Bramblecrest Cover in Khaki for 150cm Round Table Set In Use

Should I cover garden furniture and why?

Leaving furniture outside ready to use is a great way to enjoy the garden and it’s perfect for those occasions when family and friends visit. With so many garden furniture brands making furniture that can be left outside all year round, more of us are choosing to leave garden furniture out, ready to use whenever we want. The downside to this being that furniture is left exposed to the elements all year round come rain or shine.

Weather can bring its challenges, from strong sun that has the potential to fade furniture and damp weather conditions that can cause mildew or rust. Environmental factors can also play a part in spoiling garden furniture. This can be anything from bird droppings and sticky sap from nearby trees, to rotting leaves, dust from fields and freshly mown lawns, as well as general pollution in built-up areas. So, it comes as no surprise that general garden grime can spoil the excitement of getting outside to use our outdoor spaces.

There’s a simple solution to avoid having to wipe down seating and surfaces before you can use them and that’s the use of garden furniture covers. Covers keep furniture looking its best and keep frames protected from the elements, so it is definitely worth using a cover or a set of covers to keep your garden furniture clean and ready to use.

What can I cover my outdoor furniture with?

For peace of mind and year round protection we strongly recommend the use of outdoor garden furniture covers. Made-to-measure or tailored covers are generally the best option for a great fit, keeping patio sets, garden seats and tables securely covered, leaving them clean and ready to use at any time of year. Some garden furniture won’t require a cover, so it is important to check if furniture will require a cover.

Most furniture covers are designed for daily and overnight use all season, as well as for long periods of time throughout the year. Cover manufacturers and brands provide lots of advice on how to use covers, but as a general rule of thumb we recommend the following when searching for the right cover:

What to look for when purchasing furniture covers:

Choose a made-to-measure cover that will fit your garden furniture, this will make it easier to use and secure around the furniture.
Try to pair your furniture with a cover made by the same manufacturer as your furniture for the best fit (for example, if you have a Bramblecrest garden furniture set, buy Bramblecrest covers to protect the set).
Always follow manufacturer advice and instructions on how to use garden furniture covers.
Don’t leave sharp objects near the cover when in use or when storing to prevent rips and tears.
Check if the cover comes with a manufacturer guarantee and always keep your proof of purchase or receipt.

When should I use garden covers?

Once you have established if your garden furniture can be covered, it is advisable to use outdoor covers regularly and to follow our “Tips for using protective outdoor covers” below. Garden covers can be used whenever you want. There is no hard and fast rule on when they should be used. How often you use covers outside will depend on the surrounding environment and weather conditions.

When not in use, most covers can be easily folded and stored away, ideally somewhere within easy reach. We suggest clean covers can be stored in a cushion box, or a garden storage unit. Once the cover becomes more used and builds up grime, simply fold and store in a shed, garage or the storage bag the cover came in (where applicable) until you need to use it again. Covers can be wiped down to remove any heavy soiling, but we do not recommend putting covers in a washing machine as this will remove the protective properties of the cover. If looked after, outdoor covers can last for years, and most quality covers come with a 12 month warranty for added reassurance.

Tips for using protective outdoor covers:

Firstly, remove all cushions and store in a dry safe place before placing your furniture cover over the frames.
Check and inspect furniture under covers regularly, especially when furniture is covered for long periods of time. This will prevent any damage from water pooling and ensure furniture is well ventilated to stop mildew and prevent mould. It’s also important to check for any sign of animal damage such as mice or squirrels.
For furniture with all-weather cushions, these can be left uncovered, but to keep the whole set (frames and cushions) grime free it is also important to use covers regularly to keep furniture looking its best, as well as keeping it ready to use.
If your outdoor cover comes with a storage bag, keep this to store the cover in when not in use.

What types of garden furniture can be covered?

Most garden furniture can be covered using outdoor covers, but some some materials are not conducive to being covered, and certainly not for long periods. Some manufacturers may insist that their furniture is completely weather-proof so won’t need a cover. To help understand which materials can be covered we provide a summary below including questions and answers about the use of covers with different materials:

Metal

Bramblecrest Aluminium Square Corner Sofa Set Covers

Metal garden furniture frames made from aluminium or cast aluminium are designed to withstand the elements. This type of metal furniture can be left outside uncovered all year round and it won’t rust. However, use of a cover will prevent grime from building up and keep furniture ready to use.

Other metals, like iron or steel can be prone to rust over time if exposed to moisture. Using a garden furniture cover can help to minimise corrosion particularly throughout summer months. But we would recommend storing these metal frames in an indoor and dry environment during wetter and cooler times of the year.

