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Does Patio Furniture Need To Be Covered

How To Care For Composite Stone Furniture

How to Protect your Patio Furniture (3 steps)

Just like some of the most state-of-the-art buildings around the world, Article uses composite stone in a selection of our outdoor furniture. With an industrial look and durability, its a great choice for most outdoor spaces. Loud patio dinner parties around the Atra table? Count us in.

That said, there are things you can do to extend the life of your composite stone pieces. Adding a cement sealer every three to six months will give your piece that extra protection it deserves. If you notice the temperature dropping, its a good idea to bring your piece inside to avoid a natural reaction like cracking.

To clean, simply use a soft-bristled nylon brush to wipe away dust and debris. Use the standard pH-neutral soap mixed with warm water to wipe away any dirt or grime, and then let your piece dry naturally before storing.

Protecting Your Outdoor Patio Furniture

You thoroughly enjoy being outside a lounging about on your lawn chairs or other pieces of furniture in your patio or yard in the spring, summer and even in the fall. However, in the winter with the snow, freezing rain and cold, your outdoor patio furniture might not hold up too well. Thats why its important to take the correct steps to protect your patio furniture. How do you protect this type of furniture? Lets look at the various measures to take during the winter to prolong the life of your chairs, tables and other pieces.


How Do We Choose The Best Outdoor Furniture Covers

In order to recommend the very best products to our readers, we always put in the time and effort necessary to research every product as thoroughly as possible. We look at brand history to find products from only the most trusted providers, as well as user reviews to ensure that each product lives up to expectations. We also include a range of products at different prices in order to offer something for everyone.

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What Is The Best Material For Outdoor Furniture Covers

The best outdoor furniture covers are made of waterproof or breathable materials. It is almost impossible to keep moisture completely out of your furniture. Waterproof materials do a great job of significantly reducing the amount of moisture that gets on your furniture. But if the material is breathable, as well, then any moisture that does get through the cover will evaporate easily.

Polyester is the most commonly used fabric for furniture covers because it is water-resistant and breathable. It is also extremely durable and doesnt fade from the sun as much as other materials.

Under Accessorizing Or No Decor

Does Patio Furniture Need to be Covered? Can it Get Wet ...

Picture this: you go to a store to purchase one of those comfortable deep-seating outdoor sets with two connecting sofas and matching ottomans. Maybe you buy a table or two with a frame that matches the set. This type of set is usually all tan, beige, taupe, fawn, off-white, or greige.


After coming home, you set it up in your outdoor room, take a few steps back, and wonder what’s missing.

Accessories. And by that, we mean outdoor accessories, not something you move from your living room to the outdoor room. Outdoor accessories should be waterproof and able to withstand the elements, although you will wisely bring them inside or under cover during the offseason or weather events, like tornadoes, hurricanes, storms, etc.

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What Features Should I Look For In A Patio Furniture Cover

When shopping for a patio furniture cover, there are a few essential features to look for to enhance the protection the product delivers. Some of these features include:

  • Covered mesh vents

    Ventilation is vital to prevent mold build-up, which stains furniture and is dangerous to your health. Make sure your covers feature mesh vents to allow water to evaporate and facilitate airflow. Covered vents are preferable as they improve ventilation while preventing water from leaking on to your furniture.

  • Tie downs or elastic bands

    Tie downs, and elastic bands secure the cover to your patio furniture, which will stop the cover from flying away during windy conditions. These features also help to create a better fit.

  • Soft backing

    Opt for covers that feature soft cloth backing to prevent scratching or rubbing against the furniture, which can ruin the finish. This feature is especially crucial for stained or painted wood furniture, which has a softer surface more prone to wear and tear.

  • Waterproof coating

    Whichever type of material you choose for your patio furniture cover, ensure it has a waterproof coating to keep out rain and snow. This is essential in areas with extreme weather and is a good idea for pool furniture.

Different Types Of Patio Furniture

There a many types of outdoor furniture for you to choose from. Picnic tables and dining sets are perfect for dinners on the patio or a big outdoor picnic. Conversation sets are great for quiet evenings outdoors. Adirondack chairs are ideal for gathering around your fire pit, while lounge chairs are perfect for catching the suns rays. Whats the best option for your outdoor space?


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Can I Leave My Patio Furniture Outside In The Winter

Yes! Patio furniture is designed to be outdoors. However, fall and winter weather can damage your furniture if you dont take the proper precautions. Always clean and apply protective sealants to your furniture before storing or covering it for winter. While it may take a bit of time now, you wont regret it when it’s springtime. Plus, protecting your outdoor furniture during the winter will save you money. Patio furniture sets are expensive and leaving one unprotected during just one bad snowstorm can cause irreversible damage.

