Outdoor furniture is designed to withstand the elements, but it still requires care and maintenance to keep it looking its best. With some basic repair skills and supplies, you can extend the life of your outdoor chairs, tables, umbrellas and more. Here are tips for repairing common issues with outdoor furniture to keep it functional and beautiful.
Inspect the Furniture for Damage
The first step is examining your outdoor furniture closely to identify any problems. Look for:
- Loose or missing hardware: Nuts, bolts, screws, and other connectors can loosen or fall out over time due to weather and use. Make note of any missing pieces.
- Frayed or torn fabric: Check canvas, mesh, and cushion covers for tears, holes, fading, or frayed seams. This is common on chair seats or backrests.
- Cracks or splinters in wood furniture: Examine wood frames, arms, legs, and tops for any cracks, splits, splinters, or rotting wood. This can occur naturally over time.
- Rust or corrosion on metal frames: Look at metal joints, bolts, and surfaces for any flaky rust, tarnish, or corrosion. Aluminum, iron, and steel can oxidize with outdoor exposure.
- Broken or damaged parts: Check for broken chair legs, cracked tabletops, bent umbrella poles, and any other issues that need repaired or replaced.
Making detailed notes on all flaws will help you gather the right repair supplies.
Shop for Replacement Parts and Supplies
Many outdoor furniture repairs require new parts and specialty hardware. Common supplies include:
- Nuts, bolts, washers, screws in various sizes to replace missing hardware. Bring any intact hardware with you to find matching components.
- Wood glue, epoxy, or adhesive formulated for outdoor use to fix wobbly chair joints, splintered wood, etc. Waterproof options work best.
- Touch-up paint or stain that matches existing finishes for wood, metal, wicker, and other materials. This hides scratches or repairs.
- Steel wool to gently buff away rust and corrosion on metal frames without scratching. Higher grades like 0000 work best.
- Marine sealant for sealing up cracks in wood or wicker and protecting the finish. It prevents moisture damage.
- Replacement parts like chair glides, umbrella tips, fabric covers, cushion foam, etc. Check dimensions for an exact match.
- Sandpaper in varying grits to smooth rough, splintered wood before applying glue and new finishes.
Purchasing supplies specifically formulated for outdoor use will hold up better and last.
Tighten Hardware and Replace Missing Components
The first repair is tightening up any loose joints and screws and replacing hardware like bolts, nuts, and washers that have disappeared over time. Here’s how:
- Use the right size screwdriver, wrench, or drill bit to avoid stripping screw heads. Work slowly and carefully.
- Tighten up chair and table legs first, followed by arms, backs, seats, tabletops, and any wobbly areas. Don’t over tighten.
- Replace any missing hardware with weather-resistant stainless steel or coated metal components to prevent future rust.
- Drill pilot holes when needed to realign joints and install new screws in the original holes. This prevents cracking wood.
- Secure umbrella poles with bolts and eye screws according to the manufacturer instructions for optimal wind resistance.
- Consider applying thread lock, epoxy, or glue formulated for metal and outdoor use for the most secure hold on critical joints.
Take your time tightening up all hardware correctly to restore the stability and function of your furniture. Check it periodically to catch loose screws early.
Repair Wood Splinters, Cracks, and Rotting
Wood outdoor furniture is susceptible to splintering, cracking, and rot over years of exposure to the elements. Here are tips for fixing common wood flaws:
For Splinters and Minor Surface Cracks:
- Sand down any rough or protruding areas with medium to fine grit sandpaper until smooth.
- Wipe away sanding dust with a dry cloth.
- Apply a thin layer of water-resistant wood filler, sealant, or epoxy and let dry completely.
- Lightly sand again and wipe clean before applying touch-up paint or stain.
For Large Cracks and Loose Joints:
- Clamp panels, legs, arms, and joints together tightly.
- Inject weatherproof wood glue deep into the cracks and gaps. Wipe away any excess squeeze-out right away.
- Allow the glue to dry per the instructions, usually 24-48 hours clamped.
- Remove clamps and sand away any dried excess glue. Wipe clean.
- Fill remaining cracks with wood putty and sand again once dry.
- Apply touch-up stain and sealant to protect the repaired area.
For Rotting Wood:
- dig out all soft, rotten wood fibers with a putty knife until you reach a solid surface.
- Let the area dry fully. Treat with a fungicidal wood preserver.
- Fill the cavity with water-resistant epoxy or putty specifically formulated for rot repair.
- Once dry, sand flush and refinish with touch-up stain and sealer.
Addressing wood damage as soon as you notice it will limit any further cracking, peeling, or rotting due to water exposure.
Touch Up Paint and Finishes
The finish on your outdoor furniture takes a beating from sun exposure, water damage, and constant use. Here are some DIY finishing techniques to make repairs look seamless:
For metal furniture:
- Gently sand rusted or tarnished areas with fine grit sandpaper to improve adhesion.
- Wipe clean and apply a primer formulated for metal if needed. Allow to fully dry.
- Use small brushes to dab touch-up paint onto flawed areas, feathering it out from the center. Allow to dry.
- Apply one to two additional thin coats until the paint is even with the surrounding finish.
