Harsh winter weather can wreak havoc on patio furniture. We asked an expert for tips on how to protect outdoor furniture in winter and keep it looking like new.
Welcome to Family Handyman‘s Guide to Winterization, where you’ll find expert advice on how to get your home in shape for the cold season — because frozen pipes and sky-high heating bills do not have to be an inevitability this winter.
So, you’ve invested in outdoor patio furniture. Great! But now winter is coming, and you’re not sure where to start when it comes to protecting it.
“I’ve seen the damaging effects harsh weather can have on outdoor furniture if not protected, especially through the winter months,” says Paul Knapp, a landscape designer in Davenport, Iowa. “Brand-new furniture can look 10 years old in just one winter season. It’s not unusual to see metals rust, wicker unravel, wood split and plastics crack because they were unprotected.”
Here are some options for what to do with deck, outdoor kitchen and patio furniture in the winter, so you can enjoy it for many years to come.
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Guide to Winterproofing Outdoor Furniture
Whether you have limited indoor space or are considering cover options, the following steps will help you protect your outdoor furniture easily.
Move outdoor furniture to a garage, shed or storage unit
The best thing to do is to bring outdoor furniture indoors, says Knapp. If storage space is limited, stack the furniture to best utilize the area. If you don’t have room to store it on site, Knapp recommends renting a storage unit. Yes, this is an added expense. But you’ve already spent money on the outdoor furniture, and you want to continue enjoying it next season.
Use individual covers to protect outdoor furniture
If you can’t bring outdoor furniture inside, Knapp suggests investing in outdoor furniture covers. There are many great options in a variety of sizes. Covers are available at Amazon and Walmart; Knapp recommends Coverstore and Outer.
“Be sure to check covers periodically, to make sure they are still fitting snugly on your furniture throughout the winter,” Knapp says. “Brush off snow, ice, and debris when it builds up.” Also apply a water-repellent spray to keep your outdoor furniture in good shape for as long as possible.
Cover outdoor furniture with tarps
Tarps are a less expensive option than some of the best covers for patio furniture. Look for heavy-duty plastic tarps online or at your local hardware store. They’re available in a range of sizes.
Many tarps have grommet holes that make it easy to tie them down over furniture. To fasten your tarp, Knapp recommends bungee cords, twine or rope to cinch the bottom around the furniture. “Place the tarp over the piece, wrap the sides and cinch the bottom so you keep moisture out as much as possible,” Knapp says. Leave some ventilation underneath the furniture to prevent mold and mildew. If your furniture is painted wood, it’s also worth taking extra steps to protect it.
Bring in the cushions and leave the frame
“If you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, it’s always best to bring the cushions indoors for the winter,” Knapp says. The frames can stay outside, covered.
Once inside, if the cushion covers are removable, clean them as recommended on the tag. If not, spot clean them. In any case, make sure the cushions are completely dry, then pack them in boxes or plastic bags.
Tips for Winter Storage and Protection
Wood furniture protection
Wood furniture requires special attention when preparing for winter storage. This Old House, a multi-platform home enthusiast company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, advises applying sealant to prevent moisture absorption that leads to warping, cracking or rot. It is also important to store wooden furniture in a dry location or use breathable covers if it is kept outdoors.
Metal furniture care
The biggest concern with metal furniture is rust development. Before storing, check for any existing rust and treat it immediately. One key step in how to protect metal furniture from rust is applying a rust inhibitor before putting it away for the winter.
What if You Leave Outdoor Furniture Outside All Winter?
If you don’t learn how to protect outdoor furniture in winter, leaving it outside year-round could mean hours of cleaning, rust removal, resealing or repainting the following season. It’s better to take precautions now and save yourself time and effort later.
FAQs
How do I prevent mold on my patio cushions during storage?
Taking care of the cushions is also a key part of how to protect outdoor furniture in winter. To prevent mold, ensure cushions are completely dry before storage, store them in a climate-controlled environment and use breathable storage containers rather than sealed plastic bins. Adding silica gel packets helps absorb excess moisture.
About the Expert
- Paul Knapp is the founder and landscape designer at LandscapeArchitectural.com. With 20 years of experience in the landscaping industry, Knapp has worked as a landscape material supplier, designer and construction manager.
Sources:
- This Old House: “How To Care for Wood Patio Furniture”
- Coverstore: “Outdoor Patio Furniture Covers & Indoor Storage Solutions”
- LandscapeArchitectural.com: “Landscape designer and architect in Davenport, Iowa”
