With summer fast approaching, outdoor barbecues with friends and family are already on the menu. Time for lazy afternoons relaxing and enjoying the breeze on your outdoor patio furniture. Your patio becomes your living area during warm weather seasons, and taking care of your outdoor furnishings means as much care and kindness year-round as you give the indoors. How do you protect your outdoor furniture from the elements of harsh weather, including pounding rain, blistering sun and brittle cold temps? Let’s investigate the options.

The quickest and most common protection comes from outdoor furniture coverings. There are special size-fitted coverings to fit all of your outdoor patio pieces, including chairs, tables, love seats, gliders and ottomans. Coverings are also available for outdoor accessories such as grills, barbecues, fire pits, chimeneas, patio table umbrellas, and patio heaters. If you have patio cushions that cover your furniture during the pleasant seasons, there are storage containers and other options for keeping those protected, as well.

Don’t want to spring for coverings for your furniture? Here are a few viable alternatives that will help ensure that your outdoor living area stays ready for fair weather entertaining.

Wood – Apply a good base coat of paint, stain, varnish or water repellent sealant (like the ones that are used to seal decks).
Wicker – Wicker is best protected when fully covered. Placing rubber tips on the feet will help protect the furniture pieces from the damages of dampness as well as protect them from nicks and scratches.
Metal, Cast iron and plastic - To protect and maintain, you can apply car wax or polish to protect and repel damaging seasonal elements.

Sponsored by: Pelican Shops

Image: Decoration Ideas