With the passing of Memorial Day summer is officially here and so is the need to learn how to care for the solid wood patio furniture hand built by skilled Amish craftsmen. Most people assume that since it is outdoor furniture that its mere ruggedness means no cleaning or maintenance – or at best it gets its first out cleaning and its end of the year cleaning. While the high quality outdoor patio, porch and deck furniture available from Amish designers and woodworkers is made only from the best native hardwoods available it still needs care to insure your investment for many years. From chairs to tables these pieces have fantastic moisture tolerant properties and do withstand rigorous outdoor extremes, but care is still required for a lifetime of use.

SOAP AND WATER? IS IT REALLY THAT SIMPLE?  Yes, a simple bath of a mild soap and water once a week is the simplest and most inexpensive care you can give your wooden outdoor furniture. From outdoor meal residue, pollution, bird droppings and even chlorine from the pool, no matter what your furniture is exposed to the faster you remove it from the surface the less the chances of damage. Simple and often overlooked items like carbonated sodas can create a chemical reaction on even the most durable of furniture finishes.

Warm, soapy water and a lint free rag followed by a rinse of clear water to remove any soapy film residue is all you will need. Drying is always a good idea to prevent warping from too much moisture. Remember to use caution on any bare woods because the water will raise the grain. It’s also a good idea to wipe down any outdoor furniture that isn’t under a covered area even after a rain.  

TOO TOUGH FOR A BUBBLE BATH?  Many regions cannot help it; there water is full of hard minerals. If your outdoor furniture has mineral deposits from water left standing, these deposits can be carefully rubbed off with either rubbing compound or polishing compound. Remember to use care and follow directions. You will also have to give the same rubbing to the whole connected area to even it out.

Also check for splinters that may need a bit of sanding to prevent injuries or snagged clothing.

COVER IT? BUT, IT’S OUTDOOR FURNITURE!  One of the best investments you can make when deciding to decorate your patio or deck with wood patio furniture is in patio furniture covers. Good quality patio furniture covers are made of synthetic material and can literally add years to your furniture items. They are available in standard sizes, or you could have them custom made for your furniture and can be found in decorative colors. No matter how sturdy and durable your Amish furniture and its finish is adding additional protection from the elements, such as sunlight and water, two of the most destructive elements for wood, is a smart consumers choice.

Solid custom built wooden patio furniture is definitely the biggest statement you can make this summer. Since you were smart enough to invest in the best it is also smart to be responsible for this furniture. If covers are not an immediate option when furniture is not in use then consider moving pieces indoors, especially for long term storage.

In today’s furniture industry the category known as case goods has expanded to include tables, headboards, etc. If the furniture item can be included in a bedroom or dining room it most likely falls in to the case good category. Since most case goods involve a framed construction solid wood is consider the best quality material, although other elements can be used, such as plastic, metal, etc.

When examining a case good for purchase it should meet three specifications:

Esthetical value

Quality of materials

Integrity of construction

ESTHETICAL VALUE

Your furniture choices should not just be trends but investments that can be used as your tastes or lifestyle progress. Amish furniture designs include every major décor trend from Mission, Craftsman, Arts and Crafts, Log Cabin, Adirondack, Lodge, Shabby Chic, Modern, Contemporary, Shaker, Traditional, to Tuscan, and on and on. The native hardwoods are available in oak, maple, cherry and walnut, including variations in each of those categories. The Amish include a spectrum of stain option topped by the almost everlasting finish known as ARESISTOVAR.

QUALITY OF MATERIAL

Ask questions of your sales team about the origin of the wood products used to create their designs. Guaranteeing that the wood was properly prepared can promise that the piece will keep its original dimensions, warding off warping and cracking.

The idea of veneer applied to cheaper wood underneath is a matter of taste but the Amish do not craft items in need of veneering. Like the Shakers the Amish believe that their fine furnishings do not need to be covered up by a faux finish in order to persuade you to buy.

INTEGRITY OF CONSTRUCTION

Understanding joint construction and how it affects the lifespan of your pieces will help you to know what to look for, too. The point at which a leg or case is joined to its other parts can determine its strength or its weakness.

Pull out drawers, look underneath and behind. Methodically examine them to see if they have been sanded and finished. This is the sign of true craftsmanship. All moving parts should fit well and move easily.

The finish should be examined in a strong light to check for even application of stain and finish. Run your hand over the surface to be sure you feel a smooth and even finish.

The Amish know their mission is to provide you with heirloom quality furniture built and stained to fit your needs. While there are many Amish furniture craftsmen available to choose from, Amish-Furniture-Home.com, and its dedicated staff, have made it their life’s work to hand select only the finest quality products built. Each piece is built to order and crafted to last generations.