Don’t get us wrong - we’d love nothing more than to see warm weather stick around so we could stay outdoors all year round. Still, over the years we learned always to look ahead, and for those of us who live with the seasons, now is the time to plan for the offseason.
Read on for our tried advice on caring for your patio furniture when the temperatures turn cold.
Furniture covers
Most patio furniture cannot stay outside through the winter - water and snow will pool and slowly destroy the frames and surfaces. To protect, covers are the minimum you should consider. These come in fitted sizes, sectionals, or custom, so every piece can be snugly dressed for the winter. Talk to your local patio shop on what’s best for your needs.
Bring it inside
In the ideal case, all furniture and umbrellas should go indoors. This will protect the materials from moisture, wind and sun exposure and thus prolong their lifetime far beyond your expectations. In terms of space, a clever stacking in the shed is enough - no need to worry about bringing your furniture inside the climate controlled house. Seasons Too does offer a full winter storage program to help you if desired.
Hide the cushions
We mean it! Although furniture frames can stay outside when covered, cushions always must go into the house. Patio fabric is made for the outdoors, but when left unused for long periods of time, all sorts of surprises arise: moisture in the air will bring on the mildew and rodents will turn your cushions into a playground. If you are short on space, get creative - basement, closets, suitcases, etc. Otherwise, your first expense in the spring could be a new set of cushions.
Last but not least, as you close up your patio for this season, we always recommend to take a survey of what you have, anything that may need repair or replacement, or even what that didn’t work for you and your family this year. Even though next spring is months away, thinking - and getting! - ahead is what will ensure you are ready to enjoy next patio season as soon as the weather breaks. And we promise, your favorite patio dealer will appreciate your early planning.
Happy packing,
Seasons Too