Make Your Indoor Furniture Outdoor Bound

March 18, 2021

When it comes down to basics, there's indoor furniture and there's outdoor furniture. Outdoor furniture is built differently than the indoor variety, and while you can always use outdoor furniture inside, the opposite is not always the case.

If you're making over your patio or just need some extra table or seating room outdoors temporarily, there are some things you can do to weather-proof your indoor furniture and make it a little more outdoor friendly.

Choosing the right material:

First of all, different materials can be taken outdoors for varying amounts of time, depending on the furniture. Outdoor materials need to be sturdy enough to withstand variant temperatures, a certain amount of moisture from rain, dew, etc. and humidity.

Things that should never be used outside:

What is the best materiyal for outdoor furniture

Carpeting

Suede, fleece and other fabrics that shouldn't get wet or are dry-clean only

Anything made from paper or cardboard

Things that can go outdoors for limited periods of time:

Wicker
Thin pottery and ceramics
Thin plastics
Untreated metal
Materials Ideal for outdoor use:
Treated wood and hardwoods
Galvanized metal
Powder-coated metals (aluminum, wrought iron)
Stone (tables and benches)
Marble
Cement (benches and umbrella stands)
Clay and thick ceramic (pots)
Poly resin plastics
Waterproof nylon (canopies and chair cushions)

These are just some examples of materials that should and should not be taken outdoors. Obviously, the weather must be taken in to account.

If it's really nice out, you can be more lenient about what you take outside as furniture. Outdoor conditions rapidly change, though, and you should employ constant supervision.

Weatherproof your Wood Furniture

Oftentimes, you can make indoor furniture outdoor furniture by simply refinishing the wood. It's no more difficult than adding some varnish and it might save you from unnecessarily buying all new furniture.

For starters, check the quality and type of wood you plan on using. Stay away from old wood that's in bad condition, as it will deteriorate at an even more rapid pace once taken outside.

Second, you ideally want to go with woods already suited for outdoor use, like cedar, pine, teak and cypress. These woods are already strong and durable on their own and require little extra protection.

Softer woods, on the other hand, may require a few more layers of sealant and even then they won't last as long outdoors as a solid hardwood.

To refinish your indoor wood furniture, first sand and strip away any existing lacquer.

Whatever finish is on there is most likely intended for inside, and while it will give furniture a high gloss shine, it's not the right kind of varnish that will protect it from moisture and the outdoor elements.

Once the surface is clean and even, apply an oil-based varnish to furniture.

Outdoor atmospheric elements will dry out wood more quickly than furniture that's kept indoors, so it's important to protect the surface and heartwood against cracking, rotting and warping. After that, all you need to do is clean and re-oil furniture once to twice a year.

As a rule, if it looks like it shouldn't go outside, no amount of weatherproofing will help. Using your head and your decorating sense you can achieve a long-lasting and vibrant patio set.

Indoor outdoor furniture

Indoor outdoor furniture refers to furniture that is designed to be used both indoors and outdoors. This type of furniture is versatile and practical, allowing you to seamlessly transition your decor from indoor to outdoor spaces.

Indoor outdoor furniture is made of durable materials that can withstand exposure to outdoor elements like rain, sun, and wind. These materials include metal, wood, wicker, and synthetic materials like resin and plastic. These materials are often treated with protective coatings or finishes to enhance their resistance to moisture and UV rays.

There are various types of indoor outdoor furniture available, including

Seating

Indoor outdoor seating options include sofas, chairs, and benches that can be used both indoors and outdoors. These seating options are often made of weather-resistant materials like metal, wicker, or wood and come with removable cushions made of outdoor-rated fabric.

Dining furniture

Indoor outdoor dining furniture includes tables and chairs that can be used both indoors and outdoors. These pieces are often made of sturdy materials like metal, teak, or resin and come with weather-resistant cushions.

Storage

Indoor outdoor storage options include cabinets, shelves, and chests that are designed to be used both indoors and outdoors. These storage options are often made of weather-resistant materials like teak or resin and come with lockable doors or lids to protect your belongings.

Lighting

Indoor outdoor lighting options include lamps, lanterns, and string lights that can be used to illuminate both indoor and outdoor spaces. These lighting options are often made of weather-resistant materials and are designed to be durable enough to withstand outdoor elements.

In conclusion, indoor outdoor furniture is a great way to add versatility and practicality to your decor. By investing in furniture that can be used both indoors and outdoors, you can seamlessly transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces and create a cohesive look that ties your decor together.

How to make indoor furniture outdoor

Are you tired of having to replace your outdoor furniture every year? Do you want to save money and make your indoor furniture serve a dual purpose by making it outdoor bound? With a few simple tips and tricks, you can transform your indoor furniture into weather-resistant, outdoor furniture.

