If you’re like us, then you probably encourage your pets to use your outdoor furniture. We even have a pet section for the photographs our customers send us for our Do Some Good charity campaign. Between you and us, it is probably the team's favourite type of photo to receive!
In our blog articles, we always try and pick images relevant to the subject matter. In this article, we have simply selected some of our favourite pet photos. We could have included many more but you'll find them all in our customer photo gallery under the "pets" tab.
However, as pet owners, we also know what little rascals they can be too. Protecting your outdoor furniture from pet damage involves a combination of preventive measures, protective coverings, and training.
Here are our 10 simple strategies to help you safeguard your Lazy Susan metal outdoor furniture from pet damage:
1. Use protective outdoor furniture covers
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect outdoor furniture from pet damage, be it a garden sofa set or outdoor dining table set, is to cover them when not in use. That way, they’re protected when your back is turned.
Invest in high-quality, weather-resistant covers, made from a breathable fabric, that can be securely fastened in place.
In our experience, individual covers for each piece are better than one large cover over the whole set. They’re easier to put on and less likely to blow off but they will protect your furniture from scratches, chewing, or any other damage the little tinkers might cause.
2. Choose pet-friendly materials
Choose outdoor furniture that is durable and designed for outdoor use. Opt for fabrics like outdoor canvas or other high-performance materials that are resistant to scratches and tears.
Patio furniture constructed from powder-coated metal such as our cast aluminium or pressure-treated wood can best withstand pets better than softer materials such as resin and rattan.
Cast aluminium is a great pet-friendly outdoor furniture material because it is resistant to scratches and chewing and has a sturdy construction that is less likely to be tipped over or damaged by active pets.
It also requires very little in the way of maintenance, reducing the risk of deterioration that might attract pets to chew or scratch. A wipe-down with a damp cloth or hosed-off makes it easy to remove pet hair, dirt, and other residues.
Plus, the surface is non-absorbent Surface, so if there is an accident on a table or chair top or a cocked leg, then odours or stains, which would be an issue with other materials, are easy to wash away.
3. Create designated pet-friendly zones
If your pet or pets are a little on the boisterous side then we would recommend allocating a portion of your outdoor space that is just for them.
In the summer, you can pop pet beds, mats, or blankets in specific areas to give your pet a comfortable place to relax that isn’t on the patio furniture.
Space permitting, you could even go a step further and create a pet-friendly zone. Section off a designated area with toys, treats, and a shaded spot to encourage them to enjoy the outside space but stay off your furniture.
4. Try training and behaviour management techniques
If you have a new puppy or kitten (the good boy or girl above definitely doesn't need any training), then consistent training while they’re young is the key. Train them to stay off both your indoor and outdoor furniture by using commands and positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour.
They’re not something we have needed to try but there are several pet-safe deterrent sprays on the market to help keep our furry friends off the furniture.
These sprays have scents that pets dislike but we can’t smell or a sour taste (bitter apple and cherry are the common ones on sale in the UK) that will discourage them from climbing on or chewing your garden furniture.
5. Regularly groom your pets
Regular grooming is essential for many reasons but it is also a great way to minimise the potential for damaging furniture.
Keep your pet’s nails and claws trimmed to reduce the risk of scratching and regularly brush their coats to minimise shedding and reduce hair accumulation on outdoor furniture cushions, etc.
6. Choose a pet-friendly furniture layout
As well as purchasing a material such as metal that is durable, you can strategically arrange your outdoor furniture in a way that discourages your pets from jumping onto it.
For example, avoid placing your furniture near items such as a fence, shed or single-storey roof, so you can dissuade them from using the backs of garden chairs and tables as stepping stones.
Another solution is to use natural barriers such as tall planting to keep them away from certain parts of your patio and garden.
7. Keep patio furniture well-maintained
By keeping your outdoor furniture in tip-top condition and repairing any pet damage promptly, you will prevent bigger (and by bigger we mean more difficult to repair) issues from taking hold.
Fix any minor damage such as chips or scratches immediately to prevent it from worsening. Our powder-coated finish is durable so this would be rare from a pet, however, if the worst should happen then you can pick up our Touch Up Paint in our Spare Parts Shop.
With other materials or fabrics, this might involve sewing up a rip, sanding and refinishing scratched wood, or tightening loose screws on chairs and tables.
Also important, is to keep the furniture clean. This will maintain its condition and hopefully make it less appealing for pets to chew or scratch. We have seen first-hand what a puppy can do to a synthetic rattan sofa where a little bit of the weave has worked itself loose near the base!
8. Distractions and pet toys
Of course, if training doesn’t work then the best weapon in your arsenal is good old distraction. When your pets are outside, provide them with plenty of chew toys or scratching posts to keep them occupied and away from your garden furniture.
We have found that the interactive toys that dispense treats are a great way of keeping pets engaged and mentally stimulated when your back is turned and focused on other things such as gardening, etc.
9. Set a regular patio cleaning routine
We touched on this above under maintenance but cleaning should be regular not just when it is looking mucky.
Hoover or brush off pet hair from outdoor cushions before you store them. Wipe down your outdoor furniture with a damp cloth or a pet-safe cleaning solution to remove any dirt, paw prints, etc
Regularly sweep the patio area to remove dirt, leaves, and debris that pets might track onto the furniture. Wash with a suitable cleaning solution and hose down the patio itself and the furniture occasionally too to keep it clean.
If you have any pet beds, mats, or a designated pet area, then also make sure you clean and disinfect it regularly to reduce the spread of dirt and odour.
10. Purchase pet-friendly outdoor furniture
As well as the advantages cast aluminium has over other materials, the style of our collection also offers greater versatility.
Cast aluminium outdoor furniture comes in a wide range of designs and finishes, allowing you to choose pieces that complement your outdoor decor while being pet-friendly. For example, our darker antique bronze finish is better at concealing mucky paw prints than the white.
You can also easily customise our range and add cushions or covers to enhance comfort, and these accessories can be chosen in durable, pet-resistant fabrics.
The casting process we use for our aluminium outdoor furniture is designed to ensure smooth edges and a powder-coated surface, reducing the risk of injury to our pets. The weight and design of each piece also provide stability and adjustability of the feet with our screw-in pads to prevent it from tipping over easily when pets jump on or off.
Our final thoughts…
By implementing these 10 strategies, you can protect your outdoor furniture from pet damage and ensure that both your pets and your furniture are safe.
At the end of the day, we think our pets should use our patio furniture, we just need to exercise a little caution and common sense.
If you want to further protect Lazy Susan patio furniture from pets in terms of scratching or just keeping it cleaner for longer, then we would recommend that after washing you apply a light coat of car wax to enhance its resistance to pet-related wear and tear.
Overall, we would stress that cast aluminium is an excellent choice for outdoor furniture in a household with pets due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and resistance to the elements and wear.
If you have any pets then we would love to see a few photos of them on your outdoor furniture for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
