Do You Need UV-Resistant Patio Furniture Covers?
By John Funk, July 08, 2025
You buy patio furniture to create a relaxing and stylish outdoor spot, so it’s only natural that you’d want it to remain in top condition for many seasons to come.
Whether it’s a wooden bench, metal dining set, or cushioned lounge chairs, exposure to the sun can cause serious damage over time. That’s why many people choose to use patio furniture covers. But do you really need UV-resistant patio furniture covers?
Let’s explore why UV resistance matters, what it does, and whether it’s worth adding to your shopping list.
How Does Sunlight Damage Patio Furniture?
Before deciding on covers, it’s important to understand what sunlight does to your furniture. The sun emits ultraviolet rays that can cause materials to fade, crack, or weaken over time. Different types of furniture react differently:
- Wooden furniture may dry out, causing cracks and loss of natural color.
- Plastic furniture can become brittle and start to fade.
- Metal furniture can heat up quickly and the paint or coating may peel off.
- Fabric cushions will lose their bright colors and may weaken or tear more easily after continuous sun exposure.
If your furniture sits in direct sunlight for hours each day, it’s highly likely to wear out faster than if it were protected.
What Are UV-Resistant Patio Furniture Covers?
UV-resistant patio furniture covers are specially designed with materials that block or resist harmful UV rays.
Unlike normal covers, which may only protect from dust or rain, UV-resistant covers prevent the sun’s rays from breaking down the material underneath.
These covers are usually made from high-quality polyester or vinyl fabrics treated with UV inhibitors. This treatment helps them last longer and protect your furniture from sun damage, keeping it looking new for a longer time.
Benefits of Using UV-Resistant Patio Furniture Covers
Prevents Fading
One of the biggest benefits is that UV-resistant covers help maintain the color of your furniture.
Whether it’s a bright red cushion or a beautifully polished wooden bench, UV rays can fade these surfaces quickly.
A UV-resistant patio furniture cover keeps the colors vibrant by blocking sunlight.
Extends Furniture Lifespan
Sun exposure doesn’t just fade colors – it can weaken materials. Plastic becomes brittle, wood cracks, and fabrics tear.
By using a UV-resistant patio furniture cover, you protect the structure and strength of your furniture, making it last for years.
Saves Money in the Long Run
Replacing faded or damaged furniture can be expensive. By using a UV-resistant cover, you can keep your outdoor furniture in great shape and avoid spending money on frequent repairs or replacements caused by harsh sunlight.
Keeps Furniture Cool
Have you ever tried sitting on a metal chair that’s been in the sun all day? It’s uncomfortable and can even burn your skin.
UV-resistant covers block direct sunlight and keep your furniture cooler, so it’s always ready to use.
Offers All-Weather Protection
Most UV-resistant covers are also water-resistant or waterproof, meaning they protect against rain, dust, bird droppings, and tree sap in addition to sun damage. This makes them an all-in-one solution for protecting your outdoor setup.
Are All Patio Furniture Covers UV Resistant?
Not necessarily. Many standard patio furniture covers are made to protect against dirt, dust, and rain, but may not have UV resistance.
If a cover isn’t UV resistant, it can actually wear out faster when exposed to the sun daily, tearing or cracking within a season or two.
When buying a cover, check the product description carefully. Look for terms like:
- UV treated
- UV resistant
- UV protection coating
These indicate that the cover is designed to withstand sun exposure without breaking down quickly.
Do You Always Need UV-Resistant Covers?
Whether you need UV-resistant patio furniture covers depends on where you live and how your outdoor space is set up. Consider using them in these kinds of situations:
- Your patio gets full sun for most of the day.
If your furniture sits in direct sunlight, UV resistant covers are a must. - You live in a hot or sunny climate.
Places with strong sun throughout the year will cause faster damage to uncovered furniture. - Your furniture is made of wood, plastic, or has bright fabrics.
These materials are more prone to fading and damage from UV rays.
However, if your patio is fully covered with a solid roof or you live in a cooler, cloudy climate, UV resistance may not be as critical. However, you need to keep in mind that UV rays can still reach your furniture indirectly, especially if you have an open patio or pergola.
How to Choose the Right UV-Resistant Patio Furniture Cover
When shopping for UV-resistant covers, keep these tips in mind:
- Measure your furniture properly.
Get a cover that fits well to ensure complete protection. - Look for multi-layered materials.
Covers with multiple layers often provide better UV protection and durability. - Choose breathable fabrics.
Good covers allow air circulation, preventing mold or mildew buildup. - Check for tie-downs or elastic hems.
These keep the cover secure during strong winds. - Read reviews.
See what other customers say about the cover’s UV resistance and overall performance.
Do You Need UV-Resistant Patio Furniture Covers?
If maintaining the beauty and durability of your patio furniture matters to you, then UV-resistant covers are a must. UV-resistant patio furniture covers don’t just protect your furniture from fading; they also maintain its strength and save you money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs or replacements.
Think of them as sunscreen for your patio furniture. Just like you wouldn’t spend the whole day in the sun without protection, your furniture deserves the same care.
Investing in high-quality UV-resistant patio furniture covers today will ensure your outdoor space stays beautiful, welcoming, and comfortable for all your future gatherings.
Why Choose Seal Skin's UV-Resistant Patio Furniture Covers
Not every patio furniture cover offers the same level of protection for your outdoor pieces. Seal Skin’s UV-resistant patio furniture covers stand out for many reasons.
- Designed for Maximum Sun Protection: Our covers are specially treated to block harmful UV rays that cause fading and damage. This means your furniture stays looking bright and new, even after months of sitting under the sun.
- Semi-Custom Fit for Better Coverage: Unlike generic covers that fit poorly or fully custom covers that cost a fortune, Seal Skin offers semi-custom-fit covers. They’re designed to fit your furniture snugly, giving you full coverage and protection without the high price tag of tailor-made options.
- Built with Durable Materials: Seal Skin’s UV-resistant covers are made from heavy-duty fabrics that withstand daily sun exposure, rain, and dust. They won’t crack, peel, or tear easily, so you get long-lasting use season after season.
- Easy to Use and Maintain: These covers are simple to put on and take off whenever needed. Cleaning them is easy too – just wipe down or hose off, and they’re ready to protect your furniture again.
If you want your outdoor furniture to stay strong, colorful, and ready for your family gatherings or peaceful evenings outside, Seal Skin’s UV-resistant covers are the choice you can trust.
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 (international orders excepting). 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.
