With the sun finally showing its face across the UK and the official start of summer just around the corner, it's time to throw open the patio doors and enjoy our outdoor spaces. Whether you're hosting a garden BBQ, sipping morning coffee al fresco, or simply soaking up some long-awaited vitamin D, your wooden deck is likely to become a well-used extension of your home.
But as we pull out our patio furniture sets to get them ready, you might not realise the damage they could be doing beneath your feet. Over time, dragging or placing furniture on a wooden deck can lead to scuffs, scratches, gouges, dents, and even long-term wear that’s costly to repair
So, do you need to protect your wooden deck from outdoor furniture? The short answer is yes—and luckily, it’s easier than you might think. Just like we recommend simple steps like keeping furniture clean and using fitted furniture covers to keep it ready to use, simple, low-cost decking solutions such as furniture pads and smart layout choices can keep the wood looking its best all season long.
In this article, the Lazy Magazine team will walk you through why deck protection matters, how to spot early signs of damage, and the most effective (and budget-friendly) ways to prevent it. Your deck deserves just as much care as your indoor floors—especially when the British summer (hopefully) decides to be generous.
Why protecting a wooden deck from furniture matters
There’s something undeniably inviting about a wooden deck. Whether it’s the warm tones of natural timber, the satisfying feel of bare feet on sun-warmed planks, or the way it blends effortlessly into a garden landscape, wood brings a sense of comfort and character that’s hard to match.
For the team here, we think it turns our outdoor spaces into something more—an open-air extension of the home where we relax, entertain, and connect with nature.
Wooden decking also adds value to a property, both aesthetically and practically. It’s versatile, timeless, and suits everything from rustic country gardens to sleek urban patios. But like any beautiful surface, it needs a bit of TLC — and the right furniture — to keep it looking its best year after year.
Wooden decks are beautiful but relatively soft compared to stone and porcelain patios. The pressure from chair legs or the dragging of heavy tables can cause scuffs and gouges that become more than just cosmetic over time. Repeated stress in the same areas can even weaken planks or cause moisture to seep in, leading to the dreaded rot or mildew.
The issue is more than just aesthetics—left unprotected, a deck can degrade faster and require costly repairs or full refinishing. Homeowners often overlook this until the damage is done, especially when setting up for the summer rush of garden gatherings and barbecues.
Using furniture that’s built with deck protection in mind is key. This is where our cast aluminium range stands out—designed to offer comfort and durability without compromising your decking.
How the UK climate affects deck durability
The (not so) Great British weather can be famously unpredictable. One moment it's blazing sun, the next it's sudden downpours. These fluctuations in moisture and temperature will cause wooden decks to expand and contract, which, over time, weakens both the structure and finish.
When patio furniture is left on your deck, especially heavier items, it too can trap moisture beneath or wear down protective coatings and finishes. Wet conditions and furniture that rusts or leaches colour can leave behind stains and marks that are difficult to remove
Our cast aluminium patio furniture range offers a smart solution. Not only is it rust-resistant (no unsightly brown rings left behind), but it’s also sturdy enough to stay put in a breeze and lightweight enough to move with ease, minimising the risk of dragging damage.
Plus, the plastic screw-in feet supplied with all our tables and chairs help lift the furniture off the decking surface, promoting airflow, helping pieces glide gently when moved, and preventing water from pooling underneath
The best ways to protect a wooden deck from furniture and general deck damage
There are several ways to reduce the risk of patio furniture-related damage to your decking. One of the most effective is to use furniture designed with deck-friendly features. Avoid overly heavy pieces that are difficult to move or anything with sharp metal feet or legs.
Placing rubber or felt pads under furniture legs can also help, as can using outdoor rugs to create a soft buffer between the furniture and the wood. However, these solutions aren’t always durable or weatherproof, and they can sometimes trap moisture instead of protecting against it.
This is where our attention to detail shines. Our screw-in plastic feet (pictured above) not only prevent scratches but also allow you to level furniture on uneven decking—perfect for older or weathered installations.
Here at the Lazy Magazine, it is this thoughtful design that we think makes our furniture the ideal choice for wooden decks, especially in the ever-changing British climate.
From furniture pads to outdoor rugs: Our simple DIY deck protection hacks that work
If you're using existing furniture that doesn’t have protective features, a few quick DIY tips can help minimise damage.
First, avoid dragging any furniture across your decking. Lift and reposition whenever possible, even for smaller items like chairs or planters.
You can also install felt furniture pads or adhesive rubber protectors on chair and table legs. Just be sure to check and replace them regularly, especially after rain or strong winds.
Rearranging your furniture periodically also helps spread out wear patterns and prevent long-term damage to one area of the deck.
Regular maintenance will keep your deck looking new
Even with our furniture, your wooden deck will benefit from regular upkeep.
Sweep it often to remove debris that can trap moisture or cause mildew. Clean the surface with a deck-safe solution every few weeks during the summer months.
Inspect areas under and around furniture for early signs of wear. Look for faded patches, surface scratching, or softness in the wood—early treatment can prevent larger problems later on.
If your decking has lost its seal, reapplying a quality wood preservative or stain will greatly extend its life and improve resistance to furniture damage.
Make smart patio furniture choices for deck wood longevity
Not all patio furniture is suited to wooden decks. Materials like steel or wrought iron can be too heavy and prone to rust. On the other hand, lightweight plastic furniture often lacks stability in windy weather and may slide or topple easily.
Our cast aluminium range hits the sweet spot: strong and stable enough to handle everyday use and UK weather, yet light enough to move without dragging.
It features smooth legs and integrated protective feet pads to make it inherently safe for wood surfaces—no add-ons or fiddly stick on pads required.
Our designs are timeless, too, blending style and practicality. Whether you're outfitting a small decked balcony or a full timber surfaced garden dining space, our collection delivers the flexibility that puts your deck’s condition first.
Wood Stains & Sealants: Our recommended products to help protect your deck
If you’re looking to protect your wooden deck and elevate your outdoor space, as well as investing in the right furniture, a good maintenance routine and products are essential.
Every table and chair in their range comes with screw-in plastic feet that prevent scratches, reduce moisture retention, and help level out furniture on uneven decking.
Popular bestsellers like our June 6-Seater Table Set, Mia Bistro Set, and the Charlotte Dining Set are firm favourites with homeowners who want both practicality and style. These lightweight but sturdy pieces are perfect for wooden decks, offering stability without the risk of rust or dragging damage.
For those just getting started on their deck care journey, a few smart product choices can go a long way. Consider applying advanced formulation decking oils or wood preservatives with UV protection to help nourish the wood and protect it from moisture, UV rays, and general wear.
Trusted UK brands such as Ronseal’s Ultimate Decking Oil, Cuprinol’s Anti-Slip Decking Stain, or Osmo’s Decking Oil offer excellent long-lasting protection and are widely available at retailers like B&Q, Wickes, and Homebase.
Applying a protective finish once or twice a year will significantly extend the life and look of your decking—especially when paired with furniture that won’t cause further wear and tear.
If you’re after a little extra comfort and protection, consider adding a breathable outdoor rug underneath your furniture set. Look for UV- and moisture-resistant designs like those offered by Cuckooland, La Redoute, or IKEA, as they won’t trap water or stain your decking. Just make sure to lift and air them out regularly to prevent moisture from building up underneath.
Consider composite decking as a long-term alternative
If you're looking for a more durable, low-maintenance option, composite decking is worth considering. This is a material we looked at in detail in our Will our metal garden furniture damage composite decking? article.
Unlike wood, composite materials are highly resistant to scratches, dents, and stains caused by patio furniture. They don’t splinter or crack easily, making them a smart long-term investment for high-traffic outdoor areas. OK they maybe don't look as nice as the real thing, but they're a good low maintainence alternative.
Composite decking is also better suited to a wide range of patio furniture types. Whether you prefer heavy metal dining sets, plastic loungers, or wooden benches, composite boards can handle the weight and movement without gouging or wearing down. This makes it an ideal choice for spaces where furniture is frequently moved or rearranged.
While the upfront cost is higher than traditional wood, composite decking can save time and money on maintenance. You won’t need to worry about sealing, staining, or frequent repairs, and its tough surface helps preserve the look of your deck even with everyday use.
Our final thoughts on our outdoor furniture on timber decking…
Here at the Lazy Magazine, we want you to make the most of your decking and outdoor living space this summer!
Protecting your wooden deck doesn’t need to be complicated. By choosing garden furniture that’s designed with deck surfaces in mind—like our rust-free, lightweight cast aluminium range—you can avoid many of the common issues that prematurely wear out decking
Add in a few simple steps like regular cleaning, moving furniture occasionally, and checking for damage, and your deck will stay in top condition through the summer and beyond.
With the right choices, your outdoor space can be as comfortable and low-maintenance as your living room. So pull up a (protected) chair, soak in that sunshine, and enjoy your garden without worry.
What’s more, investing in high-quality, long-lasting outdoor furniture now can save you time and money in the long run.
With Lazy Susan, you’re not just choosing beautiful garden furniture pieces—you’re opting for a smart, sustainable approach to outdoor living. Our cast aluminium range is built to last for years, so you can spend less time maintaining and more time making memories.
Whether you’re planning quiet morning coffee with friends, weekend family brunches, or relaxed evening drinks with a loved one, your deck should be a joy to use, not a source of stress.
Choosing the right outdoor furniture is the first step in protecting that space, and we make it easy with our design-led solutions that look as good as they perform.
If you have our patio furniture on your wood deck, we’d love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload It Here.
