Exploring the great outdoors with your outdoor furniture is an exhilarating way to connect with nature, and with the right outdoor furniture, your garden can become a gathering place and source of memories for yourself and your family.

Whether you’re relaxing on your patio, hosting a backyard barbecue, or enjoying a picnic in the park, following these safety tips will help you make the most of your outdoor experiences while keeping everyone secure.

Choose The Right Materials For The Furniture

Take for example the table top. The outdoor table top is a crucial component of your patio furniture. It serves as the centrepiece of your outdoor space, hosting meals, games, and conversations.

Therefore, it’s essential to choose a table top that is sturdy, durable, and safe for use.

• Material: Opt for materials that are weather-resistant and easy to clean, such as teak, metal, or all-weather wicker. Avoid glass tops as the weather can undermine them over time, cause them to shatter, and risk injury
• Stability: Ensure the table top is stable and doesn’t wobble. A wobbly table can lead to spills or accidents. For this reason, it’s often better to buy furniture that has been pre-made rather than kits. With kits, you can’t test for stability until after you’ve made the furniture.
• Edges and Corners: Rounded edges and corners are safer, especially if you have children or pets.

That’s just the outdoor table top. You should run through a similar decision-making process for all other outdoor furniture items as you buy them.

Find The Safe Placement of Outdoor Furniture

Proper placement of outdoor furniture can prevent accidents and enhance the functionality of your space.

• Spacing: Ensure there is enough space around the furniture for safe and comfortable movement. Avoid placing furniture near the edge of decks or balconies. The last thing you want to risk is someone accidentally pushing their seat off the edge and taking a fall.
• Surface: Place your furniture on a flat, stable surface to prevent tipping over. If your outdoor space has a slope, consider levelling it out or using furniture with adjustable feet before you start using it.
• Shade: Position your furniture under a shade to protect it from the sun’s UV rays, which can cause some materials to become hot or degrade over time. It’s also more comfortable for the people using the furniture that way.

Regularly Inspect And Maintain

Regular maintenance and inspection of your outdoor furniture can prolong its life and ensure safety.

• Cleaning: Regularly clean your outdoor table top and other furniture to prevent the buildup of dirt and mould, which can cause deterioration.
• Inspection: Regularly inspect your furniture for any signs of damage or wear. Check for rust on metal furniture, splinters on wooden furniture, and cracks on plastic furniture.
• Repairs: Promptly repair any damage to prevent further deterioration and potential accidents. If the damage is severe, it might be safer to replace the furniture.

Store The Furniture Well During Off-Season

If you live in an area with harsh winters, consider storing your outdoor furniture indoors to protect it from the elements and prolong its life.

• Cleaning Before Storage: Clean your furniture thoroughly before storing it to prevent the growth of mould and mildew.
• Covering: If indoor storage is not an option, consider using waterproof covers to protect your furniture from rain, snow, and UV rays.
• Secure: Secure your furniture to prevent it from being blown away in strong winds. This is especially important for lightweight plastic or aluminium furniture.

Put Child And Pet Safety First

Finally, If you have children or pets, there are additional safety considerations to keep in mind:

• Child-Safe Furniture: Avoid furniture with sharp edges or moving parts that can pinch. Ensure the furniture is sturdy and cannot be easily tipped over.
• Pet-Friendly Materials: Some materials can get very hot in the sun and may be uncomfortable or even harmful to pets. Choose materials that stay relatively cool and are resistant to scratching and chewing.
• Add Locks: Consider locking off areas where the furniture might risk safety. For example, if you’ve got an outdoor table top on the patio that a child might be inclined to climb on, consider locking the patio for those times where parents aren’t available to supervise.

In conclusion, safety is an essential aspect of enjoying your outdoor living space. By choosing the right outdoor table top, properly placing and maintaining your furniture, and considering the safety of all family members (including pets), you can enjoy the space and the memories that it will create.