What to Cover in Winter vs. Spring

These pieces benefit most from winter patio furniture covers:

Outdoor cushions and upholstered deep seating: Ideally, remove cushions and store them in a dry space, such as a storage shed or deck box. Even with waterproof patio furniture covers, trapped moisture can lead to mildew over time.

Rope furniture: While durable, rope can hold moisture. Covering prevents freeze-thaw cycles from weakening fibers.

Wicker furniture: Resin wicker is weather-resistant but can collect snow and ice in its weave. Winter covers for patio furniture help prevent expansion and cracking in extreme cold.

Fire pits and patio heaters: Gas components should always be protected from snow and moisture.

Outdoor dining tables with expansion leaves: Moving parts are more vulnerable to moisture infiltration during the winter months.

Umbrellas: Clean, dry, close, and cover your umbrella for winter, or ideally store it indoors for the season.

Outdoor kitchens: If you have an outdoor kitchen, winterizing appliances is equally important. See our guide to winterizing outdoor kitchens for more details.

Outdoor cushions during extended rain periods: Even performance fabrics benefit from being covered in between uses during heavy rain stretches.

Upholstered seating when not in use: Particularly in humid climates, keeping cushions dry reduces mildew risk.

Fire pits when not in use: Rainwater can pool in burners or fire bowls.

Dining tables during peak pollen season: If you’re not using your table daily, covering it minimizes the need for constant cleaning.