5 Things You Have to Know About Buying Patio Furniture Covers
Patio furniture covers are essential to protecting your outdoor investment. Without them, your furniture and cushions will deteriorate much faster. At some point in time, the summer season will wane and you'll spend less time bundled up on your patio set.
Just like anything out there, there are pros and cons to the different materials and designs that are out there. I'm going to point out a few things that I've learned through the years. Some of them aren't necessarily obvious to the average consumer so listen up.
Frequently Asked Questions: Buying Patio Furniture Covers
Measure carefully and avoid one-size-fits-all covers. Check if your furniture’s manufacturer offers fitted covers. Otherwise, confirm length, width, and height so the cover does not drag on the ground and collect dirt or water. A precise fit protects better and is easier to manage season after season.
Many resist only light drizzle; vinyl sheds water best. Vinyl helps water bead and roll off, keeping frames and cushions drier while blocking dust and debris. But any cover can trap moisture if air cannot circulate, so pair water resistance with ventilation to prevent problems underneath.
Vents reduce trapped moisture and mildew growth. Built-in vents let air circulate so condensation does not linger. Note that some “breathable” fabrics may also allow water through. Venting plus smart placement keeps furniture cleaner and helps deter mold over time.
It prevents scratches and finish wear. A soft inner layer reduces abrasion on painted or stained surfaces, especially on wood. After months outdoors, a rough backing can rub away coatings. Choose covers with gentle liners to protect appearances and extend the life of finishes.
Use tie-downs or drawstrings at the hem. Cinch cords and ties secure the cover so it does not “balloon” during storms. Properly fastened covers stay put, protect better, and save you from chasing them across the yard after gusty weather.
Promote airflow and keep surfaces clean and dry. Choose vented covers, avoid ground-dragging edges, and let cushions dry before covering. Regularly lift covers to air things out. Address mildew early with appropriate cleaning so it does not set into fabrics or frames.
Use cushion storage boxes during the off-season. Storage benches or boxes keep cushions dry, tidy, and ready for guests without constant covering and uncovering. They also add a stylish element to the patio while protecting your investment between uses.
Treasure Garden makes this Club Chair cover out of water resistant and breathable RhinoWeave Materials.
5 Keys to Patio Furniture Covers
1. Dimensions
First and foremost, it's important that you order the right covers for your patio set. Believe it or not, some people don't take the time to make sure that the dimensions of their furniture covers will match their furniture.
Many times manufacturers will make covers specifically for their pieces. It's best to check the manufacturers page of the furniture set that you own to see if they make their own. Otherwise, you'll need to check dimensions. Sometimes covers can be too long and they'll drag on the floor, catching dirt and water. Avoid One-Size-Fits-All Patio Furniture covers. It will be more hassle for you.
You can look for patio furniture covers here and you can also find covers for BBQ grills, Umbrellas, and patio heaters by going here.
2. Waterproof Patio Furniture Covers
Most patio furniture covers claim to be waterproof but they are only capable of withstanding a light drizzle at best. Vinyl patio furniture covers allow beads of water to roll off the cover, keeping your furniture nice and dry. It also protects your furniture from dust and debris that will leave ugly prints on your clothes. Be careful, trapping moisture inside the cover can lead to fungi growth which leads to my next tip.
3. Breathable Design
Breathable furniture covers have vents built into them to allow air to circulate between the furniture. Without these vents, your furniture can and will begin to develop mold and mildew. If this has happened to you, you can learn how to remove mold and mildew from patio furniture here. Some companies advertise breathable materials. The only problem with that is that will also allow water to pass through so you give up some of the weather-proof qualities.
4. Soft Cloth Backing
You want a furniture cover that has a soft cloth backing that will not rub or scratch the finish of your furniture. This is especially important if you have stained wood furniture. After sitting on your patio deck for a whole season, the covers could rub away paint or finish coatings, leaving unsightly spots. To avoid this, always purchase covers that have a soft cloth backing.
5. Tie Downs
This is a handy little feature that will keep you from chasing your furniture covers across the yard. During storms or in windy conditions, furniture covers can easily transform into balloons. Buy furniture covers that have string ties around the bottom to help you secure them to your furniture. For more tips on dealing with patio furniture in windy conditions, you can check out these tips.
Conclusion
When the last leaf has fallen and the warm summer weather has retreated, we'll all have to deal with the changes. Patio furniture covers are just one solution to this problem. There are cushion storage boxes that you can store your cushions in when not in use. They're also very stylish! See what I'm talking about here.
Another thing people never think about is using your outdoor furniture indoors. Don't worry, you won't be the only one! Why not, outdoor furniture has come a long way and it's not just the cold industrial styles that we've seen in the past. Just look at some of the latest modern outdoor furniture designs.
