Get Your Garden Furniture Autumn-Ready: A 5-Step Guide to Winter Protection

As the vibrant greens of summer give way to the golden hues of autumn, our use of the garden begins to change. The long, sun-drenched evenings are replaced by cooler, crisper days, and while the barbecue might be used less frequently, our outdoor spaces still offer a place for a quiet morning coffee or a peaceful moment. However, this seasonal shift also brings the biggest challenge for your outdoor furniture: the British weather.

A little preparation now, at the end of the season, is the single most effective way to protect your investment. Taking a few simple steps will ensure that your wooden furniture weathers the winter months safely and is ready for you to enjoy the moment the first signs of spring appear. This guide will walk you through the essential five steps to prepare your furniture for the coming cold and damp.

Why Autumn Prep is Crucial for Your Wooden Furniture

Untreated or poorly protected wood is vulnerable to the harsh conditions of a UK winter. The primary threats are:

• Persistent Rain and Moisture: Constant dampness is the biggest enemy of timber. It can lead to the growth of mould, algae, and mildew, and in the worst cases, can cause the wood to rot.
• Falling Leaves: While beautiful, damp, decaying leaves left on the surface of your furniture can trap moisture against the wood and cause staining.
• Frost and Ice: When water penetrates the grain of the wood and then freezes, it expands. This can cause the wood fibres to crack and split over time, weakening the structure of your furniture.

By taking proactive steps, you can mitigate these risks and significantly extend the life and beauty of your garden furniture.

Step 1: The End-of-Season Deep Clean

Before storing or covering your furniture, it’s essential to give it a thorough clean to remove the dirt and grime accumulated over the summer. Start by using a soft brush to remove any loose debris, cobwebs, and fallen leaves. Then, use a simple solution of warm water and a mild detergent to gently scrub all surfaces with a cloth or soft-bristled brush. Pay special attention to any areas where algae or bird droppings have accumulated. Once clean, rinse the furniture thoroughly with fresh water to remove any soap residue and allow it to dry completely in the open air.

It can be tempting to use a pressure washer for a quick result, but this should be avoided. High-pressure water jets can be too aggressive for wood, potentially stripping protective layers and forcing water deep into the grain, which can cause damage.

Step 2: Inspect and Tighten

A season of use, with people sitting and leaning on your furniture, can cause joints to loosen slightly. Autumn is the perfect time for a quick structural check-up. Go over your tables and benches and check that all bolts and screws are tight. If you find any that have become loose, simply tighten them with the appropriate spanner or screwdriver. This simple action ensures your furniture remains stable, safe, and ready for heavy use next year.

Step 3: To Treat or Not to Treat? The MG Timber Advantage

This is one of the most common questions, and the answer depends entirely on the type of wood and its initial treatment. For much softwood furniture, an annual coat of preservative is essential to prevent rot.

However, this is where the superior quality of our furniture provides a significant advantage. All MG Timber products are crafted from the finest Swedish Redwood, which is expertly pressure treated. This process forces a powerful preservative deep into the wood’s cellular structure, providing robust, long-lasting protection against rot and insect attack from the inside out. This means an annual preservative treatment is not essential for protecting your furniture.

Any treatment you choose to apply is therefore purely for aesthetic reasons. Over time, exposure to UV sunlight will cause the wood to weather to a beautiful silvery-grey patina. If you wish to maintain the original honey-gold colour, you can apply a coat of good quality exterior wood oil or a UV-resistant sealant. Always apply these products to clean, dry wood and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4: The Importance of a Good Quality Cover

The single best way to protect your furniture from the winter elements is to use a high-quality cover. A good cover will shield the wood from persistent rain and prevent snow from settling on it, drastically reducing its exposure to moisture.

When choosing a cover, look for one made from a tough, waterproof, and breathable material. Breathability is important as it allows air to circulate, preventing condensation and moisture from becoming trapped underneath, which could lead to mould. Ensure the cover is a good fit and can be securely fastened with ties or straps to prevent it from blowing away in strong autumn and winter winds.

Step 5: Choosing the Right Storage Spot

If you have space in a dry shed or garage, this is the ideal place to store your garden furniture over winter. This provides complete protection from the elements.

If you don’t have indoor storage space, you can safely leave your covered furniture outdoors. When doing so, try to place it in a sheltered part of the garden if possible. Crucially, ensure the furniture is not left sitting in an area where puddles form. Using the furniture’s own feet or placing it on small blocks to keep the legs raised slightly off the ground will prevent them from sitting in standing water and absorbing moisture.

By following these five simple steps, you can rest assured that your high-quality wooden furniture is well-protected and will be ready to form the heart of your garden for many more seasons to come.