Floods can wreak havoc on valuable furniture, often causing damage that’s expensive or even impossible to repair. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your furniture, you can minimize losses and protect your investments from water damage. Here are eight essential tips to help keep your prized pieces safe from flooding.
1. Elevate Furniture Off the Floor 📏
- Description: Elevating your furniture keeps it clear of floodwaters, helping avoid water stains, warping, and other types of damage. Furniture risers, blocks, or pallets are ideal solutions for this.
- How to Do It: Place risers or blocks under each leg of lighter furniture, aiming for at least a few inches of elevation. For heavier or larger items like sofas and cabinets, consider using sturdy pallets to get them off the floor. Adjustable risers or stackable blocks can give you more flexibility.
- Pro Tip: If you’re in a flood-prone area, keep a few pallets or risers on hand to quickly elevate your furniture when a flood warning is issued.
2. Use Waterproof Covers or Wraps 🛡️
- Description: Wrapping your furniture in waterproof covers or plastic sheeting can prevent water from soaking into fabrics, wood, and upholstery, making it an effective way to protect against minor flooding.
- How to Do It: Use heavy-duty plastic sheeting or specially designed waterproof furniture covers, available in various sizes. Wrap tightly and secure with waterproof tape, ensuring there are no gaps. For longer-term protection, consider investing in high-quality covers made from durable, waterproof materials.
- Pro Tip: Double-wrap items for added protection, especially fabrics and leathers, which are prone to water damage.
Here are the next two tips, in-depth, to continue protecting valuable furniture from flood damage.
3. Move Furniture to Higher Floors 🏠
- Description: Relocating furniture to an upper floor or elevated area is one of the most effective ways to protect it during a flood. Keeping valuable pieces above the potential waterline can save them from direct exposure to floodwaters.
- How to Do It: If you have advance notice of potential flooding, start by moving smaller items like chairs, tables, and decor to upper floors. For heavier or bulky furniture, consider using sliders or a dolly for safe movement. Prioritize the most expensive or irreplaceable items.
- Pro Tip: Create a “flood prep” list in advance, listing items to move and the order of priority, so you can act quickly and efficiently in an emergency.
4. Apply Flood-Protective Sealants 🖌️
- Description: Using water-resistant or waterproof sealants on wooden furniture creates a protective barrier that can prevent water from seeping in and causing swelling, warping, or mold growth. This can be especially helpful for pieces you can’t easily move.
- How to Do It: Purchase a high-quality waterproof sealant suitable for wood, leather, or fabric (depending on the type of furniture). Apply according to the product instructions, and let it fully dry before a flood risk period. Sealants need periodic reapplication, so it’s good to check the protection status regularly.
- Pro Tip: Test the sealant on a small, hidden area of the furniture first to make sure it doesn’t alter the appearance or texture.
5. Use Moisture-Resistant Storage Containers for Smaller Items 📦
- Description: For smaller valuables, such as decorative pieces or cushions, moisture-resistant containers provide an added layer of protection. These containers keep items dry and safe from both floodwaters and the resulting humidity.
- How to Do It: Place smaller items, such as throw pillows, blankets, or decorative accents, in waterproof storage bins or vacuum-sealed bags. Make sure the containers are airtight to prevent any water seepage, and stack them on elevated surfaces if possible.
- Pro Tip: Label each container with its contents for easy access and organization, especially if you’ll need to move multiple items quickly during a flood warning.
6. Place Furniture on Cinder Blocks or Concrete Pavers 🧱
- Description: Raising furniture on cinder blocks or pavers is an effective, sturdy solution that can keep your pieces well above the flood line. This option works well for larger items that are difficult to move to higher floors.
- How to Do It: Carefully lift each corner or leg of the furniture and slide a cinder block or paver underneath. For larger items, enlist help to ensure the weight is evenly distributed and balanced. Aim to raise furniture at least 6-12 inches, depending on your flood risk.
- Pro Tip: Use a rubber or felt pad between the cinder block and the furniture to prevent scratching or marking the surface.
7. Create a Barrier with Sandbags or Water-Activated Flood Bags 🪣
- Description: Placing sandbags or water-activated flood bags around your furniture or doorways can help direct water away from vulnerable areas, reducing the chances of water reaching your valuable pieces. This approach is particularly useful for items that can’t be moved easily.
- How to Do It: Place sandbags around the base of large furniture or at entry points in rooms where flooding is likely to occur. Water-activated bags, which expand on contact with water, are a lighter alternative and can be stored more easily until needed.
- Pro Tip: Keep a few bags ready in flood-prone areas of your home so you can set them up quickly in the event of an unexpected flood.
8. Invest in Elevated Furniture Designs 🛋️
- Description: If you live in a high-risk flood area, consider investing in furniture with elevated or metal legs that naturally keeps the main structure above floor level. This design can prevent water damage during minor floods or leaks.
- How to Do It: Look for furniture with taller metal or waterproof legs, which can withstand occasional exposure to water. Alternatively, consider retrofitting existing furniture with elevated, waterproof legs if possible.
- Pro Tip: Opt for styles that also complement your decor, so you don’t sacrifice aesthetics for practicality. Elevated designs can often add a modern touch to your space.
