How do I winterize outdoor furniture in NB?

Proper winterization of outdoor furniture is essential in New Brunswick's harsh climate, where temperatures can drop to -25°C and snow loads reach 250-300cm annually. Without protection, even quality outdoor furniture can suffer cracking, warping, rust, and fabric deterioration from our freeze-thaw cycles and ice storms.

Material-Specific Winterization is crucial since different furniture types face different winter threats. Aluminum and steel furniture should be cleaned thoroughly with mild soap to remove salt residue (especially important near the coast), then dried completely and stored in a dry location like a garage or shed. Apply a thin coat of car wax to aluminum pieces to prevent oxidation. Teak and cedar furniture can often stay outside if properly maintained - clean with appropriate wood cleaner, let dry completely, then apply a fresh coat of teak oil or wood sealer before the first frost in late September. Plastic and resin furniture becomes brittle in extreme cold, so stack carefully in a protected area where snow load won't cause cracking.

Cushions and fabric elements are particularly vulnerable to New Brunswick's high humidity and freeze-thaw cycles. Remove all cushions, umbrellas, and fabric accessories by early October. Clean according to manufacturer instructions, ensure they're completely dry, then store in a heated, dry space. Even "weather-resistant" fabrics can develop mold in our Maritime climate if stored damp. Umbrellas should be opened, cleaned, dried thoroughly, then closed and stored horizontally to prevent fabric stretching.

Storage location matters significantly in our climate. Heated storage (garage, basement, shed) is ideal for most furniture. If you must store outside, choose the most sheltered location possible - preferably under an overhang on the north side of your house to minimize sun damage during winter thaws. Avoid storing furniture directly on concrete or ground level where freeze-thaw cycles cause the most damage. Use pallets or blocks to elevate pieces and improve air circulation.

Covering and protection requires the right approach for New Brunswick conditions. If storing furniture outside, use breathable covers specifically designed for outdoor furniture - never use plastic tarps which trap moisture and cause more damage than protection. Secure covers tightly so they won't blow off during winter storms, but ensure some ventilation to prevent condensation buildup. For uncovered pieces staying outside, tip chairs and tables to shed snow and prevent pooling water from freezing and expanding.

Timing is critical - begin winterization by early October before our first hard frost. This gives you time to properly clean and treat everything before winter weather arrives. Don't wait until the first snowfall, as wet furniture is much harder to properly prepare and store.

Professional help makes sense for expensive furniture sets, built-in features, or if you lack adequate storage space. Some landscaping companies offer furniture winterization and storage services, which can be worth the cost for high-end pieces.

Need help finding a landscaper who offers seasonal property services? New Brunswick Landscaping can match you with local professionals who handle everything from furniture winterization to complete seasonal property preparation.