As we prepare for winter, an often-overlooked backyard companion is our patio furniture. But patio furniture can survive the winter just fine, right? Think again!
Prolonged exposure to snow, ice, and cold can damage patio furniture, and winter winds can also cause damage. So, how can you get patio furniture ready for winter?
Properly storing patio furniture over the winter involves ensuring that your furniture is clean, in a good state of repair, and rust-free before carefully moving it to a dry location for the winter. A garage is best for storing patio furniture over the winter, but other solutions can be found if a garage is unavailable.
Keep reading to learn more about how to safely prepare your patio furniture for the winter, and how to keep your furniture safe, fresh, and usable for many years to come.
Why Store Your Patio Furniture?
Storing your patio furniture over the winter can help prolong the life of your furniture, as well as make sure that it is safe to use come spring.
Prolonged exposure to rain and snow can cause rust and damage to the foam inserts found in cushions.
Freezing temperatures and ice can also damage furniture, as strong winds can break table glass, as well as cause damage when furniture is blown around.
Before the snow hits, the best thing to do is to prepare your patio furniture for storage and ensure it’s safe and dry all winter.
This will help keep your furniture, as well as you and your family, safe come springtime.
Clean Your Furniture Before Storage
An important but easy-to-overlook step is to ensure that your patio furniture is clean and dry before you store it for the winter.
Over the months of warm-weather use, your patio furniture will have amassed dust, grime, pollen, and even food residue.
Hose down your patio furniture, gently scrub all cloth portions, and dry every surface thoroughly before storage.
Cloth pillowcases and other protective coverings can be washed in a washing machine and tumbled dry for maximum freshness.
Make Any Needed Repairs
This is also a great time to examine your patio furniture for any damage and any rusty or loose bolts, nuts, or screws.
Nails may be sticking out at dangerous angles, which can be removed or safely hammed back into place.
You may also discover cracked chair legs or damaged glass when examining your patio furniture.
Go ahead and repair any damaged parts and replace the damaged glass at this juncture.
Consider Fresh Paint or Sealant
After you’ve cleaned and repaired your patio furniture, you have a fantastic opportunity to give your furniture a fresh coat of paint or to apply some sealant to the picnic table or chairs.
This will provide extra protection during the winter, help reduce the effects or spread of rust, and keep your furniture looking fresh for years longer.
Moreover, if you’re forced to store your furniture outdoors over the winter, fresh paint and sealant will add an extra layer of protection from snow and rain.
If possible, though, store patio furniture indoors.
Store Fabric Cushions Separately
Before storing your patio furniture, remove all pillows and cushions and store them in an open garbage bag in a clean, dry place.
The open bag will allow for air circulation and help you avoid mildew and mold.
This will also protect your cushions from dust and moisture. They’ll be ready to place back on your patio furniture in the springtime and safe from snow, rain, and rodents.
Store them near the rest of your furniture and label them so you’ll know what they are when you’re ready to put your patio furniture out again.
Use Your Garage
The garage where you park your car, truck, or SUV will probably be the most accessible place to store your patio furniture for the winter. It’s dry, and your furniture won’t be exposed to harsh winds or storms.
If you don’t have a garage, or if there’s simply no room in your garage at present, a basement can be a safe place for patio furniture over the winter.
It, too, will be relatively dry and warm and can ensure your patio furniture will be ready in the spring.
How Can I Keep My Outdoor Patio Furniture Safe During Winter?
During winter, keeping mini fridge safe outside can be a challenge. To protect your outdoor patio furniture, start by thoroughly cleaning and drying it. Next, cover the furniture with waterproof, weather-resistant covers to prevent damage from snow, rain, and freezing temperatures. Additionally, store any removable cushions or parts indoors to prevent them from getting damaged.
Safe Storage Outside
If you cannot access a garage, shed, or basement, you can still protect your patio furniture over the winter. So, le’t discuss how to store patio furniture outside in winter.
The simplest thing to do is to cluster your patio furniture off to the side, against a wall, where it will be out of the way of the worst snowfall or rain or under an awning, if possible.
Next, cover your patio furniture with an outdoor-grade tarp for the winter.
Ensure that your tarp is large enough to cover the entirety of your furniture and is suited for outdoor use.
Look for exceptionally durable, waterproof, UV-resistant, and rust-proof (some tarps have metal grommets).
Next, you’ll want to secure the tarp to avoid it blowing off in a gale. Bricks should do the trick here, and now your patio furniture has its best chance of staying dry, clean, and safe all winter long.
Should snow accumulate on the tarp, brush it off with a broom to help your furniture avoid unnecessary pressure strain.
How Can I Properly Store Small Space Patio Furniture During the Winter Months?
During the colder months, it’s important to properly store your small space patio furniture 2023 to protect it from the elements. Consider using a storage container or covering the furniture with a tarp to prevent damage from snow and moisture. Storing the furniture indoors is also a great option for added protection.
Conclusion
Getting your patio furniture ready for winter involves making sure the furniture is clean and in good repair before storage. An extra coat of paint or sealant is optional but helpful.
Make any repairs and replace any damaged glass before storage.
Ensure your patio furniture is dry before storing it in a garage, shed, or basement, and store all cloth components separately in a dry, open garage bag.
If no dry indoor space is available, arranging your patio furniture under a weather-resistant winter deck tarp outside is the next best option.
This process of storing patio furniture in winter ensures that your patio furniture is fresh and usable come spring and will help avoid the damage caused by snow, rain, wind, and ice.