The Best Outdoor Furniture Covers to Protect Your Patio Set and Grill

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After you’ve found comfortable outdoor seating that is the right size for your patio, you’ll likely want to keep it safe from snow, rain, harsh sun, hail, and other weather that can fade colors, soak rattan, and stain fabric. After all, it can be challenging to find suitable outdoor furniture, even at high price points.

Waterproof outdoor furniture, including grill covers, come in an array of sizes to fit just about any patio item, from a large, hanging swing chair to a small footstool. Some of the best furniture covers are easy to use, fold up to fit into storage spaces, and are not overly expensive. Spend a minute or two pulling them on each night, and you’ll save yourself hours you’d otherwise devote to scrubbing, painting, and repairing weather-battered pieces.

Take a look below at some of the highly rated outdoor furniture covers available and choose one that’s right for you.

1. BEST OVERALL: Duck Covers Ultimate Water-Resistant 109 Inch Cover
2. RUNNER UP: AmazonBasics Outdoor Patio Furniture Cover
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Classic Accessories Veranda Patio Set Cover
4. BEST FOR CHAIRS: Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Chair Cover
5. BEST FOR SOFAS: Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Sofa Cover
6. BEST FOR SECTIONALS: Classic Accessories Veranda Lounge Set Cover
7. BEST FOR CUSHIONS: Classic Accessories Veranda Patio Cushion Storage Bag
8. BEST FOR GRILLS: Char Broil Performance Grill Cover

Photo: amazon.com

What to Consider When You Shop For Outdoor Furniture and Covers

Any outdoor cover should keep dirt and grime off your patio furniture, but the best outdoor furniture covers protect your investment from harmful UV rays and water damage. Those are just some of the key considerations you should keep in mind when you shop. Consider the others below.

Size and Shape of Furniture

Shop for furniture based on the dimensions of each piece. You want seating that is comfortable—think of frequent users’ heights and sizes—and that fit on your patio, deck, or porch without crowding it. There is an array of furniture shapes from which to choose: dining chair, chaise lounge, deep seat sofa, hanging chair, and extras, including side tables and barbeque grills. Measure your outdoor space and think where you’d like different pieces to live. Then choose furniture pieces with the dimensions you need to keep your patio comfortable and not overcrowded.

Here are some tips to consider when you measure furniture:

• When finding the right size for your chair, sofa, or loveseat, start by measuring the height from the ground to the top of the seatback. Next, measure depth (also called length) front to back. Then, measure width from side to side at the front of the seat. Finally, measure arm height from the ground to the top of the arm. (If you measure for a chaise lounge, do also measure it with the chair back in the upright position.)
• You can protect a coordinating table and chairs with a dining set cover. When you shop for that type of protection, measure the height of the tallest chairs. Then place all the chairs around the table so that the chair seats are under the tabletop. Measure the length and width from the chair backs opposite each other at the ends and sides of oval, square, or rectangular tables. For sets with round tables, measure the diameter from the chair back to the chair back on opposite sides of the set.
• Before you shop for a grill cover, measure the grill at its highest point, then measure the length from side to side. Finally, measure the width from front to back.

Materials

The best outdoor furniture covers are waterproof, breathable, durable, lightweight, and inexpensive. Most are made of polyester or reinforced vinyl. The best waterproof fabrics are not airtight but allow some air to escape to prevent moisture build-up.

• Treated polyester is the fabric most often used for outdoor furniture covers because it is lightweight, durable, and water-resistant. Although polyester is water-resistant, it allows moisture to pass through in a hard rain.
• Vinyl that is laminated onto fleece or polyester offers durable, waterproof protection.

Waterproofing

Manufacturers classify furniture covers as either water-resistant or waterproof. Water-resistant covers protect furniture against drizzle and frozen precipitation, but allow heavy rain and snowmelt to pass through. Waterproof covers block any precipitation but also trap moisture unless they are well-vented. Trapped moisture leads to mildew and mold over time.

