How to Cover Patio Furniture for Winter
By Seven Atoms, December 5, 2023
Patios are more than just outdoor spaces; they are versatile canvases for relaxation, entertainment, and social gatherings. When thoughtfully designed and furnished, patios can become the perfect retreats for enjoying the fresh air and natural beauty of your surroundings.
Patio furniture plays a vital role in transforming outdoor areas into inviting, functional, and aesthetically pleasing extensions of our homes. Whether you're savoring the warmth of a summer afternoon, hosting a barbecue with friends, or simply seeking a tranquil space to unwind, the right patio furniture can transform your outdoor area into a haven of relaxation and style.
Patio furniture is designed to stay outdoors; however, the absence of proper precautions can render it vulnerable to damage, especially during the winter season. Chilly temperatures, freezing rain, and snow can all have an impact on your outdoor chairs, tables, and other furnishings.
Gaining an understanding of how to protect and cover your outdoor furniture for winter is crucial for maintaining its aesthetics and durability. The sooner you integrate the practice of winterizing your outdoor space as a part of your transition during the colder months, the more time and money you will be able to save in the long run.
How to Cover Patio Furniture for Winter
Covering your patio furniture for winter is a practical way to protect it from harsh weather conditions. If you’re wondering how to cover patio furniture for winter, you’ve come to the right place. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
#1. Clean Your Furniture
Before covering your patio furniture, it's essential to clean it thoroughly. Cleaning your patio furniture is an important part of its maintenance, ensuring that it looks great and lasts longer. The cleaning process may vary depending on the material your furniture is made of.
Before cleaning, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or any care guidelines that come with your furniture. They may have specific recommendations for your particular type of patio furniture.
Begin by removing loose dirt, dust, leaves, and other debris from the furniture. You can use a brush, a broom, or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. You can use a mild soap and water solution for cleaning. In a bucket, mix a solution of mild soap and warm water.
Dip a soft bristle brush or a sponge into the cleaning solution and scrub the furniture's surfaces, paying special attention to areas with visible stains, mold, or mildew. For tougher stains, you might need to scrub a bit more, but be cautious not to damage the finish or surface.
Use a garden hose to rinse off the cleaning solution and any loosened dirt. Make sure to rinse all surfaces, including crevices and joints. Allow the furniture to dry completely to prevent mold and mildew growth.
#2. Choose Suitable Covers
Choosing suitable patio covers is essential for protecting your outdoor furniture and extending its lifespan. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right covers for your patio furniture:
- Material: Patio covers are available in various materials. Select a material that is durable, weather-resistant, and suited to your climate. For wet or snowy regions, opt for waterproof materials.
- Size: Measure your patio furniture carefully to ensure the covers you choose will fit correctly. Covers that are too small won't provide adequate protection, while oversized covers can be difficult to secure and may collect water.
- Ventilation: Some covers have built-in vents or mesh panels that allow air circulation to prevent mold and mildew growth. These are especially useful in humid climates.
- Durability: Invest in high-quality, heavy-duty covers that can withstand the elements. Double-stitched seams and reinforced corners are indicators of durability.
- Easy Maintenance: Choose covers that are easy to clean and maintain. Removable covers that can be machine-washed are a plus.
- Custom or Universal Fit: Some companies offer custom-fit covers designed for specific furniture brands or models. These tend to provide a better fit but can be more expensive. Universal covers are more cost-effective but may not fit as snugly.
#3. Disassemble and Cover Each Piece Individually
Disassembling allows you to cover each individual piece more thoroughly, protecting them from various elements like moisture and snow. This can make covering your furniture more manageable.
When furniture is taken apart, you can provide more customized protection. You can choose to cover only the parts that are most susceptible to damage, such as delicate components while storing sturdier pieces without covers.
Cover each furniture piece individually with the appropriate cover. Ensure that the covers reach the ground to protect the legs and lower parts of the furniture.
Not all patio furniture can be easily taken apart, so consider the construction and design of your furniture pieces when deciding whether disassembly is practical. If it is possible and convenient, it's a recommended approach for preserving your outdoor furniture during the winter months.
#4. Protect Cushions and Fabric
If you have cushions or fabric components, store them indoors when not in use. This prevents exposure to the elements and moisture. Ensure the storage area is dry and cool to prevent mold and mildew growth.
If you can't store the cushions indoors, consider using specialized cushion storage bags. These bags are designed to protect cushions from moisture and snow. Before placing cushions in the bags, make sure they are clean and completely dry to prevent mold growth.
#5. Secure the Covers
Fasten the covers tightly using straps, drawstrings, or any built-in fastening mechanisms. This will prevent them from blowing away in the wind and ensure a snug fit.
Many patio furniture covers come with built-in tie-down straps or cords. Utilize these straps to secure the covers to the furniture. Pass the straps underneath or around the furniture and fasten them tightly. Adjust the straps to ensure a snug fit, and tie knots or use the provided fasteners to keep them in place.
Covers with elastic hems are designed to fit snugly around the bottom edges of your furniture. Stretch the elastic around the furniture's base, ensuring it grips firmly. Make sure the cover reaches all the way to the ground to prevent moisture from getting in.
#6. Regularly Inspect the Covers
Periodically check the covers during the winter to ensure they are secure and in good condition. Tighten straps or fasteners as needed.
If heavy snow accumulates on the covers, carefully remove it to prevent excessive weight and potential damage. Use a broom or a long-handled brush for this task.
Why Choose Seal Skin’s Semi-Custom-Fit Patio Furniture Covers?
At Seal Skin, we provide top-quality semi-custom-fit patio furniture covers. Our covers have been designed with meticulous care to ensure a precise match with the make and model of your furniture set, presenting a fantastic and budget-friendly alternative to fully customized alternatives, which often come with a hefty price tag. Our winter covers for patio furniture are durable and reliable as well.
Our covers allow for proper air ventilation, effectively preventing the accumulation of moisture, which, if left unchecked, could result in the growth of mold and mildew. This proactive design approach ensures that your patio space and furniture set remain free from the unwanted greenhouse effect. Our semi-custom patio furniture covers are made of high-quality materials, and they offer a secure and snug fit for your peace of mind.
The outer layer of our covers is built to withstand even the harshest weather conditions, providing exceptional durability. Meanwhile, the inner layer features a soft fleece lining to prevent any scratches or damage to your valuable furniture.
Our products are not just reasonably priced, but we will also ship your order right to your doorstep at no additional cost, without any delay. We offer a full 30-day money-back guarantee and a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty with every purchase.
You can call us at 800-915-0038 during our office hours (Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST) and we will help you find the right winter cover for patio furniture that fits your needs and budget. We will also help you if you have any questions about our products, shipping policies, and exchange/refund policies.
