Summer Hazards Facing Your Patio Furniture
By John Funk, August 26, 2025
Summer invites you to make the most of your patio – starting your day with coffee under a bright sky, unwinding with a good book as the warm breeze flows, or spending weekends entertaining guests outdoors. However, while you’re enjoying the outdoors, your patio furniture is battling various harsh summer elements.
Understanding these hazards can help you protect your patio furniture in summer and keep your outdoor space looking beautiful for years.
Intense Sunlight and UV Damage
One of the biggest threats to patio furniture in summer is direct sunlight. UV rays are powerful enough to fade fabric colors, dry out wood, and weaken plastic materials.
Constant daily sun exposure can lead to your chairs, tables, and cushions losing their color, looking worn out, and even developing cracks over time.
Wooden furniture, especially untreated wood, loses its natural oils under the harsh sun, leading to dryness and eventual cracking.
Metal furniture can get extremely hot and become uncomfortable to touch. Plastics can warp or become brittle, while fabric cushions may lose their vibrant colors.
Investing in UV-resistant covers or placing furniture under umbrellas, pergolas, or awnings can greatly reduce this damage.
Heat Exposure and Warping
Apart from UV damage, the heat itself is a problem. Metal furniture absorbs heat, making it uncomfortable to use without cushions or towels placed on top.
Plastic furniture, particularly cheaper options, can warp and lose shape under prolonged heat exposure. Even hardwoods like teak or eucalyptus may expand slightly in heat, affecting structural integrity over time.
To prevent warping or heat damage, avoid placing furniture directly on hot surfaces like stone patios without proper padding or protection. Moving lightweight furniture to shaded areas during peak heat hours can also help.
Rain and Humidity
Summer isn’t just about bright sunny days – in many regions, it brings unexpected rain showers and high humidity. While a light drizzle may seem harmless, frequent wetting followed by heat can damage most materials.
Wooden furniture absorbs moisture, which leads to swelling, warping, and eventually rotting if not treated or sealed properly.
Metal furniture may start to rust, especially if the paint coating chips off, exposing it to rain and humid air.
Fabric cushions and covers can develop mold or mildew if they remain damp for too long.
It’s best to use waterproof covers when furniture is not in use or to store cushions indoors during rainy periods.
For wood and metal, ensure regular sealing or painting to provide a protective barrier against moisture.
Mold and Mildew Growth
With humidity comes the risk of mold and mildew. Outdoor cushions, umbrellas, and fabric covers are prone to developing mold if they remain damp, especially in shaded areas with little airflow.
Mold not only ruins the appearance of your furniture but also produces unpleasant odors and can cause health issues for people with allergies.
To prevent this, clean your cushions regularly, allow them to dry thoroughly before storing, and ensure your patio area has good ventilation. Using mold-resistant sprays on fabrics can also help reduce risks.
Dust, Dirt, and Pollen Accumulation
Summer winds bring along dust, dirt, and pollen, which settle on every outdoor surface, making your furniture look unkempt. Pollen, in particular, can leave yellowish stains that stick to plastic, wood, and fabrics. Dust and dirt, when combined with humidity or rain, can form a grimy layer that’s harder to clean.
Wiping down your furniture weekly can prevent buildup. When it’s time for a thorough clean, mix gentle soap with water and scrub those hard-to-reach corners and textured areas using a soft-bristled brush.
Bird Droppings and Tree Sap
If your patio is under trees, your furniture faces hazards like bird droppings and tree sap. Both are sticky, acidic, and hard to clean if left for long.
Bird droppings can stain and damage paint, while sap hardens into a stubborn residue that’s difficult to scrape off without scratching the surface underneath.
It’s good practice to inspect your furniture daily and clean droppings or sap immediately with warm, soapy water. Using a cover when the furniture is not in use will also keep it cleaner for longer.
Insect Damage
Certain insects, such as carpenter bees or termites, may target wooden patio furniture, especially untreated varieties.
Wicker furniture can also be an attractive nesting spot for small insects and spiders.
In addition to structural damage, insects can make your furniture less comfortable to use.
Using insect-repellent sprays safe for outdoor furniture and checking crevices regularly can help prevent infestations. Treating wood with sealants also reduces the risk of insect damage.
Sudden Summer Storms
Summer storms can arrive without much warning. High winds can knock over lightweight chairs or tables, causing dents, scratches, or broken parts. Flying debris can damage surfaces, and heavy rain can soak cushions and seep into wood, causing swelling or mold growth.
Always check the weather forecast before leaving your furniture uncovered.
During storms, store cushions indoors and move lightweight furniture against walls or into storage areas to prevent them from toppling or being blown away.
Chlorine and Pool Water Exposure
If your patio is near a swimming pool, chlorine water splashes are common. While water itself isn’t harmful to most materials, chlorine can cause discoloration, rusting, or gradual material weakening, especially in metals and fabrics.
Encourage people to use towels when sitting on patio furniture after a swim, and wipe down any wet areas at the end of the day. Using water-resistant or chlorine-resistant fabric cushions can also be helpful.
General Wear and Tear
Finally, there’s the simple wear and tear that comes with frequent use in summer.
Constant pulling, dragging, and sitting can loosen joints and bolts in chairs and tables over time. Sun lotions, oils, and food spills can stain cushions or tabletops if not cleaned quickly.
Conduct regular checks for loose screws or rusting joints and tighten or repair them before they worsen.
Keep a small cleaning kit handy outdoors to clean food or drink spills immediately.
Why Choose Seal Skin Patio Furniture Covers
If you want to protect your patio furniture in summer from all these hazards, investing in high-quality covers is essential. Seal Skin patio furniture covers are a popular choice for homeowners who care about durability, style, and protection.
- Seal Skin covers are designed with heavy-duty, waterproof materials that keep your furniture safe from rain, humidity, and sudden summer storms.
- Their UV-resistant technology prevents fading and damage caused by harsh sunlight, keeping your furniture looking new for longer.
- Our covers are breathable, which means they reduce moisture buildup underneath, preventing mold and mildew growth on cushions and wooden surfaces.
- Another benefit of Seal Skin covers is their perfect fit. From compact bistro chairs to spacious sectional sofas, these covers are available in multiple sizes to ensure a tight fit, keeping your furniture safe from dust, dirt, pollen, and even bird messes.
- Their easy-to-use fastening straps and elastic hems keep them secure, even during windy conditions.
- Using our expertly designed Seal Skin patio furniture covers can save you time on cleaning and money on repairs or replacements.
The furniture on your patio isn’t just for show – it enhances your outdoor area by making it more comfortable, practical, and visually appealing. Don’t let summer ruin your patio setup. With just a bit of regular upkeep, your furniture will stay protected, look great, and always be set for you to sit back and enjoy your time outdoors.
With our Seal Skin patio furniture covers, you can enjoy your patio without worrying about the damage that summer weather can bring.
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 patio furniture cover 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.
