7 Items You Should Never Store on Your Deck, According to Experts

If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard deck, you likely want to maximize that extra square footage. But before you purchase new seasonal furniture or decor, keep in mind that if you want them and your deck to last, some items should only earn a temporary spot outdoors.

Even if you choose durable materials for your outdoor deck, there are certain precautions to take to ensure the longevity of the structure, not to mention the items atop it.

We asked a few experts for their thoughts on the matter—here are seven things that should not be stored on your deck longer than necessary.

Meet the Experts

• Leslie Adkins is the group vice president of marketing and ESG development at Trex.

• Jessica Green is the director of upholstery at Four Hands.

• Anna Tichon is the senior product developer for outdoor at Four Hands.

Outdoor Furniture That Isn't UV- or Water-Resistant

Not all outdoor furniture is built for the long haul. If you plan to enjoy yours for more than one season, it needs to stand up to moisture and the sun’s rays.

“Unless your furniture is upholstered with water-repellent, quick-drying, and anti-microbial fabric, it should not be left outside,” Jessica Green of Four Hands tells The Spruce.

Wicker furniture should never be left outside unless yours is made from synthetic resin or another type of all-weather material.

“Natural wicker is not durable enough to endure harsh elements and water damage can cause the wicker fibers to become brittle and break,” Anna Tichon of Four Hands says.

Pro Tip

If removing deck furniture between uses is not on your relaxing summer agenda, consider buying furniture slipcovers that will provide the needed protection.

Cushions and Throw Pillows

You might consider striking this one from the list if you live in a dry climate, but for the rest of us with rainy springs and summers, remember to remove any cushions and pillows from patio furniture.

They’re a “breeding ground for mildew and mold,” according to Green, who adds that it’s best if you store them in a dry, open space. Storing moisture-retaining cushions or pillows in a dark, damp basement is a no-go, she says.

Rubber Mats

Rubber mats are great for providing traction, but they’re not meant to be kept in the same place for the long term.

“Depending on the type of decking you have, the rubber material may cause discoloration on the deck surface,” Leslie Adkins of Trex says.

Yard Debris and Standing Water

Aside from the obvious eyesore, layers of leaves, dirt, and pollen can lead to mold growth, says Adkins. Sweep your deck regularly and clean it as needed with warm, soapy water to remove any stains or residue.

Don’t forget to check any furniture covers for pooled water after a rainstorm. Not only will the extra weight cause a strain to the furniture underneath, but the water will attract insects.

The same goes for any water left in pots and vases; Tichon says they could cause discoloration to the surfaces they’re resting on.

Outdoor Rugs

A colorful or patterned rug can bring your outdoor living space to life, but not if you plan to leave it in the same place on your deck at all times.

It might sound labor-intensive to have to roll up a rug when it’s not in use, but there's a good reason you should take the extra step: it can affect the deck beneath it, particularly if it’s made from wood.

“Carpets have strong moisture retention, and trapping moisture within the flooring can cause wood to rot,” Green says, adding that any dyes or chemicals within the rug can stain the deck’s surface.

Rolling up the rug, or at least moving it around, can prevent damage, Green says. Choose a rug made from a high-quality material that repels water, like polyethylene terephthalate.

Pro Tip

It’s best to store any carpet indoors when it’s raining, but you can always hang the rug to dry if you don’t time things right with Mother Nature.

Umbrellas

Birds or butterflies in flight on a summer day is a beautiful sight. A patio umbrella that’s captured a gust of wind, on the other hand, is a rather scary one.

It doesn’t take hurricane or tornado-level winds to send an open (or even a closed) umbrella on a ride, so be sure it’s closed or removed from your deck when strong winds are in the forecast.

Small Decor

Just as you would dust decor inside your home, porch decor needs a wipe-down with soapy water to remove dirt. Like umbrellas, smaller items can also become projectiles in a windstorm or they might simply fall over and break, so take measures to protect them as well.

“Care and consideration go a long way,” Tichon says. “If you really love your decor, keep an eye on the sky and move it indoors during questionable weather.

Read the original article on The Spruce.