The District Cushion Storage Box from Harmonia Living gives you a place to store your cushions without creating an eyesore.
More Patio Furniture Tips:
- Best Material for Patio Furniture from Snow and Winter Damage
- How to Protect Patio Furniture from Freeze Damage
- Outdoor Cushion Buying Guide: Materials, Foam, & Padding
Reader Comments
Cristy Wilton July 3, 2017
I will keep in mind these things whenever i go out to buy furniture covers, thanks for sharing.
Anton July 28, 2017
custom your furniture cover.
Jennifer July 15, 2017
Is Rhinoweave a good material for chair covers?
Patio Productions July 16, 2017
Yes, it is a very good material for chair covers. Rhinoweave is a very tough fabric, designed to be both durable and breathable. The fabric is also water resistant and will not crack or peel like vinyl covers do. The best thing about Rhinoweave is the softness of the fabric. It won't scratch the furniture underneath, keeping it protected all year long.
Roxanne Minville September 19, 2017
Does the Rhinoweave fabric also protect from the UV rays ?
Patio Productions September 24, 2017
Anything that covers your furniture from the sun will help protect against UV radiation. One of the best features of the RHINOweave fabric is the softness of the material. This makes it great for protecting against scratching. The material is also very tough and durable while still being breathable.
Megan September 29, 2017
I was under the impression that my patio furniture cover would be enough waterproofing. I am glad to know that it is only made for a light drizzle. I am going to look into a vinyl cover.
Vivian Black January 4, 2018
I was just checking our some good garden patio furniture to have for our remodeling project which makes your article quite perfect once I am able to purchase them as I can keep them safe from the outside weather. The advice to find some vinyl covers with soft cloth backing to avoid scratching the potential furniture's finish while being able to provide a true waterproof cover is very beneficial indeed. I'll be sure to come back to your tips once I already got my patio furniture ready for covering. Thanks!
Patio Productions January 5, 2018
Happy you were able to find this information useful! Using covers is a wise choice because it helps protect your investment and get the most out of your outdoor furniture. Good luck on your remodeling project!
Kyle Wayne February 22, 2018
I like that you talked about making sure it's breathable but doesn't let water through it. My neighbor is looking to get some vinyl covers for her patio furniture. I'll be sure to talk to her about finding a professional company to get durable enough ones.
Screw Fix March 20, 2018
I will consider all these things before buying furniture covers. Thank you for sharing a very informative article.
Kathy March 31, 2018
I was worrying about waterproofing my patio furniture. I glad to grasp that it's solely created for a light-weight drizzle. I'm aiming to check up on a vinyl cowl.
Joe April 14, 2019
Thanks for informative article. If the table is marine grade HDPE material are the concerns about the features of the cover different. So for example the soft cloth backing would not seem to be needed? What features of covers are important to protect this material?
Patio Productions August 3, 2019
Thank you for your comment. As for a soft cloth backing, it depends on how tight of a fit the covers are. The tighter they are the more they rub against the frame and add unnecessary wear & tear. A soft cloth backing would help prevent any rubbing against the frame. It's a good idea to look for covers that are breathable so they don't lock in moisture. Excess moisture can cause the growth of mold & mildew. Make sure the covers extend all the way down and cover the frame completely. Leaving part of the frame exposed can cause the exposed parts to show signs of aging faster than the rest of the frame. Covers that can be tightened at the bottom to prevent it from being blown away is also a good feature to have.
Vivian Black October 28, 2019
You made a great point of making sure that the cover has a breathable design to ensure that you won't develop mold and mildew. My husband and I live in Palm Springs, CA and we are looking for a patio cover that will work best for our climate. We will keep these tips in mind when searching for a professional to buy from.
Sharon November 27, 2019
Do you have an opinion on Empire Patio covers? Specifically the ones with 'never wet' technology and how these compare to RhinoWeave.
Patio Productions December 4, 2019
Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately we have never seen Empire Patio Covers in person so we don't have an informed opinion about that brand. The most important feature to look at when it comes to patio furniture and patio covers is the manufacturer's warranty. Products that a brand is willing to stand behind and provide a strong warranty is very important when it comes to any product that is going to live outdoors.
Lonna December 1, 2019
I bought patio furniture covers and I loved them, until they got brittle and started shredding the next year. Should I expect to replace the covers every year or two? Or is there a material that will hold up longer?
Patio Productions December 4, 2019
Thank you for your comment. Depending on the material, some furniture covers will last longer than others. We recommend taking a close look at the manufacturer's warranty. Furniture covers is one of those items that you get what you pay for. If you want high quality, you have to be willing to pay a little extra. Low quality materials give low quality results.
