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.

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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.