Generally speaking, most outdoor furniture is made to withstand harsh weather conditions; however, some pieces must be covered to remain unharmed. The decision to keep your patio furniture covered should depend on the materials it is made of and how frequently you use it. It’s a good idea to shield outdoor furniture during winter to protect your investment from harsh weather conditions. If you’re asking yourself, “should I cover my patio furniture?” the answer is most likely: yes, you do. If you still aren’t sure, Anthony’s Landscapes has some of the most experienced backyard contractors in Yardley, PA, to help you with your decision.
How to Determine if You Need to Keep Your Patio Furniture Covered
There are a lot of different factors when trying to determine if your furniture needs to be covered. Let’s go through all the things that you may need to consider to keep your pieces nice and right:
Materials
Wood
A wooden patio furniture set is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. However, if you don’t take proper care of it, mold and mildew can quickly reduce the lifespan of your wood deck and patio furniture. One of the best ways to protect your investment is by keeping your wooden patio furniture covered when unused. This will help prevent mold and mildew from growing on the wood and protect it from moisture, sunlight, dust, and other elements. Some types of wood can withstand harsher conditions than others, but ultimately it is best to treat all wood furniture equally.
Wicker
If you want to keep your wicker patio furniture looking good during the summer months, then yes, it is essential to cover it when not in use. This will help protect it from harsh weather and elements like sun, rain, wind, and dust. To do this properly, consider using a soft cloth material specifically designed for outdoor furniture covers. This will help ensure your furniture is well protected while allowing it to breathe. Additionally, ensure that your patio furniture cover fits correctly and doesn’t leave any loose edges that can get caught on something or let in dust and moisture.
Iron
If your patio furniture is made of wrought iron or another durable material, you should protect it from harsh winter weather by covering it or storing it in a garage or shed. Keeping your outdoor iron furniture covered during winter months or when not in use will help protect it from damage due to moisture and extreme temperatures. Iron can rust if exposed to excess moisture for too long, so a cover is an ideal way to protect your furniture from damage.
Plastic
Plastic is one of the most popular materials for outdoor furniture; however, when decorating your patio, backyard deck, or ground-level outdoor area, it is important to consider weather protection. Sun and rain can cause plastic furniture to fade and crack, while snow and ice can lead to discoloration and weakening of the plastic. Additionally, leaving patio furniture uncovered regularly will expose it to bird droppings, leaves, dust, dirt, and other debris that can shorten its lifespan.
Aluminum
While aluminum furniture is known for its durability, you can still take some steps to protect it from damage. One of those steps is to keep your aluminum furniture covered when not in use. This will help prevent damage from rain, sun, and other elements.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel furniture can take damage from the sun and rain if left uncovered and unprotected. Therefore, in the summer, it is crucial to keep stainless steel furniture covered when not in use to protect against damage from intense heat and sun exposure. This is especially true for furniture in the summer on decks and patios that are exposed to more direct sunlight than furniture in a sheltered area, such as underneath a pergola or veranda.
Maintenance
Covering or storing your patio furniture should be part of your regular outdoor living space maintenance routine, especially during the winter, so you can keep your deck or patio looking its best throughout the year. Taking these steps from the start helps ensure you’ll get the maximum amount of years out of your outdoor furniture.
Environment
Where your home is located is a big factor when trying to decide whether or not your outdoor furniture needs to be covered. Think about what kind of weather your environment endures to determine what kind of protection your furniture might require. While you should cover your furniture when not in use, keeping decks and patios free of debris and dirt buildup throughout the winter is vital, this helps prevent fading, staining, and rot that can occur due to snow, sleet, hail, and other winter weather.
Take Care of Your Patio With Anthony Landscapes!
So whether you should keep your patio furniture covered depends on the materials it is made of and how frequently you use it, but following these tips should help prolong its life and keep it looking great for many seasons. At Anthony Landscapes, we pride ourselves on being able to provide the best patio installation in Bucks County, PA, and can help you care for your patio all year long.
Call today to speak with one of our technicians about what’s best for your outdoor living space!