Outdoor Furniture Covers

What to look out for when buying outdoor furniture covers

If you don’t have a good place to store your patio furniture during the winter months, and wish to cover it in place, buying outdoor furniture covers is a great way to solve the problem. But there are some things you should know about prior to choosing a cover. There are also a few things you should know that will make your covers last longer and work better.

How to Measure for the Correct Size

Prior to shopping for your outdoor furniture covers you should place the furniture the way it will be grouped when it is covered. Put the chairs around the table the way they will sit when covered then measure the width, length and height including the chairs. You will want the cover to completely cover the table and the chairs around it. If your chairs are high backs, then the skirt will need to be long enough to cover nearly to the bottom. If it doesn’t extend low enough, then it won’t be as wind and water-proofed. For benches or chaise lounges, also be aware of the measurements, and allow for plenty of room. If you are unsure, or if the measurements are close, order the next size bigger.

Are You Able to Remove the Umbrella Yourself?

Some patio umbrellas are very big and heavy. Some outdoor furniture covers do not have a hole for the umbrella, nor a zipper to allow covering around one. The covers that don’t accomodate the umbrella do provide more protection for the furniture, but if you can’t remove the umbrella easily yourself, without the threat of injury, you might want to factor that into your purchasing decision.
If you can remove the umbrella yourself, the best place to store it is disassembled, folded, and laid down on top of the tabletop.

The Cover Material

Is the cover material heavy and substantial? Or is it light and flimsy? Winter winds can be brutal in certain parts of the country. You want the cover made from a very heavy durable material that is well water proofed and mildew-resistant.

Other Considerations

Are there enough fastenings around the bottom to secure the cover and keep it firmly anchored in high winds, and is your furniture heavy enough to stay down in the event of the cover balooning? If not, you might consider creating an “anchor” to put on the table top or chair seats, or near the corners to be fastened.

Water or snow pooling in places may cause eventual rot or mildew. One solution to this, with tables, chairs or benches, is to place plastic milk crates on top of the furniture under the cover, so that the covered center is higher than the sides, and gravity can do its work to allow the moisture to run off. Alternatively you can buy a piece of PVC piping and place it in the umbrella hole. Figure out the height it needs to be to keep the cover taut, and cut the pipe to that height. Pad the end that will be against the inside of the cover.

With a bit of forethought and planning, careful measuring, and some comparison shopping you can find outdoor furniture covers that will fit well, protect your furniture, and give you years of service.

Make sure to have a look at our top 10 outdoor furniture covers.