The best outdoor furniture covers for winter: what to look for

Measuring your outdoor furniture correctly is crucial to ensure a proper fit for your covers. Here are the key measurements to take:

• Measure Length: Measure the full length of the furniture piece from end to end, including any protruding arms or legs.

• Measure Width: For chairs or sofas, measure the entire distance across the seat from left to right, including the stretch of the arms

• Measure Height: For tables or chairs, measure the distance from the top surface to the ground.

• Allow Extra Room: Add a few extra inches to each measurement to ensure the cover can fit comfortably over the furniture.

• Consider Special Shapes: If your patio table has an umbrella hole, look for covers designed with a hole to accommodate it.

When selecting the best outdoor furniture covers for winter, the material is a crucial consideration. The ideal cover should be waterproof, breathable, UV-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. Here are some of the best materials to look for:

Polyester: Polyester is a popular choice for outdoor furniture covers due to its durability, water resistance, and breathability. It's lightweight yet sturdy, and many polyester covers are treated with UV inhibitors to prevent fading and damage from sunlight.

Vinyl: Vinyl is a heavy-duty, waterproof material that offers excellent protection against rain, snow, and moisture. It's also resistant to mildew and rot, making it ideal for outdoor use. However, vinyl covers can be less breathable than other materials, which can lead to condensation buildup.

Canvas: Canvas is a sturdy, tightly woven fabric that's naturally water-resistant and breathable. It's a popular choice for outdoor furniture covers due to its durability and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Look for canvas covers treated with a water-repellent finish for added protection.

Polypropylene: Polypropylene is a lightweight, waterproof material that's often used for outdoor furniture covers. It's resistant to fading, mildew, and moisture, making it a practical choice for winter protection. Polypropylene covers are also easy to clean and maintain.

When it comes to weight and thickness, heavier and thicker materials tend to offer better protection against the elements. However, they can also be more challenging to handle and store. A good balance is a cover that's thick enough to provide insulation and waterproofing but still lightweight and easy to manage.

Properly securing outdoor furniture covers is crucial to prevent them from blowing away or becoming dislodged during windy conditions. Several methods can be employed to keep the covers in place:

Fasteners, Ties, and Elastic Hems: Look for covers with built-in fasteners, ties, buckles, or elastic hems that can be tightened around the base of the furniture. These features help create a snug fit and prevent the cover from shifting or lifting.

Weights or Ground Anchors: Adding weight bags or ground anchors to the bottom of the covers can help hold them down and prevent them from being blown away. These anchors can be secured to the furniture legs or the ground itself.

Bungee Cords or Straps**: Crisscrossing bungee cords or straps over the top of the cover and securing them underneath the furniture can help keep the cover in place and prevent it from ballooning or lifting.

Vents or Air Vents: Look for covers with built-in vents or air vents. These allow air to circulate and prevent the cover from ballooning or acting like a sail in windy conditions.

By employing these securing methods, you can ensure that your outdoor furniture covers remain firmly in place, protecting your valuable patio sets from the harsh winter elements.

The best outdoor furniture cover is one specifically made for your piece of outdoor furniture. Look at the manufacturer of your furniture and see if they make a corresponding protective cover. This will ensure a snug fit that won’t let in moisture.

AuthenTEAK is a great place to source outdoor furniture covers, offering a wide selection of covers from the industry’s best brands. AuthenTEAK also offers a complete selection of Kingsley Bate and Gloster protective covers.

Only use covers on completely dry furniture to avoid trapping moisture and avoid placing objects on top of furniture covers, which can cause mold or mildew.

In addition to covering your furniture during the winter or when its not in use, it’s also best practice to give outdoor furniture a regular clean to maintain the look and longevity of your investment.