The best kind of fix: prevention!

Understanding Moisture

Moisture is frequently a problem with furniture - whether you're talking about wicker chairs and tables, leather, or plain old wood, too much moisture can definitely wreak a lot of havoc. Even in very humid environments where there's condensation, wood furniture can be exposed to the possibility of swelling. So how do you prevent this?

Some pieces of furniture can stand to avoid total dryness, too. Remember that some moisture in the air might be good for your furniture, even if too much can cause it to warp. You don't want to micromanage your furniture based on the humidity level each day, but try to keep in mind that if it's too humid or if it's raining outdoors, you should probably move the outdoor furniture inside.

Understanding Sunlight

Now that we've addressed the problems rain can pose to your furniture, it's important to remember that sunshine can also cause problems. At least, too much sunshine. You wouldn't leave yourself out in the sun for an extended period of time without some shade or protection - you'd get a sunburn. Although wood isn't comparable to a human being, it's important to remember that sunlight over time can dry out and damage wood.

Sunshine is easy to protect against - dragging a tarp or large cloth over your furniture on a scorching hot summer day wouldn't be a bad idea. Even keeping your wood in the shade, such as on a porch, can protect against the sun.

Wood and Furniture Maintenance

It's important to regularly dust and clean your furniture, whether you have wicker, leather, wood, or a combination. Keeping your wood free of too much moisture and debris will help keep it clear and strong. To get a lot of life out of your wood, try not to expose it to too much water or sunshine.

Photo Credits: `Nicolas - designer

Originally posted 2009-08-21 03:58:38.

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2. How to Fix your Wicker Furniture
3. How to Fix a Wicker Chair