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Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,019
Registered: ‎08-08-2010

Outdoor items. Do you take them in and out, or just....

leave them out?

 

With the spring shows on recently, and the Luminara lanterns that everyone is loving, I was wondering if you buy something for the out of doors, on your deck, porch, or poolside, do you leave it out all year or all season, or do you bring it in when it rains (or gets dark, or winter comes)?

 

I have gotten to the point where I will put away my outside patio and porch things at the end of the season, as we have a good 5 months (sometimes more) of weather that isn't fit to be outside using it anyway, and it really extends the life and look of the items.

 

But in the spring, once I set things up outside, I want to leave them. I don't have the time or energy to move things in and out every time it rains (although if they are calling for really high winds, I will set stuff down, or bring in a few breakables for a storm like that).

 

I have gotten to the point where my choices for outdoor decor and furniture have to withstand the elements of spring/summer/fall here, or I don't want them, no matter how lovely they are. 

 

I used to be more particular, and bring some more delicate things inside during rain etc, but now, I'd rather replace it after a few years, than constantly be bringing things in and out, and worrying about having 'too nice of things' out in the weather.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 25,929
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Outdoor items. Do you take them in and out, or just....

We bring the cushions in and lay them on the floor inside the sliders when it's supposed to rain - the rest stays out on the lanai.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,341
Registered: ‎04-19-2010

Re: Outdoor items. Do you take them in and out, or just....

I bring things out in the spring, and bring them into the basement/garage in the fall.  We have harsh winters.  I do not bring things in and out daily, and cannot image having enough time or energy to do that - besides, the stuff is MADE to be outside.


-- pro-aging --


Rochester, New York
Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,458
Registered: ‎04-26-2013

Re: Outdoor items. Do you take them in and out, or just....

I'm in Chicago, so of course for the winter some are put in the garage, others to the inner side of the deck against the house & covered with a tarp, my deck has a roof so that helps a lot.

 

After I set up the deck for the season, everything stays out.

Valued Contributor
Posts: 833
Registered: ‎09-09-2010

Re: Outdoor items. Do you take them in and out, or just....

We used to put everything away from outdoors into the garage because we have a long spread snowy season (Nov-May). A lot of my son's furniture is now stored in the place until he comes and takes it. So, my patio furniture now stays outside all year long and covered in the winter/spring. It's okay out there, we bought a wrought iron set made in Alabama and it can take the weather for longer than my lifetime.

 

The decor type stuff is all in one huge plastic bin, I've pared that down quite a bit last year. Pots stay outside under the trees. Umbrella and cushions are in the garage. I have only one lantern that is outside only, I don't really like it, I bought it last year from QVC (the metal is flimsy-like, definitely cheap looking in person). I move my other Luminara lanterns in and out of the house during usage.

 

I got tired of running around like a crazy lady during the summer when the weather turns bad, so I mininimized everything that can get broken during the hail season Jun-Aug. Also, I place things under trees when I finally get to put my stuff out in late May, so it take on the hail and the fierce sun in high altitude. The only thing I have to worry about is getting the umbrella in so it won't take off flying or becoming a holey-mess (and it was too expensive to not care about taking care of it).

Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,892
Registered: ‎07-03-2013

Re: Outdoor items. Do you take them in and out, or just....

Everything goes out in May and goes in in October.  I do bring a few things in for a day or two if it's going to be really windy.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,652
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Outdoor items. Do you take them in and out, or just....

I am learning to be kind to myself in the garden. Now, for the most part, what I buy has to be able to take four seasons or it's out for me.  I take in a few things like my gazing balls in winter but that is it. I have moved to bigger pieces able to stand Atlantic Canadian Winters.  However, Lord help me if I ever have to move😩!!!

 

This is my retirement home, so hopefully I will be here for a long time!  LM

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,197
Registered: ‎12-13-2010

Re: Outdoor items. Do you take them in and out, or just....

I don't put a lot out unless we're having a special event.  If a storm is coming I do secure small pots of plants and make sure the umbrellas are closed.  I don't leave any lanterns out  except in covered areas.  I'm much too lazy to have to run and gather up a lot of smaller items every time the rains come.  I don't believe a lot of these items that are labeled indoor-outdoor are really durable enough for very high temperatures, wind and rain for long periods of time, at least not in my area. 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,066
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: Outdoor items. Do you take them in and out, or just....

I purposely bought outdoor furniture that doesn't require cushions so I could leave it out year-round.  We have temperate weather here, so I don't have to worry about ice and snow.  

 

Remember the TSV lanterns from years ago?  I think they were Bethlehem Lights with Candle Impressions outdoor candles and shepherd's hooks.  They were metal and were supposed to hold up to the elements.  They rusted after getting wet, so I would never assume any metal item from QVC is weather-proof no matter what they say.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,444
Registered: ‎07-28-2012

Re: Outdoor items. Do you take them in and out, or just....

I put things out in late March/early April, take back into garage for storage in October, sometimes early Novermber. Don't have anything that is too fragile to withstand the weather. Actually I am leaving more out year round the last couple years and have not seen any significant change to those items. If I buy it, it has to be tough enough to withstand the weather. No way am I going to run around gathering up items every time a storm comes through.
"To each their own, in all things".