How To Choose The Best Patio Furniture Covers For The Winter Months

When the seasons turn, changes will need to be made to the home to ensure it can survive the fluctuating weather. This is especially true in the winter months when temperatures drop to reach freezing. After designing your perfect patio, you'll want to make sure the exterior furniture pieces brave the winter so they can be used again once summer comes around. This can only be achieved if the right type of patio covers are selected for maximum protection.

Consider the elements that outdoor furniture will have to withstand during the winter. There is always the possibility of snow or rain on top of the daily exposure to cold or even negative temperatures. For this reason, the covers will need to be strong and durable. Ideally, they will be water-resistant as well so storms will not overpower their protection and render them unusable. Measure each piece of furniture and take their size into account to select covers that will not just lay over the structures, but will fully engulf them to protect on each side and the bottom. This will make sure the integrity and appearance of the patio furniture will be well maintained in the harsh conditions. Additional straps can be purchased to further ensure that the covers will stay in place. Remember, you're aiming to find covers that will preserve the furniture so it can be reused in the coming year. Even furniture that resides in a screen-in porch should be prepped for winter to offset the extreme cold. 

It is essential to select patio covers that will provide drainage as well. Without proper drainage, moisture that is left behind will freeze and cause the furniture to crack. Be extra cautious by making sure the furniture is properly dried even before applying a cover on top. Covers should also provide some form of ventilation for breathability that will prevent against water damage.

If you have wicker or wood furniture, it is best to use covers year round, as the material is delicate and can easily decay. This will also prevent harsh UV rays of the sun from discoloring it. Soft cushions will need to be stored separately from large furniture in a protective bag so they do not go limp or rip. Patios that have an overhang can be temporarily winterized for cold weather use by adding a clear tarp as a shield for the entire space. Sometimes, additional protective treatments and coatings can be applied as well to keep the longevity of the furniture material intact. 

In addition to picking a cover that will keep patio furniture safe from freezing temperatures, you'll also want ones that don't look like an eyesore. Covers in neutral colors will never go out of style, and darker tones will mask any imperfections without risk of fading. Materials typically consist of heavy duty vinyl, canvas, or lightweight polyester and polypropylene — all of which are strong and resistant against water.