How to Care for Your HAY Palissade Furniture

HAY’s Palissade collection has become a modern outdoor classic. Designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, it combines strong architectural lines with a practical, durable construction made for life outdoors.

Whether placed on a city balcony, garden terrace or larger outdoor space, Palissade is designed to age gracefully over time. Like any well-made piece of furniture, a little routine care will help keep it looking its best for years to come.

Why Care Matters

Palissade is built from powder coated steel or hot galvanised steel, both chosen for their strength and suitability for outdoor use. Exposure to weather, moisture, dirt and day-to-day use is natural, but regular maintenance can help preserve the finish and extend the life of each piece.

The good news is that care is straightforward and low effort.

General Day-to-Day Care

We recommend a few simple habits throughout the year:

• Wipe away dirt, dust and marks regularly
• Remove stains as soon as possible
• Wipe away standing water after rain or snowfall
• Clean off bird droppings quickly to help prevent staining or corrosion
• Remove sun cream, drinks or other liquids after use, particularly in direct sunlight
• Lift furniture when moving it rather than dragging it
• Avoid scratching surfaces with sharp objects

Over time, some light discolouration from the surrounding environment can occur. This is a normal part of outdoor use.

Cleaning Powder Coated Steel

For powder coated Palissade pieces:

• Wipe with a clean cloth dampened with water, or water mixed with a mild neutral detergent
• Remove any soap residue immediately using a clean dry cloth
• Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring creams or pads, which may damage the finish

If lime deposits appear:

• Use lukewarm water mixed with one part vinegar to nine parts water
• Wipe gently with a soft cloth
• Avoid scrubbing the surface

Repairing Small Scratches

Small scratches or chips on powder coated steel can expose the surface beneath and may lead to corrosion over time.

These can be touched up using a Palissade repair lacquer or repair kit. If metal is exposed:

1. Lightly sand the area using fine sandpaper (around grain 220)
2. Wipe clean with a dry cloth
3. Clean the area with methylated spirits
4. Apply repair lacquer as directed

Avoid using solvents, as they may affect the coating.

Caring for Hot Galvanised Steel

Hot galvanised Palissade furniture is highly durable and generally low maintenance.

To clean:

• Wipe with a clean cloth using water or mild neutral detergent
• Dry afterwards with a clean cloth
• Avoid abrasive products or pads

Before first use, it is worth wiping surfaces down, as the zinc finish can oxidise slightly during transport.

You may also notice occasional white rust caused by condensation or moisture. This does not affect the life span of the furniture and will usually weather away naturally.

Winter Storage & Covers

The life expectancy of outdoor furniture always depends on weather conditions and how it is used.

During winter or long periods of poor weather, we recommend storing Palissade in a dry, ventilated space where possible. If storing outdoors, using fitted furniture covers can help protect against dirt, moisture and general wear.

When storing, avoid bumps or scratches from stacking or moving pieces.

Tables and Seating Checks

For Palissade tables:

• Tighten screws after the first one to two months of use
• Use coasters under hot, damp or coloured items to help prevent marks

For chairs:

• Check gliders and endcaps periodically for wear
• Avoid dragging stacked chairs, as added weight can damage legs

A Collection Designed to Last

One of the reasons Palissade remains so popular is that it is built for long-term use. Its materials are robust, its design is timeless, and it sits just as comfortably in natural settings as it does in urban spaces.

With occasional cleaning, sensible storage and minor maintenance when needed, your Palissade furniture should provide years of use outdoors.

Need a Little Extra Protection?

We also stock Palissade repair kits for touch-ups and fitted covers for seasonal protection.

Browse the full HAY Palissade collection or get in touch if you need help choosing the right care products for your setup.