Outdoor Chair Covers: A Reasonable Solution for Weather Protection

When it comes to outdoor furniture, one of the biggest challenges homeowners face is covering their furniture against the unpredictable weather. From rain and snow to blistering UV rays and dust, outdoor furniture is usually subject to weather that breaks down and wears out furniture over time. Outdoor chair covers are a simple yet efficient option that will maintain your chairs in top condition for years to come.

Why You Need Outdoor Chair Covers

Outdoor furniture is a valuable investment that brings comfort and beauty to your outdoor space. But it's never protected from the weather of rain, wind, sun, and dirt. These conditions eventually cause fading, cracking, and general wear and tear, ultimately shortening the lifespan of your furniture. Chair covers offer a shield from these conditions, which extends the lifespan of your outdoor seating.

Furthermore, outdoor chair covers are a time-saver and effort-saver in terms of cleaning and maintenance. Instead of wiping or washing your chairs after every rain shower or windy afternoon, you can simply remove the cover and allow it to air dry. In many cases, even the covers themselves are washable, making them a low-maintenance choice for covering up your furniture.

Material Matters

When selecting outdoor chair covers or outdoor furniture covers, it is important to pick the right material to ensure maximum protection. The most common materials used for chair covers are polyester, vinyl, and canvas. Each material has its own advantage.

Polyester covers are lightweight, water-resistant, and typically coated to shield against UV rays. They are an ideal choice for mild climates where sunlight and rain are the primary concerns. Vinyl covers, on the other hand, offer more waterproof protection, which is ideal for high-rainfall regions. Canvas is a durable, porous material widely used in high-end covers. It's a perfect choice if you want a combination of water resistance and ventilation for mold control.

It's also important to mention material thickness. Thicker material is more protective against rough weather, although clumsier to handle. For maximum protection, buy covers with water-resistant lining and UV protection incorporated.

Custom Fit vs. Universal Covers

When it comes to outdoor chair covers, you’ll encounter two primary types: custom fit and universal covers. Understanding the difference between these options is crucial to ensuring a proper fit for your furniture.

Custom fit covers are designed specifically to fit your outdoor chairs' precise dimensions and shape. Custom fit covers offer the best protection as they are custom-made and will provide a snug, secure fit. Custom fit covers are more expensive than universal covers, but the fitted approach of custom fit covers ensures that your chairs are fully covered from all directions.

Universal covers are more affordable and convenient, however. They are designed in common sizes and can be fitted for a variety of outdoor furniture. They are not as accurate as custom covers but are still adequate to protect your chairs from the elements. Universal covers are great to use if you have a few pieces of outdoor furniture or want a cheap and quick solution.

Choosing the Right Size

It's definitely worth measuring your outdoor chairs before purchasing a cover so that the fit is correct. Small covers will not provide your chairs with adequate protection, whereas large covers are awkward to move around and may be blown away when the wind is blowing.

Measure your height, width, and depth to determine how to measure your chairs. Be sure to measure from the top of the chair, going down to the floor, and also include the armrests or any other protruding aspects. It would also be wise to keep the shape of the chair in mind—round chairs will need a specific type of cover than square or rectangular chairs. Most chair covers possess adjustable straps or cords that provide a tight fit even when the cover is too large by a size.

Ease of Use and Storage

How easily they can be put on, taken off, and stored is a key consideration to remember when choosing outdoor chair covers. There is no need to have covers that are difficult to remove, especially when you frequently need to cover your furniture. Choose covers that are light in weight, with handles for easy portability, and zipper or Velcro closings for easy access and quick removal.

Storage is also an important consideration. While chair covers are designed to protect your furniture outdoors, you’ll also want to store the covers when not in use, especially during the off-season. Look for covers that come with a storage bag or pouch to keep them organized and safe when not in use.

Conclusion

Outdoor chair covers are an excellent way to protect your furniture from the elements and prolong its lifespan. With the proper material, size, and fit, you can maintain your outdoor chairs in top condition year after year. Whether you want a custom-fit or affordable universal cover, the proper choice will preserve the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space for years to come.