Material & Care: How to Keep Your Balcony and Garden Furniture Looking Beautiful for a Long Time
What do garden furniture made of polyrattan need for wintering? How do I care for noble teak or acacia garden furniture? And do I really need to take intensive care of my balcony furniture? This guide with tips for care, cleaning and selection of your furniture for terrace, balcony, and garden provides clarity!
Table of Contents:
1. Which material for garden furniture and the balcony?
Which material to choose for garden furniture and the balcony?
With the first warm rays of spring sunshine, the desire for stylish new balcony and garden furniture increases. The selection of materials and styles is large: polyrattan garden furniture with a woven surface or rather garden furniture made of metal? Do wooden or aluminum garden chairs fit better with my home? It's not just about the appearance, but also about the maintenance effort. All variants have their own advantages.
Balcony and garden furniture made of polyrattan
Garden furniture made of polyrattan relies on weather-resistant poly-plastics in a rattan weave look. Real rattan consists of palm fibers and was often used for chairs and furniture in the past. However, since it is less durable and not very weather-resistant, the unique rattan look was imitated for garden furniture made of synthetic fibers. Polyrattan garden furniture is light, stylish, and easy to care for: dirt can be easily removed with a damp cloth. Solvents or abrasive cleaners must be avoided. This material is ideal for lounge furniture and lounge groups as well as easily movable garden furniture sets. However, polyrattan garden furniture is overall less durable than materials like stainless steel or wood.
Balcony and garden furniture made of wood
Wood is exceptionally robust, natural, and high-quality. Each type of wood – from teak to acacia – has its own charm. Garden furniture made of wood or teak fits perfectly into the natural surroundings of the garden but also gives any balcony the right touch. They come in many designs but are somewhat bulkier than similar variants. The unique grain of teak or acacia and the high fiber density make wood perfect for garden benches and similar outdoor furniture that beautify the garden or balcony all year round. The stability of these wooden furniture pieces is high, but so is their weight. Cushions are recommended for comfortable seating. Generally, woods should be regularly resealed – for example, with oils or varnishes. Balcony and garden furniture made of wood require a bit more attention in terms of maintenance, but with proper care and suitable oils, they can last for decades and countless winters.
Balcony and garden furniture made of plastic
Practical, versatile, mobile, and affordable: plastic has proven itself especially for balcony furniture. Many garden chairs or loungers made of plastic can be quickly folded, rearranged, and stored. Plastic is also the first choice for weatherproof seat cushions and pads. As with all plastic products, weather and light resistance are high, while overall lifespan and durability are lower than materials like metal or wood. For plastic maintenance, all you need is some water, a brush or cloth, a garden hose, or other simple cleaning tools.
Balcony and garden furniture made of metal
Balcony and garden furniture made of metal are a popular choice for seating areas with a vintage flair. A modern designed lounge area on the terrace also stands out with metal. Cast iron, steel tubing, and similar materials lose some of their high weight as folding garden chairs but retain their almost indestructible durability. Garden tables made of steel or stainless steel are extra stable and exceptionally robust. Depending on the finish and material processing, metal garden furniture does not require too much maintenance. After a few years, it may be worth repainting them.
Balcony and garden furniture made of aluminum
The lightweight metal aluminum is an ideal partner for stylish combinations with other materials such as wood, glass, or polyrattan. Garden furniture sets with aluminum frames combine the durability of metal with a beautiful appearance through woods and other materials. The overall weight is reduced without compromising on impressive design. Aluminum is ideal as a frame for garden loungers that should be stable and comfortable, yet still mobile. However, the load capacity of garden furniture made of aluminum is limited. Cleaning is just as easy as with plastic.
How should garden furniture winter?
Regardless of the material used for terrace furniture, seating groups, or balcony ideas: they should not spend the entire year outdoors. The change from cold to warm, wet to dry, light to dark affects even robust garden furniture. However, there are simple ways to optimize winter storage for the next use in the garden:
- Store out of season in a dry, well-ventilated place – especially wood should not be exposed to large temperature fluctuations.
- Large, permanently installed garden furniture made of wood, teak, or steel – such as garden benches – should disappear under a suitable plastic cover by autumn at the latest. Good ventilation and proper care before covering are also important here.
- Completely clean before storing with the right care and cleaning tools, check for damage to aluminum, paint, or weathered wood, and repair if necessary.
Garden furniture – Overview of materials and care tips
Material | Besonderheit | Pflege | Überwinterung | Look | Gewicht |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Polyrattan | Vielseitig und stilvoll | Pflegeleicht | Lichtgeschützt, im Freien | Stilvoll - modern | gering |
Holz (Teak, Akazie etc.) | Hochwertig und robust | Pflegeintensiv | Bei konstanter Temperatur, innen | Zeitlos - natürlich | hoch |
Metall | Stabil und sehr langlebig | Mit Lackierung pflegeleicht | Überall, solange Lackierung intakt | Vintag - modern | hoch |
Aluminium | Leicht und stabil | Pflegeleicht | Trocken, innen | Dezent - vielseitig | gering |
Kunststoff | Günstig und vielseitig | Pflegeleicht | Lichtgeschützt, im Freien | praktisch | gering |
Depending on the material, the correct care for garden furniture should be carried out at the beginning and end of the season. Even after rain showers and thunderstorms, it's worth using the correct care combination:
- Garden furniture made of wood should be cleaned with a mild soap solution and a sponge. Then wipe with clear water and let it dry.
- Garden furniture made of plastic can be cleaned with household cleaners or dish soap and water. If wiped dry after cleaning, no water spots will form.
- Garden furniture made of metal can be cared for like plastic variants. Dry polishing is a particularly good decision here.
