Converting your backyard or patio into a versatile living space can help to improve the look of your home. Besides the obvious landscaping, adding some furniture can help to bring out the complete outdoor picture. However, not all furniture is equipped for outdoor use due to the changing weather conditions, which begs the question; is outdoor furniture waterproof? And if so, how can you tell?
Outdoor furniture made entirely of wood is waterproof as it doesn’t allow water to seep through it. Artificial fabrics like polyrattan and HDPE work are waterproof, with others being water-resistant. However, you can still waterproof the furniture to make it durable.
That’s not all, as you still need to know how you can tell whether your outdoor furniture is waterproof, the waterproof materials, and how to make the outdoor furniture waterproof, which you will learn if you read on.
Is Outdoor Furniture Waterproof?
Although they help to improve our backyards and patio, outdoor furniture still has to face the ever-changing weather. The type of weather you experience will depend on your location, with some areas receiving more rain than others.
Outdoor furniture made of wood tends to withstand wet conditions better since the wood’s surface doesn’t allow water to go through. It’s also important to note that most of the outdoor furniture is made of hardwood like teak that is thick, preventing water from penetrating through.
Before buying any outdoor furniture, it would help if you knew how to test them for waterproofing. This way, you’ll manage to avoid buying outdoor furniture that gets soaking wet when it rains.
How Can You Tell If Furniture Is Weatherproof?
If you have wooden furniture, the first thing to check is the coating on the surface. If it has a shiny look, there are chances that it has a paint coating.
If there is any fabric on the furniture, try wiping it with a wet piece of cloth and watch how the material reacts. If it absorbs water right away, then that material is not waterproof. The fabric is waterproof if the water remains on the surface or trickles down.
You can also check the label on the furniture, as most of them have a note indicating they’re waterproof.
Which Outdoor Furniture Materials are Waterproof?
Besides providing the needed comfort, outdoor furniture should also be capable of withstanding wet conditions, which comes down to the materials used. If it’s your first time buying outdoor furniture, you should look for one with the following materials:
Wooden Frame
Nearly every outdoor material is made of wood. However, did you know that different woods have different water permeability?
That’s why you need to get outdoor furniture made of the following wood if you want longevity and durability:
- Teak Wood – this hardwood is perfect for any outdoor furniture since it’s thick enough and has high oil content to keep water away.
- Acacia – Acacia has built a strong reputation for withstanding rainy seasons due to its ability to repel water away.
- Eucalyptus – this hardwood works the same as teak and acacia woods and can withstand rainy seasons.
Now, let’s move on to the next material.
Outdoor Fabrics
Not all fabrics can withstand wet conditions, and artificial ones have proven to work best.
The best are:
- Polyrattan – it contains high quantities of moisture-resistant plastic, helping to keep water away from the furniture.
- HDPE – this artificial plastic polymer works like a polyrattan and repels water away, keeping the furniture’s interior dry.
Now that you know the kinds of outdoor furniture that are waterproof, you may be wondering if you can make ones waterproof that aren’t.
Can You Make Outdoor Furniture Waterproof?
Although many outdoor furniture comes with waterproof capabilities, taking extra steps to ensure they remain moisture-resistant won’t hurt. You can achieve this by following these steps:
Paint the Wooden and Steel Furniture
Wood in its natural state might keep water away, but eventually, it will succumb and soak wet. Applying a little oily paint on the surface will help to make it waterproof. On the other hand, steel requires a fresh coat of paint before you take it outside, not to make it waterproof but to prevent rusting.
Use a Plastic Fabric
Covering the furniture with a plastic fabric has proven to work for furniture with little to no waterproofing capabilities. The best thing about this method is that you can remove the plastic fabric once it stops raining.
Outro
Outdoor furniture might help to improve your patio and backyard and offer more living space, but they have to withstand the never-forgiving weather. Wooden furniture and those made of polyrattan and HDPE tend to withstand wet conditions, making them perfect for outdoor use.
You can apply a paint coat on wooden and metallic furniture to make them waterproof. You can also cover non-waterproof materials with a plastic fabric to keep them dry during the rainy season.