For wood furniture:
- Lightly sand any scratched, cracked, or damaged areas. Wipe away debris.
- Use a small brush to apply wood stain matching the original color. Let fully dry.
- Apply one to two coats of clear outdoor wood sealant over the entire surface for protection.
For wicker furniture:
- Use stiff bristle brushes and soap to clean stained or mildew spots, scrubbing gently. Rinse and dry fully.
- Apply touch-up paint to badly stained areas with small artist brushes. Feather out edges.
- Spray sealant over the entire surface for UV protection and to blend repaired spots.
With the right supplies and techniques, you can make fixes in the finish practically invisible, restoring the look of your outdoor furniture.
Re-Cover Cushions and Replace Fabrics
Outdoor fabric on cushions, slings, and umbrella covers eventually fades, stains, tears, or shows wear. With basic sewing skills, you can recover cushions and replace fabric panels to give furniture a fresh look. Here’s how:
- Measure cushion dimensions and purchase new outdoor-rated fabric accordingly. Include several extra inches for seams.
- Carefully remove fabric covers from cushion frames or cut away stitches to access seams.
- Use original covers as a template for cutting replacement fabric panels. Mark placements.
- Sew new covers with outdoor-rated thread, copying original seams and closures.
- For tears, sew patches of fabric behind holes or missing sections rather than stitching directly over damaged areas.
- When sewing covers directly onto cushions, use a zipper opening to allow washing covers later on.
- For chair slings, detach fabric from the frame. Cut and sew a replacement panel in the same shape using old fabric as a guide.
- Resecure slings to frames with industrial strength fabric glue or stainless steel staples and outdoor sealant to protect staples.
With some patience and sewing skills, you can give faded or damaged outdoor furniture upholstery a makeover for a fraction of replacement costs.
FAQs About Repairing Outdoor Furniture
How can I stop my outdoor furniture from rusting?
Prevent rust on metal frames by applying rust-inhibiting sealants formulated for outdoor use at least once a year. Wipe down furniture regularly and cover or store it when not in use.
What is the best glue for outdoor wood furniture repairs?
Use a weatherproof polyurethane, epoxy, or cyanoacrylate formulated for outdoor repairs on wood. Avoid standard wood glue since it will deteriorate.
How do I get mold and mildew off outdoor furniture?
Mix together warm water, mild dish soap, and either baking soda, lemon juice, or oxygen bleach. Scrub the furniture with a stiff bristle brush, then rinse clean. Avoid pressure washing.
How do I get candle wax off my outdoor table?
Place a plastic bag filled with ice cubes on top of the wax spot until wax hardens. Then gently scrape excess wax away with a plastic paint scraper. Clean any remaining wax away with dish soap on a soft cloth.
What can I use to clean patio umbrella fabrics?
Mix a mild laundry detergent with warm water in a bucket. Use a soft scrub brush to clean the umbrella fabric. Rinse with clean water and air dry. Check manufacturer’s care instructions.
How do I get bird poop stains off outdoor cushions?
Spray the stain with an enzyme cleaner formulated for outdoor fabrics. Let sit 5-10 minutes. Blot gently with a damp white cloth. Do not rub. Rinse with clean water and air dry before replacing cushion covers.
Conclusion
With some basic DIY skills and the right materials, you can repair most issues with outdoor patio sets, tables, chairs, and umbrellas without having to replace the furnishings. Address maintenance issues promptly to limit further wear and damage. Invest in weather-resistant glue, paint, hardware, and fabrics so your repairs hold up for many seasons. With proper care and repair, you can double or triple the usable life of your outdoor furniture.
How to Wash Down Jackets and Coats at Home
Washing down jackets and coats at home can seem intimidating, but with the right techniques and supplies, you can freshen up your gear without damage. Here are tips for successfully cleaning down outerwear at home:
Inspect Zippers, Shell, and Lining
- Examine zippers for functionality by sliding up and down. Treat stuck spots with wax or lubricant.
- Check outer shell fabric and inner lining for stains, tears, or damage. Mark flawed areas to treat carefully.
- Close all zippers, hooks, and velcro fasteners to prevent snagging during washing.
- Remove non-washable trim pieces if possible.
Pre-treat Stains and Soiled Areas
- Focus on armpits, cuffs, hems, and collar for body oil and dirt buildup.
- Apply stain pretreat spray or gel and let sit 5-10 minutes to lift grime and oils.
- Gently rub a small amount of liquid dish or laundry soap on extra dirty spots using a soft bristle brush or sponge. Avoid over-scrubbing.
- Rinse pretreated areas under cool running water until water runs clear.
Wash Using a Front-Loading Machine
- Set machine to the delicate or gentle cycle with cold water.Skip the agitator setting.
- Use a mild, fragrance-free liquid laundry detergent without bleach. Powders can clump.
- Add a couple tennis balls to the drum to break up the down and prevent clumping.
- Allow jackets to tumble freely – wash 1-2 items at a time. Overcrowding reduces cleaning.
Rinse Thoroughly
- Run an extra rinse cycle to fully remove all soap residue which can damage DWR treatments.
- Check that all suds and smells are eliminated before drying. Remaining soap attracts dirt.
