture covers these days are made from these materials.
Furniture covers also provide secondary protection from rain, dust, debris and anything else that may harm your furniture.
You just have to ensure you buy covers that fit tightly. Or have elastic hems and tie-downs so they don’t blow off in the wind.
Pro Tip: Look for furniture covers with built-in ventilation. This helps prevent mold build-up.
Pro Tip #2: Make sure they’re secure during windy days. Take them off periodically to let your furniture “breathe”.
Use furniture covers whenever your patio furniture doesn’t fit under your patio cover.
Purchase Furniture Made From Durable Materials
Did you know that not all patio furniture materials are created equally?
Believe it or not – picking durable furniture materials can save you loads of frustration.
Some of the most weather resistant materials are:
- Teak Wood – Naturally contains high oils which makes it naturally water, UV and bug resistant.
- HDPE Plastic – Doesn’t absorb water. Doesn’t crack. And color lasts 10-15+ years.
- Powder Coated Aluminum – Rust resistant and handles extreme temps very well.
- Synthetic Wicker – Doesn’t fade or soak up water like regular wicker.
They say cheaper costs more in the long run. It’s very true with furniture materials.
Typically cheap woods like pine. Thin steel. Or lower-grade plastics don’t last more than couple of seasons outside. Save the headache and spend money on furniture that will last.
Spray Furniture With UV Protectant
This tip is huge if you own furniture that isn’t made with UV protecting materials.
Wood furniture can benefit from protective sprays and sealants. Fabric furniture benefits from UV spray as well. Metal furniture can use rust-resistant sprays.
Essentially any material benefits from a protective UV spray.
Spending 5-10 minutes spraying your furniture down with UV protectant can go a long way!
Bring Cushions Inside When Not in Use
This tip is pretty self explanatory but it’s crazy how many people skip it.
Fabric patio cushions are the first things to go when left outside. To the sun.
The material fades long before your frame does. They’re susceptible to mold and mildew if left out in the rain.
Bring your cushions inside when not in use.
It really is that simple. Putting your cushions away can increase their lifespan from 1-2 years to 5-7 years.
Cleaning & Simple Outdoor Furniture Maintenance Routine
Alright, you’ve covered your furniture and brought your cushions inside. But what about maintenance?
It’s important to note that patio furniture care isn’t hard. But it has to be done.
Quick maintenance tips:
- Wash your furniture with mild soap & water. Don’t allow soap to build up on furniture.
- Check metal furniture for rust. Sand & repaint as needed.
- Check wood furniture for cracks / peeling. Reapply sealant when necessary.
- Tighten loose bolts & joints. Temperature fluctuations can make metal expand and contract.
Just like that you’ve performed simple furniture maintenance.
A few minutes once a month goes a long way!
Wrapping It All Up
Defending your outdoor furniture from sun damage isn’t complicated.
It’s a combination of small steps that when done together create layers of protection.
Get a patio cover. Don’t forget furniture covers. Buy furniture made with durable materials. Spray your furniture with UV protectant. Create a simple maintenance routine. And make sure you store your cushions when not in use.
Do ALL of these things and you’ll have outdoor furniture that lasts longer than you’ve owned your home.
Sun Damage & UV Rays don’t wait for you to bring your furniture in. The damage continues day in and day out until your furniture is destroyed.
Take action today.
Investing in the right UV protection will always be less expensive than buying new patio furniture every few years.