Polyester is water-resistant. It provides the proper protection right out of the box, but the water-resistance eventually degrades.

Vinyl is waterproof. It’s best to choose a cover that allows some ventilation so that moisture buildup doesn’t lead to mold and mildew.

Weight

Most patio furniture covers are made with lightweight materials to make covering and uncovering easy. Many light fabrics do a great job of keeping dust and dirt off the furniture and provide good water-resistance with breathability. If you use your outdoor furniture often, choose a lightweight cover.

Heavyweight covers are more durable than lightweight covers. They also offer better waterproofing but are only breathable if they have vents or a loose fit that allows air circulation.  For best air circulation, look for covers with an open fit, such as those that don’t cinch tightly on the bottom, or that include a vent system. If you cannot store your patio furniture indoors during the off-season, choose a heavyweight furniture cover for the best protection.

Climate

If you live in a dry climate, a lightweight cover that protects furniture from ultraviolet (UV) light is most suitable. UV protection guards against color fading and fabric breakdown. Choose a waterproof furniture cover with ventilation, either with a loose fit that allows air to circulate or with vents, that won’t allow moisture buildup beneath.

On the other hand, if you’re located in a humid environment, your furniture requires a lightweight and waterproof cover. Experts recommend storing cushions indoors to avoid excess moisture caused by humidity. It’s also best to wipe the furniture often to prevent mildew and algae growth.

If you only use the furniture seasonally, don’t rely solely on outdoor furniture covers. Clean and store the furniture during the off-season. Use your outdoor covers when you store furniture to prevent dust build-up.

Our Top Picks

Consider the following top-rated covers to choose on that is right for you.

Best Overall

Photo: amazon.com

You are likely disheartened when you see pools of water and debris on your covered outdoor furniture. This water-resistant option from Duck Covers includes an airbag and an electric pump to solve this problem. You inflate the airbag with the included air pump (that can be used with other inflatables) to allow air circulation and lessen the chance of moisture, mold, or mildew build up. This table and chair covers, which fits rectangular/oval patio tables and six patio chairs, is available in four different sizes—96 inches by 64 inches, 109 inches by 84 inches, 127 inches by 84 inches, or 140 inches by 80 inches (all sizes are 32 inches tall). The seam-sealed, waterproof fabric, nylon straps with side-release buckles, and shock cords securely protect the furniture and hold the cover in place. The Duck Covers set is also available without the airbags and/or pump.

Runner Up

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You may find it tiresome to use and store individual covers for each piece of furniture. Consider the budget-friendly AmazonBasics Patio Furniture Cover. Use this 110-inch by 84-inch by 24-inch cover to protect oval and rectangular tables and the chairs that are all part of the set. The lightweight 100% woven polyester fabric features rugged interlocking seam construction, convenient loop handles, and click-close straps. Designers created this AmazonBasics cover to easily slip over your furniture set, then adjust for a better fit using the loop handles. These features make it easy to use this waterproof cover to protect your set from rain and snow during the off-season and guard it against leaves, dust, and dirt. The manufacturer recommends that you store cushions inside during the off-season.

Best for Furniture Sets

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The Classic Accessories Veranda Patio Set Cover protects round patio tables and up to six chairs in a set. The covers, which are all 23 inches high, come in five different sizes—small (60 inches), medium (70 inches), medium-large (82 inches), large (94 inches), and extra-large (108 inches). You should note that the cover is not designed to protect the furniture’s wheels or legs. The Classic Accessories cover is created from durable material and features protective water-repellent fabric, click-close straps, side air vents, and padded handles. PVC material backs the fabric, so check your furniture manufacturers’ guide to make sure that it won’t damage your furniture. This set is water-resistant so it’s best for areas that don’t have extreme winters.

