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Your outdoor chairs and tables are getting worn and dirty. Constant exposure to dirt, direct sunlight, temperature changes, and even inconsistent weather conditions is putting your much-loved outdoor furniture on the verge of wear and tear. Yet you don’t have much time for frequent cleaning and maintenance. The solution: added furniture protection. How? It’s simple. Cover up.

Outdoor Furniture Covers Uncovered

There are different types of covers that you can use to shield your furniture from elements that in time could cause damage and aging. A lot of them come in different materials and designs at a surprisingly affordable price. To preserve furniture and fixtures’ original form and look, it is advisable to use these covers, especially when the fixtures are not needed. Here are some items that you might want to consider:

Slipcover

How many times have you stared at your chaise longue and considered replacing it? Well, you know that it would cost you more right? Slipcovers are the next best thing to new. They can be fashionable, allowing your furniture to still fit your outdoor patio designs.

Canopies

These are large plastics that you can put over your patio or its furnishings to protect them from all kinds of weather. Some of them come with a side section helps keep out wind and rain. The side panels are usually clear or opaque. The opaque panels block out the sun more, while clear ones give you better visibility.

Umbrellas

Also known as sunshades, these provide protection be it on hot summer days or in cool rainy nights. Umbrellas can be easily installed, removed or moved due to their mobility and light weight. They can also either stand alone or be propped on tables or benches.

Patio Awning

Like canopies, patio awning can give protection from the sun and provide shade at the same time. However, it has to be attached to your house or to another structure. Some awnings are retractable to be able to cover a larger part of your patio.

Aluminum and Wrought Iron Patio Cover

This is the most popular type of protection, as it requires less maintenance. They are easier and quicker to install compared to wood patio covers, and they are more durable compared to cloth and plastic covers. However, aluminum and iron covers can accumulate rust on the side over time. Thus, it is important to be sure to clean the aluminum pipes at least every six months.

Other Approaches to Protecting Your Outdoor Furniture

Now that you know the basics in protecting your outdoor furnishings, you can also use other approaches in dealing with them, especially the really old, broken or worn out ones.

· Let them go.

Let go of the old ones. Broken tables or chairs can cause accidents, be it to children or adults. Old wooden furniture might also be hosting undesirable insects and parasites.

· Store them away.

During rainy months or in winter, you can keep movable outdoor fixtures in a storage room or in some other place where they can be stored properly. This minimizes harm that can be caused by too much exposure to water or to harsh weather conditions.

Whatever type your furnishings are, there are functional and stylish covers that are sure to fit your needs and preferences. You can look around in household furniture shops, browse the Internet, check out house design magazines, or ask around for ideas and inspiration. What’s important is you protect your furniture to keep them safe, strong, and looking good.


Pierre Angela Cruz is a Marketing Consultant for Open Brook. An Excellent source of information and reviews about Patio and Outdoor Furniture