In general, bamboo furniture cannot be left outside year-round because exposure to bad weather will damage its structure and finish. Bamboo furniture was traditionally intended for indoor settings and cannot withstand constant changes in temperature or humidity.
This means that bamboo furniture made with substantial round bamboo poles or laminated panels shouldn’t be left outside in the late fall or winter. It’s fine to have your bamboo outdoors from May all the way through the end of the summer, but as the weather begins to change, it’s best to move it indoors.
Every natural material used to make furniture is susceptible to damage from the elements, wood, wicker, and bamboo alike. People across the world are still choosing this natural furniture for their patios and balconies because of its bright colors and natural patterns.
How to Protect Outdoor Bamboo Furniture?
Most people don’t consider the issue of weather resistance and moisture absorption when purchasing their furniture.
If you live in a climate with constant weather changes and leave bamboo furniture outside for more than a year, then it will probably be damaged from the elements.
It’s better to keep your bamboo furniture indoors, instead of dealing with the possibility of having to replace some pieces after a year or two.
If you decide that you want to use your bamboo furniture outdoors, then you should at least try to protect it with a tablecloth or by moving them under the shelter of a terrace or covered porch.
You can also place them under a waterproof cover if you think the risk of damage is too high from the outside elements.
If you are willing to take the chance and let your furniture pieces weather away out in the open, then don’t forget to frequently check their condition over time.
Examine the surface and feel the furniture to see if there is any swelling taking place in the bamboo. This can indicate that there has been some moisture absorption, and if it is too severe it can lead to excessive warping of the wood.
Even if your furniture is protected from the rain with a cover or under a roof, some parts of your furniture will still be vulnerable to water damage because of humidity.
To prevent this from happening, use an appropriate type of furniture wax (see below) on the bamboo which will seal off all possible cracks and crevices that may allow water or other liquids to seep inside.
In order to ensure that your bamboo chairs, tables, or other furniture doesn’t deteriorate, you should take regular care of all parts, especially the joints where pieces connect together.
A sign of water damage on bamboo can be a pale mark or a blemish on the surface of the furniture.
If you recognize a stain, then it is best that you replace it immediately because this means that some moisture has managed to get inside the wood and has started to rot out its inner structure.
How to Treat Outdoor Bamboo Furniture?
If you have decided to use your bamboo furniture outdoors, then it’s a good idea to apply some wax onto the surfaces to protect the outer layers from moisture.
A good type of wax to use contains Tung oil which can be applied on solid bamboo and on a rough bamboo finish. To apply it properly make sure that the surface is completely dry before you proceed with step two which involves wiping the wood using a clean cloth. Apply a second coat after a few minutes.
Instead of using regular wax, you could also try mixing coconut oil with turpentine in equal amounts and then spreading it out evenly to cover every part of the furniture piece.
To keep your furniture dry, you should also invest in some waterproof covers that minimize the risk of water leaking through the joints and causing damage.
This should involve using a transparent plastic material on the inside framework of the bamboo furniture.
Acrylic sheets will work as well though they will not have quite the same effect on making your furniture look professional.
How to Clean Outdoor Fabric-covered Bamboo Furniture?
Since untreated outdoor bamboo that is exposed to rain can be damaged by weather, you need to make sure that your piece of furniture is protected from dust and dirt with waterproof covers to preserve its beauty.
If the fabric is removable, proceed to wash it as recommended, if not, learn to cover the material when you’re not using the chairs or tables. After the cover is in place, you can now begin cleaning it off using a damp cloth soaked in soapy water. Then wipe off the dirt with another soft cloth and dry it before you allow it to dry completely.
If you choose to use your furniture outdoors, make sure to regularly clean the dirt off any seat cushions or tables to prevent unsightly stains from appearing.
Organized outdoor furniture retailers will help you find appropriate products for this purpose, or you could try making your own solution by mixing some soap flakes with water and spraying it over your furniture.
Can Bamboo Furniture Be Left Outdoors?
Based on its natural origin, it is safe to say that bamboo furniture cannot be left outdoors for a prolonged time without suffering from the elements and eventually deteriorating.
Bamboo naturally expands when wet, so for this reason alone, you should not leave your bamboo furniture outside. To maintain the quality of your outdoor furnishings, it’s best that you store your wooden furniture indoors and enjoy it only during afternoons or weekends spent at home.
Some species of bamboo can grow to be so thick that they are considered trees. These types of trees will absorb moisture from the air and eventually get swollen to the point that their growth has been affected.
Bamboo Group is a collaboration of individuals who love the world’s most sustainable and eco-friendly natural material. We believe every home can benefit from the natural colors and patterns of bamboo. We’re excited to see bamboo grow in popularity and get the recognition it deserves. Years of experience growing bamboo plants have taught us a lot we want to share with the world.