Should You Cover Garden Furniture in Winter?

Summer might be coming to an end, but that doesn't mean you have to forget about your garden furniture.

Autumn brings falling leaves, rain and colder nights. Before long, winter frost will be here too.

So, should you cover your garden furniture during winter?

For many outdoor furniture sets, a good garden furniture weather cover is a simple way to provide extra protection. It can also keep your furniture cleaner when it's not being used.

Here's what you need to know before covering your outdoor furniture this autumn.

Why Cover Garden Furniture in Winter?

British weather can be unpredictable at the best of times.

During autumn and winter, your garden furniture may face rain, frost, dirt and wind-blown debris. Fallen leaves can also gather on tables and seating.

A garden furniture cover provides an extra barrier between your furniture and the elements.

It can also save you time when spring arrives.

Instead of finding furniture covered in dirt and debris, you can remove the cover and get your outdoor space ready again.

When Should I Cover My Garden Furniture?

There's no single date when garden furniture needs to be covered.

Instead, look at how often you're using it.

During September and early autumn, you may still get plenty of opportunities to sit outside. A weather cover can be useful between those warmer days.

As the weather gets colder, you may stop using your furniture altogether.

That's a good time to clean your furniture and fit its cover for longer periods.

What Does a Garden Furniture Cover Protect Against?

A quality outdoor furniture cover can help protect furniture from everyday exposure to the elements.

Depending on the cover, this can include protection from rain, frost, UV exposure, dirt and garden debris.

This is useful throughout the year, not just in winter.

During autumn, covers can stop fallen leaves and debris collecting on your furniture. In summer, UV protection can also help reduce exposure to strong sunlight.

Why Choose a Breathable Weather Cover?

Breathability is an important feature to look for when choosing a furniture cover.

You don't want to trap condensation underneath the cover for long periods.

Our premium breathable weather covers are designed to help reduce condensation. This can also help prevent mould and mildew from building up.

It's an important difference between a purpose-designed furniture cover and simply throwing a plastic sheet over your furniture.

Should Garden Furniture Be Clean Before Covering?

Yes. It's always a good idea to give your furniture a clean first.

Remove leaves, dirt and other debris before fitting the cover.

You should also allow the furniture to dry where appropriate.

Once everything is clean and ready, fit the cover securely. Make sure you follow any care instructions for your particular furniture and cover.

Taking a few minutes now can make things much easier when spring returns.

What Garden Furniture Can You Cover?

Weather covers are available for many different types of outdoor furniture.

That includes garden tables and chairs, corner sofas, benches, loungers and parasols.

Choosing the correct shape and size is important.

A cover that's far too large may be difficult to secure. One that's too small won't provide the coverage you need.

Measure your furniture before ordering and check the dimensions of your chosen cover.

Can You Cover a Whole Garden Dining Set?

Yes. You don't always need individual covers for every chair and table.

A garden furniture set cover can cover an entire dining suite.

Round and rectangular options are available for different furniture layouts.

This can be particularly convenient during winter. Simply arrange the furniture correctly and fit the cover over the whole set.

When you're ready to use the furniture again, remove the cover and store it away.

Don't Forget Your Garden Sofa

Outdoor sofas and corner sets are often a significant investment.

They're also much larger than a traditional garden chair.

A suitable garden sofa cover can protect the furniture when it's not being used. Shaped covers are available for different seating configurations.

Some designs also include drawstrings, toggles or buckle fastenings. These help create a more secure fit around the furniture.

What About Parasols?

Your parasol deserves some attention too.

It may have spent the summer protecting you from the sun. Once autumn arrives, however, it can face rain, frost and dirt.

A purpose-designed parasol weather cover provides protection when the parasol isn't being used.

This is particularly useful for large cantilever parasols that may be inconvenient to dismantle and store after every use.

Are Garden Furniture Covers Worth It?

If you've invested in quality garden furniture, a weather cover can be a useful addition.

It provides another layer of protection when your furniture isn't being used.

It can also help keep your furniture cleaner between uses.

That means less time clearing away leaves and dirt when you want to enjoy your garden again.

Most importantly, choose a cover designed for outdoor furniture. Look for durable materials, secure fastenings and suitable ventilation.

Get Your Garden Ready for Autumn

The end of summer doesn't have to mean packing your entire garden away.

A good weather cover makes it easier to protect outdoor furniture when you're not using it.

Cover your dining set, protect your garden sofa and don't forget the parasol.

Then, when those first warm days return, you'll be ready to enjoy your outdoor space all over again.

Explore our range of Garden Furniture Weather Covers and find the right protection for your outdoor furniture this autumn and winter:

https://www.gardenfurniturecentre.co.uk/accessories/new-weather-covers-coming-soon.html