With fall in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your outdoor living space. One thing that we highly recommend for keeping your outdoor furnishings pristine is to cover them before the onset of adverse weather. Protective covers for outdoor furniture are the best way to ensure that the investment in your backyard oasis is not affected by punishing winds, rain or sleet if you do not have enough space to store them away in a secure area. Here is everything you need to know about shopping for protective covers that fit snugly.
OEM or Not?
The first thing to determine is if your patio furniture manufacturer offers protective covers specifically made for your pieces. These will obviously give you the best fit and they are designed with the furniture material in mind, such as wood versus aluminum.
If you cannot find OEM covers, then there are many options for protective covers for outdoor furniture available right here online. Hauser’s Patio offers plenty of different shapes and sizes to fit over everything from your umbrella to your firepit to your modular sofa.
What Are You Protecting Your Outdoor Furniture From?
Next, consider the potential hazards in your area. Here in Southern California, that usually means sea spray, UV rays, rain, wind, dirt, dust, bird droppings, tree sap, insects and perhaps even falling tree limbs. Whatever are the most prevalent hazards in your area is what you should aim to protect your pieces from.
In the most extreme weather conditions, you should opt for the highest quality protective covers for outdoor furniture you can find. The material should be heavy enough that it does not blow away in a strong wind and yet light enough that it is not an onerous chore to put them on and take them off. We recommend that the covers you choose be made from breathable material designed to keep out dust and dirt while not capturing moisture underneath.
Take Good Measurements
You will definitely need to take good measurements all the way around each piece of patio furniture to ensure that the cover you select will protect the entire piece. Of course, you will need measurements of the height, width and depth but also consider how the cover will go over table legs, chair arms, the bottom of sofas, and umbrella bases – without touching the ground.
While protective covers for patio furniture need to be big enough to encompass each piece, covers that are too big can be detrimental as water tends to pool in the dips of the fabric. This could lead to mold and mildew spots when your furniture is uncovered come spring. Try to find the best fitting cover that leaves no more or less than four inches of give.
Protective Covers for Outdoor Furniture Features
Sometimes it is the little things that make a big difference and protective covers for outdoor furniture are no different. Features such as drawstrings or cords or elastic hems make it easy to ensure a good fit. You may want to inquire about the warranty, as well, keeping in mind that a good patio furniture cover should last through four – five seasons.
Will you be ready when winter comes calling? If not, be sure you shop for protective covers for outdoor furniture today just in case the exact sizes you need must be special ordered.
