Summer is in full swing, and your outdoor furniture is working hard. Long days in the sun, heat, and occasional summer storms can take a toll if your furniture isn’t properly protected. Taking a little time to care for your pieces now will keep them looking great and performing well for years to come. This guide covers practical steps to protect your outdoor furniture from the sun, heat, and everyday wear.
Choose the right location
O.W. Lee designs pieces that can withstand intense sun and heat, but careful placement still helps extend the life of your furniture. Even high-quality furniture performs best when it’s thoughtfully placed.
- Avoid direct, all-day sun when possible. Partial shade from trees, umbrellas, or pergolas helps extend the life of your furniture.
- Make sure furniture is not too close to sprinklers or other sources of water that could cause standing moisture.
Use protective finishes and fabrics
Using furniture that is built with high-quality materials gives you a strong head start on protecting your investment. The right materials make a big difference.
- Aluminum furniture is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion.
- Wrought iron from O.W. Lee is treated with a zinc-rich primer and powder coated on all surfaces, creating a barrier against the elements.
- Cushions made with performance fabrics like Sunbrella resist fading, dry quickly, and stay soft and comfortable.
Clean regularly
Cleaning may only take a few minutes, but it helps your furniture maintain its appearance and longevity. See our full Care & Maintenance guide here.
- Wipe frames with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.
- For cushions, clean with mild soap and water using a sponge or soft scrub brush, and spot clean as needed. Never remove the cushion from the cover.
- Make sure furniture is completely dry before storing or covering.
Inspect and touch up finishes
Regular inspection ensures small issues don’t become bigger problems. Even with the best materials, small chips or scratches can happen.
- For O.W. Lee furniture and fire pits, touch up paint pens are available through dealers or the factory store.
- These pens match O.W. Lee finishes and are designed to prevent rust from developing if a chip occurs.
- It is best to touch up any damage right away to protect the underlying metal.
Cover or store when not in use
Covers help protect your furniture from sun, rain, and debris. This simple step can dramatically extend the life of your furniture and fabrics.
- Choose breathable covers that allow moisture to escape. See your dealer for a full range of options.
- Store cushions in a dry, shaded area when not in use for extended periods.
Consider periodic maintenance
Preventive maintenance now saves effort and cost in the long run. Regular maintenance can keep pieces looking like new. See our full Care & Maintenance Guide here.
- Regular cleaning with mild soap and water keeps your pieces fresh, new, and in good condition.
- We also recommend Sunbrella and 303 products for added fabric and frame protection and cleaning.
Final thoughts
Summer is the season to enjoy your outdoor space, not worry about your furniture. By taking a few simple steps–proper placement, cleaning, touch-ups, and shade–you can protect your investment and keep your furniture looking great for years.
Choosing high-quality furniture from a manufacturer like O.W. Lee makes it easier to protect and maintain your pieces because the materials, construction, and finishes are designed to withstand the elements.
Ready to protect your investment
Explore care products, touch up pens, and high-quality O.W. Lee furniture at a dealer near you or in our factory store.