Select Waterproof Patio Furniture Covers

Tips On Using Patio Furniture Covers

When it comes to surviving the winter, moisture is one of your biggest enemies. It causes a myriad of destruction. And even if it doesnt cause your patio furniture to break, moisture will undoubtedly cause your patio furniture to get all kinds of funky.

This can force you to do a lot of work come spring or summer when youre ready to uncover those bad boys.

So, select waterproof furniture covers. Additionally, make sure your patio furniture is completely dry before you cover it.


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How Do You Maintain Outdoor Furniture

No matter the season, it’s important to care and maintain your outdoor furniture. Proper upkeep will prolong the life of your furniture so you can keep it for much longer than if you never gave the furniture a second thought. Here are a few tips for maintaining outdoor furniture:

  • Clean furniture once a month, using a dish soap and water mixture or special furniture cleaner.
  • Don’t let mold or mildew spread. Clean it off as soon as you spot it, using a glove and wet rag.
  • Apply stains and sealants to wood furniture every 1-3 years to maintain the vibrant color and shine.
  • Let the furniture dry completely in the sun after every cleaning.
  • Cover and store furniture when not in use.

How To Care For Plastic Outdoor Furniture

Plastic has the potential to be the outdoor living rooms stylish, colorful workhorse. But buyer beware: not all plastics are created equal. Plastic furniture can be durable, UV resistant, and crack-proof, but only if its very good quality. Its all a question of how to protect your outdoor furniture.

We use polypropylene in pieces like our Svelti chairs to get all the aesthetic and functional benefits of plastic with none of the flimsy downsides. To keep colorful polypropylene furniture bright, move it out of the sunshine when youre not using it.

For day-to-day cleaning, all you need is pH-neutral soap diluted in a bath of warm water and a damp cloth. Skip the bleach and definitely skip the pressure washer.


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When Should I Cover My Patio Furniture

Ill go ahead and tell you: for Winter, you should dry and cover your patio furniture after the first frost . You can briefly uncover it to enjoy any remaining warm days, but you should promptly cover it again afterwards. You dont want snow, frost, or sleet to fall on your furniture for any amount of time. This is even more true if the furniture is constructed of wood.

For Summer, the answer becomes a bit more complicated. Well explore the topic fully in a few paragraphs.

Protect Your Synthetic Rattan Garden Furniture In Winter

He uses the patio furniture more than we do. I want to be ...

Bramblecrest Geneva casual dining suite

Good quality synthetic rattangarden furniture does not necessarily need covering in winter as the higher grade polyethylene weave is completely resistant to rain and frost. However if you want your furniture to look pristine for longer, then Hayes recommends that it is covered. Stacking your furniture together and buying a cover large enough to encompass the whole set will prevent it blowing around in high winds just make sure that the cover can be fastened down to the legs of the furniture.


Some companies, such as Bramblecrest, make dedicated covers for their furniture with some modular sets fitting together like a jigsaw and having just one cover over the whole set. It is always worth calling our sales team for advice on covering your garden furniture. We recommend that before covering your furniture you place a broom through the parasol hole in the centre of the table this creates a tent-like shape which will shed the water easily.

Lower quality synthetic rattan furniture however will need covering in winter as the colour is only applied to the outside of the weave, whereas the dye on a good quality set is incorporated throughout the polyethylene. The poorer quality material is also more prone to splitting and breaking when there is a hard frost.

For more hints and tips on keeping your conservatory and garden furniture looking pristine for longer just click the links:

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How To Protect Outdoor Cushions From Sun Damage

All too often, consumers focus on how to protect outdoor furniture from the weather, but they don’t even consider the harmful effects of the sun. Protect your furniture from fading and sun damage by keeping it in a shaded area, adding shade wherever necessary , and using ventilated covers when the furniture isn’t being used. Sufficient ventilation is especially important during hot and/or humid summers.


Use Your Furnitures Dimensions As Your Guide

You dont go buy yourself a pair of pants two sizes too big or three sizes too small. Why then, would you buy furniture covers that dont fit your patio furnitures dimensions? Thats just craziness!

In order to provide your patio furniture the maximum protection, you want to buy covers that fit. Because if theyre too small, not all of your furniture will be covered. If they are too big, they can shift and expose your furniture or allow an excess of moisture to get trapped inside.

This means you typically want to avoid one-size-fits-all covers. Before you buy, measure your furnitures height, width, and depth. Use those dimensions as your guide.

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How To Protect Your Outdoor Furniture Season After Season

Weve all been there. Its a beautiful day, and nothing sounds better than an afternoon on the patio. You walk outside, refreshment in hand, only to be greeted by wet, dusty or broken patio furniture.

While outdoor furniture is often durable, its not indestructible. Damage from UV rays, extreme temperatures, inclement weather and rain are all possible threats. Thankfully, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect your patio furniture so it lasts for seasons to come.

What Type Of Protection Does My Patio Furniture Need

How to Clean Patio Furniture | The Home Depot

Different patio furniture covers offer various levels of protection. To find the right cover for your outdoor furniture, you need to consider any potential threats to the finish, durability, and structure.

  • If your outdoor furniture is exposed to direct sunlight, you will need to use a cover with a high UV rating to minimize fading and brittleness.

  • Furniture located close to pools, water features, or left exposed to the rain will need a waterproof cover to prevent the wood from swelling and rotting.

  • Animal droppings, insects, and tree sap can damage the paint or finish on your furniture, so a cover that has a tight weave with minimal mesh is ideal to prevent them from leaking onto your patio furniture.

  • Also, take into account what your outdoor furniture is made from. Unfinished materials such as raw wood and some metals will need added protection. Where possible, apply a waterproof stain to wood and powder coat metal frames to prevent corrosion.

  • Glass-topped tables need padded covers to prevent cracks and chips from occurring due to falling sticks or rocks.

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How To Clean & Store Modern Outdoor Furniture

Ah, patio season. The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and youre enjoying your perfectly styled, modern outdoor space. Fast-forward a couple of weeks and suddenly your dining set is covered in old, wet leaves, and those previously charming birds have turned on your once-spotless outdoor sectional. The good news? Your outdoor furniture isnt ruined. Once we show you how to clean and store your outdoor furniture, itll be set to live a long, comfy, and stylish life. Gloves on.

Different materials require different levels of care. You might have known this before purchasing your patio furniture, but if you find yourself asking how to clean and store it fear not. Thats why were here.

Weatherproof For Wind Rain Or Shine

Image: Hayneedle.com

Protecting outdoor furniture from harsh weather is important to its longevity.

One way to protect your patio sets from water damage and UV rays is to apply a weatherproofing formula directly to the cushion or frame surface. Use caution, however, and follow manufacturers instructions carefully, as products vary based on their intended use. For metal furniture, wax keeps rust at bay and furniture looking polished.

A second way to increase the life span of your porch furniture is to use protective covers. Typically made of polyester, vinyl or canvas, quality covers are waterproof and UV-resistant. Choose styles that are fitted to your specific furniture and easy to use. If youre on a budget, use vinyl tarps with bungee cords, rope or cinder blocks to hold in place.

Remember, winds can wreak havoc on your backyard furniture, too, causing pieces to break or tear. Use Velcro to keep your seat cushions in place or store them in a waterproof deck box when not in use. Close your umbrella and secure it with a bungee cord.

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What Is The Best Material For Patio Furniture

Patio furniture is crafted from a number of different materials. Youll find options made of wood, aluminum, wrought iron, and wicker. But which is the best material for patio furniture? Most of the patio furniture youll find at Penn Dutch Structures is made of polywood lumber. There are a number of benefits to polywood that make it a popular choice for outdoor furniture:

Sustainable Poly lumber is made from recycled materials, including post-consumer plastic bottles . They are decontaminated to a high purity level and compounded into a rigid material. The finished material is over 90% recycled plastic by weight.

Color Stable Poly lumber contains a UV-inhibited pigment that keeps the color of the finished product saturated and fights off fading.

Durable Different furniture materials are susceptible to wear and tear. Wood furniture will splinter and crack. The powder coating on aluminum furniture will begin to chip away. Metal furniture can rust. Polywood material, however, is extremely durable. Because it does not absorb moisture, it is resistant to cracking, peeling, and rotting.

Low Maintenance Additionally, poly furniture is very low-maintenance. There is no need for annual waterproofing, painting, or staining. All that is needed is periodic cleaning. Use a simple solution of 1/3 bleach and 2/3 water, with a soft brush or rag.

What Is The Best Type Of Outdoor Furniture

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The best outdoor furniture comes in a wide range of sizes and styles, as there is no one-size-fits-all for the best type of outdoor furniture sets. Each outdoor furniture type has its own set of benefits. For example, wood furniture wont require much maintenance in most parts of the country, including Wisconsin, where its never too dry for too long. Aluminum outdoor furniture cant rust, so its great for humid or coastal areas. Wrought iron outdoor furniture is heavy and durable, so its great for windy areas. When considering the best type of outdoor furniture for you and your unique needs, its essential to consider the climate of where you live.

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Wrought Iron Outdoor Furniture

Wrought iron patio furniture for the most part should not be left out in the weather during the winter. It can rust because of the snow or freezing rain. When rust happens, it weakens the metal and causes it to breakdown. Galvanized metal holds up better than regular metal, but over time it could also suffer from being out in the snow. It is best to bring this furniture in from outdoors in not only the winter, but also when it rains.

Maintenance is highly recommended if you want your wrought iron patio furniture to last for extended periods of time. Its important to keep an eye on this type of patio furniture because its much harder to move around or into storage because of its weight. If you think its already too late for your wrought iron, dont fret! We wrote an awesome step by step guide on how to refinish rusty old patio furniture!

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