Spend a few summers in Bozeman, and you’ll notice it pretty quickly: outdoor furniture works hard around here.
One week, it’s sitting in intense sunshine for hours every day. Next, it’s getting hit with a thunderstorm, covered in dust, or coated in wildfire smoke. Add in temperature swings and strong afternoon winds, and it’s no surprise patio furniture starts showing its age.
Some simple maintenance habits can help keep your furniture looking better, lasting longer, and staying ready for the next backyard barbecue. Let’s get into it!
How Montana Summers Damage Outdoor Furniture
Montana’s climate is one of the reasons we love living here. It’s also one of the biggest challenges for outdoor furniture.
UV Rays and High-Elevation Sun Exposure
Bozeman sits at nearly 5,000 feet above sea level, which means stronger UV exposure than many parts of the country. Over time, that sunshine can fade cushions, discolor plastic and resin furniture, and dry out wood surfaces.
The damage often occurs gradually, making it easy to miss until the colors start to look dull or materials begin to crack.
Summer Storms, Wind, and Moisture
Summer afternoons can change fast in southwest Montana. A calm day can turn into rain, hail, and gusty winds in a matter of minutes.
Moisture can lead to:
- mold
- mildew
- rust
- and wood damage.
And let’s not forget about strong winds that can knock over umbrellas, chairs, and other lightweight patio items.
Dust, Pollen, and Wildfire Smoke
Outdoor furniture collects more than just sunshine. Throughout the season, it also picks up:
- dust
- cottonwood fluff
- pollen
- and wildfire smoke.
That buildup can leave furniture looking dirty, stain fabrics, and make seasonal cleaning a bigger job than it needs to be.
4 Ways to Protect Your Outdoor Furniture This Summer
Most outdoor furniture damage doesn’t happen overnight. It’s usually the result of months of sun exposure, moisture, dirt, and neglect. These four steps can help slow that process down.
1. Clean Furniture Regularly
A quick cleaning every few weeks can make a noticeable difference by the end of summer.
Dust, pollen, smoke residue, bird droppings, and tree sap can all wear down outdoor surfaces over time. Removing that buildup helps prevent stains and keeps furniture looking newer longer.
For patios, decks, and larger furniture pieces, the DeWalt Portable Power Cleaner is a convenient option for rinsing away dirt and grime without dragging out a full-sized pressure washer.
For deeper cleaning, products like Scrub Daddy Citrus Scent Cleaner and Polish Paste work well on a variety of outdoor surfaces.
Mr. Clean Ultra Foamy Heavy Duty Cleaning Pads can help tackle stubborn buildup, while the Drillbrush Medium Bristle Drill Brush Set makes it easier to clean textured surfaces, furniture frames, and hard-to-reach areas.
A little cleaning now is a lot easier than trying to restore weathered furniture next spring.
2. Use Quality Furniture Covers
If we had to pick one product category that gives the biggest return on investment, furniture covers would be near the top of the list.
A quality cover helps shield furniture from UV rays, rain, dust, bird droppings, and debris. It also reduces cleaning time and helps reduce fading throughout the season.
The Living Accents Chair Cover, Loveseat Cover, and Umbrella Cover are great options for protecting common patio furniture pieces. They’re especially useful during stretches of hot weather or when furniture won’t be used for several days.
Grills deserve protection too. Sun, rain, and smoke can all shorten the life of outdoor cooking equipment. Covers designed for Big Green Egg, Weber, and Traeger grills help keep your grill clean and ready for the next cookout.
3. Protect Cushions & More from Sun and Rain
Patio cushions often show wear long before the furniture underneath them.
Direct sunlight can cause colors to fade, while repeated exposure to moisture can lead to mildew, odors, and fabric breakdown. Applying a product like 3M Scotchgard Water and Sun Shield adds an extra layer of protection against both moisture and UV damage.
Storage also makes a big difference. A deck box gives cushions a safe place to stay when they’re not being used and helps prevent damage from unexpected storms. The Suncast 200-Gallon Deck Box offers plenty of room for cushions, outdoor pillows, gardening supplies, and other patio essentials.
Looking for even more protection? A canopy or gazebo can help reduce direct sun exposure throughout the day while providing shelter during those quick summer rain showers that seem to appear out of nowhere.
4. Apply Protective Products to Wood, Metal, and Resin Furniture
Different furniture materials face different challenges during a Montana summer.
Wood furniture benefits from regular sealing and waterproofing. Products like Benjamin Moore Woodluxe Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer or Cabot Clear Wood Protector help guard against moisture damage, UV exposure, cracking, and fading.
Metal furniture should be checked periodically for chips, scratches, or signs of rust. Applying protective products early can help prevent bigger repairs later. Flex Seal Clear Rubber Spray Sealant can help protect vulnerable areas from moisture intrusion.
Metal furniture that’s painted and showing signs of wear may benefit from a fresh coat of exterior paint. Products like Rust-Oleum exterior paint can help restore appearance while adding another layer of protection against the elements.
A little maintenance each season adds years to the life of outdoor furniture.
How to Prepare Patio Furniture for Bozeman Summer Storms
Secure Lightweight Furniture
Lightweight chairs, umbrellas, side tables, and patio accessories can become airborne faster than you’d think during a Montana windstorm.
When strong winds are expected, it’s worth taking a few minutes to secure loose items or move them into a garage, shed, or covered area. Steel Grip 24-Inch Cable Ties can be useful for temporarily securing lightweight equipment and outdoor accessories.
It’s a simple step that can prevent a lot of frustration later.
Store or Cover Furniture Before Severe Weather
Checking the weather forecast before leaving for work or heading out of town can save your patio from unnecessary damage.
If storms are expected, cover furniture, close umbrellas, store cushions indoors, and secure anything that could blow around in high winds. Those few extra minutes are often easier than dealing with soaked cushions, damaged furniture, or missing patio accessories afterward.
Shop Outdoor Furniture Protection Products at Owenhouse Ace Hardware
Outdoor furniture faces a lot during a Montana summer. Regular cleaning, proper storage, protective covers, and a little preventative maintenance can help keep everything in good shape for years to come.
If you have questions about protecting your patio furniture, stop by Owenhouse Ace Hardware. Our team can help you find the right cleaners, covers, sealers, storage solutions, and outdoor living products for your space.
