To avoid a rude awakening in spring, tables, chairs and parasols - regardless of the material - should be stored clean and dry. 

When buying outdoor furniture, it is worth making sure that the materials are easy to care for, weatherproof and durable. And, of course, functionality is also important in addition to appearance - tables and chairs should be stable and comfortable, but also stackable, foldable and compact. This allows the space on the terrace and in the warehouse to be used optimally.

Some furniture manufacturers naturally offer tailor-made protective covers - but not all materials are suitable for sub-zero temperatures and snow. The surface suffers and the durability is reduced. Even polyrattan can become brittle if it is exposed to constant moisture and temperature fluctuations.

If it is possible to store the furniture in a dry and UV-protected place over the winter period, this option should always be preferred. Whether for your private garden furniture or for the entire terrace furnishings of hotels and restaurants, whether internally or with an external storage provider - outdoor furniture should be professionally maintained and stored.

General preparation
Regardless of the material, furniture, parasols and other garden/terrace equipment should be cleaned and dry before stacking and storing. It is therefore best not to apply care products until spring to prevent the stacked furniture from sticking together. It is also advisable to check everything and retighten any loose screws at the same time - this way the furniture is well prepared and ready for use on the first day of spring.

Furniture care
Furniture made of metal and plastic do not require any special treatment - a damp wipe or a short shower with the garden hose is enough to make it look fresh again. Wooden furniture should be carefully sanded down for maintenance every two to three years and then painted with wood care tincture, paint or protective varnish, depending on your preference and the type of wood.

Parasols
Due to the danger of mould, parasols may only be rolled up when they are completely dry. A cover is recommended as protection against dust and dirt. Umbrellas can be stored upright or lying down, depending on the available space.

Tables
Folding tables can be stored upright. In the case of fixed table tops, they should not be stacked directly on top of each other - to protect against scratches and to improve air circulation (especially with wooden furniture), it is recommended to place dry wooden strips between them.