Your patio is the spot for relaxing days in the sun, fun family BBQs, and more. Despite being outside, your patio furniture is an essential part of your home – don’t they deserve more TLC than just your typical furniture maintenance routine when the winter months arrive? Taking care of your furniture can help guarantee long-lasting use against harsh weather and even mild weather that could actually wear your furniture thin. Covering up can help depending on the material of your furniture, each reacting differently to various weather conditions. Next time you look at the forecast, keep your patio furniture in mind and grab a cover!

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Why You Should Cover Your Patio Furniture

#1 Cover Up in Moisture-Rich Conditions

Your furniture will last without having to cover up every single night, but definitely could benefit from covering up in moisture-rich conditions. Especially in the spring and summer, when humidity is high and rain is common, it's important to cover your furniture to safely bypass the elements.

If your furniture is aluminum-made, make sure to cover-up before the rain starts – while aluminum is mostly weatherproof, there are often holes in the furniture where water can get inside and damage it from the inside out. If water does get inside, bring the furniture somewhere dry, drain the existing water, and cover up once dry.

If your furniture is made from natural wicker, it’s important to cover it up, as it’s extremely prone to damage from the rain. Synthetic wicker has a coating that protects it from weather damage, so covering it isn’t necessary (although, it’s a good idea in the winter for snow and ice that packs together).

Wood can easily absorb moisture and expand over time, so it’s important to cover your wooden patio furniture in rain and high humidity. Exposed to rain, snow, and wind, depending on the type of wood, your furniture can be damaged easily. If moisture is trapped and is left overnight in freezing conditions, your furniture could crack and easily break. Applying a wooden sealant can help keep it strong as well as covering-up.

If your furniture is iron, unless specifically rust-resistant, watch out for rust damage, especially in high-moisture conditions! During rainy conditions, wipe down your furniture before covering it up to protect it further from rust.

#2 Cover Up in UV Radiation and High Heat Conditions

Another way your furniture can start to fade from its original design is through UV rays and sun exposure. Depending on the material, it’s a good idea to know when to cover up your patio furniture in the summer months.

If your furniture is plastic, it’s likely that it will crack and break easily underneath extreme heat and cold. Covering up every day could be a hassle and isn’t necessary, but if you’re not using your plastic furniture, it’s a good idea to cover it up to keep it at a regulated temperature.

Further, natural wicker is also very prone to sun damage and fading. The more colorful your furniture is, the more prone to fading under extreme heat and use in the sun. It is definitely worth it to cover up your natural wicker furniture when you’re not using it! Synthetic wicker, again, is durable because it is coated, and covering it isn’t necessary all the time.

Wooden furniture is also prone to sun damage and fading of the original color. Covering outdoor furniture up when not in use could prove very helpful in the long run. Similarly, iron furniture can also fade, however, rust-resistant and weatherproof iron is coated and is not as likely to need excessive covering for sun damage.

For larger things like umbrellas that are hard to store inside during the winter, getting a cover for them as well for protection against sun fading is always recommended.

#3 Watch Out for Dust, Debris, Mold, Pests...

Another reason to invest the time and care to cover your patio furniture is protecting them from dust, debris, mold, mildew, pests, and other forgotten hassles that could build up over time – especially in the summer months! Dust can leave discoloration in your clothes and furniture, mold can warp your furniture over time and lessen its durability, and debris (if caught in small corners) can be a hassle to clean up. Mushrooms are even known to grow where moisture is trapped! Further, a few pests can quickly turn into an infestation. To make sure you don’t gather the attention of unwanted guests, it’s a good idea to clean off your surfaces and cover them up when you’re not using them!

#4 Think of the Pillows!

Not convinced you should invest in a cover for your furniture? Think of the pillows. Outdoor pillows come in all different shapes and sizes, and some are prone to fading, mold, water damage, and other instances that can shorten the life of your patio pillows. Your cushions shouldn’t stay out all year, especially if you have variable weather. In order to keep them from fading due to sun exposure or remaining perpetually soggy after a long rainfall, it’s a good idea to get covers for your patio furniture, or get a storage bin for your cushions to keep them out of the elements.

