Patio furniture makes your deck more livable and visually appealing, regardless of the time of year. However, leaving patio furniture outside without preparing it for winter can damage it, resulting in costly repairs and replacements.
If you want to avoid buying new furniture every couple of years, here’s a quick guide on how to store patio furniture for winter.
Can I leave my patio furniture outside during winter?
Just like RVs and vehicles need special winterizing, patio furniture also needs a little extra TLC to keep it looking fresh throughout the seasons.
Patio furniture is made for the outdoors, and it can be difficult to move into storage, so it’s safe to leave it outside during the winter as long as you take the necessary precautions. Take some time to clean, dry, and protect each piece of furniture so it’ll last longer and you won’t need to replace it.
What is the best way to store outdoor furniture?
If you can move your furniture indoors, such as a garage or basement, you can keep it protected from the elements; investing in a climate-controlled storage unit will give you the most protection. However, you can also simply cover all of your furniture with a heavy-duty tarp as long as you leave a little room for ventilation.
How do I winterize different types of patio furniture?
Depending on what different pieces of furniture are made of, you’ll need to apply different processes to protect them from cold weather.
Wood furniture
Moisture can freeze within wood during cold weather, leading to cracks and damage, and just covering your furniture with a tarp won’t fully protect it from absorbing water from the air. Use a protective sealant before covering or storing your furniture for best results.
If your deck is made of wood, you can give it the same treatment to refresh it and minimize splitting and cracking.
Plastic furniture
Cold weather can cause plastic to become brittle and crack, so store any plastic furniture in a space where temperatures won’t drop below freezing and thoroughly clean and dry it before you put it away.
Metal furniture
Freezing rain and snow can lead to metal furniture rusting when moisture is allowed to linger, so store it in a dry place and inspect it for rust before you do. Any rust spots should be treated with rust-neutralizing primer and painted over.
Wicker furniture
Wicker furniture comes with many nooks and crannies that mildew can find its way into. Wash the furniture with a solution of bleach and water to kill any mildew, rinse it well, and dry it. Freshen the surface with spray paint and coat the legs and feet with a moisture repellent. Find a dry place in your garage to store wicker furniture where the feet won’t touch the ground.
Fabrics and cushions
Freezing and thawing, as well as dry weather, can damage fabrics and textiles. Before storage, vacuum any cushions or umbrellas you have with your furniture and wash them with a bleach detergent mix. Cotton fabrics can be washed with soap and water; some can even be thrown in your washing machine.
Keep your cushions in a storage box on the deck to protect them from the elements, and individually wrap them to keep pests from making homes inside. Store the box under a tarp for further protection.
Fire pits and grills
Firepits and grills are a staple for any DIY backyard set-up. Most grills and fire pits are made from metal, so follow any steps you would follow for taking care of metal furniture – inspect them for rust, clean and paint any rusted spots, and cover them tightly. Take the extra step of disconnecting gas canisters and lines before storage to avoid any leaks or fire hazards.
How do I find the right storage space for my patio furniture?
By now, you understand how to store outdoor furniture at home or in your yard while protecting it from cold weather. However, for maximum protection, we recommend looking for a self-storage unit with climate control if you can. Find the right unit for you using SelfStorage.com’s built-in search tool!
