Outdoor furniture is a good investment that contributes to the attractiveness and comfort of your outdoor space. Whether a patio set, garden bench, or sun lounger, these items are designed to provide relaxation and style for your backyard. Nevertheless, exposure to the elements day in and day out can wear them down and affect their appearance and lifespan. This is where outdoor furniture covers come into play. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using these covers, the different types available, and how to choose the right cover for your outdoor furniture.
Why Outdoor Furniture Covers Are Essential
Outdoor furniture faces all types of weather that could cause wear and tear in the long term. Rain, wind, sun, and snow may all contribute towards the deterioration of cushions, frames, and upholstery. UV sunlight may cause discoloration, and dampness may cause rust, mildew, and mold. Keeping your furniture covered when not in use protects it from these harmful elements, ensuring it lasts longer and stays new for a longer duration.
Apart from protecting the furniture itself, covers also reduce maintenance to a bare minimum. Without covers, you could be washing your outdoor furniture on a frequent basis, and this can take a lot of time and be costly in terms of cleaning agents and man power. With a good cover, you can effortlessly maintain your furniture with minimal effort.
Additionally, furniture covers prevent the buildup of dirt, debris, and leaves, which can otherwise stain or damage your furniture. For those who live in areas with frequent rain, snow, or extreme heat, using covers is especially important to protect your investment.
Types of Outdoor Furniture Covers
There are a variety of outdoor furniture covers or outdoor sofa covers available out there, each for a type of furniture and with the purpose of protecting against one aspect of the weather or another. Having knowledge of the types will be helpful when you shop for one.
Individual Furniture Covers: These are designed for one piece of furniture such as chairs, sofas, or tables. They come in different shapes and sizes to match the size of each piece. Individual covers are a great idea if you have multiple pieces of furniture that you wish to cover.
Full Set Covers: For larger seating sets or sectional sofas, full set covers provide complete coverage. Full set covers are typically made of heavy-duty materials that can envelop over one piece of furniture at a time. Full set covers are ideal for those with large outdoor furniture sets and would prefer having them covered as a whole unit.
Grill Covers: If you possess an outside grill, buying a grill cover is a good investment. Grill covers are designed to protect grills from rust and deterioration caused by moisture and weather exposure. Grill covers are usually waterproofed and have vents to prevent moisture buildup.
Chaise Lounge Covers: Chaise lounges make excellent choices for lounging poolside or on the deck. They are often larger pieces of furniture, so it is practical to utilize covers that will adequately fit them. These covers are typically adjustable sizes to suit many chaise lounge models.
Table and Chair Set Covers: For small patio or bistro dining sets, you can have covers designed specifically for tables and chairs. They are usually designed to fit the whole set tightly, covering the tabletop as well as the chairs underneath.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Furniture Cover
The appropriate cover furniture is the key to its proper protection. Below are a few points to consider when purchasing outdoor furniture covers:
Material Quality
It’s highly critical which material the cover is composed of. Look for good quality, weather-resistant material for best outcome. Most readily available materials that go into cover making are polyester, vinyl, and canvas. These kinds of materials are waterproof, UV resistant, and long-lasting in nature. Polyester covers, for instance, are light in weight and durable but occasionally possess a water-repellent coating. Vinyl covers are a great moisture barrier, whereas canvas is a porous fabric that is ideally suited for areas of high humidity.
Size and Fit
You need to choose a cover that is your proper size. A cover that is too large will not hold on in windy weather, and a cover that is too little will not shelter sufficiently. Make sure to double-check the size before purchasing a cover. A few covers have adjustable sizes, and others have different sizes so that they can fit properly. Some covers have elastic hems or drawstrings to keep them securely in position around the furniture.
Breathability
The other important aspect of an outdoor furniture cover is breathability. If water vapor is trapped under the cover, it will promote the growth of mildew and mold on your furniture. Look for covers with some ventilation opening or mesh panels that allow air to pass through. This avoids condensation buildup and keeps your furniture dry.
Ease of Use
Although durability is vital for outdoor furniture covers, convenience of use also matters. Consider covers that are easy to handle and install, as well as remove. Handles or straps in some covers enable easy installation and removal. In other covers, folding into small pieces makes storage when not being used convenient.
Aesthetic Appeal
While functionality is critical, looks can’t be forgotten. Most of the covers are made in neutral shades like beige, black, or gray, which will easily match most designs of outdoor furniture. Some of the companies also have covers of different patterns or colors to complement the overall style of your outdoor area.
Keeping Outdoor Furniture Covers in Shape
While outdoor furniture covers provide excellent protection, they also need to be taken care of so that they keep functioning. Wash your covers as regularly as possible according to the instructions of the manufacturer to remove dirt and debris. Machine washable covers are available, but certain covers need to be spot cleaned. Ensure the covers are completely dry before placing them back on your furniture to prevent mold or mildew from developing.
It’s also important to check the covers occasionally for wear and tear, or fading. If you find any damage, it’s advisable to replace the cover as soon as possible so that your furniture is not exposed to the elements.
Conclusion
Outdoor furniture covers are an essential accessory for any person who wishes to protect their outdoor furniture investment. They help shield your furniture from harsh weather conditions, reduce the amount of maintenance required, and extend the lifespan of your furniture. With so many options available, finding the right cover for your outdoor furniture has never been easier. Whether you’re protecting a single chair or a full patio set, investing in high-quality covers will ensure that your outdoor space remains stylish and comfortable for years to come.
Leave a Reply