Outdoor Living Tips for Expats: How to Maintain Your Garden Furniture for Long-Lasting Beauty
Relocating to The Hague? Whether you’ve just settled into your new home or you’re still in the process of finding the perfect property with Expat Relocation The Hague, creating a welcoming and stylish outdoor space can make your transition smoother and your living experience far more enjoyable.
Outdoor living is a key part of life in the Netherlands—especially in a city like The Hague, where parks, beaches, and terraces are a natural extension of everyday life. Investing in quality garden furniture is a smart move, but proper care is essential to keep it looking beautiful through all seasons.
Here are five essential maintenance tips to protect your outdoor furniture and enjoy a stunning, comfortable space for years to come.
1. Use the Right Care Products for Teak Wood
Teak is a popular material for outdoor furniture because of its strength and natural resistance to weather. However, it still needs periodic care. If your furniture no longer repels water or stains appear that don’t wash off easily, it’s time to treat the wood.
Use a specialized teak care kit to clean, restore, and protect your furniture. Regular maintenance helps preserve the wood’s golden hue and prevent graying. With proper treatment, your teak pieces will last for decades—even in the Dutch climate.
2. Cover Your Furniture When Not in Use
Dutch weather can be unpredictable. Rain, wind, and even salty coastal air (especially near Scheveningen or Kijkduin) can wear down materials over time. Using well-fitted covers when your furniture is not in use—especially during autumn and winter—protects it from unnecessary exposure and extends its lifespan.
If you’re new in town, look for local garden centres or homeware stores in The Hague that offer weather-resistant covers specifically designed for your furniture type.
3. Know Your Materials and Their Requirements
Different outdoor furniture materials require different levels of care. Teak, aluminium, rattan, and powder-coated steel all respond differently to moisture and UV exposure.
When furnishing your new outdoor space in The Hague, take a moment to check care instructions or product disclaimers. This helps you understand how to clean and protect each item, and ensures you don’t unintentionally damage your investment.
4. Clean Regularly with Mild Products
Pollen, sea breeze, and urban dust can settle quickly on your garden furniture. A quick weekly clean using a soft cloth and mild soap can help prevent build-up. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can strip protective finishes or damage natural materials.
For teak wood, a gentle clean followed by air drying is often all you need to keep the surface smooth and free of mildew.
5. Rotate and Reposition Your Furniture
Exposure to sunlight varies greatly, especially in Dutch gardens and balconies where buildings or fences create partial shade. Rotating your furniture every few weeks helps prevent uneven fading and wear from UV rays.
If you’ve just moved into a new home in The Hague with Expat Relocation services, take time to observe how sunlight hits your outdoor area throughout the day. This helps you decide on the best placement for both comfort and preservation.
Make the Most of Your New Outdoor Space
Caring for your outdoor furniture doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, a consistent routine, and a little knowledge, you can keep your garden or balcony looking beautiful and feeling like home.
Still searching for a home with outdoor potential? At Expat Relocation The Hague, we not only help you find the perfect property—we also offer lifestyle guidance to help you make the most of your new environment.
Whether it’s a city apartment with a rooftop terrace or a family home with a lush garden, we’ll help you land the ideal place to enjoy Dutch outdoor living to the fullest.
