Hurricane season in Orlando brings a mix of uncertainty and preparation, especially when it comes to anything left outdoors. If you’ve spent time creating a cozy patio for you and your family, the last thing you want is to see parts of your furniture damaged or worse, missing after a storm passes through. Florida weather can shift fast during late summer, and it’s worth thinking ahead about how your outdoor space might hold up with higher winds and heavy downpours.
Patio furniture doesn’t always come cheap, and if you’ve chosen more mindful options like eco-friendly patio furniture in Orlando, protecting that investment matters even more. These types of furniture are made with sustainability in mind, but that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible in extreme conditions. Here’s what to expect from hurricane season in the area and how to get your patio ready before it’s too late.
Understanding Hurricane Season in Orlando
Orlando’s hurricane season typically starts in June and runs through November, with the biggest storms more likely between August and October. That end-of-summer buildup brings high heat, sticky air, and the kind of thunderstorms that can go from a sprinkle to a downpour in minutes. By late August, the chances of stronger systems rolling through, sometimes with days of warning, sometimes with very little, go up.
This season is known for producing wind that pushes anything lightweight or not secured. Even if your home is a few miles inland, strong gusts can flip furniture, scatter cushions, and crack weaker pieces. And it’s not just wind. Rain rolls in fast, pooling under patio furniture, soaking into fabric cushions, and eroding surfaces made of softer wood or poorly treated materials.
If your furniture sits uncovered or exposed for too long during repeated rain cycles, you might start seeing signs of wear faster than expected. That’s even more of a concern for materials designed to break down more naturally, like certain recycled or biodegradable components used in eco-friendly options. While better for the environment, these materials usually need extra care when faced with steady moisture or sun exposure after a storm.
You don’t need a declared hurricane for damage to happen. Even a strong afternoon storm can knock things around or leave puddles that invite mold and mildew. If you’ve got trees nearby, don’t forget that falling limbs or flying debris can cause damage without warning.
Types Of Damage To Patio Furniture
When weather hits hard, your patio is one of the first places to show it. Whether it’s wind, water, or debris, the damage really depends on what your furniture is made of and how it’s arranged. Here’s what tends to go wrong during hurricane conditions:
– Wind Damage
1. Lightweight chairs and tables may tip over or get tossed far from where they started.
2. Patio umbrellas, especially if left open, act like sails and often snap or fly away.
3. Wind-driven debris like twigs, branches, or even garden decor can crack or dent surfaces.
– Water Damage
1. Pooled rainwater causes wood to warp and metal to rust, especially in joints and seams.
2. Cushions and fabric not treated to resist water can develop mold or mildew quickly.
3. Soaking rain weakens joints in furniture, making them wobbly or unsafe over time.
– Impact from Debris
1. Sharp or heavy objects can tear cushions or scratch frames.
2. Falling branches may completely break tabletops or dent metal legs.
3. Plastic pieces, especially in eco-friendly options, could crack under sudden pressure.
If your eco-friendly patio furniture in Orlando includes recycled plastics, treated wood, or reused metals, it likely offers both durability and lower environmental impact. Even so, recycled plastic can become brittle when exposed to intense sun right after rain. Wood that’s water-resistant can stay that way for a while, but prolonged moisture followed by strong sunlight can shorten its lifespan.
For instance, one Orlando family said their lightweight lounge chairs flipped into the pool during a late summer storm. The plastic legs warped from both the impact and the heat the next day. If those chairs had been brought inside or tied down just before, the damage could have been avoided. Keeping track of the forecast and knowing what your pieces are made of helps protect your investment.
How to Protect Your Eco-Friendly Patio Furniture
Planning ahead is one of the best ways to keep your outdoor area protected during hurricane season. Here are some no-fuss ways to protect your eco-friendly patio furniture in Orlando:
1. Storage Solutions
If you own a garage, shed, or even a covered carport, use that space to store your patio furniture during storm threats. Stackable chairs or foldable tables should go inside first. Try to keep furniture away from windows once indoors.
2. Use Protective Covers
Thick, water-resistant covers help shield your furniture when moving it isn’t an option. Choose covers that fit snugly so they don’t blow away. Look for ones with vents to keep moisture from building up underneath.
3. Secure with Tie-Downs
Sturdy furniture that can’t be moved, like large benches or dining sets, should be anchored using strong tie-downs or straps. Make sure the securing points are solid, such as deck rails or built-in posts.
4. Remove and Store Cushions
Before a storm hits, take all fabric cushions indoors. A dry spot like a closet or storage container works well. This prevents mildew and keeps your cushions looking nice longer.
5. Trim Nearby Trees
Keep branches trimmed back to reduce the risk of broken limbs smashing into your furniture. If a tree looks weak or heavy with limbs, consider removing it altogether before storm season.
These tips don’t take tons of time, but they can prevent you from fixing or replacing damaged items later. Most importantly, they help your current setup last longer through multiple seasons. Each yard is different, so a mix of these options usually works best.
Post-Hurricane Maintenance Tips
Once the wind settles and the rain stops, your outdoor furniture might not look the same. But a quick check and a little cleanup can fix most minor issues before they get worse. Here’s where to start:
– Clean and Dry Everything
Wipe down your furniture with mild soap and warm water. This clears off residue from dirt and yard debris. Rinse and let it dry completely in the sun before putting anything away or back in place.
– Inspect for Damage
Go over every item piece by piece. Look for loose screws, dented frames, and cracks. Give cushions a squeeze to check for hidden moisture. If anything feels off, take care of it right away.
– Repair Minor Issues
Rust spots or dents might seem small but can grow fast in Florida’s heat and humidity. Sand rusty areas and touch up with paint as needed. On wood furniture, seal scratches or cracks with protective oil or stain.
– Condition Materials
Using a conditioner or protectant on wood or eco-friendly plastics can help keep them flexible and strong, especially after a tough storm. This simple step keeps things looking fresh and helps resist wear from future sun or rain.
Keeping your patio furniture in shape doesn’t mean a full rebuild after every storm. Most pieces are made to handle some stress, but regular checks make recovery easier and help you get back to enjoying your outdoor setup faster.
Keep Your Patio Beautiful and Safe
No one enjoys last-minute scrambling before a storm. A little planning paired with smart care keeps your outdoor space in great shape year-round. When you take time to protect your eco-friendly patio furniture in Orlando from storm damage, you also make it more enjoyable for everyday use.
Having peace of mind during hurricane season starts with knowing your patio is ready for whatever may come. Extra care during cleanup and regular upkeep between storms lets your outdoor furniture stay useful and attractive beyond just one season. For those who want their backyard to be both beautiful and built to last, picking pieces that reflect both your style and local weather needs is a smart move.
Bringing eco-friendly patio furniture in Orlando up to the challenge of hurricane season is all about smart choices and preparation. Keep your outdoor space beautiful and durable by exploring options that offer both style and resilience. Palm Casual offers a range of thoughtfully designed pieces built to handle the elements. Learn more about how eco-friendly patio furniture in Orlando can elevate your space and weather the storm with confidence.
