As the air grows colder and the weather becomes uncertain, we tend to hide out indoors and say goodbye to outdoor entertaining. Before grabbing a blanket and snuggling by the fire, however, remember the outdoor furniture needs some cover of its own.
Keeping patio chairs, tables, and lifestyle accessories protected from the unpredictable climate is necessary as winter approaches, so investing in some custom covers is the perfect way to keep them safe by fitting their unique shape with durable materials.
Find the Cover that Fits Your Needs
Many factors determine the perfect covers for the items in your backyard, and those conditions include the weather of the area, the placement of the furniture, and the materials they are made of.
If there is a lot of precipitation and humidity, the patio’s accessories need to be covered with waterproof material. If the items are under a significant amount of sun, the covers need to have UV protection.
The material of the furniture also needs to be taken into account as well. If there is a glass top table, a padded table cover would be ideal to prevent cracking. Dog crate covers need to be tightly woven with minimal mesh to avoid leakage.
There are specialized covers for each kind of outdoor furniture or appliance, so make sure to find the one that fits each item’s specific needs.
Measurements Matter
The beauty of custom covers is having the freedom to adjust the material to the size and shape of any furniture, but it all depends on the precision of the measurements. Inaccurate dimensions could result in a useless product and a wasted purchase.
Consider the form of the item when measuring, and make sure to order a cover a few inches shorter than the height of the furniture. Doing so prevents debris and water from pooling at the bottom, leaving the item vulnerable to rot. The shorter length also allows air to circulate, keeping the items pristine and free of mold or mildew.
Meticulous preparation can mean the difference between the perfect fitted cover and an unnecessary headache in the making.
Material is Everything
When it comes to choosing the right custom cover, the fabric must also come into consideration.
- In an area of more temperate weather, vinyl could be the right choice because it is easily accessible, lightweight, and moisture resistant. It is, however, temperature-sensitive and is best used when items are in storage.
- One of the most popular choices is polyester for its durable and breathable qualities. It is quick-drying, and the stretchy material can resist the damage of harsh weather by molding to the furniture and letting it breathe underneath.
- Canvas is also a breathable but tough fabric that can withstand harsh climate – particularly during the summer months.
- Plastic is the most affordable but is best for temporary protection because of the lack of adequate ventilation.
Tie-Downs are Your Friend
Opting for a tie-down can save a lot of unnecessary energy running around the backyard looking for the lost cover. During the unpredictable autumn and winter weather, it is best to invest in some added security with the tie-downs.
Along with securing the cover, tie-downs also improve the fit and prevent unwelcome forest creatures from taking refuge underneath.
This sheath of added security only enhances the overall protection being provided by your custom covers. They come in different variations, such as draw straps, elastics, push clips, and zippers. Selecting the one most appropriate for your outdoor protection will greatly depend upon what kind of cover you’re using.
Add a Little Personality
Have some fun with the covers by adding a logo or custom text. If the holidays are coming up, add a festive design on the table covers, or celebrate your favorite team by sporting their logo on the chair covers. Just because the furniture is covered does not mean the patio has to lose its flair.
Bland covers with no design are more likely to get misplaced or lost under a pile of storage items, so picking a unique design can help them stand out among surrounding materials and show a bit of personality when used as well.
Accessories for More Protection
If the furniture has an unusual shape, it could cause the cover to dip down under the weight of water and create a pool that could potentially damage the item underneath. The best accessory to use for this situation is an airbag.
They are ideal as an elevation tool and can be placed on the furniture to fill the spaces. Once the cover or tarp is draped over, it will create a dome-like shape that allows water to run off the sides.
Additionally, having proper storage for outdoor covers is essential in protecting the integrity of your outdoor covers. Storage bags keep your custom covers in pristine condition when they’re not in use.
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