The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Furniture Covers

Your outdoor furniture is an investment that adds comfort and style to your outdoor living space. Like the interiors, your outdoor living space is an oasis with priceless furnishings that need some protection from the harsh elements. So, to ensure its longevity and maintain its pristine condition, you’re going to have to do a bit in order to keep everything safe. The elements, whether it be freezing temperatures or heavy rain, can cause furniture to rot, swell, and even have paint that chips.

But fortunately, one thing that you can do is invest in custom outdoor furniture covers. Most folks know the importance of covering up their outdoor furniture, but it’s so important not to buy just any covers, standard plastic tarps won’t simply do. You’re going to want high-quality outdoor covers. So, here is everything you need to know about outdoor furniture covers so you can keep your outdoor furnishings looking amazing for years to come!

Why Is Outdoor Furniture Covers So Important?

It’s pretty obvious why outdoor furniture covers are important, because it’s simply meant to protect your furniture, but there are other reasons why outdoor furniture covers are so important, and it can be summed up in these points.

● Weather Protection: The covers shield your furniture from rain, snow, UV rays, and other weather-related damage, preventing rust, fading, and deterioration. All things that not only aesthetically destroys furniture but it means that it’s less functional and potentially unsafe too.

● Dust and Debris: They keep dust, pollen, leaves, and other debris at bay, ensuring your furniture stays clean and ready for use.

● Prolonged Lifespan: It extends the lifespan of your pieces, reducing the need for frequent replacement or repairs.

● Convenience: Covering your furniture when not in use means less time spent on cleaning and maintenance.

What are the Different Types of Outdoor Covers?

Just about all outdoor-related furniture and décor (with the exception of rugs and outdoor curtains) will have covers. You can count on tables, chairs, sofas, grills, umbrellas, and evenchaise lounge chairs to all have covers. But for some items like cushions, outdoor curtains, rugs, throw pillows, etc., there are hard plastic chests for storing these.

Choosing the Right Material

Does the material itself actually matter? Honestly, yes, it does because not all materials are created equally. You’re going to want something that’s thick enough to the point where water can go past it, not through it. Something strong enough that can hold up against major winds and even the iciest of winters. You want something that stays strong, not a custom outdoor furniture cover that you’ll need to replace annually. So, while in the end, it’s going to be up to you and what material you’re after, here are some of the most common ones to give you a solid Idea.

● Polyester: It’s lightweight, affordable, and water-resistant. Also, polyester covers are considered to be one of the best choices for most outdoor furniture. You’re going to want to look for ones with UV-resistant coatings for added durability.

● Vinyl: Vinyl covers are heavy-duty and highly waterproof; it’s another major go-to that’s pretty common. They are particularly suitable for protecting furniture in regions with heavy rainfall- so if you live in an area where there’s a lot of rainfall, then you want to consider this option.

● Canvas: Canvas covers are breathable, which prevents mold and mildew growth especially for furniture that’s made of natural materials. Ideally, if you live in a hot and  humid climate, then this might be the best option.

● Oxford Fabric: It’s not as common as the other three, but it’s still used from time to time as a furniture cover since it’s known for its strength and durability.

How to Get the Right Size and Fit for Your Covers

The last thing you want is to get a furniture cover, and half of your furniture is sticking out, or it’s too much of a struggle to even cover anything. Ideally, you’re going to want to ensure your outdoor furniture covers fit snugly. Covers that are too loose can allow moisture and debris to get underneath, defeating their purpose. So, it’s best to measure your furniture and choose covers that match the dimensions or opt for covers with adjustable straps for a custom fit. You can even purchase custom outdoor furniture covers, too.

Additional Features You Might Want to Consider

Not all outdoor covers are the same; some might have some small features that separate them from others. Overall, they’re there to help out with enhancing functionality. You might want to look into:

● Ventilation: Covers with vents promote airflow, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.

● Drawstrings, Velcro, and Fasteners: These help secure the covers in windy conditions.

● Handles: Handles make it easier to put on and remove the covers.

What to Consider Before Purchasing a Furniture Cover

In general, the sizing, fit, extra features, and the material it’s made from are some pretty important things you’re going to want to consider, but it should end there. There might be other factors you may want to think about, such as UV protection, aesthetics, durability, ease of use, pricing, warrant, what’s in your budget, reviews, and so on. Just like your furniture, you’re going to want to look closely into what’s best to preserve your furniture. So, what factors matter most to you?

What’s the Best Way to Clean an Outdoor Furniture Cover?

For the most part, it’s pretty easy when it comes to cleaning, especially considering the fact that the cover is meant to be able to easily handle dirt and debris it gets hit with. So, here’s what you’ll need to do.

● Clean them regularly with mild soap and water.

● Store covers in a dry place when not in use to prevent mold and mildew.

● Repair small tears or holes promptly to prevent further damage. Sometimes, it can be as easy as gluing or sewing the holes.

Overall, investing in the best covers for your outdoor furniture is a smart move that will protect your investment and keep your outdoor space looking its best. Consider the type of material, size, and additional features to find the perfect covers for your specific needs. With the right covers, you can enjoy your outdoor furniture for years to come, no matter the weather. These are meant to protect your furniture and outdoor furnishings, so picking the cheapest thing isn’t going to cut it. Invest in the best to keep your furniture thriving for years!