How to protect your outdoor furniture from the elements: 6 practical tips

When you invest in garden furniture, the question quickly arises: how do you protect your garden furniture from the elements, UV rays, humidity, dirt and wear and tear? Outdoor furniture isn’t just a decorative object; it’s part of summer comfort, shared meals and long evenings. And yet, most garden furniture isn’t designed to remain outdoors all year round, let alone without care and protection.

In this article, our specialists in the manufacture of garden furniture covers give you 6 practical tips to ensure that your furniture survives the seasons without deteriorating. No detail is to be overlooked, from wood and aluminium to wrought iron, cushions and textile structures.. And if you’re looking for a made-to-measure solution, we tell you why custom covers are the best way to keep your furniture looking beautiful year after year.

 

1. Choose the right location to limit exposure to UV rays and bad weather

Even before buying a tarpaulin or protective cover, common sense starts with location. Leaving your garden furniture in direct sunlight or under a tree that drips resin opens the door to aggression and serious damage.

Avoid areas overly exposed to prevailing winds, leaking gutters or stagnant puddles. A garden table in direct sunlight, an outdoor sofa exposed to rain or a garden chair left on spongy ground will suffer accelerated damage. Never leave exotic wood or teak furniture on soil or grass, as the wood fibers can rot from contact with soil moisture.

If possible, place furniture on a terrace and under an awning, pergola, arbor or wide parasol to cut off most of the UV rays and rain. Avoid places like sheds or winter shelters if they are not well ventilated. What’s more, in enclosed spaces, field mice can get in, as can squirrels in search of a soft cushion. The latter are very invasive and could gnaw and severely damage your garden furniture. 

The simple fact of partially sheltering your outdoor furniture limits the need for maintenance and delays aging.

 

2. Regularly clean your garden furniture with the right products

Exotic wood, wrought iron and aluminum do not clean in the same way. To maintain your furniture, adopt a gentle, regular approach:

• Use a mild soap and a soft brush.
• Never scrape with abrasive tools or products. Even on metal furniture or wooden garden furniture, rubbing can create micro-cracks that encourage moisture infiltration.
• Rinse with lukewarm water and dry immediately to prevent staining and oxidation.

Cleaning two or three times a season is all that’s needed to remove the dirt that, over time, builds up on surfaces. Cleaning before autumn is one of the best ways to protect your garden furniture against future damage from the elements. It eliminates plant residues, droppings and dust that can become embedded in wood fibers or in the nooks and crannies of an aluminum garden chair, for example.

 

3. Apply appropriate treatments to each materials

Not all garden furniture can be cared for in the same way.  Each material reacts differently to changes in temperature, humidity and UV rays. Each material therefore has its own particularities, and failure to take these into account can undo all your efforts.

Wooden garden furniture (teak, acacia, eucalyptus, etc.) needs a protective oil or saturator to prevent the wood fibers from drying out or darkening. They should also be oiled once or twice a year to prevent UV-induced graying.

Wrought-iron furniture should be inspected every year. A small paint chip can rust very quickly. Regularly check joints and welds, then apply a rust inhibitor if necessary.

For aluminum, it’s best to rinse and wipe, but watch out for drips in the welds. Aluminum is very weather-resistant, but a special polish can revive its shine.

Taking care of your furniture every season will extend its lifespan without having to store it all or buy new ones the following year.

 

4. Store your garden furniture indoors for the winter

Leaving your garden furniture outside in winter is tempting, but rarely a good idea, even with a waterproof tarpaulin or cover. The best option is to store it in the house or garage. However, garages are less advisable because they are more prone to stagnant moisture. As we said, avoid places like sheds or winter shelters that are neither insulated nor waterproof.

The house or garage is the option that many adopt when the first snow arrives, even if you need the space to get everything inside. For storage, we recommend that you store disassembled furniture if possible to limit clutter, and that you store cushions separately in an airtight bag.

Above all, once cushions are folded, covers removed and furniture piled up, the risk of rubbing increases, as does exposure to dust and rodents. Without a cover or waterproof tarpaulin, even sheltered furniture is not effectively protected. Protect surfaces with a blanket or light canvas to avoid scratches and dirt.

 

5. Cover your outdoor furniture with a waterproof tarpaulin or custom cover

It’s the best way to maintain their beauty year after year. A custom cover provides a physical barrier against rain, frost, UV rays, dirt and even pests. It’s not enough to cover your furniture with just any commercially available waterproof tarpaulin. For maximum protection, you need specially designed covers, fitted with precision.

Here are the characteristics of a good protective cover for outdoor furniture:

• A 14 oz vinyl fabric: lighter and more flexible than 16 or 18 oz, but strong enough to protect your garden furniture from bad weather, cold and UV rays.
• Custom-cut to fit the shape of each piece of furniture: garden chair, outdoor sofa, outdoor table, etc.
• Integrated air vents: to prevent condensation under the cover and keep furniture dry on damp nights.
• A windproof, waterproof finish (elastic hems, strong straps or velcro).
• A choice of neutral colors (gray, beige, black) for discreet integration in your garden.

Unlike universal tarpaulins, a made-to-measure cover won’t damage surfaces through wind movement or water retention. It provides effective protection without leaving exposed areas.

 

6. Don’t forget cushions, fabrics and accessories

A soggy or moldy cushion is often the first victim of dampness. Here are a few practical tips to protect the textiles on your furniture:

• Tuck in all cushions and textile items every evening or before the first rains.
• If you store them, use an airtight container or a breathable cover.
• For water-repellent or UV-resistant fabrics, a gentle monthly wash will prevent stains from setting in.

Protecting your garden furniture doesn’t just mean covering hard furniture. Textiles also need to be taken into account to maintain the furniture’s comfort and aesthetic appeal.

 

Call in the specialists for tailor-made protective covers

Discovering how to protect your garden furniture is one thing. Finding the right solution for your outdoor furniture is quite another.

At Toiles GR, we design and manufacture tailor-made covers and tarpaulins, customized to your exact needs. Garden furniture in exotic wood, aluminum or wrought iron, a family garden table or a lounge area with cushions… each cover is specially designed to withstand the elements, friction and the sun, all year round, without compromise.

Do you have any questions? Are you looking for the best way to protect your furniture? We’re here to advise you.

Contact Toiles GR for a cover that fits your furniture perfectly and is made from professional material. It’s the best solution for protecting your garden furniture from the elements, preserving its beauty and value.