How To Protect Your Patio Furniture In The Fall And Winter

If you don’t want to invest a ton of money into building a custom shed, McCoy recommends these low-maintenance sheds from Craftsman, which are easy to assemble and a great option for storing patio furniture during fall and winter. These sheds are made with multi-wall resin panels that boast strength and durability in all types of weather. They range in size and price, but it’s easy to score one for less than $1,000. “Though made with water-resistant fabrics, cushions are not waterproof. Particularly in rainy climates, moisture that becomes trapped inside cushions, and never dries out, may lead to both mold and odor,” says Rathborne.

Protect wood patio furniture for years and years to come with a wood protectant, such as Cabot. This water- and weatherproof sealant protects against mold, mildew, UV rays and algae. “Moisture is the biggest enemy of wood furniture. If left unsealed, moisture can seep into the cracks and ridges, causing the wood to crack when freezing,” says McCoy. One clear coat will protect your favorite pieces, which can later be cleaned with just soap and water. In addition to wood, apply this sealant to stone, masonry, brick or concrete for extra protection during fall and winter.

From couches to chairs, cover every piece of patio furniture with furniture covers or tarps before the first snowstorm of the season. Pro tip: “Ensure both furniture covers and tarps fit your furniture tightly leaving minimal room for rain, snow, and sleet to enter,” says McCoy. Tarps are a more budget-friendly option, while furniture covers are generally designed to fit pieces more precisely. Additionally, choose covers that have ventilation holes to keep air flowing, says Rathborne. “This prevents moisture from building up inside as well as ensuring that you don’t end up with a parachute around your product when the winter winds pick up,” she adds. This particular chair cover is under $50 and specially designed to protect a chaise lounge from bad weather.

If you’re lucky enough to have a TV installed outdoors, protect it from the elements year-round with this waterproof and weatherproof cover. It’s available in eight different sizes—with the smallest fit for 28-32 inches and the largest designed for 80-85 inch televisions—so you can select a nearly custom fit. In addition to being made with waterproof fabric, this bestselling cover also features velcro straps that allow you to securely fasten the cover in place and pockets for storing remotes, cables and more. 

Give your arms a break with a furniture mover like this one. Dollies like this one are useful for transporting smaller furniture items like a chair or folding table to a garage or shed.This model can hold up to 500 pounds and extends up to nearly two feet long, which makes moving outdoor furniture off the patio a breeze.

Whether you’re moving outdoor cushions to a shed, garage, or basement, keep them protected with this stylish bag. What makes this product unique from plastic storage bins or duffel bags is that it’s engineered to withstand abrasions, and is completely water- and mildew-resistant. Since your outdoor cushions will likely spend up to six months in storage, the extra layer of protection will keep them in tip-top shape for warm, sunny days.

While you can absolutely clean furniture with a gentle cloth, mild dish soap, and warm water , the same can’t be said for outdoor fabrics. That’s where this genius duo of cleaners comes in handy. The fabric cleaner quickly removes dirt and stains from all outdoor fabrics (such as polyester, canvas, and acrylic), while the accompanying protectant promises to restore water repellency and stain-repellent to those same fabrics without changing the look or feel of the material. Use these year-round, but especially before moving cushions, pillows, and rugs to storage for the fall and winter.