How to Choose Outdoor Furniture Covers
When choosing outdoor furniture covers, factors like quality, size and fabric make a big difference in offering adequate protection.
Quality and Size
A high-quality furniture cover can adequately protect your furniture from sun, wind and water. This also eliminates the need to frequently replace your furniture covers. Invest in durable and long-lasting fabric. Waterproof fabrics prevent water damage and moisture buildup, making sure your covers last for a long duration.
Measure your outdoor furniture to ensure a correct fit. A cover that is too tight might damage the furniture or cause a struggle to fit. A loose one may get blown away by the wind. A loose cover might also result in the accumulation of dust under the covers. You don’t want to get one that is too long either since it can result in water damage.
Closure Type
Outdoor furniture covers must be secured appropriately to ensure they don’t fly away. Your outdoor covers should have elastic hems, buckles or drawstrings to fasten the cover. If your furniture has odd angles, a cover with a drawstring might be helpful. Buckles or elastics can be tied to the legs of the furniture, ensuring it stays on.
Shape
The shape of your cover should closely match the shape of your furniture for a better fit. A rectangle outdoor cover is ideal for straight-edged table and chair sets. Round covers are best for circular tables and hanging patio chairs. They follow the furniture’s curves and usually have a drawstring at the bottom to fasten them. A square cover can be used for square tables, ottomans or cube-shaped chairs.
Measure Your Furniture for the Best Fit
Measuring each piece of furniture individually is the easiest way to ensure that your cover fits your furniture like a glove. To do this, measure the height and width of the highest and lowest points of each piece. Also, measure the depth of armchairs and patio coffee tables.
Tuck your outdoor chairs into the tables and tie a rope to secure them in place. Then, measure their circumference and height to get the right size cover.
Types of Outdoor Furniture Covers
When it comes to outdoor furniture covers, there’s no one-size-fits-all. They come in multiple shapes and sizes. While one might be better for large sofas, another might be ideal for tall chairs. Examine your furniture shape to decide which type of outdoor furniture cover fits your furniture the best.
Dining Set
A rectangular outdoor furniture cover would be ideal for a dining set. Straight-edged furniture like table and chair sets typically require a rectangular cover. Getting a good fit will also prevent the wind from whipping it away or causing tears.
Sofa
A standard sofa would require a rectangular cover. Make sure to account for armrests to cover your sofa completely. Drawstrings can help for a better fit. For an L-shaped sofa, a sectional cover works the best. These usually have two or more pieces to cover each section of the sofa. If you don’t find one, two rectangular ones placed on each section can work too. Naturally, a round cover fits best around a circular sofa.
Loveseats and Chairs
The best cover for a loveseat is a wide, rectangular chair cover with drawstrings or elastic for a snug fit. You can get individual chair covers specifically for the type of chair you have. This can include armchairs and dining chairs.
Best Material to Cover Outdoor Furniture
Your outdoor furniture is subjected to harsh weather conditions, dust and scratches. Due to this, it is essential that your cover is sturdy and long-lasting. The fabric of your cover determines the durability of your cover.
Vinyl
Vinyl can be considered one of the best materials to cover outdoor furniture. It’s lightweight and easy to store. Additionally, it’s budget-friendly and moisture-resistant. It has a stiff composition, making it great in windy conditions. But, this also means it will not fold around your furniture leading to dirt buildup. Be mindful that vinyl patio covers are breathable to avoid mold or mildew.
Polyester
Polyester patio cover is sturdy and durable and is commonly used as a material for outdoor furniture covers. It is also scratch-resistant and breathable. This means it can protect your furniture from UV rays, scratches, mildew and mold. It is lightweight and takes up very little space when stored. It also fits snugly around your furniture, keeping dust and dirt out. But, it can be more expensive compared to vinyl covers.
Features of Outdoor Furniture Covers
Choose which outdoor furniture cover is most suitable depending on the weather conditions in your area and your individual requirements.
Weather-Resistant
A weather-resistant patio cover can ensure durability by protecting your furniture from harsh weather conditions. It prevents damage caused by sun, rain, wind and snow. Vinyl covers are good against weather elements, but can crack or become brittle in extreme cold weather. Alternatively, premium polyester material is tough and highly tear-resistant.
UV-Protected
UV rays can be harmful to your covers, and thereby your furniture. A UV-protected patio cover can shield it from fading and cracking. Covers made from both vinyl and polyester are UV resistant and prevent sun damage.
Water Resistant
This feature prevents moisture accumulation on your cover. It can protect your cover and furniture from water damage and warping. While vinyl covers are completely waterproof, they can trap moisture underneath. This can lead to mold growth. Polyester covers are usually water-resistant. They also offer breathability, which allows moisture to escape. Premium polyester patio covers can be highly water repellent.
Mold-Mildew Resistant
Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments. When your cover is breathable, it prevents water condensation. Air circulation keeps the covers clean and your furniture safe. Polyester covers are known for their breathability, which can prevent moisture build-up.