Home Garden

How to Wrap Patio Furniture

Few types of patio furniture can withstand prolonged exposure to inclement weather. Over time, constant exposure to wetting and drying, freezing and thawing, and excessive sunlight may cause cracking, peeling, fading and even rotting. Wrapping or otherwise storing your articles of patio furniture during rains, ice storms, hail storms and snow may prolong the life of your furniture and keep it looking its best.

Things You'll Need

  • Dish detergent
  • Sponge
  • Plastic garbage bags
  • Furniture covers
  • Vaseline, mineral oil or oil sprays (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove cushions and cloth from the patio furniture pieces, as much as possible. Clean and disinfect the cushions and cloth with diluted dishwashing detergent and a sponge to kill any insects or bacteria residing on the article.

    • 2

      Place the cushions in individual plastic garbage bags. Tie knots at the top of each bag to eliminate any holes that would allow moisture or insects into the cushions.

    • 3

      Stack identical chairs to consolidate space on your patio during the off season. This also cuts down on the number of furniture covers you need to protect the chairs. If possible, move the furniture indoors for storage during the winter months.

    • 4

      Remove any glass parts from the patio tables. Low temperatures can make glass and other carbon containing polymers weaker and easier to break, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology School of Engineering. Even if you cover the glass with a suitable furniture cover, icicles or tree limbs may fall onto the glass and cause it to shatter.

    • 5

      Cover the pieces of furniture with appropriately sized vinyl furniture covers. Vinyl offers the best protection against water and often includes a flannel lining to make the cover easier to place and remove. To ensure you purchase the appropriate covers, measure the stacked chairs and the table for width, depth and height.