Covering garden furniture – reasons and correct procedure

To cover garden furniture or not?

In the cold season, garden furniture is exposed to a variety of stresses: frost, moisture, leaves, dirt, UV radiation, and temperature fluctuations. Anyone wanting to protect their investment long-term will do very well by adopting the strategy of covering their garden furniture in winter.

In the following, we shed light on the reasons, the benefits, what is important for correct covering, and how garden furniture can be ideally prepared for winter and spring – so that you can enjoy it again right away next year.

What are the risks of not covering garden furniture for winter?

When furniture stands in the garden and is exposed to winter weather, penetrating moisture can freeze, expand, and thus lead to material and structural damage. Wood or metal with water accumulating in cavities can be particularly problematic.

Furthermore, leaves, branches, bird droppings, or soiled cushions are subjected to long periods of dormancy and moisture in winter. These can attack the surface, cause discoloration, or make cleaning in the spring significantly more laborious.

Even if winter offers fewer hours of sunshine, UV radiation still contributes to fading colors, brittle materials – such as plastic furniture – and a reduced lifespan.

However, simply covering garden furniture with an ill-fitting protective cover can be just as harmful. A frequently underestimated danger: If a furniture set is covered airtight or stored under a hood without ventilation, condensation can form – which in turn encourages the growth of mold or mildew stains. Sufficient ventilation must therefore be ensured.

6 good reasons why you should cover your garden furniture in a waterproof and weatherproof way for winter

1. Longer service life: Protecting garden furniture prevents premature aging and wear – a clear investment protection.

2. Less cleaning effort in spring: Well-covered furniture is clean, intact, and thus ready for immediate use at the start of the season in spring. This allows you to start enjoying it right away – without time-consuming preparation.

3. Material and color protection: Wood, plastic, and metal stay in better condition. The risk of chipping, discoloration, or cracking is thus significantly reduced.

4. Protection against weather and environment: Rain, snow, frost, wind, as well as dust and dirt are kept away. That this can only be an advantage is obvious and has already been discussed.

5. Cost advantage: Fewer repairs, lower replacement costs – save money in the long term.

6. Value retention & brand image: If you have high-quality garden furniture, your standard of value and quality is also reflected in its care and protection. With a suitable cover, you create a good foundation for this.

Properly covering and protecting garden furniture – here’s how it's done

The cover should completely protect the piece of furniture but not be too large – otherwise, water or snow can accumulate. At the same time, it must not be too tight, so that there is enough space for adequate ventilation. Otherwise, there is a risk of waterlogging and damage from moisture. A gap of a few centimeters to the ground is advisable. The appropriate size and optimal fit of the hood are therefore important aspects in any case that should always be observed for good protection of outdoor furniture. In the best case, you can ensure that your garden furniture pieces are optimally protected with a custom-made protective cover.

Breathable fabrics with a membrane are particularly suitable as a material for wood and upholstered furniture, as they allow moisture to escape. The fabric should not just be water-repellent, but completely waterproof. Our UNICOVR covers, for example, meet these requirements without exception. 

While wooden furniture is in particular need of care and moisture, frost, and direct contact with the ground are critical here, so a precisely fitting cover including care (with oil/stain) is strongly recommended; metal or aluminum furniture is, in principle, weatherproof. However, rust can develop in the event of damage or exposed areas, so protection against snow load and salt with a suitable cover is also appropriate here. Furthermore, a cover is also useful for easier-to-maintain polyrattan furniture made of plastic, as UV radiation and cold in particular can make garden furniture brittle.

Checklist for preparing and winter-proofing your garden furniture for year-round outdoor storage

1. Clean furniture thoroughly (remove dirt, leaves, dust)
2. Let furniture dry completely
3. Remove cushions/pillows or store them in a dry place
4. Place furniture on an even, slightly elevated surface
5. At least 5–10 cm distance between the ground and furniture for air circulation
6. Use a precision-fit (custom-made) cover made of waterproof material with ventilation openings or at least breathable fabric
7. Secure the cover firmly (e.g., tension straps, cords, weights)
8. Check occasionally during the winter (hood sits correctly, no damage)
9. In spring: Unpack furniture, check it, and maintain or repair if necessary

Conclusion: A custom-made, waterproof garden furniture cover provides reliable protection in winter

The decision to cover your garden furniture in winter costs relatively little but brings great added value: longer service life, less cleaning effort in the spring, better appearance, and value retention. If you also pay attention to the right materials and use a high-quality, custom-made protective cover like UNICOVR, your furniture will be ideally prepared for the season.

Don't miss the opportunity: Make it an annual routine – just before the frost begins – and benefit from your beautiful outdoor furniture for years to come.

Act now: Configure a perfectly fitting and high-quality protective cover for your garden furniture now.

Need advice? Contact us for an individual and optimal protective solution for your garden furniture pieces.