You’ve put in the work to create the perfect outdoor space—now it’s time to protect it with an outdoor furniture cover!
But with so many options out there, how do you know which outdoor furniture covers will truly protect and preserve your furniture? This complete guide is here to help.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from choosing the perfect size and material to understanding the importance of breathability and waterproofing.
By the end, you’ll have all the tools to make an informed decision and keep your outdoor space looking beautiful season after season.
Why You Need an Outdoor Furniture Cover
Canvas, Polyester, and PVC materials are specifically crafted to endure harsh weather, including rain and storms.
However, this doesn’t mean they are immune to the effects of water, dirt, or fluctuating temperatures.
Extreme weather conditions can still cause wear and tear on these materials, making them vulnerable to wear and tear as well as mildew growth.
Even high-quality plastic furniture, while resilient to temperature shifts, can still be susceptible to dirt and mildew buildup over time.
Fortunately, by covering your furniture, you can avoid this hassle and spare yourself the deep cleaning come spring.
Investing in high-quality outdoor furniture covers is a simple solution to protect your patio furniture from the elements.
Before purchasing, however, take time to consider factors like the material, durability, and weather resistance of the covers to ensure they offer the best protection for your furniture.
What to Consider When Choosing An Outdoor Furniture Cover?
Choosing the right furniture covers is essential to protecting your outdoor furniture from harsh weather.
With so many options available, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure the best fit and functionality. Here’s what to look for to select the perfect outdoor furniture cover:
1. Size Matters
Before you buy a cover, you need to measure your furniture accurately. Many people make the mistake of purchasing covers without proper measurements, which can result in covers that are too large or too small to provide proper protection.
If you can’t find a custom fit, look for universal covers with adjustable straps or attachments to ensure a secure fit.
Matching covers ensure a precise fit, especially for larger pieces like chaise lounges and sectional sofas.
For accurate measurements, follow these guidelines:
- Table: Measure the width from the opposite sides of the tabletop. For length, measure from the top of the table to the floor. For width, measure edge to edge.
- Chair: Measure the full width across the chair, including the armrests. For height, measure from the highest point of the back down to the ground. The length is measured from the leg support to the edge of the chair.
2. Waterproof
Water resistance is crucial when choosing an outdoor furniture cover, especially if you live in an area with heavy rainfall. However, not all covers are waterproof.
While some plastic covers are simply water-resistant, meaning water can eventually seep through, others, like those made from vinyl, are designed to be fully waterproof.
But be careful: vinyl can trap moisture inside, leading to mould and mildew growth. This is especially problematic if the trapped moisture can’t dry out.
Therefore, it is always important to check the product details and contact the seller to verify the waterproof qualities of the cover before purchasing.
3. Breathability
While waterproofing is essential, breathability should also be a priority. Covers with built-in vents allow air to circulate, which helps prevent moisture buildup and mould growth.
A material that’s too thick, like some vinyl covers, may be great at keeping rain out, but without proper ventilation, it can trap water under the surface.
If you have to choose between breathability and waterproofing, prioritise waterproofing. However, look for a cover that offers both, as this will provide the best long-term protection for your furniture.
Read More: Sunproof Outdoor Fabric: Should You Get It?
4. Material Quality
The material of the cover is not only about its ability to protect against weather but also how it interacts with your furniture.
The exterior should be durable and weather-resistant, but the interior is just as important. A soft interior lining helps protect your furniture from scratches and mould.
Avoid outdoor furniture covers with rough fabric on the inside, as these can damage your furniture’s finish over time.
If you’re a pet owner, consider investing in pet-friendly covers that can prevent scratches and minimise damage caused by pets.
Many covers are designed with soft materials that offer extra protection from the wear and tear of both the weather and your furry friends.
5. Secure Fastening
A great cover won’t be effective unless it stays in place. Look for furniture covers that come with secure fastening mechanisms, such as adjustable straps or buckles.
These features prevent the cover from blowing away in strong winds or shifting over time.
Proper fastening also ensures the cover stays snugly in place, providing consistent protection throughout all seasons.
6. Long-Term Investment
Replacing outdoor furniture can be a significant expense, so investing in high-quality furniture covers is a wise decision for prolonging the life of your patio pieces.
Outdoor furniture covers not only protect your furniture from rain, dirt, and UV damage but also save you from costly repairs or replacements in the future.
Take the time to assess the size, material, waterproofing, breathability, and fastening features to find the perfect cover that will protect your outdoor furniture for years to come.
Read More: Heavy Duty Tarpaulin: The Ultimate Protection for Industrial and Outdoor Use
Protect Your Outdoor Furniture with Kintex
Don’t let the weather take a toll on your outdoor furniture. Choosing the right outdoor furniture cover can make all the difference in protecting your investment.
At Kintex, a trusted one-stop canvas and tarpaulin supplier in Malaysia, we provide an extensive selection of heavy-duty fabrics designed for outdoor use.
Our range includes durable polyethylene tarps, versatile PVC tarpaulin, and reliable canvas tarpaulin, all crafted to meet diverse needs and withstand challenging conditions.
