The best way to protect your outdoor furniture

Outdoor sectional furniture is an investment, so you want to protect it!  The best way to do that is with a cover. 

  • By allen cheng
  • Published on January 13, 2023

    Outdoor Sectional Furniture

    Outdoor sectional furniture is an investment, so you want to protect it! A cover is the ideal tool for accomplishing that. There are a few types of covers available: natural fabrics (like canvas), synthetic fabrics (like nylon), and materials for both. We'll talk about each type here and give tips on choosing one for your needs.

     Contents[hide]

    • Natural Fabric or Synthetic Outdoor Furniture Cover
      • Use a full sun cover
      • Keep an eye on the cushions
      • Cover all joints, corners, and any sharp angles
      • Allow for a slight overlap on the bottom edge to cover the seams
      • Keep UV rays out
      • Minimize fading
    • Conclusion
    • FAQs
    • Maybe it will be helpful for you:

    Natural Fabric or Synthetic Outdoor Furniture Cover

    Natural and synthetic fabrics are the two major varieties available for outdoor sectional coverings. Natural materials will feel cozier, but they won't be as strong or waterproof as synthetic fabrics. Because they don't breathe well and can trap heat, synthetic fabrics tend to feel less soft, but you'll use them more because they are considerably more durable and stain-resistant than natural fibers.

    If you want to go with a natural material, linen is popular because it's breathable (important in a hot climate). Cotton is another popular choice since its softness makes it comfortable for sitting outside; however, cotton can shrink when exposed to water or sunlight, so keep that in mind before buying any outdoor furniture covers made from 100% cotton!

    Use a full sun cover

    A full sun cover is the best way to protect your outdoor sectional furniture. Sun covers are usually made of polyester or nylon, which can withstand the elements and be washed and dried in the machine. How to set up your outdoor furnitureThese covers come in many different styles, so you can find one that complements your outdoor space.

    Choose a waterproof fabric rather than just one that is UV-resistant if you want to protect your furniture from both rain and the sun (and if you live somewhere where it rains). Long-term savings will result from this because it won't require replacement nearly as frequently as its less expensive version.

    Keep an eye on the cushions

    While you're outside, it's a good idea to keep an eye on the cushions of your outdoor sectional sofa. Prevent being caught off guard by any of the following:

    Sun exposure can cause fading and discoloration in the cushions of outdoor furniture. Even fabric covers for plants can cause this, so it's better to keep them out of direct sunlight as much as you can. 

    Mould and mildew growth on cushions: Cushion covers are explicitly designed to keep moisture away from foam cores. A combination that makes them especially susceptible to mould growth if left uncovered for long periods or placed in areas that receive heavy rainfall or foggy conditions).

    If you discover mould or mildew on your cushions, even if they were covered with a waterproof fabric, remove the cover and allow the cushions to thoroughly dry before using them again or considering disposal. You wouldn't want your home to have a funky smell caused by mouldy cushions, especially if they're indoors where everyone can breathe it in!

    Outdoor Furniture Dining SetOutdoor Cushion Set

    Cover all joints, corners, and any sharp angles

    Cover all joints, corners, and sharp angles with a full sun cover. This will help prevent rain from pooling at the joints of your furniture pieces and seeping into the fabric. If you don't already have a complete sun cover, you can make one out of canvas or plastic sheeting, which is waterproof.

    If you decide to cover the sectional with waterproof material, make sure it is sturdy enough to keep water out while still being simple to pull over the furniture when you need access. If it's too heavy or difficult to move around while trying to cover it up in an emergency, it could cause more trouble than good!

    Allow for a slight overlap on the bottom edge to cover the seams

    This will help keep the seams from unravelling and becoming exposed to moisture and elements. Simply cut the fabric to size and sew it around the sectional's outer edges if you can find a fabric that is one continuous piece. To prevent gaps between sections where bugs could sneak through, make sure you have enough fabric leftover so that it overlaps by at least an inch (2.5 cm) on each side.

    If your outdoor furniture set consists of multiple seat or backrest cushions, individually cover them with heavy-duty plastic tarps or painter's drop cloths. These tarps should extend over both sides of each cushion to provide complete coverage. This precaution will prevent water from seeping into the cushions through cracks in their seams or joints and thwart the growth of mold within the seams or folds, especially during periods of rainy weather when humidity levels rise above 75%.

    Keep UV rays out

    You may have observed that your small outdoor sectional furniture is vulnerable to UV rays. These rays can cause damage to the fabric, resulting in fading and a loss of color and comfort. To preserve the appearance and longevity of your sectional, consider shielding it with a cover or canopy. These covers are easy to install and attach directly over the furniture pieces or their cushions, effectively blocking the damaging effects of UV rays.

    If you want to keep your sectional looking good for years, consider covering it with a cover or canopy. These are easy-to-install covers that attach directly over your furniture pieces or their cushions and block out damaging UV rays from reaching them.

    Related Reading: can outdoor furniture be left outside in the winter?

    Minimize fading

    You should treat the wood or metal of your outdoor furniture with a clear protective lacquer to prevent fading. This will help maintain its appearance and shield the material from UV deterioration. Although many manufacturers offer their own recommended products, you can try using an acrylic sealer or polyurethane spray paint if you can't find one or if they don't offer one for the specific type of furniture you have.

    Apply it as directed on the product's label, and let it air dry completely before using it again. It may not seem like much work, but proper maintenance now will save you lots of time and money when your investment needs replacing because it has faded prematurely!

    Conclusion

    The most crucial thing to keep in mind when choosing a covering for outdoor furniture is that it will ultimately fade in the sun, regardless of what you choose.
    You can minimize this effect by selecting colours that are supposed to be resistant or by buying a cover with UV protection. In addition, make sure you check your cover regularly so that any fading can be repaired before it gets worse!.

    FAQs

    Which is better: natural fabric or synthetic fabric covers?
    Natural fabric covers are more comfortable but less durable and waterproof. Synthetic fabric covers are less soft but more durable and better at repelling stains.
    How should I protect the cushions of my outdoor sectional sofa?
    Cushions can fade and develop mold or mildew if left uncovered. It's recommended to use waterproof fabric covers and keep the cushions out of direct sunlight whenever possible.
    Can outdoor furniture covers block UV rays?
    Yes, there are covers or canopies available that can block UV rays and protect the fabric of your sectional from fading and deterioration.
    How often should I check my outdoor furniture cover?
    It's recommended to regularly inspect your cover for any signs of fading or damage, so repairs can be made before the condition worsens.

    Maybe it will be helpful for you:

    Leave a comment

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *