When it comes to outdoor living, we tend to invest in the good stuff – stylish patio sets, comfy cushions, or even a designer lounger. But there’s one key mistake that can ruin it all far too soon: failing to protect your outdoor furniture.
Without the right shielding from the elements, your chairs, tables, and fabrics can fade, rust, crack, or become waterlogged – sometimes within a single season.
Even the best outdoor furniture needs protection. Below, we’ll break down the biggest threats and how to guard against them, so your outdoor setup looks its best year after year.
1. Protection from wind
Wind can wreak havoc on patio furniture, especially lightweight items or pieces with detachable cushions. Gusts or storms can topple chairs, send cushions flying, and even cause structural damage over time.
Axel Avery, professional cleaner at Oakville Maids, says, 'If you think about it, the main difference between outdoor and indoor furniture is exposure to the environment. Wind can damage fibers, carry rain or dirt, and even knock your furniture over. Failing to secure and protect your furniture with covers will make them wear out twice as fast, especially if it’s real wood or another delicate surface.'
Mike Fretto, creative director at Neighbor, adds, 'Lots of people are very lax about covering their outdoor furniture, especially during the summer when they're outside a lot – but it really is the best way to help prolong it. When you don’t, dirt and pollen can get embedded into the fibers more easily, and the furniture is more at risk of being damaged by fallen debris or pesky animals like squirrels.'
As part of preparing your yard for a storm and to prevent wind damage, consider furniture anchors or outdoor bungee cords to secure items in place during storms or on breezy days. Stacking or grouping furniture tightly together can also reduce the risk of it being moved around. For a more elegant solution, furniture covers with tie downs can help, while protecting furniture from other weather, too.
Cleaning pro Axel Avery recommends this heavy-duty patio furniture cover, which has an adjustable cord lock and fits items up to 32"Dx88"Wx33"H. He says, 'This one from Vailge is my favorite as it's not only waterproof and UV resistant, but it also has straps that you can grab around the legs so it doesn’t blow off in the wind.'
Outdoor furniture expert Mike Fretto recommends this stylish, high-quality outdoor cover, which comes in three color options. Made from durable polyester fabric with a PU coating, it offers enhanced water resistance and long-lasting protection. It also features spring buckles and a tightening rope for a snug fit.
Providing protection from wind, rain, snow and sun, this waterproof, PVC-backed cover fits patio sofas up to 91"W x 38"D x 35"H. An elastic hem with cord lock provides a snug fit, further supported by click-close straps in each corner to hold the cover securely in place. Its mocha cappuccino colors also add warmth to any patio setting.
2. Protection from rain
Even water-resistant materials can degrade when exposed to frequent rain or splashes from the pool. Moisture leads to mold, mildew, rust, and premature fabric breakdown, especially where water pools or doesn’t dry quickly.
Waterproof covers are essential and should fit snugly to avoid pooling. Look for breathable options to prevent trapped moisture. Vailge Patio Chair Covers, available from Amazon, are highly rated for their waterproof lining and air vents that reduce condensation.
Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO at Cabana, says, 'If you have a pool, and you have patio furniture with a fabric material, you could be wearing that furniture out much faster by getting pool chemicals on it. Pool water splashing on the furniture directly, or lounging on it while wearing wet bathing suits, directly exposes those fabrics to chemicals like chlorine. Chlorine can cause fabric materials to begin fading in color, and because exposure to it probably won’t be completely even across the surface area of the fabric, that fading can be uneven. Beyond that, chlorine can make the fabric begin to wear down and degrade with time. So, try to avoid getting your patio furniture wet with pool water as much as possible.'
Our experts recommend 303 Fabric Guard Spray, available at Walmart. This powerful spray protects against both water-based and oil-based stains, so it is a highly effective option for furniture that's near a pool or grill. It's safe for outdoor synthetic and natural fibers, and provides an unscented coating that won't affect the furniture's color, feel, or breathability.
3. Protection from sun
The sun is a silent destroyer of patio furniture. UV rays fade colors, weaken fabric fibers, and can dry out wood and plastic, making them brittle and cracked. Prolonged exposure is especially damaging to cushions, umbrellas, and painted or stained finishes.
Rafi Friedman, president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors, says, 'People will often work to protect their patio furniture from wind, rain, and dirt, but they forget about sun damage. UV radiation can break down plastic, paint, stain, and even wood fibers over time. It's what makes a lot of outdoor furniture fade and become brittle.
'To avoid this, you'll want to keep your outdoor items in the shade when you aren't using them. One great way to do this is to use sun-resistant material like metal for the furniture itself, then add upholstery pads that you can store in a chest like this PatioZen Resin Deck Box from Amazon. Another good approach here is to add more shade to your yard. A simple canopy can dramatically reduce the amount of UV damage to your furniture and your skin.'
Our experts all recommend applying Scotchgard Water & Sun Shield, available at Amazon, to your outdoor furniture fabric, adding a protective layer that resists fading. For wooden furniture, Howard SunShield Outdoor Furniture Wax, available at Walmart, conditions and shields surfaces from drying and cracking in direct sunlight.
FAQs
How often should you clean patio furniture?
You should clean patio furniture at least once a month during the warmer months, and more often if it’s exposed to heavy use, pollen, or nearby trees. Quick weekly wipe-downs with a damp cloth can help prevent dirt buildup and staining. Deeper cleans, using mild soap and water or a suitable cleaner based on the material, should be done at the start and end of the season. Scotts Outdoor Cleaner Multi Purpose Formula, available from Walmart, is a safe option for most typical outdoor furniture materials.
Can I leave my patio furniture out all year round?
Whether or not you can leave your patio furniture outside all the time depends on the climate and the furniture materials. In milder areas, high-quality weather-resistant furniture may be fine year-round with proper covers. However, in regions with heavy snow, rain, or extreme sun, it’s best to store furniture in a shed, garage, or under waterproof tarps during the off-season to significantly extend its life.
What's the best way to store patio cushions when not in use?
Store patio cushions in a dry, ventilated space to avoid mold and mildew buildup. Use a waterproof storage box or an indoor bench with hidden storage, and make sure cushions are completely dry before storing. Adding moisture absorbers like silica gel packets or cedar blocks can help control humidity and odors. This pack of a dozen Houndsbay Cedar Blocks, available from Amazon, is non-toxic and moth-repellent.
Meet the experts
By taking small, proactive steps to protect against wind, rain, and sun, you’ll double the life of your outdoor pieces and enjoy them in comfort for years to come.
It's also worth being aware of what not to use when cleaning your patio, and these other common patio mistakes to avoid damage to your outdoor spaces, and rogue chemicals damaging your furniture.
