Outdoor sectional furniture is an investment, so you want to protect it! The best way to do that is with a cover. 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.
Natural Fabric or Synthetic Outdoor Furniture Cover
There are two main types of fabric to choose from for outdoor sectional covers: natural and synthetic. Natural materials will feel more comfortable, but they're not as durable or waterproof as synthetics. Synthetic fabrics tend to feel less soft because they don't breathe well and can retain heat, but they're much more durable than natural fibres and are better at repelling stains, which means you'll get more use.
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 Furniture? These covers come in many different styles, so you can find one that complements your outdoor space.
If you want to protect your furniture from rain and sun (and if you live somewhere that gets rain), then opt for a waterproof fabric instead of just a UV-resistant one. This will save money in the long run because it won't need replacing nearly as often as its less expensive counterpart.
Keep an eye on the cushions
While you're out there, keeping an eye on your outdoor sectional sofa cushions is a good idea. After all, you don't want to be surprised by any of the following:
Fading and discolouration: Sun exposure can cause fading and discolouration in outdoor furniture cushions. This can happen even with fabric covers, so it's best to keep them out of direct sunlight when possible. Find some shade if you notice sun damage when using these covers during the summer months!
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 this happens to your cushions after having covered them with a waterproof fabric cover, remove the fabric cover and let the cushions dry thoroughly before putting them back down again (or tossing them in the trash). You don't want mouldy cushions making your home smell funky-especially if they're inside where everyone else can breathe it in!
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 have a full sun cover, use a waterproof material such as plastic sheeting or canvas to create one.
If you choose to use waterproof material, be sure it's heavy enough to keep water out but easy to pull over the sectional 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. If you can find a fabric that is one continuous piece, all you have to do is cut it to size and attach it around the outer edges of your sectional. Make sure that you have enough fabric left over so that it overlaps by at least an inch (2.5 cm) on each side so that there won't be any gaps between pieces where bugs could slip through.
If your outdoor furniture set has more than one seat or backrest cushion, cover them separately with heavy-duty plastic tarps or painter's drop cloths. The tarps should hang down over both sides of each cushion, so they're entirely covered. This will prevent water from getting inside them through cracks in their seams or joints and prevent mould from growing inside their seams or folds during rainy weather conditions, such as when humidity levels rise above 75%.
Keep UV rays out
You may have noticed that your small outdoor sectional furniture is susceptible to UV rays. That's because UV rays can damage the fabric of your sectional and cause it to fade, resulting in a loss of colour and comfort. If you don't protect your sectional from direct sunlight, its surface will get dirty faster, and the fabric will deteriorate faster.
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
To protect your outdoor furniture from fading, you should apply a clear protective coating to the wood or metal. This will help keep it looking good and prevent UV damage to the material. Many manufacturers offer their own recommended products, but if you can't find one or if they don't make one for your furniture brand, try using an acrylic sealer or polyurethane spray paint.
Apply the product according to its instructions and then allow it to dry completely before putting it back into use. 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 important thing to remember when covering outdoor furniture is that no matter what you choose, it will eventually fade in the sun. 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!.