Q: Can I cover metal furniture frames?

A: Yes, aluminium and cast aluminium furniture frames can be covered at any time of year.

Steel and iron garden furniture can be covered, but most manufacturers will advise to store furniture made with these materials overnight to protect from the elements.

Synthetic Rattan and Wicker

Bramblecrest Woven 3 Seat Sofa, 2 Sofa Chairs & Dual Height Table Set Covers in Khaki

Most good quality woven garden furniture can be left outside all year round. Modern wicker frames are made from synthetic rattan designed for long term exposure to the elements and are usually made with a strong aluminium internal structure, so as not to rust. This type of wicker is resistant to UV and frost, but use of covers is important as this will help to protect woven frames from grime.

Some inferior woven furniture can become brittle and crack under prolonged exposure to sunlight and rain, so in this case covers are essential.

Q: Can I cover woven furniture frames?

A: Yes, rattan wicker furniture frames can be covered with protective outdoor covers at any time of year.

Wood

Charles Taylor Deluxe 3 Seater Bench Cover

Wooden garden furniture, especially untreated wood can sometimes be susceptible to water damage, cracking, or warping. Using outdoor covers can help to prevent these problems. But we would recommend only to use a cover if it is recommended by the manufacturer.

Many hardwood and softwood frames are not suitable to be covered (unless a manufacturer has specified otherwise). For example, hardwood like Teak needs to be able to breathe and if covered can cause condensation build up, resulting in mildew and black spots forming on the wood.

However, if your garden furniture features small teak detailing like integrated side tables or armrests, and there is a recommended matching cover by the manufacturer, this will be safe to use. Just remember to inspect furniture frames and air regularly.

Q: Can I cover woven furniture frames?

A: Yes, some wooden furniture frames can be covered with protective outdoor covers.

Always check manufacturer recommendations, as not all wooden frames can be covered.

Cushions

Outdoor fabric cushions and scatter cushions are made for seasonal use, but some can stay on furniture all season. Normally, we would recommend removing cushions and scatters to be stored in a safe, dry place, but some can be covered for short periods in the summer, as long as they’re inspected and aired regularly.

Ideally, store removable cushions and scatter cushions when not in use. This will prevent grime, mildew and ultimately maintain the colour of the fabric. Cushions bags made with durable protective cover fabric are great for storage and can be zipped up and stored away.

Q: Can I cover fabric cushions and scatter cushions?

A: No, generally we would recommend storing cushions after use to keep them free from grime.

However, in the event of an unexpected summer shower, using covers overnight will help to protect cushions if there isn’t time to pack them away.

Pros and Cons of using outdoor covers:

Pros:

Protection from the Elements: Use of a cover will help to protect furniture from moisture like rain, snow and hale, it will also protect against strong UV rays, dust, and other environmental factors that can cause wear and tear. It will also keep furniture looking like new for longer.
Convenience: Save time on maintenance and cleaning by using covers that are easy to pop on and take off.
Cost-effective: Covers are generally cheaper than replacing or repairing furniture.

Cons:

Storage: Covers need to be stored when not in use, which could be a consideration for smaller spaces or gardens without storage, but most quality furniture covers will come with a storage bag.
Aesthetic Impact: Covers can be considered unattractive, but many are made in neutral colours like khaki, green, black or grey to blend into your garden.
Inconvenience: It can be inconvenient if the weather constantly changes, but covering and uncovering furniture will keep it looking its best.

How to find the right cover for garden furniture at Gates

Where possible, we recommend purchasing covers from the same brand that your furniture is made by. Our branded covers are made specifically for each piece of garden furniture, making them easier to fit and secure. Getting the correct fitted cover will also benefit furniture as it will enable good ventilation with breathable vents in the right place to allow moisture to dissipate.

At Gates, we provide information to help you select the correct outdoor cover or set of covers for your garden furniture. Whether you visit us in store and talk with our outdoor living experts or look online, we’re here to help.

Our website descriptions provide lots of information about which cover will fit (when applicable). Simply visit Garden Furniture on the Gates website and look for any of these three ways to select your cover or set of covers:

Refer to the last tab in the product description called ‘What cover fits this set?’
Or check ‘Related Products’ at the bottom of our product descriptions to see which cover can be paired with the furniture
Or at Checkout, browse the ‘You may be interested in…’ section to see which cover will fit

You can browse our range of protective outdoor garden furniture covers . We sell a broad range of covers from sets of covers to a single cover. You can browse our collections here: