Patio Furniture Covers

Why do you store your car in a garage and keep it covered at other times? You do it so that you can protect it against the vagaries of the weather. It can be rain, snow or the harsh sun showering those hazardous UV rays on the car. You need the car paint to last really long and do not want it to fade away. Well, if your car deserves such protection, then why not your patio furniture? Most patios are open and do not have a patio roof. The furniture lies exposed to the weather at all times and if you do not cover it, its lifespan decreases. Quality wooden furniture usually lasts for ten to fifteen years if properly taken care of. This same duration can go down by half if they are not cared for. This is precisely why you need patio furniture covers. Patio furniture covers are extremely durable protective covers that offer protection to any kind of patio furniture. They are usually made of vinyl and offer complete protection against water, moisture and sunlight. There are covers available in the market today for all kinds of patio furniture including tables, chairs, chaise lounges, gliders and ottomans.

Types of covers

You need to buy a cover for your furniture depending on the size, shape and the quality of the furniture. For example, if you have an antique teak wooden table, you should give it the best protection that you can afford. There is no reason why you should settle for anything lesser than a top quality vinyl cover. On the other hand, if it is an ordinary plastic table, you can settle for something cheaper.

• Chaise lounges: When it comes to outdoor furniture, nothing can beat the style and comfort of chaise lounges. They have become so popular that almost every other home in the US has a chaise lounge resting on their patio. Any sensible chaise lounge owner would want to protect their investment and hence also buy chaise lounge covers along with the lounges. Not only is it extremely important to cover the frame to prevent it from cracking and rusting, it is also important to cover the upholstery. Chaise lounge slip covers are the best bet and they can slip over the lounge snugly and offer a perfect fit. They need to be secured at the base with straps or Velcro straps.
• Gliders: Today, it is not just kids who love gliders. There is a fair share of adults as well who love to glide while they are in the outdoors. You can move while you converse with gliders. They have become so popular that in the last few years, gliders have been paired up with just about any other piece of outdoor furniture. Hence glider covers too are made for just about any kind of glider. Glider covers are usually kept open at the base. This allows the glider to breathe and does not trap in the moisture causing it to swell. So if you have a glider in your backyard, invest in a glider slip cover.
• Table and Chairs: Tables and chairs are the most common piece of outdoor furniture that you will ever come across. Almost every home that has patio furniture has a table and chair set. What makes it difficult to choose table and chair covers is the fact that you can choose from individual covers or a single cover that covers the entire set. A patio table and chair cover set can easily accommodate a set of six chairs and a table.

The internet is the best place to get some more information about outdoor furniture covers. You can browse through the complete catalog and then make an informed decision.

Having great patio furniture can really enhance your outdoor space and make your summers more enjoyable but when you are shopping for furniture don’t forget about the accessories.

It’s not enough just to buy great patio furniture. In order to get the full enjoyment you need to make sure you have all the things that go with it. If you are buying a table and chair set, you’ll need a good umbrella in addition to making sure you have enough room to seat the whole family. If you are getting some chairs and a settee, you’ll need some end tables and maybe even a coffee table. Either way all your furniture will need great cushions and protective coverings.

Patio Umbrellas

No matter what type of patio furniture you have, an umbrella is a must to keep you out of the hot rays of the sun. You can invest in a wide variety of umbrellas and materials to create the cool place in the shade you have always wanted. Be sure to pick an umbrella that is sturdy to hold up against winds and that has a durable fabric. Sunbrella is the ultimate in out door fabric because of its breathable as well as durability against the harshest weather.

If your patio furniture doesn’t have a mechanism to hold a patio umbrella, an offset pole patio umbrella is a great way to move with the sun. You can place it over your patio furniture set while you dine on your morning brunch or have it over your chaise while you sip a cool drink in the afternoon.

Patio Cushions

When buying cushions for your patio furniture it is important to get materials that are comfortable, long lasting, weather resistant and beautiful. You should make sure your cushions have the right density per size to maximize it’s drainability and let water pass through it easily. If you go for cushions that are dacron wrapped, you’ll be sure to get almost the same comfort you get in your living room. Your patio furniture cushions shouldn’t feel like a flat box but should create an element of comfort and support for your back, dry out quickly when the get wet and last for years.

