How to Cover Furniture Left Outside Overnight

Many people enjoy spending time on their lawn or patio furniture and don't want to be bothered bringing it in at night. The main factor in the durability of outdoor furniture is the material it's made from. You can purchase outdoor furniture made from many different materials, including various types of wood, wrought iron, poly-resin and other plastics, wicker and cast aluminum. Hardwoods, such as redwood or teak, cast aluminum and poly-resin are the most durable materials, requiring very little maintenance and probably not needing to be covered. However, other woods, wicker and wrought iron can be damaged from moisture, so extend the life of your furniture by covering it properly overnight and bringing it indoors during the winter months.

Tape measure
Vinyl furniture covers, with polyester lining and Velcro closures

Instructions

- 1
  Measure your outdoor furniture so you can achieve a proper fit for the covers. If the furniture cover is too small, it won't protect your furniture properly. If it is too large, it will allow the rain, snow, wind and debris to get underneath the cover, potentially damaging the furniture. For proper measuring, slide chairs in under the table as close as they will fit. Measure the height (ground to the top of the chair backs), the width (front to back) and the depth (one side to the other). Also, determine the proper angle or slope by adding the height to the distance from the front of the chair to the ground.
- 2
  Purchase premade furniture covers to match the dimensions of your measurements. The most protective fabric is vinyl with a polyester lining. Velcro closures for the legs/arms of your furniture will provide the best fit and the most protection. If the table has a hole for the umbrella, the cover should fit inside the hole snugly to prevent moisture from seeping under it.
- 3
  Clean the furniture before covering to prevent staining. Let it dry thoroughly before covering to avoid locking in the moisture.
- 4
  Spread the furniture cover over the furniture, making sure the furniture is completely enclosed. Pull the fabric snug and close with Velcro closures. If any area is left unsecured, the furniture could be exposed to the elements, causing damage.

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