Garden Furniture Care Guide for Autumn and Winter (UK)

Quick answer: Protect garden furniture from UK autumn and winter weather by cleaning it thoroughly before the first frost, drying it completely, then either covering it with a breathable (not fully waterproof) cover or moving it into a shed, garage, or covered area. Rattan and cushions are most at risk from trapped moisture, while wood needs re-oiling and metal needs a light protective wax to stop rust and cracking over the colder months.

When should I start protecting garden furniture for winter?

In most of the UK, the first proper frosts arrive from late October, so aim to have furniture cleaned, dried and covered or stored by the end of October rather than waiting for a cold snap to catch you out. If you're still using your garden and outdoor furniture into early autumn, that's fine — the priority is making sure everything is properly dry before it's covered, since sealing in damp is what actually causes the damage, not the cold itself.

How do I protect rattan garden furniture over winter?

Synthetic (PE) rattan is woven, which means water can work its way into the weave and sit there if furniture is left uncovered or covered with a non-breathable tarpaulin. Start by brushing off debris and washing with warm water and mild soap, using a soft brush to get into the weave — avoid a jet wash, as the pressure can force water deep into the resin strands where it won't dry out. Once fully dry, either store rattan pieces under cover (a shed, garage, or lean-to) or use a breathable cover designed for outdoor furniture, raised slightly off the ground on pallets or furniture feet so damp doesn't wick up from underneath. If storage space is tight, stacking rattan chairs and using a single fitted cover over the group works well for a bistro set or small seating arrangement from our garden furniture collection.

How do I protect wooden garden furniture over winter?

Hardwoods like teak and eucalyptus are naturally weather-resistant and will simply weather to an attractive silver-grey patina if left untreated outdoors — that's not damage, just oxidation, and some people prefer the look. If you'd rather keep the original golden-brown colour, clean the wood with a wood-safe cleaner, let it dry fully, then apply a teak oil or protective wood treatment before the weather turns; this also helps guard against splitting in freezing temperatures. Softwoods (pine, fir) generally need a proper wood stain or preservative reapplied annually, ideally in early autumn while the wood is still warm enough for the treatment to soak in properly. Whichever timber you have, avoid leaving wooden furniture standing in waterlogged ground or on grass over winter — a few furniture feet or a paved spot make a real difference to how long the legs and joints last.

Should I bring cushions and covers indoors?

Yes — cushions are the item most likely to be ruined by winter weather, since foam and fabric hold moisture and can develop mould and mildew within days of getting wet and staying wet. Bring cushions, seat pads and any fabric parasol covers indoors or into a dry shed or storage box once the weather turns damp and cold, even if the furniture frame itself is staying outside under a cover. If you're storing them long-term, use breathable bags or boxes rather than sealed plastic, which traps any residual moisture against the fabric. A quick tip that's easy to miss: check cushions are bone dry before storing, not just surface-dry — foam can hold water internally for longer than the cover fabric suggests.

How do I protect metal garden furniture over winter?

Aluminium furniture is naturally rust-resistant, so a wipe-down and a dry, covered spot is usually enough. Steel and wrought iron are a different story — any scratch or chip in the paintwork is an entry point for rust, so check for damage, touch up bare patches with a rust-inhibiting paint, and apply a light coat of car wax or specialist metal furniture wax to painted surfaces before covering. Metal hinges and folding mechanisms benefit from a small amount of silicone spray or light oil so they don't seize up or start squeaking once the weather warms up again.

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave garden furniture outside all winter in the UK?

You can, especially with weather-resistant materials like aluminium or hardwood, but a breathable cover or a spot under a canopy will significantly extend its lifespan. Cushions and anything with exposed metal fixings are the exceptions — those are worth bringing inside.

Is it bad to cover garden furniture with a tarpaulin?

A fully waterproof tarpaulin can trap condensation underneath, which often does more harm than leaving furniture uncovered. A breathable, purpose-made outdoor furniture cover lets moisture escape while still keeping off rain and frost.

Do I need to oil teak garden furniture every year?

No — it's optional. Untreated teak weathers naturally to a silvery grey and this doesn't weaken the wood. Oiling once a year, usually in spring or before winter storage, is only needed if you want to maintain the original honey-brown colour.