Dubai’s distinctive combination of sun, sand with flashes of rain can be picturesque but it also demands protection and maintenance of outdoor furniture. The extreme temperatures in summer and the occasional chilly showers in winter can destroy garden furniture if not appropriately covered. This poses a challenge to the homeowners and businesses in Dubai who strive to maintain their outdoor furniture in good condition. In this article, we will discuss the most favorable ways and products to keep your garden furniture looking its best all year round.
Dubai’s Dry Climate A Challenge in its Own Right
Most of the time, Dubai’s climate can be classified as dry and hot throughout the year. Summer lasts from May to October, with temperatures reaching over 45 degrees Celsius. Winters are very mild and cool but rainfall is very low throughout the year. Persistent heat and exposure to UV rays due to the high levels of sun can cause the most damage to outdoor furniture covers. A constant heat build up is likely to cause materials to fade, crack and lose their structural integrity overtime. This is particularly the case for wooden furniture that may dry, crack or splinter and for plastics which may also become brittle.
Moreover, a sudden dust storm poses its own threat from the outdoors. Subtle dust grains are known to scratch the furniture and work themselves into small crevices. The seaside geographical location of Dubai introduces another concern: high levels of humidity and salt content that are present in the air owing to the sea winds which are known to erode and rust metal furniture over time.
Selecting Long Lasting Materials
The initial approach towards shielding garden furniture effectively starts at the point of selecting the appropriate materials that would withstand harsh environmental conditions. Below are some of the best options available in the market:
Teak Wood: Large teak is composed of natural oils, it is able to withstand water as well as rotting, thus, it is the best choice of wood for outdoor furniture covers in dubai. Teak does take a fair amount of abuse from the sun too and while it does require some maintenance to avoid splitting or change in color it is quite acceptable for the most part.
Powder-coated Aluminum: This material is sufficiently lightweight, strongly rust resistant and very strong which makes it desirable for outdoor use. Added strength in using this material is the powder coating is one from the UV and moisture damage
Synthetic Rattan: In contrast to natural wicker, polyethylene synthetic rattan can indeed withstand extreme weather and breakdown from the sun’s rays due to its synthetic design. Likewise, this material can endure out both the summer heat and unexpected rainstorms without degradation.
Fabrics: These fabrics for the pillows and the cushions should be made of Sunbrella or any other fabrics that have been manufactured for the same purpose, which is to withstand the sun, inhibit the growth of mildew, and prevent them from fading.
Effective Covers: Your First Line of Defense
One of the most effective ways to protect garden furniture against the unfavorable weather conditions of Dubai is the use of high quality protective covers. Seek covers that provide:
Waterproof and Breathable Properties: Waterproof covers help to keep water out and gasses or moisture that is in an enclosed area from getting out, and the reverse applies for breathable covers which are designed to minimize the build-up of condensation, which can encourage the growth of mold or mildew.
UV Protection: The fabric should be made from UV resistant materials to prevent damage from overexposure to the sun and fade out of the fabric.
Secure Fit and Reinforced Seams: Covers with elastic or drawstring edges help in keeping the covers in position even in windy conditions, and reinforced seams help prevent tearing of the covers due to stress.
All thoughts and beliefs aside ensure the furniture to be covered is clean and dry to prevent the risk of damp and moisture damage on the cover. For containment of ventilation and freshness, covers have to be detached in intervals to allow air in.
Applying Protective Coatings and Sealants
There are specialized coatings and sealants which when applied to surfaces provides further protection:
Wood Sealants: Wooden furniture is prone to cracks and over drying if protective oil and sealants are not applied at least once or twice a year. Shades are also available to prevent the naturally made wood from bleaching using components such as UV inhibitors.
Metal Coatings: Coatings and sprays that are rust-prevention measures can be applied on the metal frames to avoid rusting from moist and salty environments. Clear protective sprays do not distort the original color and hence serve the purpose of maintaining a polished look.
Fabric Sprays: It is advisable to use mildew and water resistant sprays for outdoor cushions and pillows. But ensure that the spray used is compatible with the said fabric.
Wise Ways Of Storing
When garden furniture is not in use or is likely not needed for long periods, such as during summer times or when strong cold winds and heavy rains are expected, it is advisable to keep the furniture in the shade or out of reach of the elements in a garden shed. This in turn helps to increase the lifespan of the furniture by reducing the wear and tear caused by strong weather.
Regular Maintenance Routine
Whenever outdoor furniture is subjected to routine cleaning and maintenance, then that outdoor furniture and sofa cushions in dubai is likely to last for longer. Here are simple maintenance tips.
Dust and Clean Regularly: Sand and other debris that is quite likely to scratch the surfaces of the outdoor furniture should be removed with the help of a soft cloth or brush. For even deeper cleansing, a mild detergent in water can be useful.
Check for Signs of Damage: From time to time examine for rust, mildew or any other form of damage. It is easier to control minor problems rather than letting them become big problems.
Apply Surface Oil: Periodically oiling wooden furniture is important to help maintain moisture balance and to prevent cracking.
Selecting Appropriate Color Choices
Moreover, to the covers the use of pergolas, umbrellas or even retractable awnings are great options to cut down direct sunlight. Most of the new offshore parasols are designed with a fabric that gets rid of UV rays but still allows air to circulate and is so cool and pleasant.
Conclusion
There are many factors that need to be considered when looking after the outdoor furniture in Dubai. In order to achieve this, it is advisable to use the right materials, covers, paint and smart storage methods. Following these strategies will ensure you minimize the rate at which you are replacing your outdoor furniture while enhancing your outdoor living. Therefore, it will take time and effort to protect and maintain the furniture and accessories but this investment will pay back with many years of enjoyment in the garden even under the abrasive conditions of Dubai.
