Shopping for an Outdoor Furniture Cover

You'd think shopping for furniture covers for your outdoor furniture would be pretty straightforward. That's not necessarily the case. There are, in fact, a number of things you'll want to consider before your making your purchase to ensure your new outdoor furniture cover will keep your furniture looking brand new as long as possible.

Make Sure It's Thick Enough to Keep Out UV Rays
While harsh weather certainly takes its toll, the biggest threat to outdoor furniture is actually the sun. Harmful UV rays fade colors, turn some materials dry and brittle, and can degrade fabrics. That being the case, it's important that you purchase an outdoor furniture cover that is thick enough to eliminate sun damage altogether.

Is It Waterproof?
Sounds like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many outdoor furniture covers are just "water resistant." These covers perform well in a passing drizzle, but if they get hit with an all night thunderstorm or a six-inch snow that sits on them for weeks or months, they actually soak up the water and end up doing more harm than good. A waterproof cover will repel water completely so that there's no chance of water damaging your outdoor furniture whatsoever.

Durability and Thickness
These qualities go hand in hand. Keep in mind that your outdoor furniture covers get whipped around during large storms and high winds, and if they're not built solidly enough to withstand the punishment they will fray and tear, especially when placed over furniture with sharp edges or corners. Also, don't forget that your furniture cover is going to be taking the beating from the sun, rain, snow, sleet, and wind that you're saving your furniture from. In that respect, it doesn't pay to cut corners when it comes to buying thicker material and a furniture cover material that is guaranteed to last.

All Work and No Play . . .
Of course, don't forget when choosing an outdoor furniture cover that you're going to have to look at it sitting out there on your deck or patio for a substantial chunk of the year. Sure, functionality and protection should be your primary concerns, but it doesn't hurt to keep an eye out for something that's pleasing to the eye, either.

Who Needs Furniture Covers?
You can virtually eliminate the need for furniture covers if you shop wisely for outdoor furniture in the first place. Look for steel or iron framed furniture with a removable outdoor furniture cushion. No weather is going to degrade properly forged wrought iron, and all you'll have to do is find a free space in the garage or basement to store your outdoor furniture cushion over the winter months. Teak outdoor furniture is also a great solution. Teak's natural resistance to water and rot make it perfect for outdoor uses (it was the wood of choice for building decks on boats for centuries for just this reason). And as teak does weather, it actually gets better looking, taking on an antique, weathered, silver appearance.

Whether you choose weather proof furniture or need an outdoor furniture cover to protect the furniture you do have, making smart decisions about protecting your investments means you'll enjoy newer looking, more comfortable furniture for years to come.