How To Protect Your Outdoor Furniture Using Garden Furniture Covers

Preserving your garden furniture is the key to being able to enjoy your outdoor space all year round. Due to constant exposure to the varying weather conditions your garden furniture can gradually see signs of wear and tear over time that can diminish both the appearance and functionality. One of the most effective and straightforward methods to protect and increase the lifespan of your furniture is by using high-quality garden furniture covers.

Designed to shield against rain, UV rays, and dirt, our collection of covers has been made to fit a variety of garden sets to help keep them in pristine condition. Whether you have a cosy L-shaped outdoor sofa or a spacious dining arrangement, the right cover can make all the difference in maintaining the appearance of your outdoor space. In this guide, we will explore the importance of protecting your outdoor furniture and how our range can provide the perfect solution.

Do you need to cover your garden furniture?

Yes, although most outdoor furniture sets are made from special weather-resistant materials, investing in a furniture cover can help maintain the condition of your pieces for longer. Furniture covers not only give protection against less favourable weather, but they also provide a convenient way to shield against dust, dirt or bird droppings, reducing the need for frequent cleaning. However, for furniture sets made out of certain materials such as FSC acacia wood, we do not recommend using a cover.

We highly recommend using a cover for any rattan or aluminium furniture sets, especially during colder winter months in order to prevent any possible water damage caused by frost, snow and rain. However, keep in mind that it’s not just the winter weather that has the potential to affect your furniture, prolonged exposure to rainfall at any time of year has the potential to cause cosmetic damage to your garden furniture.

When should I cover my garden furniture?

Although there is no specified time for when you should cover your outdoor furniture, we suggest you consider covering it when you no longer spend much time outdoors. This will vary from person to person however, in most cases, this will be at the end of autumn as the temperature drops. 

The decision on when to start covering your pieces depends on how you use your outdoor space and the type of outdoor furniture you have. If you like to still spend time outdoors in the colder months, relaxing around a fire pit, leaving your garden furniture uncovered may be more convenient. 

You should also cover your furniture whenever extreme bouts of adverse weather are forecast, such as heavy rain, storms and gales. 

What is the best thing to protect garden furniture?

Protecting your garden furniture is essential to ensuring its longevity and maintaining its appearance. No matter what type of outdoor furniture you have or what climate you live in, knowing the best ways to protect your pieces is vital to keeping your outdoor space looking its best. Below we have outlined some of the best and most effective ways to protect your garden furniture.

Invest in furniture covers

The easiest way to protect your garden furniture is to invest in outdoor furniture covers. Our covers are made from our premium outdoor fabrics, and are shower-resistant, providing superior protection from all weather as well as subsequent dirt and grime. All of our covers come in a variety of sizes to fit a range of furniture shapes and sets. Most covers include bungee cords that loop through metal eyelets to firmly secure the cover, whereas others have regular ties to secure the cover and prevent it from blowing away in the wind. 

Whether you're looking for an L-shaped garden furniture cover for your outdoor sofa or a circular cover to protect your round outdoor dining table, we have a variety of sizes to fit your requirements.

Outdoor Cover for Corner Group (L-Shaped) and Outdoor Cover for Half Moon Set 

Outdoor Cover for 8-seat Rectangular/ Oval Dining Set and Outdoor Cover for 4 4-seat round Dining Set 

Clean your furniture regularly

Regular cleaning of your outdoor furniture can also help to protect it from potential cosmetic damage. For wooden furniture, we recommend using a damp cloth to remove any dirt and avoid using harsh chemicals that could cause potential damage to the wood. Metal furniture should be cleaned with mild soapy water and a sponge, then dried afterwards to prevent rust or corrosion. Wicker furniture should be dusted regularly and cleaned with gentle soap to prevent the fibres from deteriorating.

Use protective treatment

If you have wooden garden furniture, you may also want to consider a protective treatment such as a wood stain, varnish or sealant that can help to shield against moisture and UV damage. It is highly recommended to treat wooden furniture to help prolong the appearance and durability of your furniture. 

Consider putting your furniture in storage

Although most of our outdoor furniture is made from materials with all-weather qualities, if you live in an area that is susceptible to frequent harsh weather conditions or you are not planning to use your furniture for extended periods of time, finding a place to store your pieces inside can help to prolong its lifespan.

How do you use garden furniture covers?

How do you use garden furniture covers?

Knowing how to properly use garden furniture covers is essential to protecting your outdoor furnishings and with our step-by-step guide below, it's easy to do. 

Step One: Clean and dry your furniture

Before covering your furniture, it's important to remove any dirt or dust using a soft brush or cloth. If there are any tough stains or stubborn marks that won’t budge, use a warm soapy water solution to help remove them and then dry them thoroughly. All of your furniture should be completely dry before applying the cover in order to prevent any mould and mildew growth.

This is also a good time for any cushions or blankets on the furniture to be brought indoors, washed and stored safely.

Step two: Choose the right cover

Before purchasing one of our outdoor furniture covers make sure you check the measurements of your furniture so you know it will fit. Our covers that have bungee cords can be easily adjusted if it is slightly too big for your furniture set, however, if the cover is too small you will be unable to properly cover the entire set. Most of our garden furniture has a matching cover that is measured perfectly to fit your set so that each piece is accounted for.

The material of your furniture cover should be durable and weather-resistant, like vinyl, polyester or PVC, in order to withstand varying weather conditions.

Step three: Secure the covers

Once you have the right size cover you then need to make sure it is fitted securely. No matter what type of furniture set you have, moving all of the pieces as close together as possible will not only help reduce the time spent covering the furniture but will also make it easier to secure tightly. The cover should fit snugly but allow for a small amount of air circulation. If it does not fit the furniture properly, it may trap moisture or easily blow off in the wind which is why our covers come with the appropriate fastening mechanisms. 

What is the best material for outdoor furniture covers?

The best material for your outdoor furniture covers should be one that is durable and water-resistant. When choosing a material, it's important to consider the specific weather conditions in your area, the type of furniture you have, and the level of protection required. Choosing the appropriate material for furniture covers is crucial to ensuring effective protection against varying weather conditions and prolonging your furniture's lifespan. Below we have listed some of the top materials commonly used for covers.

Polyester

Known for its strength and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, polyester is a popular choice for outdoor furniture covers due to its durability. Most high-quality polyester covers are also covered in a PVC coating that helps to protect your furniture from rain and sun damage. Polyester furniture covers are also lightweight and flexible, making them easy to store away when not in use.

Polyethylene

A lightweight choice, furniture covers made from polyethene are easy to handle and provide great water resistance to keep your pieces dry in wet conditions. However, although this material is resistant to water, it may be less durable than other materials over extended periods and, therefore, is most useful for short-term coverings.

Vinyl

Similar to polyester, vinyl is another popular material choice for furniture covers due to its resistance to moisture and its durability against varying weather conditions. While this robust material is highly effective at protecting furniture, it's important to note that it is less breathable than other materials, which has the potential to lead to condensation and potential damage to furniture if not properly ventilated.

Protect your outdoor space with ATM Living

By following our advice above, you can effectively use our ATM Living garden furniture covers to protect your outdoor pieces with ease, ensuring they remain in excellent condition for years to come.