Seasonal maintenance for Canadian conditions
In much of Canada outdoor furniture spends part of the year in use and part of it stored or covered. A short routine at each change of season prevents the slow damage that otherwise accumulates unnoticed until spring.
Spring: assess and reset
After the thaw, look for joints that loosened over winter, dark mildew in shaded corners, and any finish that lifted during freeze-thaw cycles. Tighten hardware while the wood is at its driest, clean the surfaces, and let everything dry before the first protective coat of the year.
Summer: keep up with use
Heat and UV are hardest on horizontal surfaces. Wipe spills quickly, since sunscreen and food oils can stain bare or lightly oiled wood. Re-oil high-wear areas such as armrests and tabletops mid-season if they start to look dry or pale.
Autumn: prepare for the cold
- Clean each piece thoroughly and let it dry completely on a run of dry days.
- Apply a final protective coat so the wood enters winter sealed rather than thirsty.
- Check that drainage holes and joints are clear, so water cannot pool and freeze inside them.
- Move lighter pieces under cover where possible, and lift others off direct contact with the ground.
Winter: storage choices
Indoor or sheltered storage in a shed or garage is the gentlest option. Where furniture must stay outside, raising it on blocks keeps the legs out of standing snowmelt, and a breathable cover reduces the freeze-thaw cycling that opens joints. Avoid placing wood directly against concrete, which holds moisture against the end grain.
A simple per-season checklist
- Surfaces cleaned and fully dry before any coating.
- Hardware checked and snugged.
- Protection renewed on high-wear areas.
- Drainage and contact points kept clear of trapped water.
Regional frost timing and weather records are published by Environment and Climate Change Canada, which can help you judge when to schedule the autumn coat.