You can spend a lot of money on patio furniture and it just makes good sense to keep it in good condition as long as possible. No matter how much it costs, all furniture will break down over time if left exposed to the elements year round. A set of patio furniture covers that are specially fitted to your type of furniture will be well worth the extra expense. They will keep your furniture protected, adding years to its life. Since there are hundreds of different styles and sizes, take a little time to make a list before you begin shopping.
Unfortunately, patio furniture comes in many sizes and shapes, and you need to know what you have before you actually make your purchases. The easiest way to be sure you get what you need is to take a pen and paper, along with a tape measure, to your patio or back deck and make a list. Write down everything want to cover, along with its size. This list will help tremendously when you start shopping.
The table is most likely the largest piece you'll be trying to cover, so start making your list with it. Make a note of whether it is round, square or rectangular and the size of it. Also, make a note if you have an umbrella that can't be removed so you'll know to look for a specialized patio table cover that has a hole in the middle and a zipper so you can fit the cover around the umbrella pole.
You can also get a single cover that goes over both the table and the chairs. If this idea appeals to you, push the chairs up to the table and measure it that way. Be sure you include the height in this measurement - you'll want the cover to be long enough that the bottoms of the chair cushions are protected.
If you have a nice comfy lounge chair on your patio, you need to pay special attention to how the cover you select fastens to the bottom of the chair. If it has elastic, it can be hard for one person to get one end in place, then try to stretch the other end into position. A better option is to look for lounge chair covers that are held in place with tie straps or velcro fasteners.
Stacking chairs have become quite popular in the last few years. You can keep yours clean and ready to use by covering the whole stack at once. Measure before you shop, since there are several different sizes available in stacking chair covers.
Most barbecue grills are finished with a special paint that resists high temperatures, but even that can't last forever out in the weather. You can extend the life of your grill's finish with a patio furniture cover made especially for barbecue grills. These are usually simple covers that just slip right over the grill and its stand to keep them both protected.
After you make the list of the sizes and styles of covers you want, you still need to think about a couple of other things before you start shopping.
Unless you have a very tight budget, you'll want to stay away from the thin vinyl patio furniture covers. They may be the cheapest, but they seldom last very long. They are easily punctured by falling limbs and strong winds can rip the seams apart.
Vinyl covers that are made of a much thicker, heavy duty fabric are available as well. These are completely waterproof. This is important if you will be using your covers during the summer to keep the cushions dry between uses. If your patio furniture covers aren't waterproof, you'll either have to take your cushions off every time after you use them, or wait for them to dry after a rain.
One more thing you should consider before your final decision is how you are going to keep the covers in place. Elastic hems are popular and good for keeping the cover secure in high winds and storms, but they are harder to get into position initially. Straps that either tie or fasten with velcro are much easier to use, but can rip out or come loose in a storm.
Once you have your comprehensive list of the styles and sizes of everything you want to cover, you'll need to decide which type of fabric you want and whether you want the tie on or elastic bottom style. You are now armed with all of the information you need to find the perfect set of patio furniture covers that will protect your furniture for years to come.
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