- To hand rinse, drain soapy water then refill tub and gently press jackets up and down.
Dry Properly Based on Fabric
For down:
- Dry on low heat using clean tennis balls to fluff insulation. Check every 20-30 minutes.
- For hand drying, lay flat and gently knead and squeeze jackets to break up clumping.
For technical synthetic insulation:
- Lay flat to dry or tumble dry low heat. Avoid high heat.
- Adding tennis balls to the dryer helps restore loft.
For delicate shells:
- Lay flat or line dry away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Shell fabrics like silk, wool, and leather may require specialty cleaning.
Proper drying helps down and insulation regain loft and warmth.
Restore DWR Treatment
- Once fully dry, use a wash-in DWR treatment to restore water resistance to outer fabric.
- Follow product instructions for optimal reapplication of durable water repellent finishes.
With the proper prep, washing techniques, and drying methods, you can keep your favorite down jackets clean, fresh and water-repellent. Take on adventures for seasons to come!
How to Repair Drywall
Drywall is susceptible to dents, holes, cracks, and other damage over time. With the right tools and techniques, repairing drywall is a manageable DIY project for most homeowners. Here is a step-by-step guide to patching drywall damage:
Assess the Damage
- Inspect the flawed area and note the size, location, and extent of the damage.
- Look for water stains or any indications of a leak that needs repair before drywall can be patched.
- Knock on the wall to listen for hollow spots that indicate unseen water damage behind.
- Measure the width, height and depth of holes, dents, or cracks. This determines the repair materials needed.
Gather Drywall Repair Supplies
Typical supplies include:
- Drywall patch sheet or compound
- Joint compound or spackle
- Drywall tape and joint tape
- Sandpaper and sanding block
- Putty knife or taping knives
- Utility knife
- Dust mask and protective eyewear
Match compound texture and finish for seamless repairs.
Prep the Damaged Drywall Area
- Cut away any loose drywall edges or flaps using a utility knife. Make edges straight.
- Scrape away old spackle, loose paint, wallpaper, etc around holes.
- Use a shop vac to clean away dust and debris before patching.
Make repairs Based on Damage Type
For holes and openings:
- Cut a drywall patch slightly larger than the hole. Secure with drywall screws.
- Spread joint compound over seams using a putty knife. Let dry and sand smooth.
- Apply lighter coats of compound and sand between each to blend the patch seamlessly.
For cracks and surface damage:
- Widen cracks with a utility knife to create a “V” groove.
- Fill cracks with joint compound using a putty knife. Smooth with additional coats once dry.
- For dents, spread a thin layer of compound over the area and feather out edges.
For water damage:
- Cut away softened drywall and dry out affected area thoroughly.
- Treat mildew and mold growth. Repair any plumbing leaks.
- Replace removed drywall with new pieces and tape over seams.
Apply Primer and Paint
Once repairs are smooth and even with the wall, apply primer to sealed patches. Then paint with a color matching surrounding walls for an invisible repair. With the right prep work, materials, and techniques, you can tackle minor to moderate drywall repairs yourself. Consult drywall pros for large jobs.
How to Train Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post
Scratching is a natural instinct for cats. It helps them remove dead outer claw sheaths, stretch their bodies, and mark their territory. To protect your furniture, redirect this scratching urge onto a suitable scratching post. With patience and positive reinforcement, you can train your cat to scrath where you want them to.
Choose an Appealing Scratching Post
Cats have preferences when it comes to scratching posts. Consider your cat’s personality when selecting one:
- Stable base – It shouldn’t wobble or tip during use.
- Sturdy material – Sisal rope or carpet works best. Avoid flimsy cardboard.
- Vertical orientation – Cat’s prefer vertical scratching surfaces.
- Right height – Pick a post as tall as your cat when stretched upwards.
- Interesting textures – Varied materials and surfaces add visual appeal.
Place the post near your cat’s favorite existing scratch spots for an easy transition.
Encourage Use of the Post
You need to attract your cat to the new post and teach them that it’s for scratching:
- Rub catnip or treats on the post to stimulate interest through smell.
- Make scratching noises on the post with your own hands to demonstrate.
- Give your cat treats and praise when they show curiosity in the post.
- Consider attaching toys or dangling items to entice play and scratching.
- Use cat attractant sprays formulated to make scratching posts more desirable.
Discourage Unwanted Scratching
Deter your cat from clawing furniture and other off-limits areas with these tactics:
- Cover surfaces like chairs or couches with plastic, double-sided sticky tape, aluminum foil or soft plastic spikes.
- Block access to certain items. Close doors or place scratching deterrents around objects.
- Provide plenty of enticing alternatives like cat trees, cardboard scratchers and toys.
- Avoid physically punishing cats. This is ineffective and can harm trust.
- Use pheromone sprays or diffusers to reduce territorial marking of household objects.
- Keep your cat’s nails trimmed to minimize damage if they do scratch inappropriately.
With encouragement, deterrents and irresistible posts, you can successfully guide your cat’s scratching instincts in a harmonious direction. Be patient, it can take weeks or months to change behavior. But with consistency, your furniture will thank you!
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