How to Choose the Right Hard-Wearing Outdoor Furniture For The Irish Climate

Choosing outdoor furniture for the Irish climate comes with its challenges. Frequent rainfall, freezing winds, sleet and even hail, are some weather events you could get during an average day during the Irish summer between those rare bouts of sunshine.

Once you’ve chosen the garden furniture that can withstand this barrage from the Atlantic, it will also be necessary to guard it against the elements through regular maintenance. The damp, humid, or frosty storage conditions during the winter months will also take its toll, especially if compelled to leave your furniture outside all year round. We would recommend to store all garden furniture in doors during the winter months. 

Aluminum-Based Garden Furniture Aluminum

based outdoor furniture is popular as it is a lightweight and durable material. It is rust-resistant and easy to maintain. You might also spot aluminium garden furniture that has been treated with a powder-coated finish to protect it from the elements. Here’s an example:

Athens Sofa Set

The Athens Sofa Set is a beautiful rattan set which has a sturdy aluminum frame. For durability and safety it also includes weather resistant and fire retardant, 8cm spun polyester cushions. The table top is also made with a polywood.

Aluminum Framed Egg Chair

You can also find this lightweight yet strong durable materials used in the latest trendiest outdoor furniture accessory- the Hanging Egg Chair . Egg chairs used to be made from natural rattan but now they can be woven using synthetic wicker/rattan and suspended in an aluminum/steel frame. They can boast a max loading weight of 120kg.

Protect Your Furniture And Your Family with Parasols

In addition to seating, you could also protect your furniture with a wide spanning parasol during intermittent showers. Consider a cantilevered style parasol in a 2.5-3mm or larger width to give you some decent coverage.

2.7M Overhang Parasol

This overhang parasol is ideal for a large area or for shading a lounge set. It will provide both you and your furniture with UV protection. The showerproof fabric is also ideal for Irish summers.

Hardwood Outdoor Furniture

Hardwoods are a popular choice for wooden outdoor furniture for many reasons. It is a naturally dense species of wood that is resistant to water, decay, and insects. This is because it has a high oil content that will keep it naturally moistures and durably good-looking.

It can, however, be costly, and when you factor in the air miles from importing this from tropical habitats, it may not be the most sustainable option for some.

Hardwood, by its very dense nature, can be heavy and hard to move in and out quickly every time the weather changes, so take this into account.

How to Take Care of Hardwood Outdoor Furniture

• Regular Cleaning: All you need is a soft-bristled brush or cloth combined with some mild soap for frequent use. Use this method for day to day cleaning to remove dirt, grime, and other debris on the wood surface
• Weather Proofing & Protection : Hardwood is naturally resistant to moisture but it will still need protection against the Irish elements. Source furniture covers especially if you cannot move your outdoor furniture anywhere else during rainy or snowy seasons. But if you have space do store this form of outdoor furniture during winter months
• Apply oil or sealer: Oil or sealer can help protect the wood from moisture and the elements. Teak oil, for example, can help maintain the natural colour of the wood while providing a protective layer
• Sanding & Sealing: You'll Begin to see a greyish patina on your hardwood furniture over time. To sustain the original colour of the wood, you should sand it down and apply a new coat of wood oil or sealer. This locks in moisture too
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: As this is a natural material you should avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners which can damage the wood. Mild soap and water is all you need, or use a specially designed cleaning product for hardwood
• Repairing Damage: you should regularly inspect your hardwood or teak garden furniture for cracks or splits in the wood. Address any issues m=with a sealant or consult a joiner for specialist treatments and interventions to fix any gaping holes or cuts

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