Protect Patio Furniture From Winter Weather With These Smart, Simple Steps

As the cold weather sets in, there's another home maintenance you need to add to your checklist: protecting your patio furniture from winter's harsh elements. “Any weather is going to damage patio furniture over time, but winter weather can be especially tough on it,” explains Ben Ashton, CEO of Rocky Mountain Turf. “In addition to normal issues like sun, wind, precipitation, and dirt, winter adds the risk of freeze-thaw cycles, severe weather like blizzards, amd salt damage.”

To find out how to best protect your patio furniture this season, we went to the pros. As it turns out, winter outdoor furniture care can be boiled down to five cardinal rules.

Rule 1: Clean Patio Furniture Before Storing

Cleaning your patio furniture ahead of storage is an essential step in ensuring you can proudly display it again come spring. "Dirt and debris will only increase deterioration speed, so make sure to wipe down surfaces [and] wash covers accordingly,” explains outdoor playset expert Janet Matlin.

After removing all dirt, pollen, and food residue with a thorough cleaning, make sure to dry your furniture completely. “If you store furniture damp, it only further develops mold, mildew, and freezing,” Matlin adds.

This is also a perfect time for tackling any additional maintenance or upkeep that will further preserve your furniture or cut down on to-dos in the spring. “If you have metal furniture, inspect it for signs of rust, and consider removing it and painting over those spots,” suggests Ashton. “For wooden furniture, the fall can be a good time to paint, stain, or seal it for added protection.”

Rule 2: Protective Treatments Can Provide Extra Defense

“Treatments like waxes and sealants can create a protective barrier before harsh weather hits,” says Matlin. If your furniture is made of metal, apply a rust-resistant spray or wax coating. Wood furniture can be treated with a weatherproof sealant or an oil. And wicker should be treated with a water-repellent finish.

Rule 3: Store Patio Furniture In an Enclosed Structure

When possible, bringing all of your patio furniture indoors is advised. A garage, shed, or barn are all suitable for storing patio furniture.

Professional organizer Olivia Parks suggests stacking furniture pieces, such as chairs, to save space and keep items together and organized. “You can also add moisture absorbers or a dehumidifier in your shed or garage to prevent mold or mildew while everything is being stored,” she says.

When possible, any cushions or pillows should be stored within the home in storage totes or storage cushion bags, according to Parks. Airtight storage solutions will help to prevent any mildew or discoloration on your upholstery come spring. 

Rule 4: Cover and Monitor Patio Furniture Left Outdoors

If you have to leave your patio furniture outside over the winter, protect it with a durable, weather-resistant cover. Matlin also recommends keeping your furniture off the ground when possible, as this will prevent any metal stakes or feet from freezing into the ground, as well as reduce moisture absorption. "You’ll want the cover to be water-resistant, but not fully airtight," says Matlin. "The breathability helps prevent mold." In preparation for wind, use weighted covers or tie-downs to prevent wind damage or flipped furniture.

Check your patio furniture regularly to prevent unnecessary damage. Make sure that screws are adequately tight and everything is bolted to prevent weakening or shifting of the furniture structure. Keep an eye out for heavy snow buildup, as its weight can create strain or stretch the fabrics.

Rule 5: Tailor Your Approach to Each Type of Material

When preparing to store your patio furniture, be sure to consider the material: different materials require different types of care and maintenance.

"In general, furniture that could last 10-plus years with proper care might only last 2-5 years if exposed to winter elements without protection," explains home insurance expert Natasha Parikh. To increase the longevity of your patio furniture, tailor its care. Read on for tips on how to care for various types of patio furniture.

Wood

Any outdoor furniture made of wood (teak, cedar, etc.) should be sanded lightly and applied with a sealant annually, says Parikh. Allow to fully dry before storing. Make sure to keep wood elevated off the ground because it absorbs moisture easily. Keep wooden pieces covered but with adequate airflow. “Avoid plastic covers that trap moisture,” suggests Parikh.

If untreated, you can expect cracking, warping, and rot within 2 to 3 years.

Metal (Aluminum, Steel, Iron)

“For metal, always use rust protection,” instructs Matlin. “Even small scratches can turn into rust over time,” he cautions. Touch up paint chips or rust spots immediately, so that they don’t worsen over the winter.

According to Parikh, silicone spray should be used on metal furniture joints. Ensure that your furniture is full dry and will remain so in storage. “Rust and corrosion can appear after 1-2 winters”, says Parikh, “especially on steel or iron.”

Wicker (Natural or Resin)

Store in a covered space where there is good airflow and no humidity. According to Matlin, natural wicker is very sensitive to moisture, so it should ideally be stored indoors. If you must leave it outside, be sure to use breathable covers.

While resin wicker is more durable than natural wicker, it should still be covered. Plastic and resin patio furniture is brittle and prone to cracking after 2 to 4 years of harsh exposure. Any contact with snow is to be avoided. 

Cushions and Fabrics

Cushions and fabric are the quickest materials to deteriorate when subjected to winter weather. According to Parikh, mold and fading can occur in only one season if left outside. Wash and dry any upholstery fabric or cushions before storing, and consider vacuum-sealed bags for space-saving and moisture control.