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To ensure the longevity of your coveted patio furniture, you should keep it covered.
So you finally got an excellent set of outdoor furniture. Now that you have it, how do you protect it? For outdoor furniture to be considered "outdoor furniture," it has to be made of weather-resistant materials. Outdoor furniture has to stand up against the sun, rain and wind — but you should also be buying a separate covering to make sure your outdoor furniture can last year after year. Here are the best outdoor furniture covers to buy for every possible scenario.
Outdoor furniture should be made of weather-resistant materials, otherwise, they're just regular indoor furniture that you happen to place outside. But depending on the climate you live in —like one that gets a lot of rain — your outdoor furniture will be constantly pummeled by the elements, drastically reducing how long your outdoor furniture will last. To ensure the longevity of your coveted patio furniture, you should absolutely be buying a cover for them.
You'll obviously need to buy outdoor furniture covers that can actually fit over your existing outdoor furniture. First, measure all of the pieces you'll want to be covering up, and let that inform what size coverings you'll want to buy. Then, determine whether or not you want to cover each piece on its own, or find an extra-large covering to drape over everything at once. It'll be cheaper to buy one super-sized covering than to buy a few smaller ones, too. One tip for using a furniture cover is to put support underneath it to raise up the covering so it doesn't droop or sag in the middle, which will lead to pools of water. And in the summer, that means mold, mildew and mosquitoes.
Two of the most common outdoor furniture coverings are polyester and vinyl. Each will offer protection against the elements, but the best waterproof material will be vinyl. On one hand, while vinyl is the best to keep furniture safe from water, it can trap moisture inside and lead to mildew and mold. Polyester can be waterproof, and in some cases, might be more durable than its vinyl counterparts.
Ultcover makes a variety of sizes of its outdoor furniture covers to protect your patio dining sets ranging from small squares to extra-long rectangles — and they encapsulate the accompanying chairs. The cover is made of thick and durable 600D polyster with a waterproof backing. The cover is completely waterproof, backed by a three-year warranty, and guaranteed to protect your precious patio furniture from UV rays, snow, rain and wind. A side air vent offers breathability, while the cover is designed to stay put with the addition of buckles that clip around table and chair legs and an elastic hem cord.
If you're looking for protection for your outdoor furniture, you're going to want the protection to withstand the elements as best as possible too. That's where Arlmont & Co's patio covers come in. They're made of a tightly woven 600D polyester that brings waterproof protection and UV resistance while being durable and lightweight. According to the brand, it will hold up against "fading, ripping and extreme heat" — basically, everything you're looking for — while a tape-sealed seam adds extra waterproofing abilities.
It features handles on the side to make it easier to put on and off, with additional side vents bringing breathability. And when it's not in use, you can throw the cover into the accompanying storage bag.
OK, from afar it looks like you're covering your outdoor furniture with an oversized trash bag. Alas, it is not a trash bag, but the best $30 you can spend to protect your patio furniture. It has a universal design so that you can cover your patio dining set or lounge seating without the need to find a specific shape. The material is resistant to water and UV rays, and its durable construction will hold its own against inclement weather.
With its oversized dimensions, this cover can protect a full set of furniture without the need for smaller protective coverings. By combining a durable oxford material with a silicone interior, the cover is waterproof, which is bolstered by the sealed tape design. Additional features like handles, air vents and a drawstring make this a worthwhile purchase for those looking to protect a bunch of pieces of outdoor furniture at once.
Just have an outdoor sofa? It's hard to beat the sofa cover from Amazon Basics. The cover — available for a three-seater or two-seater — is made of durable polyester with a PVC undercoating to add water resistance. The cover is double stitched to aid in its longevity, while buckles keep the cover in place even against heavy gusts of wind.
For single chair protection, Duck Covers makes covers that wrap securely around each chair's legs, while an elastic hem with a drawstring brings a tailored fit. The nylon material is waterproof, with the brand guaranteeing protection against rain, dirt, wind and snow. There's also something to be said about the "mocha cappuccino" colorway that doesn't make this look like some repurposed Glad bag.
From Ikea to Herman Miller, this is your survey of the best outdoor and patio furniture at every price point.