Tips on How to Choose the Right Covers

#1 Size is Key

Many companies may claim that they sell one-size-fits-all covers for patio furniture. As we know – these claims rarely ever ring true when it comes down to it. Make sure to look at the dimensions of your purchase, or measure the furniture yourself, to get covers made specifically to the size necessary. If your cover is too small, it could leave parts of your furniture uncovered and exposed to elemental damage. If your cover is too big, it could pool water, dust, and dirt inside and damage your furniture regardless. Taking the time to buy the right size now could save you time and money down the line from picking the wrong fit.

Also, look into the brand of your furniture – they likely have covers for your furniture as accessories and will likely fit perfectly!

#2 What Kind of Material is Best?

The best covers are made from material that is both waterproof and still breathable – this is because, while it is nearly impossible to completely stop water from getting on your furniture, if it does, the breathable material will make it possible for the water on the inside to evaporate easily. Often, covers are made from polyester. Polyester is waterproof, breathable, and also durable and resistant to fading from UV exposure. It is also a popular choice because it has a soft cloth backing that avoids ruining the finishing on furniture. Vinyl (PVC) is another popular material for covers. Vinyl is waterproof, durable, easy to clean, and protects your furniture effortlessly.

Many people often use tarps to cover their furniture; while affordable and widely available, tarps are not good long-term covers. Tarps are not made with breathable material and easily trap moisture inside where the furniture lies. They also easily blow away if not correctly pinned down. A proper cover is necessary to fully protect your patio furniture.

#3 Extra Amenities to Look For

Some covers have vents in their design to allow moisture that gets trapped inside them to be able to evaporate. Further, some covers also have ties. Ties are helpful because during storms where there are high winds, the ties help keep the covers on the furniture itself instead of blowing away. Another amenity to look for is an aesthetically pleasing design that you love to look at!

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Conclusion:

Patio furniture covers are necessary to shield your furniture from water, humidity, heat, sun, UV rays, dust, pests, and other exposures sure to ruin your relaxation hot spot. Different materials react differently to various weather conditions. It’s important to know about your furniture to keep your investment strong for years to come. While it’s not necessary to cover your furniture everyday, having covers on hand is recommended for when you do need to cover up.

While we’re sad to say goodbye to sunny beach days, we’re welcoming sweater weather with open arms. After all, September is still pleasant enough for al fresco dinners, and the weather hasn’t taken a turn for the worst just yet. That’s precisely why it’s also the best month to weatherproof your patio furniture for fall and winter. Of course, you might be wondering: Isn’t outdoor furniture already resistant to the elements? Not exactly, says Gary McCoy, a Lowe’s store manager. “Cold temperatures, snow and ice can damage outdoor furniture if not properly stored or protected,” he cautions.

Patio furniture covers and tarps are one of the easiest, most budget-friendly ways to ensure your ... [+] favorite chairs and couches stay safe all the way to next summer.

When determining whether your outdoor furniture needs protection against forthcoming blizzards and hail storms, consider the material. According to McCoy, metal furniture is at risk of rusting, while wicker materials may unravel during the harsh winter season. Furthermore, wood furniture can split if and when it's exposed to super cold temperatures. “While durable materials like metal and teak stand up to many of the outdoor elements, over time, all materials will be impacted by consistent exposure to extreme weather conditions,” says Andrea Rathborne, creative director of product design for Article. What’s more, ideally, all outdoor furniture should be moved to an enclosed area such as a shed, garage or storage unit. “If indoor storage isn’t possible, moving your outdoor pieces to a covered area will be a significant help,” adds Rathborne.

Whether you’re short on storage space or are looking to maintain the appearance of your furniture, there are a number of products that will protect your outdoor furniture from falling acorns, snow storms and more—here are our favorites.

