Your patio and outdoor furniture require maintenance to shield them from winter rain, cold, and snow.
Our patio surfaces, outdoor furniture, and cooking equipment represent a significant investment. Protecting them from the harsh winter weather will ensure they remain in good condition, preserving both their functionality and appearance for many years to come.
Patio Surface Maintenance
Before winter sets in, ensure your patio is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the cold months ahead. This can help avoid damage from ice, snow, and mold buildup.
- General Cleaning Blow or sweep away fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris from your patio. A blower works great for this, especially if you have a lot of leaves or small debris. Use a garden hose with a strong spray to thoroughly rinse the patio. If you have stubborn grill stains or grease, a degreaser can help break them down.
- Natural Stone Natural stone patios require special care. Use a mild, environmentally friendly detergent and avoid harsh chemicals. Regular light pressure washing can help maintain their beauty.
- Porous Stone Certain types of natural stone, like bluestone, are porous and need extra protection against the elements. Be sure to apply a proper cleaning solution and sealant to prevent moisture from causing damage.
- Concrete A stiff bristle brush or deck broom can help remove debris and dirt from concrete patios. After scrubbing, rinse the surface thoroughly to ensure all dirt is removed. Regular light cleaning is key to maintaining concrete surfaces.
- Dry-Laid Pavers and Stone A dry-laid patio is a type of outdoor surface where individual stones, bricks, or pavers are placed directly on a prepared base (usually gravel or sand) without any mortar or cement to hold them together. The stones are laid closely together, and sand or fine gravel is often swept into the joints to stabilize them. This type of patio allows for flexibility, as the stones can shift slightly over time, but it also requires careful attention to joint maintenance to prevent shifting or erosion, especially during wet or freezing conditions.
- Clean Carefully: Sweep or blow off debris, rinse gently with a hose, and avoid forcing water into the joints.
- Maintain Joint Stability: Replenish joint sand if it washes out. Consider using polymeric sand for added stability and to prevent erosion.
- Ensure Drainage: Check that water drains properly to avoid freezing under the stones, which can cause shifting. Covering the patio can also help reduce ice buildup.
- Avoid Salt Damage: Avoid using salt, as it can damage the sand and base material. Use sand for traction.
- Mortared Stone
- Clean Thoroughly: Sweep or blow away debris, rinse with a hose, and use a mild degreaser for stains.
- Protect Mortar Joints: Moisture can freeze and crack mortar, so consider sealing joints with a water-repellent product. Clean thoroughly to allow proper drainage.
- Avoid Salt Damage: Salt and ice melt can erode mortar, so avoid using them. Opt for sand or gravel for traction instead.
Patio Furniture Maintenance
Outdoor furniture often takes the brunt of winter weather, so it’s important to give it proper care to ensure it lasts.
Before storing your furniture, clean all cushions and fabrics. The cleaning process varies depending on the material, but generally, this includes:
- Vacuuming or brushing off dirt and debris.
- Scrubbing with a soft brush and mild soap if necessary.
- Rinsing and allowing the cushions to dry completely to prevent mold and mildew buildup.
If you plan to store cushions for the winter, invest in a heavy-duty storage box or an outdoor shed to keep them protected from moisture.
There are four common materials used for patio furniture frames: wood, plastic, composite, and metal. Each material has unique care needs to ensure longevity.
Wood Wood furniture is beautiful but delicate. Apply a wood sealer or oil to protect against moisture, especially in winter when moisture can freeze and cause cracks.
While wood furniture naturally attracts moss or lichen, sealing it helps maintain its appearance and protects it from the elements.
Always use covers to prevent snow and ice from seeping into the wood. However, don't rely on covers alone. Wood can absorb moisture from the air, so covering it will help reduce weathering.
Plastic Plastic furniture isn’t as prone to moisture damage but is vulnerable to temperature extremes. During cold weather, plastic can become brittle and crack easily. It's best to store plastic furniture indoors during the winter months, especially when temperatures dip below freezing.
Composite Composite furniture, made from materials like recycled plastic and wood fibers, is durable and requires minimal maintenance. It's perfect for Northwest winters, as it resists moisture and won’t crack easily.
While composite furniture may be pricier upfront, it’s a long-term investment that will last for years with proper care. Cleaning with mild soap, water, and a soft brush is usually sufficient.
Metal Metal furniture can be made from aluminum, iron, or steel, each requiring specific care.
For aluminum and steel furniture, wash with a cloth or soft brush and mild soap. Apply a coat of car wax to protect the finish and prevent rust.
If your metal furniture has rust spots, remove the rust with sandpaper or a wire brush and touch up the area with the appropriate paint.
Wrought iron furniture should be stored indoors or under a cover to avoid rusting in damp conditions.
Grills
Grills need a little extra attention before being put away for the season.
General Cleaning Use a stiff wire brush to scrub off any grease or food residue from the grill grates. If necessary, use a degreaser to remove stubborn buildup.
For stainless steel grates, use a stainless steel cleaner to maintain the shine.
Pay close attention to the drip pan, which may need an overnight soak in hot water and grease-cutting detergent.
Gas Grills If you don't plan on using your gas grill during the winter, disconnect the propane tank and clean the grill thoroughly. Turn off the gas valve both at the grill and at the home’s gas line to prevent any leaks.
Clean both the interior and exterior of the grill before storing it.
Covering Your Grill Invest in a high-quality, weather-resistant grill cover to protect your grill from snow, rain, and debris. A snug fit is important, so look for covers with adjustable closures to prevent them from blowing away.
If a custom cover isn’t available for your grill, look for a universal cover that will fit snugly.
Additional Tips
- Consider Winter Storage: If possible, storing your outdoor furniture and cooking equipment indoors for the winter months is the best way to extend their lifespan.
- Check for Damage Regularly: Before and after the winter season, inspect your furniture and equipment for any wear and tear that may need immediate attention.
- Use Outdoor Storage Solutions: Invest in weather-resistant storage solutions for cushions, pillows, and smaller items that are susceptible to mold and mildew.
- Seal Wooden Surfaces Annually: Apply a fresh coat of sealer to wooden furniture every year to keep it looking its best and protect it from the elements.
Follow these recommendations and your patio, furniture and grill should last for years.
If you have any landscaping needs, CLICK HERE to request a consultation.
