Antique garden furniture can make a wonderful focal point to a backyard landscape, as well as a place for relaxing and entertaining. The problem with using antique garden furniture in the outdoors lies in preserving your precious heirlooms by helping them to withstand the elements. It is always a bit distressing to leave something so valuable outdoors, and antique garden furniture can indeed come with a hefty price tag. The good news is that there are some fairly simple steps that you can take to prevent damage to your pieces, and keep them looking as good as possible for as long as possible. With a little bit of TLC and the proper maintenance process, your antique garden furniture will be something to enjoy for many years to come.

Keeping Garden Urns and Statues Intact

One of the most popular types of antique garden furniture is the stone pieces that you see as urns or statues. These ornately carved figures and fountains need special care to prevent cracking and crumbling as they age. The worst element that can come in contact with your stone is ice. The process of winter freezing and spring thaws can cause almost any kind of stone to crack. The first step in caring for these pieces of antique garden furniture is to get them off of the wet ground that can cause so much damage. Place them on a brick or cement platform, where they will be protected from the moisture. If you have a piece that holds water, like an urn or birdbath, turn it over or bring it indoors during the winter months. You can also cover your pieces with burlap stuffed with hay, sheet metal or a wooden structure that will keep out moisture and prevent freezing.

Caring for Iron Furniture

Another popular type of antique garden furniture is the iron pieces that are often tables, chairs and benches that sport attractive leaf patterns in their backs and arms. This type of antique garden furniture can rust, and the most common culprit for damage in this case is water. If you have a piece of iron furniture that requires restoration, don’t worry about having to put on another coat of paint. Few of these pieces of antique garden furniture will still sport the original paint, and some will even have numerous layers. To strip the piece, it is often a good idea to seek professional service so that you know the job is done right. You can then repaint, or in some cases apply a wax that will withstand the elements better. Another product that you can use on your iron antique garden furniture is a paint that has a powder coat finish. This type of finish will stand up better against sun and rain than any other paint product can.

Antique garden furniture is an attractive accent to many gardens and backyard landscapes. It can provide a quaint outdoor retreat and a focal point for your landscape plan. With the proper care and maintenance, your antique garden furniture will be around for your pleasure for many years.