Garden furniture specialist shares simple March maintenance tips as interest in wood and rattan pieces soars
As spring approaches, garden experts are urging homeowners to give their outdoor furniture some early-season attention, as online searches for care advice surge in March.
According to new data, searches related to garden furniture maintenance begin climbing sharply at this time of year, while activity on Pinterest has reportedly seen a dramatic spike in posts and inspiration boards dedicated to outdoor furniture and garden styling.
Experts say the trend reflects people preparing their outdoor spaces ahead of warmer weather, with wooden and rattan furniture expected to dominate gardens again this year.
Searches for “how to polish wood furniture” have risen significantly in recent months, while rattan continues to feature heavily in garden furniture queries.
“Now is the perfect time for a refresh”
Magdalena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse, says March is the ideal time to inspect, clean and refresh outdoor furniture before the busy spring-summer season.
“Good garden furniture is an investment that will serve you beautifully for years, provided it’s cared for properly,” she explains. “The key is regular attention and simple preventive steps to keep it looking its best.”
She adds that understanding the needs of different materials is crucial.
“Every material has its own character and its own care requirements. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning or treating your furniture. With a little routine care and protection from the elements, you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor space season after season.”
Caring for hardwood furniture
Hardwood garden furniture remains a popular choice thanks to its natural appearance, but it requires occasional maintenance.
Gierasinska says homeowners should expect wood to change colour slightly over time.
“Hardwood furniture has a beautiful, natural character that evolves gently,” she says. “Even when covered, the tone will gradually soften and shift towards a silvery grey.”
To keep the finish looking fresh, she recommends sanding and re-oiling wooden furniture once a year, ideally when bringing it back out for spring.
Rainwater and sunlight can also affect the surface, so breathable covers and dry winter storage are recommended wherever possible.
Teak and acacia need gentle care
Two of the most common hardwoods used in garden furniture — teak and acacia — require slightly different approaches.
Teak is known for its durability, but experts advise avoiding pressure washers as they can damage the grain. Instead, a soft brush and water are usually enough to keep it clean, with specialist cleaners used occasionally to restore its tone.
Acacia furniture benefits from similar protection but is more sensitive to heat and sunlight. Experts recommend keeping it covered when not in use and avoiding storage in artificially heated spaces where temperature fluctuations may affect the wood.
Engineered wood and printed finishes
Furniture made from engineered wood or wood-effect materials typically requires simpler maintenance.
Experts recommend wiping surfaces with a damp, soapy cloth and allowing them to dry thoroughly before use. Abrasive cleaning products should be avoided as they can scratch or dull the finish.
Covering furniture when not in use and storing it in a dry space over winter can also significantly extend its lifespan.
Looking after rattan and woven furniture
Synthetic rattan, wicker and bamboo-style furniture remain among the most popular outdoor styles and require regular cleaning to prevent dirt and pollen building up in the weave.
Gierasinska suggests wiping down rattan furniture every one to three months and using a soft brush to remove debris trapped in small gaps.
Pressure washers and harsh detergents should be avoided, as they can weaken the material or damage the finish.
Although synthetic rattan is generally robust enough to stay outdoors year-round, experts say it’s best to move it into sheltered storage during extreme weather such as heavy winds or freezing temperatures.
“Cold conditions can make the material brittle over time,” she notes.
As with all garden furniture, pieces should always be completely dry before covering, and breathable covers are recommended to allow airflow and prevent mould or moisture build-up.
Comments are closed.