To learn how to help our outdoor furniture last for many years, we reached out to the furniture pros at Article for their best advice. Here, Nicole Hunt, the product development manager at Article, shares her top tips for choosing a patio set that will stand the test of time. “Acacia wood is another great material for outdoor use, but it requires a bit more maintenance than its metal-based counterparts. While naturally weather-resistant, acacia can still be sensitive to moisture and humidity.” To keep acacia wood furniture looking brand-new, Hunt recommends covering it to keep excess moisture away. And the same goes for other pieces of outdoor furniture, too. Article sells covers for many of their most popular outdoor sectionals and chairs. There are also several companies, such as Covers and All, that will create custom covers for your outdoor pieces. And those with a pool, take note: “If your outdoor furniture is near a pool or a hot tub, I’d also suggest hosing it down once every week or two to remove any chlorine that comes from treated pool water.” Once you’ve purchased the most weather-resistant pillows around, maintenance is key. “Outdoor pillows can be easily cleaned by wiping them down with a wet cloth. For those who like to enjoy a glass of wine on the patio or have energetic kids who like to play outdoors, spot clean any spills or stains with a mixture of water and gentle detergent. Brush gently with a soft bristle brush and rinse generously with clean water before allowing to air dry,” says Hunt. If possible, bring outdoor pillows inside when it rains, or invest in a weatherproof outdoor storage unit.