Best For Chairs

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You may want a comfy outdoor chair to sit in while you sip tea or coffee during chilly weather, but don’t want it battered if rain or other inclement weather moves in. That’s where the Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Chair Cover comes in. It features double-stitched, tape-sealed seams and is made of rugged waterproof fabric that will keep the chair safe from rain, hail, snow, and sleet. An elastic reinforced hem with shock-cord and click-close straps will keep this cover securely in place through the nastiest winds. The covers, which are all 36 inches high, come in four different sizes—29 inches by 30 inches, 32 inches by 37 inches, 36 inches by 37 inches, and 40 inches by 40 inches. Although this Duck Covers protector offers effective weatherproofing, the manufacturer recommends storing your cushions inside.

Best For Sofas

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Those who enjoy outdoor sofas often struggle to find a cover that will fit their individual piece. The Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Sofa Cover solves that issue with 35-inch high covers available in six sizes: 58 inches by 40 inches, 60 inches by 35 inches, 79 inches by 37 inches, 87 inches by 37, 93 inches by 40 inches, or 103 inches by 40 inches. The manufacturer created this rugged cover from robust and waterproof polyester fabric with double-stitched and tape-sealed seams. Construction includes click-close straps and shock-corded hems to keep the cover securely in place. Wraparound vents eliminate moisture buildup beneath the cover. This set, like the similar set for individual chairs, is also available with an airbag and/or air pump to heighten air circulation and lessen moisture, mold, and mildew buildup.

Best For Sectionals

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There just aren’t many quality outdoor covers for V-shaped sectionals on the market, so many people jerryrig sofa covers with tarps and hope for the best. This Classic Accessories water-resistant cover is specifically designed to protect your sectional. The cover features strong, interior bound seams, high-density stitching, click-close straps, an elastic hem cord, and padded handles. The polyester cover also looks good, thanks in part to two-tone colors and matching webbing. Air vents allow circulation to lessen the build-up of moisture, mildew, and mold. The Classic Accessories covers, all of which are 31 inches high and 35.5 inches deep, are available in four sizes: 70 inches, 85 inches, 100 inches, and 115 inches. You do want to note that this cover, like those of many competitors, is not designed to fully cover wheels or legs.

Best For Cushions

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When you live in an area with variable weather, including snowstorms, it’s a hassle to move and store the cushions from your outdoor patio set, especially when storms roll in quickly. The Classic Accessories Veranda Patio Cushion Storage Bag solves that dilemma at a budget price. Just open the bag, put the cushions inside, and close it for storage. The Classic Accessories bag is crafted with interior bound seams, high-density stitching, and padded handles. The large zippered top opening means you won’t struggle to load and unload cushions, and the padded handles add comfort when you carry the bag. Air vents decrease the chance of moisture, mildew, or mold build-up. The bag is available in two sizes—standard (16 inches by 47 inches by 22.5 inches) and oversized (62 inches by 22 inches by 30 inches).

Best For Grills

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Barbecue aficionados often struggle to keep their grills in top shape, no matter the weather. Grillmasters often resort to tarps due to the dearth of available covers. Enter the Char Broil Performance Grill Cover. This cover is designed for year-round protection of any brand grill. It’s available in five different sizes—22 inches by 22 inches by 33 inches, 32 inches by 23 inches by 40 inches, 52 inches by 23 inches by 40 inches, 62 inches by 24 inches by 42 inches, and 72 inches by 24 inches by 42 inches. The covers are crafted from waterproof, vinyl laminated to an inner layer of denier polyester fabric. The seams are sealed for complete weather protection. The universal fit of this cover is a bit loose on some grills, so the look may not be clean and crisp.

FAQs About Outdoor Furniture Covers

Use your new outdoor furniture covers consistently for maximum protection that extends the life of your furniture. Not sure when or how to use furniture covers? See the answers to the frequently asked questions below.

Q. When should you use an outdoor furniture cover?

Use your new outdoor furniture cover for seasonal day-to-day protection from weather, dirt, and debris. Manufacturers recommend you store cushions and furniture inside during the off-season.

Q. How do you secure outdoor furniture covers?

You can almost always secure furniture covers directly to the furniture when you use integrated straps with click-close buckles.