Outdoor furniture is an investment capable of converting that little space in your garden, balcony, or patio into a comfortable and stylish living area. But just like any other outdoor equipment, it is exposed to outside elements that may cause fast wear and tear. This is where outdoor furniture covers come into the picture. These simple yet effective accessories can help to protect your beloved outdoor furniture from Mother Nature, dirt, or even the rampage of pests. The article elaborates on the benefits, types, and essential things to consider for choosing the best outdoor furniture covers.
Outdoor Furniture Covers: A Necessity
The outdoor environment simply does not care. Whether it’s the summer heat beating down on occasion followed by heavy rain in winter or a spring hailstorm popping out of nowhere, your patio furniture is always left exposed to the elements. With time, these uncertain weather conditions can cause the patio furniture to fade, crack, or otherwise deteriorate to the point where replacing it would become very costly.
Outdoor furniture covers seem to act as an invisible barrier against all this. Covers can extend the life of your outdoor pieces by shielding them from rain, UV rays, wind, dirt, and dust. The covers also keep the furniture clean, reducing the frequency of washing or refinishing. This way, you will get to enjoy your outdoor space with minimal effort.
The Different Types of Outdoor Furniture Covers
When it comes to outdoor furniture covers or outdoor sofa covers, there is no single solution. Covers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, each tailored to meet the needs of various types of furniture and environments.
Chair and Sofa Covers
For individual pieces of furniture such as chairs, armchairs, or small sofas, covers are available. These are custom-made to fit snugly over furniture, thereby covering all areas. They typically come in sizes fitting common furniture dimensions for adequate protection of all pieces.
Covers for Sectional Furniture
If you have a sectional sofa or larger patio set, a sectional cover is probably your best bet. These tend to be larger and cover several pieces of furniture at once to ensure uniform protection across the entire set. Hence, sectional covers are incredibly convenient for larger outdoor spaces without the headache of individual covers for each piece.
Table-and-Chair Set Covers
These covers for dining sets or small bistro tables provide simultaneous protection for the tabletop and chairs. This cover is especially good when your table is made of fragile materials like wood that could warp or stain if moisture was present.
Grill and Umbrella Covers
Outdoor kitchens and grills will also suffer untold weather damage. The covers embrace the grill to keep it from rust, dirt, or rain. On the other hand, patio umbrella covers protect from mildew under the adverse environmental condition.
Custom Covers
Custom outdoor furniture covers can come in handy for idiosyncratic-shaped furniture or artwork. Focusing on the specific piece of furniture, custom covers will fit just right and will even suit irregular shapes or custom-made furniture, which regular ones won’t accommodate.
Materials Used for Outdoor Furniture Cover
The material of the cover can directly affect its durability and overall utility against weathering. Some popular materials for outdoor furniture covers are:
Polyester
The polyester cover finds a place at the top of the list as it is reasonably durable, water-resistant, and cost-effective for outdoor furniture. Many polyester covers are coated with PVC or similar substances for enhanced moisture resistance. They are lightweight, easy to clean, and are a good compromise between protection and value.
Vinyl
Vinyl cover proved somehow to excel in the arena of weather protection from rain and snow. It essentially is 100% waterproof and incorporates UV inhibitors to guard against sun degradation of the material. Thicker than polyester, it offers tremendous protection from environmental rigors.
Polyethylene
Made from a very tough, flexible plastic, polyethylene covers are very water- and UV-resistant, making them best for places experiencing extreme weather. More rigid than other material covers, these can withstand howling winds and torrential rains.
Canvas
They are a “green” alternative to synthetic materials. They are breathable, durable, and offer moderate water-resistance. Although these are not fully waterproof, canvas covers are good enough in regions where weather threats are not too harsh. They are also much easier to clean and care for than options made from vinyl or plastic-based materials.
Sunbrella Fabric
Sunbrella fabric is a premium material known for its durability and UV resistance. It is widely used for outdoor cushions and furniture covers, as it resists fading and tearing, even after prolonged sun exposure. Sunbrella covers are breathable, water-resistant, and easy to clean, making them an excellent option for premium protection.
Consideration When Choosing Outdoor Furniture Covers
There are a few important factors you must keep in mind when selecting the best fit for your outdoor furniture covers:
Size and Fit
Ensure that the cover will fit properly over your furniture. If the cover does not fit properly, it will provide inadequate protection and will possibly blow away in strong winds. Always measure your furniture prior to purchasing one, and keep in mind that there are such things as custom covers for irregularly shaped items.
Weather Resistance
Depending on your region’s climate, choose a cover suitable for the typical weather conditions. In rainy regions, waterproof covers are essential, while UV resistance is paramount in areas exposed to direct sunlight. Also keep in consideration the actual exposure received by the furniture based on the location of the outdoor setting.