The Best Products And Tools For Weatherproofing Patio Furniture

Easy-to-Build Storage Sheds For All Your Outdoor Accessories

Lowe's

Craftsman Resin Shed Resin Storage Shed

If you don’t want to invest a ton of money into building a custom shed, McCoy recommends these low-maintenance sheds from Craftsman, which are easy to assemble and a great option for storing patio furniture during fall and winter. These sheds are made with multi-wall resin panels that boast strength and durability in all types of weather. They range in size and price, but it’s easy to score one for less than $1,000. “Though made with water-resistant fabrics, cushions are not waterproof. Particularly in rainy climates, moisture that becomes trapped inside cushions, and never dries out, may lead to both mold and odor,” says Rathborne.

forbes.com

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A Reliable Sealer To Keep Wood Furniture In Tip-Top Shape

Lowe's

Cabot Wood Protector Clear Exterior Wood Stain

Protect wood patio furniture for years and years to come with a wood protectant, such as Cabot. This water- and weatherproof sealant protects against mold, mildew, UV rays and algae. “Moisture is the biggest enemy of wood furniture. If left unsealed, moisture can seep into the cracks and ridges, causing the wood to crack when freezing,” says McCoy. One clear coat will protect your favorite pieces, which can later be cleaned with just soap and water. In addition to wood, apply this sealant to stone, masonry, brick or concrete for extra protection during fall and winter.

Ventilated Furniture Covers And Tarps

Lowe's

Duck Covers Ultimate Mocha Cappuccino Polyester Chaise Lounge Cover

From couches to chairs, cover every piece of patio furniture with furniture covers or tarps before the first snowstorm of the season. Pro tip: “Ensure both furniture covers and tarps fit your furniture tightly leaving minimal room for rain, snow, and sleet to enter,” says McCoy. Tarps are a more budget-friendly option, while furniture covers are generally designed to fit pieces more precisely. Additionally, choose covers that have ventilation holes to keep air flowing, says Rathborne. “This prevents moisture from building up inside as well as ensuring that you don’t end up with a parachute around your product when the winter winds pick up,” she adds. This particular chair cover is under $50 and specially designed to protect a chaise lounge from bad weather.

A Waterproof Outdoor Television Cover

Amazon

iBirdie Outdoor Waterproof and Weatherproof TV Cover

If you’re lucky enough to have a TV installed outdoors, protect it from the elements year-round with this waterproof and weatherproof cover. It’s available in eight different sizes—with the smallest fit for 28-32 inches and the largest designed for 80-85 inch televisions—so you can select a nearly custom fit. In addition to being made with waterproof fabric, this bestselling cover also features velcro straps that allow you to securely fasten the cover in place and pockets for storing remotes, cables and more. 

A Practical, Portable Folding Hand Truck

Amazon

Folding Hand Truck Dolly

Give your arms a break with a furniture mover like this one. Dollies like this one are useful for transporting smaller furniture items like a chair or folding table to a garage or shed.This model can hold up to 500 pounds and extends up to nearly two feet long, which makes moving outdoor furniture off the patio a breeze.

Outdoor Cushion Bag Covers To Help Withstand Tears

MOST POPULAR

Pottery Barn

Outdoor Cushion Bag Custom-Fit Cover

Whether you’re moving outdoor cushions to a shed, garage, or basement, keep them protected with this stylish bag. What makes this product unique from plastic storage bins or duffel bags is that it’s engineered to withstand abrasions, and is completely water- and mildew-resistant. Since your outdoor cushions will likely spend up to six months in storage, the extra layer of protection will keep them in tip-top shape for warm, sunny days.

A Water-Repellent Fabric Cleaner And Protectant

Pottery Barn

Outdoor Furniture & Fabric Cleaner

While you can absolutely clean furniture with a gentle cloth, mild dish soap, and warm water , the same can’t be said for outdoor fabrics. That’s where this genius duo of cleaners comes in handy. The fabric cleaner quickly removes dirt and stains from all outdoor fabrics (such as polyester, canvas, and acrylic), while the accompanying protectant promises to restore water repellency and stain-repellent to those same fabrics without changing the look or feel of the material. Use these year-round, but especially before moving cushions, pillows, and rugs to storage for the fall and winter.

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