You have probably spent a considerable amount of time and money investing in your beautiful outdoor garden furniture and you want to insure that it will last for years to come; investing in garden furniture covers is the best way to proctect your furniture. These covers have become popular not only for use in the winter months, but all year long as they have become easier to use. Most people consider furniture covers the first season they are faced with deciding on how to store their investment. A proper approach will provide you with the same beautiful furniture next spring. There are several factors to consider when deciding to store your furniture for the winter months as opposed to using garden furniture covers:
• Available indoor space to store your furniture
• Weight of the furniture
• Manufacturer’s recommendations
If you are like most people, the thought of moving your garden furniture indoors is a nightmare! Besides the fact that it is heavy and awkward to move, it also takes up a considerable amount of critical storage space within your home or garage. Prior to investing in covers, it is recommended that you review the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper storage. Items made of concrete are usually not recommended for outdoor storage if you live in a climate that experiences freeze conditions as this may cause the concrete to crack. Most items made of wood or polywood and most plastics will weather the winter months quite well.
Considerations for Year Round Use
Over the years the quality of furniture covers has greatly improved and people are now using the covers all year long. Consider using protective covers all year for the following reasons:
• Protect your furniture from trees that drop seasonal berries or from the staining of leaves in the fall season.
• Bird droppings
• Prevent the green and yellow residue of created by pollen
• Items that are in direct sunlight all day long can begin to dry and fade in color
Not All Covers Are Created Equal
Purchasing outdoor furniture covers is an investment in your furniture and you will want to buy covers that will provide you with many seasons of use. Furniture covers that are not made of high quality materials can be almost as bad for the furniture as not covering them at all! When purchasing make sure that the covers have the following:
• One year manufacturers warranty – anything less should be a red flag as to their quality of construction!
• The material should be water-proof. This will protect the furniture from moisture that can lead to mold growing on the furniture.
• Fade Resistance should be built into the material. This protection will prevent your furniture from drying out and fading.
• Vents should be built into the cover to allow air circulation through the cover to prevent mold and mildew growth.
• Elastic and or draw cord strings should be present around the bottom of the furniture to allow for easy removal and to prevent the covers from blowing off
• Choose a cover that is made of top quality PVC backed polyester material.
• Read online reviews of others who have purchased this product
Prepare Your Furniture Properly Prior to Storage
As you begin to plan for the storage of your furniture for the off-season months it is important to inspect the items for any damaged hardware or rusted pieces. These should be repaired prior to storage. In addition, any rotted wood should be taken care of as well as mold and mildew. Prior to storing the furniture it should be washed with a mild detergent and water to remove any stains and dirt that has accumulated over the course of time. The most important part of storing your furniture is to make sure that it is completely dry. Storing furniture that may still be wet can cause mold, mildew and rust to form over the winter months.
You have invested a lot of time and money into your outdoor garden furniture that has given you many months of enjoyment. If you value your investment and want to keep it for years, purchase a set of quality garden furniture covers today to extend the life of your furniture.
