When considering installing steel furniture outside, several questions arise regarding its durability and maintenance.
The main concern is protection against corrosion, but also, against all elements that can tarnish or damage the metal. Will the steel legs be UV resistant? Will they handle the rain? Can you put a raw steel leg outside?
In this article we will answer all the questions you ask yourself before putting a steel foot outside. You will also know more about powder coating and the maintenance of raw steel legs.
We will provide you with practical advice for each situation, so that your steel table maintains its appearance and functionality throughout the seasons.
Here we go, follow the guide! 🤓
What is powder coating? What is varnish used for?
Powder coating is a process that allows you to paint the steel. 🖌️
To do this, we spray powder paint which will then be heated in an oven.
In doing so, the paint will evenly cover the steel foot, which allows you to obtain a perfect result, without dripping. Moreover, the metal is thus much more resistant over time. It is in fact waterproofed and protected from UV, as well as corrosion.
The varnish, for its part, allows you to obtain different types of finishing. It can give a matte, glossy or satin effect to the paint.
In addition, it gives the steel a more high resistance to chemicals, which facilitates the maintenance of the steel legs. 🧽
Are steel legs UV protected?
As we have just seen, the powder-coated steel legs are UV protected. They are therefore suitable for outdoor use.
The raw steel legs, on the other hand, do not benefit from this protection.
If you are a fan of this finish, you can still leave your furniture legs outside provided you protect them from UV rays with a special varnish. 🌞
You can also use a cold galvanizer, which allows better resistance to all climatic hazards.
So is it possible to expose your steel table directly to the sun? Can we put it in the shade?
Yes, it is possible to leave your table in steel exposed to direct sunlight, if it is powder-coated.
If she is in raw steel, it must be varnished and protected.
However, it remains more fragile, which is why placing it in the shade can be a good compromise.
In fact, it thus remains at sheltered from rain and UV rays, which tends to limit corrosion. 🌧️
Are the steel feet treated with anti-corrosion treatment?
As we have seen, powder-coated feet are UV resistant. But this paint is equally impervious to rain and frost, as well as any element that could cause corrosion.
Raw steel legs, on the contrary, are not protected against corrosion.
If you still wish to opt for this finish, you can leave it outside provided that:
- Varnish it at least once a week with jade oil.
- Move from rustproofing at least once a year.
- To opt for glides under the table legs, so that they are not in direct contact with wet soil. đź’§
Rain, wind, sea spray... What to do in the face of bad weather?
We told you a little earlier that you could apply rustproofing once a year to your steel feet.
Don't hesitate to pass two or three times a year if you live by the sea. Salt spray can in fact be very corrosive to your steel furniture. 🌊
This advice can also be applied if you live in a very rainy area. Rain can significantly accelerate the corrosion of raw steel furniture.
Also think about regularly check your feet for any rust stains.
How to maintain steel table legs?
Feet in powder-coated steel have the advantage of requiring minimal maintenance. In fact, you can just remove the leaves and debris that fall on it regularly.
You can also pass a microfiber cloth soaked in soapy water to remove dust.
Regarding raw steel legs, you can do the same. Marseille soap or black soap are very suitable for cleaning. 🧹
However, be careful to Wipe the feet well with a clean cloth once cleaning is complete. This will prevent rust from appearing!
If you want to know everything about this subject, check out our guide to the maintenance of steel table legs.
Winter is coming, what to do?
Winter can put steel furniture to the test. That is why it is recommended to place it in a garage or shelter.
If you don't have one, you can put a tarpaulin on your table.
Be careful, however, of your feet which may be in direct contact with the wet ground. It is better to opt for skates under the feet in this case.
We hope to have answered to all the questions you ask yourself before putting a steel foot outside. 🏡
Remember that:
- Powder coating is a process which not only allows the legs to be painted but also to make them resistant to corrosion. They are therefore suitable for outdoors. Raw steel feet, not having this protection, are more fragile.
- The powder-coated steel legs are UV protected. Those made of raw steel must be varnished and treated to resist it.
- You can place your raw steel table under a shelter or in the shade, to reduce the impact of UV rays.
- The powder-coated legs resist sea spray, rain, wind and salt air and all kinds of bad weather. Raw steel legs, for their part, must be protected with oil and must undergo regular anti-rust treatment.
- The table legs can be cleaned with a cloth and soapy water. Remember to dry them well if they are made of raw steel.
- In winter, you can cover your table or better yet, put it in a garage.
If you liked this article, don’t miss this one: how to arrange your terrace for the summer?
See you soon at Ripaton! ✨