Protect your patio furniture with covers
What are the benefits of using patio furniture covers?
Patio furniture covers are designed to fit over all kinds of patio furniture, from tables and chairs to sectionals, fire pits, umbrellas, and more, with the intention of protecting them from the elements. They prevent the furniture from being exposed to inclement weather during the off-season months as well as from critters, bird droppings, mold and mildew from moisture, and fading from the sun, which can happen any time of the year. If left out in the sun, rain, or snow 24/7, the quality and look of furniture and cushioning can deteriorate more quickly.
Using patio covers to protect outdoor furniture can help prolong the life of the items and keep them looking like new for years to come.
What types of patio furniture covers are available?
There's a patio cover for virtually any type of patio furniture you might own, both fitted and universal. This includes not only patio table covers and patio chair covers but also full patio set covers so you can tuck chairs under or on top of a table and use a single cover to protect everything neatly.
Patio furniture covers come in all shapes and sizes, to be used for patio heaters, sectionals, lounge chairs, umbrellas, chaises, ottomans, fire pits, patio benches, hot tubs, and even fire log racks.
What to look for in patio furniture covers and how do you choose the right ones?
The most important thing to consider when choosing patio furniture covers is that you get the proper size to fit the furniture, including not only width and length but also height. If a cover is too long, for example, it can drag on the ground, gathering up dirt and water. If it's too big, it can shift around, exposing parts of the furniture, or even allowing moisture to get underneath, defeating the purpose of using the cover in the first place. If there's a specifically fitted cover for your furniture, that's always the best option. Otherwise, take measurements and find a "universal" cover that is as close as possible in size.
Look for a cover that is fully waterproof, made of material like vinyl, Oxford with a PE coating, or Gardelle woven polyester that will repel water and keep dry. Whatever the material, it should be durable and include UV proofing as well. The cover should have vents so it's breathable, helping air circulate underneath to prevent mold and mildew growth. Look at the underside as well to ensure that the material is soft such that it won't scratch the furniture when you put it on or take it off.
Speaking of putting it on and taking it off, the best patio furniture covers will have handles to make removal and fitting easier. Some patio furniture covers even have tie-downs or drawstrings to secure the cover to the furniture so critters can't get underneath and the cover won't blow away in heavy winds or a storm.