Article: The Complete Outdoor Furniture Care Guide: Teak, Aluminium, Rope and Fabric

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Jul 2, 2026aluminium

The Complete Outdoor Furniture Care Guide: Teak, Aluminium, Rope and Fabric

At a Glance

A-Grade teak needs oiling once or twice a year to maintain its golden colour; left untreated it silvers naturally and still lasts decades
Powder-coated aluminium requires only a rinse with mild soapy water, avoid abrasive cleaners
Marine-grade rope should be rinsed after salt-air exposure and stored off the ground when not in use for extended periods
Sunproof® fabric resists UV and moisture but benefits from a seasonal brush-down and a protective spray at the start of each summer
Most furniture damage comes from standing water pooling at joints, keep feet clear of decks that don't drain well

At Sissonne Outdoor, we build furniture to last well beyond a single season. But how long it actually lasts, and how good it looks at year ten, depends partly on how you care for it. This guide covers every material we use: A-Grade teak, powder-coated aluminium, marine-grade rope, and Sunproof® fabric.

How do you care for A-Grade teak outdoor furniture?

Teak is one of the most naturally durable timbers on earth. Its high oil content and dense grain make it resistant to rot, insects and moisture without treatment at all. Left outdoors, new golden-brown teak silvers over 6–12 months, a natural process that doesn't affect the timber's integrity.

To maintain the warm honey colour:

Clean first. Use a soft brush and mild soap with warm water. Scrub with the grain, rinse thoroughly and allow 24–48 hours to dry completely.
Apply teak oil or protector. We recommend Golden Care products for both cleaning and oiling teak. Work with the grain using a soft cloth. One coat is usually sufficient; two for new timber in its first season.
Repeat once or twice a year, more often in coastal environments or direct sun year-round.

If your teak has silvered, a Golden Care teak restorer applied before oiling will restore most of the original colour. See our guide on how to restore teak outdoor furniture. Our full teak furniture range is built to be maintained this way for decades.

How do you clean powder-coated aluminium outdoor furniture?

Powder-coated aluminium is the lowest-maintenance material we use. The coating seals aluminium from salt air, UV and moisture, ideal for coastal settings.

Routine care: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soapy water. Rinse and dry.
Coastal environments: Rinse frames monthly with fresh water to prevent salt build-up.
Avoid: Steel wool, abrasive pads, bleach or solvent-based cleaners.
Touch-ups: Chip the coat? Apply matching touch-up paint quickly to prevent corrosion at the exposed point.

Browse our aluminium outdoor furniture collection, all frames carry a two-year structural warranty.

How do you care for marine-grade rope outdoor furniture?

The synthetic rope across our range is UV-stabilised, moisture-resistant and tested for coastal conditions. A few habits extend its life significantly:

Rinse after salt exposure with a quick hose-down.
Brush out debris every few months to prevent mould forming in trapped organic matter.
Cover for extended non-use with a breathable furniture cover or store indoors.

How do you care for Sunproof® outdoor fabric cushions?

Sunproof® is a solution-dyed acrylic fabric that won't fade, won't absorb moisture like cotton, and resists mould and mildew. Season-by-season care:

Brush off loose debris before it embeds in the weave
Spot clean with mild soap and a soft brush; rinse fully
Machine wash removable covers on gentle/cold; air dry only
Apply a fabric protector spray at the start of each summer
Store cushions in a breathable bag during extended non-use or high-rainfall periods

What's the best way to store outdoor furniture over winter?

Elevate feet off wet decks or grass to avoid prolonged moisture at joints
Store loose cushions inside or in an outdoor storage box
Use breathable covers, not plastic, which traps moisture
Oil teak in autumn, not spring, so it goes into winter protected

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave Sissonne teak furniture outside all year in Melbourne?

Yes. A-Grade teak is rated for permanent outdoor installation in all Australian climates. Plan one oil application in autumn and one in spring to maintain the golden colour.

How often should I oil teak outdoor furniture?

Once a year is sufficient for most settings. Twice for furniture in full sun or coastal environments. Always clean thoroughly before oiling.

Will powder-coated aluminium rust?

The powder coat prevents corrosion when intact. Aluminium itself does not rust, it forms a harmless oxide layer. Touch up chips quickly to keep performance as designed.