Outdoor furniture provides a great means for spending time outdoors and improving your living area. From a luxurious patio set to a cozy garden bench or a durable dining table, outdoor furniture makes life more comfortable and enjoyable. Yet, as with everything outdoor, the elements can very easily become their undoing when it comes to the durability and quality of your furniture. Sun, rain, snow, and even dirt can cause wear and tear, so it is important to find ways to protect these valuable items. Outdoor furniture covers are among the best solutions.
The Advantages of Outdoor Furniture Covers
Outdoor furniture covers are typically made of durable, water-resistant materials and offer protection from rain, snow, and sunlight. By keeping your furniture away from direct contact with these elements, the covers avoid damaging the color, texture, and durability of your furniture. This can easily extend the lifespan of your investment, ensuring that your outdoor furniture remains like new after a number of years. Apart from protecting outdoor furniture from weather damage, furniture covers also facilitate easier maintenance of cleanliness for your furniture. Leaves, dust, and dirt are blown into furniture when not covered, and rain penetrates them to deposit water stain spots. Covers protect against such external elements from settling on the furniture. That reduces the effort required in cleaning and effortless maintenance of outdoor space.
Types of Outdoor Furniture Covers
When choosing a cover, ensure that it is the right size and shape for your furniture. Covers also come in various styles, from one-piece covers for a single piece of furniture like a chair or table, to multi-piece covers for larger sets of furniture. For example, you can buy covers that have already been made for sofas, dinner tables, lounge chairs, or even barbecues and fire pits. The material used for outdoor furniture covers is based on the condition desired, with polyester, vinyl, and canvas being the best-selling materials.
Polyester is a light, waterproof material that is suitable for covering small furniture pieces or for areas with less severe conditions. Vinyl is more durable against wear and tear and offers superior protection against moisture, and hence it’s an ideal choice for rainy regions. Canvas, although less water-resistant than vinyl, is sometimes used because of its ventilation properties, and hence it is an ideal choice for hot climates where air flow is crucial.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Furniture Cover
Amongst the things to check in purchasing outdoor furniture covers or outdoor chair covers are a couple of key elements.
First and foremost is cover size. Having a tight-fitting cover that covers your furniture entirely is vital without it hanging loose. If the cover is too small, it won’t provide any cover, while too large will bag in the wind and tear. Most manufacturers have size charts that allow you to select the ideal cover based on your furniture’s dimensions. Material is also a key consideration.
As noted earlier, material will dictate the level of protection. Select a cover that will accommodate your individual climate and weather conditions. For example, if you live in an area with a lot of heavy rain or snowfall, you would be required to choose a cover made up of water-repellent material like vinyl. If, on the other hand, you are located in an arid and sunny region, a breathable material like polyester or canvas would work best so as not to foster mold and mildew growth. Lastly, consider the design and features of the cover. Some covers come with additional features like adjustable straps, drawstrings, or Velcro closures to ensure a secure fit. Others may include vents to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of moisture buildup underneath the cover. Look for covers that offer both durability and ease of use, as you’ll want to be able to put them on and remove them without hassle.
Maintenance and Storage of Outdoor Furniture Covers
Outdoor furniture covers are designed to protect your furniture from the elements, but some maintenance is needed in order to ensure they remain effective. Leaves, dirt, and other debris can adhere to the covers, so regular cleaning is crucial. Majority of outdoor furniture covers can be washed gently with mild soap and water, and some can even be machine-washed for convenient ease.
It is also prudent to check the covers for wear on a daily basis. Over time, covers will degenerate or erode because of environmental exposure. Replace the cover if you notice tears, holes, or signs of wear, thus ensuring continued protection of the furniture. Additionally, during off-season or non-use, it is recommended that you keep the covers in a dry and cool location to prevent mold or mildew growth.
Conclusion
Buying high quality outdoor furniture covers is a wise investment to protect your furniture and extend its lifespan.
They save you from weather damage, dirt, and debris, keeping the appearance and functionality of your outdoor furniture in excellent condition. If you choose a right cover for your special needs and maintain it well, you can enjoy the services of your patio furniture for a long number of years, without having to endure the cost of deterioration caused by exposure to elements. Be it covering a patio set or a single lounge chair, outdoor furniture covers are a necessity for any outdoor space.
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