Don't let the sun and rain ruin your patio furniture. Protect your outdoor furniture with a waterproof, durable, and elegant patio furniture cover. Save on the cost of expensive replacement when you invest in the appropriate furniture cover for your needs. Shield your outdoor benches, deep seating sofa sets, patio heaters, and fire pits from potential harsh weather elements. You can find a matching patio heater and fire pit cover here.
A: Furniture covers provide a necessary barrier against the primary causes of outdoor furniture degradation.
UV Degradation (Sunlight): Prolonged UV exposure breaks down the molecular structure of fabrics (cushions) and plastic finishes, causing them to fade, become brittle, and crack. Covers block UV rays entirely, extending the life and color of cushions and composite materials.
Moisture Damage (Rain, Snow, Condensation): Covers prevent water from penetrating deep-seated cushions, helping prevent mildew and mold growth. For metal furniture, they prevent water from pooling in joints, which accelerates rust and corrosion.
Debris and Pests: They keep the furniture clean from tree sap, bird droppings, pollen, and dust. They also deter insects and small rodents from nesting inside the cushions or frame during the off-season.
A: Quality covers are defined by their fabric construction and ability to manage air circulation.
Material: The best covers are made from heavy-duty, solution-dyed polyester or woven vinyl-coated fabric. Solution-dyed polyester is a type of fabric where the color is added to the polyester resin before it's spun into yarn, resulting in a fabric that is highly resistant to fading. This material offers superior tear resistance, is highly waterproof, and resists fading far better than thin, cheap plastic.Waterproofing: The fabric should be water-resistant, and all seams should be taped or double-stitched and sealed to prevent water from penetrating through the thread holes.
Ventilation: Critical for long-term storage, covers must include covered mesh air vents. These vents allow trapped moisture and condensation to escape, preventing the 'greenhouse effect'-a situation where heat and moisture are trapped under the cover, creating a perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow.
A: Proper application and securing are essential for the cover to work effectively.
Elevation: For flat-top tables or chairs, place an object (like an upside-down bucket or ball) in the center of the table before covering. It creates a tent-like peak, preventing water from pooling on the cover and stretching the material, which can eventually seep through.
Securing: Use covers with adjustable drawstrings, buckle straps, or elastic hems. These features are necessary to cinch the cover tightly around the base of the furniture, preventing wind from lifting it.
Cleaning: Periodically clean the cover itself with a mild soap and rinse. Algae or dirt on the cover can eventually contaminate the furniture underneath.
A: Accurate measurement is key, and special covers are needed for complex arrangements.
Measuring: Measure the Height (H), Width (W), and Depth (D) of the piece at its widest points. For covers, it is better to have an excess of 1 to 2 inches than to have the cover be too tight. A tight cover stresses the seams and may not fit after a wash.
Sectionals: Rather than trying to cover a large, L-shaped sectional with one giant cover (which is unwieldy and prone to pooling), it is often easier and more effective to use multiple individual covers or modular covers.
Modular Covers: Some companies offer specific covers for the left/right arm sections and the middle section, providing a better, more secure fit for complex outdoor configurations.