Although most garden furniture is made to withstand life outdoors, it’s definitely worth providing some extra protection from the elements if you don’t have space to store your furniture. As outdoor furniture can be expensive to replace, it’s worth taking care of the pieces you have. In this article, we’ll help you to find the perfect garden furniture covers as well as give you some handy buying tips. Let’s take a look.
Garden furniture cover recommendations
1. Bench Protective Weather Cover, Garden Furniture Centre
A wooden bench can be left outside in all weather but it will last much longer if you protect it from the elements, especially over winter.
If you can’t store your bench when it’s not in use or moving it isn’t practical, a furniture cover is a great solution. The cover will protect it against rain, sun and wind damage. You also won’t need to worry about bird poo, tree sap or any other nasty substances getting on your bench.
Furniture covers are easy to fit and secure and simple to store when not in use. This cover from Garden Furniture Centre is available in 3 sizes to fit most benches, comes with a UPVC lining and is seam taped for durability.
2. Cube Seat Set Cover, Jarder
Cube 4 Seater Cover, Jarder
If you have an outdoor cube furniture set, then this protective cover from Jarder is ideal. It’s designed to cover the whole set and is waterproof and UV resistant.
When you’re not using your furniture, simply pull the cover over it, draw tight the string at the bottom and rest assured that your furniture will be protected until next time you use it. This cover will fit most 4 seater cube furniture sets.
Check the current price on Jarder.
3. Jacobo Patio Sofa Cover, Wayfair
If you’ve just bought the garden sofa set of your dreams, you’ll need to protect it from damage. Most of these sets are already weatherproof to an extent, but it’s worth covering them when they won’t be in use for a few months.
Made from high-density oxford fabric, this cover is water and UV resistant. It has a handy pull cord, helping you to tighten the cover and prevent it from blowing away in gales.
This cover is suitable for sofa sets, patio furniture or corner sofas that are 275 x 200cm wide.
Check the current price on Wayfair.
4. Companion Seat Cover, BillyOh
If you have a companion seat in your garden, this easy-to-fit cover from BillyOh will come in handy. It’s specifically designed to fit their curved companion seat bench but will work on other similar styles too. The cover is made from waterproof fabric to protect your seat from the elements and help it to last for many years.
5. Curved Garden Sofa Cover, Amazon
If you have an unusually shaped garden sofa, it’s still possible to get a suitable cover. This one is constructed from heavy-duty oxford fabric, it’s waterproof and easy to clean. Available in a choice of green and black, it will protect your furniture from rain, dust and strong sunshine.
Use this cover during all weather conditions for the best protection of your furniture.
6. Jayant Garden Patio Dining Set Cover, Wayfair
This patio dining set cover from Wayfair comes in a choice of 6 sizes, so whether you have a 2 or 8 seater set, you should be able to find one that fits. The drawstring stopper ensures a tight fight around your furniture, perfect for peace of mind on the windiest days.
The cover is easy to remove which makes it ideal for anyone that uses their outdoor furniture regularly. It’s also suitable for all weather conditions come rain or shine.
Check the current price on Wayfair.
7. 6 Burner Kitchen BBQ Cover, Garden Furniture Centre
If you’re lucky enough to have an impressive gas BBQ, you’ll need to take a few extra precautions to protect it in all weather conditions. Fortunately, there is a cover for the job.
This large BBQ cover contains handy velcro straps to secure it and ventilation pockets to aid breathability. Use this cover during all seasons for protection from rain, UV damage and dirt.
Check the current price on Garden Furniture Centre.
8. Bosmere 2 Seater Bistro Set Cover, First Furniture
Protect your bistro set from rot, rust and UV damage with this premium furniture cover from First Furniture.
This cover is coated with an exclusive weatherproofing agent and has double-stitched seams, heavy-duty ties and cord locks. It can easily be cleaned with soapy water. The Bosmere cover also comes with a 6-year guarantee.
9. Round Suite Cover, Garden Furniture Centre
Furniture covers are always handy to have, but finding one that fits over a circular furniture set isn’t always that easy. Fortunately, this cover is perfect for use on a circular dining set.
Made from hard-wearing UV stabilised spun polyester with a pull cord, this cover will protect your furniture from the elements, helping it to last longer.
Check the current price on Garden Furniture Centre.
10. Innovators Eleanor Double Cocoon Chair Cover, Leekes
If you’ve splashed out on a comfy egg chair, you’ll definitely want to protect it from the elements. As they’re usually constructed from woven poly rattan, any algae or dirt that accumulates can be really difficult to clean off.
The Innovators double egg chair cover is made from heavy-duty polyester. It features a zip for handy opening and the drawcord pulls the cover tightly around the bottom of the egg chair, providing a snug fit.
You can also purchase a single egg chair cover.
Buyer’s Guide – How to choose the best garden furniture covers
Before you buy outdoor furniture covers, there are a few things you need to consider:
Will the cover fit?
The first thing you need to do is measure your furniture. First decide if you want one cover for all of it, or if you want individual covers for each piece of furniture.
Once you’ve decided, measure the highest point (which is usually the back of the seat) to the ground. That will be your height. If you’ve moved all the furniture together, measure across from one side to the other. That will be your width. Do the same for the depth.
If you want to cover items of furniture separately, measure the widest point between the front of the seat and the back for the depth. For the width, measure from one armrest to the other. Measure the height from the highest point to the ground.
Is the cover waterproof?
Many garden furniture covers are water-resistant, but not waterproof. This means they will let some water through during a very heavy downpour or if the water is allowed to pool on the cover. These covers are usually preferred in outdoor settings since they help to prevent mould growth under the covers.
Fully waterproof covers may come in handy if you have very delicate furniture. More care must be taken with these, however, and it’s worth removing the covers for a little while in dry periods so that the furniture can air.
Does the colour match your garden?
Most garden furniture covers come in green, black, grey or beige to blend in with different areas of your garden. You simply need to decide what you like best.
Can the cover be used in all seasons?
Another thing to consider is if you can use the cover in all seasons. It would be a little pointless if you can’t use it in the winter when you need it most. The same goes for summer, the covers need to be UV resistant.
Is the furniture cover breathable?
Furniture covers need to be breathable. Why is this? I hear you ask. Well, it often happens that moisture gets under the covers either from a leak somewhere or evaporation of water under the furniture. Either way, this moisture needs a way out.
If moisture gets trapped under the cover, it will condense on the fabric or wood and eventually cause water damage or even worse, cause mould or rot. We can’t have that now, can we?
A lot of covers are only water-resistant and not completely waterproof. This allows moisture to evaporate through the fabric. Others take it a step further and install mesh panels covered by a fabric flap to let out the moisture. Either way, make sure you choose covers that have some breathability.
Are the seams reinforced?
The next thing you need to check for is reinforced seams. Outdoor furniture covers will be exposed to the elements and need to be able to withstand strong gusts of wind. If you don’t have reinforced seams, you’ll notice the seams getting ripped pretty quickly by damaging winds.
Is the cover easy to secure?
The last thing is usability. You want the cover to be easy to remove as well as secure in place once put on. Most covers simply hook around the legs of the furniture, while others have special clips to secure it in place. You’ll need to decide what’s easiest for you to use.
Conclusion
Now that you know a bit more about furniture covers, it’s time to buy yours. Make sure to look at the buyer’s guide before committing to anything. The cover you buy will last for years if chosen well.