Outdoor furniture adds elegance to a yard or patio. It's ideal for sitting down and enjoying life or having fun with your loved ones. However, the natural elements rain, sun, wind, and dust are known to reduce the life expectancy and attractiveness of outdoor furniture. That's when outdoor furniture covers become your ultimate savior. These protective covers guard your furniture against the unpredictable conditions outside, thus keeping it in great shape from year to year. In this article, we will discuss why outdoor furniture covers are important, their benefits, how to select the right one, and the tips on keeping them.
Why Outdoor Furniture Covers Are Important
Outdoor furniture is designed to resist harsh environmental factors but can wear out easily especially when not covered after long durations of exposure. If left uncovered, furniture such as chairs, tables, sofas, and cushions would easily be exposed to UV rays, rain, snow, dust, and debris. Such environmental conditions tend to fade colors in fabrics, rust metal frames, crack wood, and even develop mold and mildew on cushions.
Outdoor furniture covers represent the protective blanket over the noxious effects outlined above. In other words, through covering it, you make sure that your furniture lasts for longer and still appears as new when purchased and keeps the integrity of the material intact, which will save on repairs or replacement. Especially in areas where the outdoor furniture was not made to stay outside year-round, in areas with extreme weather conditions, you reside in such areas.
The Advantages of Using Outdoor Furniture Covers
Protection against the Elements
The first advantage is protection against weather conditions. Ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun cause fading and degradation of fabrics and materials that are used to make outdoor furniture or outdoor chair covers. Rain or snow can cause rust, rot, and may even cause molds to grow. Wind may fill the furniture with waste debris. With a highly quality cover, you can utterly avoid all the above problems because your furniture is in good shape and appears to be fresh.
Increased Longevity
Furniture covers not only protect your furniture from environmental damage but also prevent the continuous smashing and rubbing of materials caused by constant weather conditions. As moisture and dirt that are shielded from the furniture can weaken wicker, wood, metal, and plastic materials, covers keep the outdoor furniture durable. This increased durability allows your furniture to last longer, especially on relatively expensive or good-quality pieces.
Easy Maintenance
These are easy to remove and clean and, therefore an efficient way to keep your outdoor furniture in prime condition. Rather than constantly wiping off dirt and debris from the furniture itself, you can remove the cover, clean it, and replace it. This cuts down on time and effort involved in maintaining furniture and ensures it remains free from damage caused by environmental exposure.
Seasonal Storage and Protection
Covers are an additional layer of cover when it comes to storing the outdoor furniture before the off-season. They tend to protect your furniture from gathering dust, grime, or moisture that develops on furniture, especially when keeping them in sheds or garages. Using them also prevents some furniture pieces to get scratched and damaged during this process, since there are no furniture pieces one can stack on top of or put away without any damage or marks.
How to Select the Best Outdoor Furniture Covers
The selection of outdoor furniture covers is a bit overwhelming due to the numerous types of covers in the market. However, some criteria should be taken into consideration so that the chosen cover offers maximum protection and perfectly fits the furniture.
Material
Material covers play an important role in how effective it is. One must look for the covers, preferably made from the most weather-resistant materials that may be used - polyester, vinyl, or even a synthetic fabric blend. They are also waterproof-coated and UV inhibitor-impregnated to further ensure protection against moisture. Further, a cover must have breathability to not hold moisture. When moisture cannot dry out of a cover, it can turn into mold or mildew.
Fit and Size
Outdoor furniture comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it is important to choose covers that fit your furniture snugly. A cover that is too small will not protect the furniture fully, while one that is too large may blow away in the wind or collect rainwater. Measure your furniture carefully before buying a cover to ensure a proper fit. Many are usually standard sizes, but manufacturers may produce some custom-made covers for a better customized approach.
Ease of use
Covers of outdoor furniture must be easy to put on and off, convenient to store, and preferably be available with straps, zippers, or drawstrings that keep the cover on securely and snuggly tight so it will not slip in the wind. It is also convenient to consider those with handles or storage bags for easy movement and storage.
UV Protection and Waterproofing
Check the outdoor furniture covers for features like UV protection and waterproofing. UV-resistant fabrics prevent fading and degradation caused by sunlight, and waterproof covers shield furniture from rain and moisture. Most high-quality covers offer both features, which will ensure complete protection for your furniture throughout the year.
Tips on Maintaining Your Outdoor Furniture Covers
Outdoor furniture covers offer excellent protection; however, they require proper care and maintenance for a longer life and effectiveness.
Cleaning regularly
Clean the covers regularly to remove dirt and debris. Most of the outdoor furniture covers are machine washable, but according to the recommended guide from the manufacturer, it would be followed to know the right direction of cleaning. The cover can be hand washed with mild detergent and a soft brush when the same cannot be achieved. Hang the cover on your furniture when it has air dried completely.
Store Covers When Not in Use
If the weather is dry, you do not necessarily have to cover them all the time. It is best that you store the covers in an ultra-dry and cool area so that it doesn't get all wet and damaged. Ensure the covers are dry before folding them for storage.
Look for Damage
Check the covers regularly for signs of wear and tear such as holes, rips, or frayed seams. If you notice any damage, be prompt in repairing the damage to further delay the deterioration. Some covers have a warranty, so check for a replacement guarantee if a cover goes bad before its time.
Conclusion
Outdoor furniture covers are an investment essential for any one who has outdoor furniture. The best protection they could offer from the elements will help maintain your furniture's looks and functionality for years to come. With the right covers and proper maintenance, you can keep your outdoor furniture looking pristine while enjoying it for many seasons. With such wide ranges available, one can definitely find the perfect cover to suit their needs and ensure that their outdoor living space would always be inviting and well-maintained.