Choose the right furniture

Before starting the transformation process, you need to ensure that you select the right furniture. Look for furniture that is made of sturdy, durable material like metal, wrought iron, or solid wood. Avoid furniture made of MDF or particleboard as it will not hold up well outdoors. Also, consider the size and style of the furniture you choose as it should fit well with your outdoor decor.

Prepare the furniture

Once you have chosen the right furniture, it's time to prepare it for outdoor use. Start by cleaning it thoroughly using a mild detergent and water to remove any dirt or debris. After cleaning, allow the furniture to dry completely. Once dry, sand the furniture with a fine-grit sandpaper to remove any rough spots or old finishes. After sanding, wipe the furniture with a damp cloth to remove any sawdust.

Apply a protective finish

Applying a protective finish to the furniture is essential to protect it from outdoor elements like rain, sun, and wind. There are various options to choose from, including varnish, polyurethane, or lacquer. Apply the protective finish according to the manufacturer's instructions, and make sure to apply it in a well-ventilated area.

Cushions and upholstery

If you plan to use upholstered furniture outdoors, consider replacing the fabric with a weather-resistant option. Look for fabrics made of Sunbrella or other outdoor-rated fabrics that can withstand exposure to UV rays and moisture. For cushions, look for options that are made of foam and polyester as they dry quickly and are more resistant to mold and mildew.

Keep the furniture covered

No matter how well you prepare your indoor furniture for outdoor use, it is still vulnerable to the elements. To extend the life of your outdoor furniture, make sure to keep it covered when not in use. Invest in high-quality, weather-resistant covers that will protect your furniture from sun, rain, and wind.

In conclusion, transforming your indoor furniture into outdoor furniture is a great way to save money and add versatility to your home decor. By following these simple steps, you can make sure that your indoor furniture can withstand outdoor elements and serve you for years to come.

Examples indoor furniture outdoor bound

Here are some examples of indoor furniture that can be made outdoor bound with a few modifications:

Dining table and chairs

A sturdy dining table and chairs made of solid wood or metal can be transformed into outdoor furniture by sanding and applying a protective finish. You can also replace the upholstered seats with weather-resistant cushions to make them more suitable for outdoor use.

Sofa and chairs

A comfortable sofa and chairs can be made outdoor bound by replacing the upholstery with weather-resistant fabric and adding weather-resistant cushions. You can also apply a protective finish to the frame to protect it from outdoor elements.

Coffee table

A stylish coffee table can be used both indoors and outdoors by applying a protective finish to the surface and legs. Look for a coffee table made of metal, stone, or solid wood as these materials hold up well outdoors.

Bookshelf

If you want to add some storage space to your outdoor area, consider using an indoor bookshelf that can be transformed into outdoor furniture. Look for a bookshelf made of solid wood or metal and apply a protective finish to protect it from outdoor elements.

Side table

A side table can be used both indoors and outdoors by applying a protective finish to the surface and legs. Look for a side table made of metal, stone, or solid wood and add weather-resistant cushions to make it more comfortable for outdoor use.

With a few modifications, indoor furniture can be transformed into outdoor furniture that is both stylish and functional. By following the tips mentioned above, you can make sure that your indoor furniture can withstand outdoor elements and serve you for years to come.

How to weatherproof indoor furniture for outdoor use

If you want to use your indoor furniture outdoors, you'll need to take some steps to weatherproof it. Here are some tips to help you weatherproof your indoor furniture for outdoor use:

Choose the right materials

When selecting indoor furniture for outdoor use, it's essential to choose furniture made of materials that can withstand exposure to outdoor elements. Look for materials such as teak, aluminum, wrought iron, or resin wicker, which are durable and weather-resistant.

Apply a protective finish

Applying a protective finish to your indoor furniture can help to protect it from moisture, UV rays, and other outdoor elements. You can use a water-resistant sealer or spray-on finish to protect wooden furniture, or a rust-resistant spray for metal furniture.

Replace cushions with weather-resistant ones

If your indoor furniture has cushions, you'll need to replace them with weather-resistant ones that can withstand exposure to outdoor elements. Look for cushions made of outdoor-rated fabric that are resistant to moisture, mildew, and UV rays.

Store furniture when not in use

When not in use, it's essential to store your indoor furniture in a dry and covered area to protect it from rain and other outdoor elements. Consider investing in outdoor furniture covers to protect your furniture when it's not in use.

Clean furniture regularly

Regularly cleaning your indoor furniture can help to remove dirt, dust, and other debris that can damage the finish or cause rust on metal surfaces. Use a soft-bristled brush and mild detergent to clean your furniture, then rinse thoroughly with water and let it dry completely before using it again.

By following these tips, you can weatherproof your indoor furniture for outdoor use and enjoy your furniture in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Keep in mind that while weatherproofing can help protect your furniture, it's still essential to take proper care of your furniture and store it properly when not in use to prolong its lifespan.