How to Protect Your Outdoor Living Space in the Winter: Decking and Furniture Care

As the weather cools down and winter approaches, many homeowners begin to prepare their outdoor living spaces for the harsher months. While summer and fall offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy your deck and outdoor furniture, winter requires a bit more attention to ensure that your decking and furniture remain in top condition.

Proper winterizing can help protect your outdoor living space from snow, rain, freezing temperatures, and the general wear and tear caused by harsh winter conditions. This blog will guide you through how to protect your decking and furnishings during winter, ensuring they remain functional and looking beautiful when the warm weather returns.

1. Preparing Your Decking for Winter
Whether you have a wooden deck, composite decking, or vinyl decking, each material requires specific care to protect it during the winter months. The key to preserving the longevity and aesthetic of your deck is ensuring it’s cleaned, sealed, and protected from the elements.

For Wood Decking: Clean and Seal It
Wooden decks require extra care in the winter to avoid damage from moisture, snow, and freezing temperatures. Moisture is the biggest concern for wood, as it can lead to rot, warping, and splitting if not properly sealed.

Clean your deck: Before winter sets in, clean your deck thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, and mold. Use a mild cleaner and a soft brush to scrub away any build-up.
Seal your deck: Apply a high-quality waterproof sealer to your wooden deck to protect it from moisture and freezing temperatures. Be sure to reseal the deck every couple of years, especially before the harsh winter season.
Check for repairs: Inspect your wood deck for damaged boards, loose nails, or areas showing signs of wear and tear. Repair any issues to prevent further damage during the winter months.
Best for:

Wooden decking that needs protection from moisture and freeze-thaw cycles
Homeowners who want to prevent deck damage and ensure a long-lasting wooden surface
Check out our wood decking solutions for durable and easy-to-maintain decking.

For Composite Decking: Minimal Maintenance
Unlike wood, composite decking is low-maintenance and more resistant to weathering. However, it still requires some care to ensure that it remains in excellent condition during the winter.

Clean your deck: Sweep away leaves, dirt, and other debris from the surface. You can use a pressure washer on a low setting to clean the surface thoroughly.
Check for ice build-up: In areas prone to snow and ice, be cautious about ice accumulation on your composite decking. Use a shovel or ice-melt products that are safe for decking materials to clear ice without causing damage.
Best for:

Composite decking that requires minimal maintenance and is resistant to moisture and rot
Homeowners who want a low-maintenance solution for their outdoor space
Explore our composite decking collection for a durable and weather-resistant solution.

2. Caring for Your Outdoor Furniture
Your outdoor furniture, whether it’s made of wood, metal, or plastic, also requires protection to ensure it lasts throughout the winter months. Harsh winter weather can cause rust, cracking, and fading in your outdoor furnishings if they’re not properly cared for.

Store Furniture or Use Covers
The easiest way to protect outdoor furniture is to either store it indoors during the winter or use furniture covers.

Store furniture indoors: If possible, move your outdoor furniture to a garage, shed, or basement during the winter months. This will keep it safe from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
Use furniture covers: If storing the furniture indoors isn’t an option, invest in weatherproof furniture covers. Make sure they’re breathable and specifically designed for outdoor furniture to prevent moisture from being trapped.
Best for:

Outdoor furniture made from wood, metal, or plastic
Homeowners looking to protect their furniture from the winter elements
Explore our outdoor furniture care products to keep your furniture in great condition year-round.

Clean and Treat Furniture
Before storing or covering your furniture, clean it thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, or salt from outdoor exposure. For wood furniture, apply a protective wood treatment to prevent cracking. For metal furniture, use a rust inhibitor to prevent corrosion.

Wood furniture care: Clean wooden outdoor furniture with a gentle cleanser and apply a protective oil or sealer.
Metal furniture care: Wipe down with a damp cloth and use a rust-preventive coating.
Plastic furniture care: Wash with soapy water and ensure there’s no buildup of dirt or debris.
Best for:

Wood, metal, and plastic furniture that needs winter protection
Homeowners looking to extend the life of their outdoor furniture
3. Protecting Your Decking and Furniture from Snow and Ice
Snow and ice can cause significant damage to your decking and furniture if not properly managed. Ice accumulation can lead to scratches, cracking, and weathering, while snow can weigh down furniture and create moisture issues.

Shovel snow gently: If snow accumulates on your decking or furniture, use a plastic shovel to carefully remove it. Avoid metal shovels that could scratch the surface.
Use safe ice-melt products: When dealing with ice, opt for salt-free ice-melt that’s safe for both your decking and surrounding plants. Avoid using rock salt, which can damage surfaces.
Best for:

Homeowners who live in areas with snow and ice
People wanting to prevent winter damage to their decking and furniture
Final Thoughts: Winterize Your Outdoor Living Space for Long-Term Protection
Proper winter care for your decking and outdoor furniture can extend their lifespan, ensuring that your outdoor living space remains beautiful and functional for many years. Whether you have wooden decking, composite decking, or outdoor furniture, taking the time to clean, seal, and protect your outdoor investments will save you time and money in the long run.

Ready to Get Started?
Protect your outdoor space this winter with our wide selection of decking and outdoor furniture care products. Contact us today for more information on winterizing your outdoor living space, or to place a bulk order for your next outdoor project. Want to ensure you’re selecting the best materials for your space? Request a sample today to see the quality of our products firsthand!