Buying Patio Furniture Covers

There are both practical and aesthetic reasons why you should think of covering your outdoor furniture with patio furniture covers when they are not in use. Harsh climatic conditions can adversely affect the material of your outdoor furniture. Even in mild weather, pollutants and infectious agents like dust and spores will gather on them. Accidents and spills can damage your outdoor chairs and tables and if you have pets they can also cause problems.

Harsh climatic conditions

The effects of sun and rain can be disastrous for your patio furniture whatever material they are made of. Hard plastic can be baked brittle by constant sunlight. The color and finish of wood will also fade when continuously scorched by the sun. On the other hand, metal furniture (excluding aluminum) can get rusty if repeatedly drenched with rain. The problem is compounded if your outdoor chairs and tables are collapsible and are either made of metal or have metal joints. The effect of constant soaking will have you replacing these joints frequently, if it is indeed possible.

Dust and harmful microscopic agents

Rain or shine, dust is sure to gather on your patio tables and chairs. Besides dust, mold spores and bacteria may also begin to grow on your furniture which can be damaging to your health. Without appropriate covers, you will not only need to dust, but wipe them clean with a harsh cleaning agent since the moisture in the air can cause dirt particles to harden on the furniture material.

Accidents

Furniture covers can also help protect your patio furnishings from spills and scratches which are very hard to avoid. Some people actually choose to use covers that can be left on while using the furniture to avoid this problem. This means you can rest easy next time Grandma is eating at your outdoor table!

Types of patio furniture covers

The best material for patio furniture covers is vinyl (also called canvas). This material is easily cleaned with a quick wipe and very durable. Vinyl furniture covers are usually a little more expensive than other materials, but they generally last much longer. Try to choose covers in a light color which won’t show faded portions and won’t change appreciably after getting sun-bleached. If you want a little more security you can purchase custom-fitted covers to match each piece of your outdoor furniture.