Patio Furniture Covers

When bad weather is on the horizon or at the end of the season, you’ll want to protect your patio furniture with covers. Most outdoor covers are designed to be durable and withstand harsh weather. Since you want your covers to stay on, you should buy only furniture covers that have a Velcro fastening system. For durable covers, purchase UV treated fabric so you never have to worry about deteriorating due to the strength of the sun.

Your cushions need special protection from unwanted dust and heaven forbid the nesting of insects or other small rodents. Your best bet is to store them inside in the off season, but if you must leave them out be sure the are protected in a sealed cover.

Creating the perfect outdoors space where to relax and entertain your friends and family is about finding the right balance between your home décor and your garden, to bring the two together harmoniously. At the beginning of this process comes the selection of a set of patio furniture. Once you have found the style, material and color scheme that works best for you it is time to think about bringing it to life with the right accessories so you can complete your design. This will allow you to set the tone for how this special space is used, whether you opt for an elegant entertaining area, a romantic hideaway or a relaxing haven. To achieve this you need to spend time about what the results you are shooting for, and take the time to find the right elements to reach your goal.

The first group of accessories to consider is soft furnishings. Whether you prefer vibrant colors or a more natural look this step will allow you to create a link between your interior and the colors of your garden. There is a wide range of weather resistant cushions available in the stores, allowing you to pick out a color scheme that reflects your personality while increasing the comfort level of your outdoor sanctuary. Soft furnishings also extend to rugs specially designed for outdoor use, to add both visual interest and a soft texture that you can enjoy barefoot.

The second area to look at is storage: there are a number of very practical pieces available that can have multiple uses. For instance a small storage table can be used to keep your candles and cocktail napkins handy, provide additional seating or the ideal spot to rest your tired feet after a long day.

The third element to think about is shade. You can opt for a permanent structure such as a cabana or buy a large sun umbrella to protect your deck so you can still enjoy those hot summer afternoons comfortably without turning into a piece of burnt toast.

The fourth thing on your ‘must do’ accessories list is to deck out the space with plenty of pots and plants to further cement the link between indoor styling and the outdoors. It needs not cost a lot of money yet will provide visual and scented interest to your space, bringing the whole scheme together.

Finally assemble the final touches that will allow you to enjoy the wonderful space you’ve created to the fullest, such as cleverly concealed speakers for your stereo and mood lighting.

Finding the right accessories to bring the decor of your patio together will not only ensure that you have everything you need to relax in style but also that the overall effect looks as special as it feels.

Decorating an outdoor living area such as a patio or porch can be exciting and daunting all at once. What type of material should you choose? What and how many pieces should you purchase? What size, color and texture will best suit your outdoor space? To answer these questions, you’ll need to ask yourself a few more and determine what your needs really are.

How often will you use it?

This is the most important question to ask yourself when deciding what type of patio furniture to purchase. The frequency of use will help you decide if you need something lightweight and easily storable, such as plastic chairs, or durable and long lasting.

If you plan on using your patio several times a day during permitting months, you should look for well constructed, durable hard woods such as teak. These will not only stand up to a frequent use (and probably abuse) but will be easier to clean and maintain. Hardwood patio furniture, while more expensive, is more capable of withstanding the elements than its less expensive counterparts.

How forgiving is your climate?

Depending upon your area, you will need to consider many factors for your furniture. Usually sunny climates will require shade for the furniture and its owners, to prevent sun damage and premature weathering. Areas that are temperate year round can afford to leave the furniture outside, but should maintain some type of covering, whether it is a tarp or sheet, to protect the furniture during inclement weather.

For climates that do not allow year round use of the patio, owners should maintain an adequate storage space. This can be indoors, such as a garage or attic, or an outdoor storage shed. The important thing is to protect the furniture from premature weathering from extreme weather like snow or sleet.

Extremely wet climates should avoid anything made of metal, as it is likely to rust.

Do you already have a style?

You may have already planted an English rose garden or want to set up a patio under a Southern inspired tree grove. The color and style of your existing décor will play a contributing factor in the type of patio furniture you purchase. Ideally, the newly selected furniture will blend seamlessly into the existing style and provide an outdoor extension of your home. If you do not already have a style, you can be more experimental in your selections and develop a style as you go along.

The selected furniture should always match the mood you want your living area to provide. Teak offers a warm, inviting atmosphere, while wicker provides a traditional appearance. The typical uses and perceptions of each material, color and style should weigh heavily in the decision. Take your time to make an informed decision. You will be enjoying the furniture for years to come.