In the world of furniture manufacturing, there are companies that specialize in indoor furniture, outdoor furniture, and there is a limited amount of crossover between the two. Outdoor furniture is built differently than the indoor variety, and while you can always use outdoor furniture indoors, the opposite is not always the case. If you’re debating moving some furniture outside for a party or a much longer period of time, learn what should and shouldn’t be used, and what can be done to better manage the elements.
Being a material girl:
You don’t have to be a Madonna to realize that some materials are better suited to the outdoors than others, depending on the type of furniture. Exterior materials must be strong enough to withstand varying temperatures, a certain amount of moisture from rain, dew, etc. and humidity.
Common sense dictates that there are certain materials that should never be taken outside unless you are absolutely certain the weather will be perfect. For example, carpets are a disaster when they get wet. It takes forever to dry and can get moldy, and it also gets really stiff when it’s cold. That’s why rugs that aren’t designed for outdoors should stay indoors. Likewise, materials like suede, fleece, and dry-only materials should also not be taken outside. Companies make deep seat and cushion fabrics that mimic the feel of more luxurious materials, but are completely waterproof.
Then there are certain pieces that can go outside for limited periods of time before you have to work. Wicker, for example, while technically considered garden furniture, is not as strong and holds up much better on sunrooms and away from prolonged exposure to sun and rain. Then there are things like fine pottery, ceramic and plastic pieces that are waterproof but not suitable as furniture, either indoors or outdoors. They are not strong enough to withstand extreme temperature changes or harsh, inclement weather. UNTREREADING THE METAL IS ALSO OK TO GET WET FOR SHORT PERIODS, BUT FOR MUCH MORE THAN THAT AND YOU RUN THE RISK OF RUSTING.
Then there are those materials intended for use as outdoor furniture. Exterior materials are especially plentiful, but still look pleasing to the eye. Examples of tables, chairs, planters, and more can be seen made from the following: treated lumber and hardwoods, galvanized metal, powder-coated metal (aluminum, wrought iron, zinc hardware), stone, and concrete (such as tables, benches, and umbrella stands), marble, clay and reinforced ceramics (such as planters), polyresin plastics and waterproof nylon (used in canopies and as cushion covers).
This list only begins to scratch the surface of the multitude of materials that make up our lives. In general, use your best judgment as to whether something can go outdoors. Be aware of weather patterns. If it is very well outside, it can be more unbeatable what you take outside as a piece of furniture. However, outside conditions can change quickly, so stay tuned.
wood treatment
The best thing you can repurpose to use as indoor furniture/outdoor furniture is wood. It’s no more difficult than adding some varnish and it might save you from unnecessarily buying all new furniture. To start, take a look at the wood you are working with. Stay away from old wood that is in poor condition, as it will deteriorate at an even faster rate once it is brought outdoors. Then check what wood species you have. Some of the naturally stronger woods, like teak, pine, cedar and cypress, are great for the outside. These woods are already strong and sustainable on their own and require little additional protection. More delicate woods will require extra sealant and even then they probably won’t last as long outside as hardwoods.
To begin the weatherproofing process, you will need to cover wood with a fade-proof, UV-resistant finish. Sand any lacquer that can already exist in your furniture. Whatever the finish there is, it’s probably meant for the interior, and while it will give the furniture a high gloss shine, it’s not the right kind of varnish that will protect it from moisture and outdoor elements. Once the surface is smooth, even, and clean, you can apply a sealer, usually an oil-based varnish, unless you’re working with a wood that produces its own oils, like teak and cedar furniture. Outdoor atmospheric elements will dry out wood more quickly than furniture kept indoors, so it is important to protect the surface and heartwood from cracking, rotting and warping. Once that’s complete, you’re good to go. From then on, simply oil and clean your wood furniture once or twice a year to keep it healthy.