Hello everyone, I have a question that has been on my mind for some time: How can I effectively use MALM furniture from IKEA outdoors?
I own a few MALM dressers and nightstands at home and am considering whether it’s possible to make them more weather-resistant for use, for example, on a covered terrace or in the garden. Of course, I understand that MALM furniture is not designed for outdoor use. However, I think certain protective measures or tricks might extend their lifespan outside.
I would appreciate tips on which sealants, primers, paints, or perhaps coverings are useful. Also, any experience regarding whether it’s even worth it or if the material quickly deteriorates due to moisture and temperature changes would be great. Thanks in advance!
I own a few MALM dressers and nightstands at home and am considering whether it’s possible to make them more weather-resistant for use, for example, on a covered terrace or in the garden. Of course, I understand that MALM furniture is not designed for outdoor use. However, I think certain protective measures or tricks might extend their lifespan outside.
I would appreciate tips on which sealants, primers, paints, or perhaps coverings are useful. Also, any experience regarding whether it’s even worth it or if the material quickly deteriorates due to moisture and temperature changes would be great. Thanks in advance!
Hello, MALM furniture is basically made from particleboard with a foil coating, which is not suitable for moisture or weather exposure.
Therefore, it is recommended to use it outdoors only under a covered roof or in a fully weather-protected area. Impregnation or painting with weather-resistant exterior paint might offer some surface protection, but it is not a durable safeguard against moisture penetration, as the edges and joints are usually especially vulnerable.
Those who want to try this should be aware that the furniture will likely not last long and will require regular maintenance.
Therefore, it is recommended to use it outdoors only under a covered roof or in a fully weather-protected area. Impregnation or painting with weather-resistant exterior paint might offer some surface protection, but it is not a durable safeguard against moisture penetration, as the edges and joints are usually especially vulnerable.
Those who want to try this should be aware that the furniture will likely not last long and will require regular maintenance.
Hello LEOMAR,
I completely understand your question, as I had similar thoughts myself. MALM is indeed not designed for outdoor use because the particleboard will swell when exposed to moisture.
That's true, but if you place the furniture in a sheltered, covered area and additionally seal it with a good, breathable wood stain—which I have reapplied from time to time—you can at least extend its lifespan. Adding rubber or plastic feet to prevent the furniture from sitting directly on the ground also helps protect against moisture from below.
However, if you leave the furniture completely exposed in the garden, it definitely won’t hold up for long.
One tip: If you decide to paint the furniture, sand the surface thoroughly to help the stain or paint adhere better. With MALM, this can be tricky due to the foil coating.
Hope this helps you already! 🙂
I completely understand your question, as I had similar thoughts myself. MALM is indeed not designed for outdoor use because the particleboard will swell when exposed to moisture.
CHENNE schrieb:
Impregnation or painting with weather-resistant exterior paint can provide some surface protection, but it is not a long-term solution against moisture penetration.
That's true, but if you place the furniture in a sheltered, covered area and additionally seal it with a good, breathable wood stain—which I have reapplied from time to time—you can at least extend its lifespan. Adding rubber or plastic feet to prevent the furniture from sitting directly on the ground also helps protect against moisture from below.
However, if you leave the furniture completely exposed in the garden, it definitely won’t hold up for long.
One tip: If you decide to paint the furniture, sand the surface thoroughly to help the stain or paint adhere better. With MALM, this can be tricky due to the foil coating.
Hope this helps you already! 🙂
Hey LEOMAR, I think it’s great that you want to make the MALM suitable for outdoor use, but let me put it this way: MALM is really meant to stay indoors, just like I prefer to chill on the sofa on rainy Sundays 😉
But seriously: if you really plan to use it on the terrace, consider a light roof or canopy, use a weather-resistant paint or varnish, and most importantly, use rubber feet or coasters to prevent direct contact with the ground.
Once, I painted a MALM dresser with marine varnish as an experiment—not a long-term solution—but it at least lasted one season.
Not perfect, but maybe enough for your project. Good luck! 🙂
But seriously: if you really plan to use it on the terrace, consider a light roof or canopy, use a weather-resistant paint or varnish, and most importantly, use rubber feet or coasters to prevent direct contact with the ground.
Once, I painted a MALM dresser with marine varnish as an experiment—not a long-term solution—but it at least lasted one season.
Not perfect, but maybe enough for your project. Good luck! 🙂
Hello LEOMAR,
to answer in more detail: MALM furniture is made from coated particleboard, which swells and loses stability when exposed to moisture. The coating only protects against short-term moisture, such as occasional spilled water.
Therefore, for outdoor use, the following points must be considered:
1. Location: Covered area, no direct rain, existing weather protection
2. Edge protection: The coating is often thinner or missing at the edges, so these must be carefully sealed with waterproof paint or silicone.
3. Sealing: A transparent waterproof coating, such as marine varnish or special exterior paint, can provide additional surface protection.
4. Feet: Create a gap from the ground to prevent moisture from seeping in from below.
This effort is particularly worthwhile if the period of use is limited or if you are willing to maintain it regularly. Otherwise, investing in dedicated outdoor furniture is more sustainable.
I hope these tips help you!
to answer in more detail: MALM furniture is made from coated particleboard, which swells and loses stability when exposed to moisture. The coating only protects against short-term moisture, such as occasional spilled water.
Therefore, for outdoor use, the following points must be considered:
1. Location: Covered area, no direct rain, existing weather protection
2. Edge protection: The coating is often thinner or missing at the edges, so these must be carefully sealed with waterproof paint or silicone.
3. Sealing: A transparent waterproof coating, such as marine varnish or special exterior paint, can provide additional surface protection.
4. Feet: Create a gap from the ground to prevent moisture from seeping in from below.
This effort is particularly worthwhile if the period of use is limited or if you are willing to maintain it regularly. Otherwise, investing in dedicated outdoor furniture is more sustainable.
I hope these tips help you!
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