Your outdoor space is more than just a patio; it is an extension of your home and a sanctuary for gathering. You have invested in Sissonne Outdoor furniture because you value quality, design, and longevity. While our pieces are engineered to withstand the elements, a little TLC ensures they remain the centerpiece of your backyard for decades, not just seasons.
From scorching summer sun to spring showers, environmental factors take a toll on any material. The good news? Protecting your furniture doesn’t require hours of labor. With a few simple habits and the right accessories, you can keep your Sissonne collection looking showroom-ready year-round.
Here is our expert guide to extending the life of your outdoor furniture.
1. The Golden Rule: Use Custom-Fit Covers
If you do only one thing to protect your furniture, let it be this.
Durable, waterproof, and UV-resistant covers are the single easiest way to shield your furniture from UV fading, bird droppings, pollen, and heavy rain. However, not all covers are created equal. Generic "one-size-fits-all" covers often bag, sag, and blow away in the wind.
At Sissonne Outdoor, we offer custom-fit covers designed specifically for our collections. They fit like a tailored suit, ensuring that moisture is locked out while allowing airflow to prevent mildew.
Pro Tip: Always ensure your furniture is completely dry before placing covers on to prevent trapping moisture against the wood or fabric.
2. The Routine Refresh (Cleaning)
Dirt, pollen, and atmospheric dust can accumulate over time, dulling the appearance of your furniture.
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For Teak: A simple solution of mild soap and warm water is usually all you need. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub in the direction of the grain to lift dirt without damaging the wood fibers.
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For Cushions: Spills happen. Whether it's red wine or sunscreen, address stains early. Our performance fabrics are designed to be easily cleaned with water and mild soap.
3. To Seal or Not to Seal?
This is the most common question we receive regarding our teak collections.
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The Silver Look: If you love the distinguished, silvery-grey patina that teak naturally develops over time, you do not need to use a sealer. Simply clean the wood seasonally.
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The Golden Look: If you prefer the warm, honey-gold hue of new teak, you will need to apply a teak protector or water-based sealant annually. This blocks the UV rays that cause the color change.
Note: Sissonne Outdoor recommends avoiding heavy varnishes or oils that trap moisture inside the wood, which can cause peeling later on.
4. Master the Off-Season Storage
Think of your outdoor furniture like a classic car—you wouldn't leave it parked in a snowbank all winter if you could help it.
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Cushions: Always bring cushions indoors or into a watertight storage box during the winter months. Even the best outdoor fabric can succumb to mold if left in damp, freezing conditions for months.
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Frames: While teak is incredibly durable and can withstand winter outdoors, covering it or moving it to a covered area (like a garage or shed) will significantly extend its lifespan and reduce spring cleaning time.
5. Elevate to Eliminate Rot
While our teak is naturally resistant to rot, constant contact with standing water or wet soil is never ideal for wood.
The Airflow Trick: If your furniture sits on a lawn or a patio that doesn't drain well, consider using furniture risers or placing the set on an outdoor rug. This creates a "breathable buffer" between the legs of your furniture and the ground moisture.
6. The Hardware Check-Up
Sissonne Outdoor uses marine-grade stainless steel hardware to resist corrosion. However, the expansion and contraction of wood due to temperature changes can sometimes loosen bolts slightly over a year.
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Once a season: Do a quick walk-around with a hex key or screwdriver. Tightening loose screws prevents wobbling and ensures the structural integrity of your chairs and tables remains sound.
Material-Specific Care: A Quick Reference
Teak Wood
Teak is the gold standard for outdoor furniture because of its high oil content, which naturally repels water and pests.
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Avoid: Pressure washers (they can strip the natural oils and raise the grain) and steel wool (which can leave rust specks).
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Do: Allow it to weather naturally or use specialized teak care products to maintain the color.
Outdoor Metals
If you have mixed-material pieces with metal frames:
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Avoid: Leaving deep scratches exposed, as this breaks the protective powder coating.
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Do: Apply a touch-up paint or a clear coat if you notice any nicks to prevent oxidation.
The Bottom Line
Your Sissonne Outdoor furniture is designed to be the backdrop for a lifetime of memories. By investing in custom-fit covers and following a simple seasonal maintenance routine, you ensure that your patio stays ready for guests at a moment's notice.
