Can Bamboo Furniture Be Used Outdoors?
Yes, it can be. Bamboo furniture can be used outside, but you need to take proper care of it and keep it well maintained.
Bamboo, an evergreen plant of the grass family, is a sustainable material. Its many features include fast cultivation, hardness, tensile strength, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, durability, and water resistance, which make it a popular material suited for many items that are typically for daily use.
Eco-conscious people will buy bamboo-made tables, chairs, cutting boards, stools, trays, etc. for their home. The number of people using bamboo furniture is increasing with each passing day.
As an eco-conscious person, you also choose bamboo-made products including furniture pieces, such as chairs and tables. Similar to the furniture items made of wood and plastic, you can take your bamboo furniture pieces outside. However, you need to be very careful with outdoor use of your bamboo furniture. Proper care and maintenance assure for an extended period of enjoying your furniture.
Here are some helpful steps you can take while using your bamboo-made tables, chairs, and stools outside:
Proper Cleaning
Like anything in your home, bamboo furniture requires proper and regular cleaning. Use a soft brush to clean the areas where you can’t easily reach for the dust and dirt. After removing the dust and dirt follow up by using a vacuum cleaner. If the furniture gets wet, then allow your bamboo-made furniture to dry naturally. After that, apply polish to the tables, chairs, stools, and any other furniture. Further, you can oil them on a monthly basis to avoid any structural damage.
Take Special Care
When you decide to take your furniture pieces outside for general seating or enjoying a party in a garden or park, before bringing them out apply a layer of outdoor sealant to it for protection. It is even better to place your chairs and tables in a shady spot. Make sure the furniture isn’t wet or damp and there will be no direct contact with water when it rains or you have a sprinkler system running at the time.
When you return your bamboo furniture pieces back in your home, ensure they have no mold. If upon inspection you do find mold then use lemon oil to remove the mold. During the winter, secure your bamboo-made furniture with a waterproof cover if you leave it outside.
Protect it from Stains
Having stains on any furniture piece affects its life span. When spills or stains do occur you want to clean them up as soon as possible. While discoloration is a concern with spills, first clean up the spill as much as possible. Afterward, if there is any discoloration you can use a mild cleanser and damp cloth piece to remove stains.
Restoration
Excessive exposure to sunlight and water can lead to structural damages that could be beyond repair. When you find the mildest damage to your bamboo tables and chairs, you need to immediately repair it.
For example, you find a hole in the furniture. First of all, you should use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust from the area and then use a soft and dry cloth piece to wipe the area. After that, you can use a low-grit sandpaper to smooth the affected part. After sanding, apply paste wax to the area. Remove any excess wax with a clean soft cloth piece. Finally, apply oil to the entire surface of the furniture.
Conclusion
Bamboo furniture is an excellent option for one who is very conscientious of the environment. It can be used inside or outside. However, when it is used outdoors it will require utmost care and maintenance. From cleaning to restoring, follow these steps for prolonging the use and look of your bamboo furniture.