Outdoor furniture can easily transform a garden, a patio, or even the balcony into a haven of relaxation. However, harsh elements damage outdoor chairs with wear and tear in the long run. It may be the sun, rain, or dirt, which outdoor chair covers easily protect from as a simple yet effective way. This is a guide that covers all the aspects on why outdoor chair covers are so important, what to consider when choosing, and how they could add to your outdoor furniture life and beauty.
Why Outdoor Chair Covers Are Necessary
Outdoor furniture is exposed to a number of environmental factors that can degrade the appearance and functionality of the furniture. Fading, cracking, or warping due to direct sunlight can cause harm, whereas rain, snow, and high humidity lead to rust, mildew, or mold. In addition, stains and deterioration might result from dust, bird droppings, and even tree sap. With the protection that outdoor chair covers offer, the furniture is perfectly safe from these factors. They are also an easy way to minimize the maintenance and cleaning of the chairs.
Outdoor chair covers can protect damage from bumps and scrapes that may occur inadvertently. When furniture is in areas where there is a high amount of foot traffic, such physical damage can easily occur. Covering the chairs will extend their life cycle and remove costly repairs or replacement.
Types of Outdoor Chair Covers
There are so many different kinds of outdoor chair covers or outdoor furniture covers. This is because, depending on the type of furniture and the weather conditions, various styles are produced.
Custom fit chair covers. These fit perfectly for specific chair models or brands. They are made for a tight, fitted fit and cover maximum exposure. The perfect covers are for those who will ensure there is protection for everything when it comes to chairs. These cost more but remain more durable while looking better.
Universal Chair Covers These are flexible and designed for various chair sizes and shapes. They are affordable and offer good flexibility. Nonetheless, their looser fit often means that there is less security from the environment, as the covers tend to shift or flail in the wind.
Fitted chair covers are also designed to fit most outdoor standard chairs perfectly. They have a midway position between tailored and universal fitting, which still offers a fit that is sufficiently tight for any style of chairs.
The elasticized fabric stretch chair covers are designed to form along the shape of the chair and allow for easy putting on and removal while their appearance is a bit of a smooth, fitted look. Therefore, in my opinion, the best choice for individuals looking for a combination of functionality and looks is the stretch chair cover.
All Weather Covers: The covers are made from tough materials that can stand the harsh weather, heavy rain, snow, and scorching sun. All-weather covers typically have a waterproof or water-resistant coating and UV protection so they won’t be damaged by the sun.
Materials Used in Outdoor Chair Covers
The material of the chair cover plays a significant role in its durability and performance. A good selection of material may determine how long it will take before the protection given to the furniture is diminished. Some common materials used in making outdoor chair covers include:
Polyester is an outdoor chair cover since it is not very costly, light, and fades without a problem. Polyester is an enduring material that will resist any damage from UV rays as well as water, and it performs good under medium conditions of the weather.
Vinyl: It is a waterproof material, which delivers excellent protection from rain and moisture. Vinyl is pretty strong, easily cleanable, and resistant to rust and mildew but slightly stiff when temperatures become chilly. Vinyl covers are ideal for areas that are either too wet or too humid.
Oxford Fabric: Oxford fabric is woven polyester that is sturdier and thicker compared to standard polyester. It is usually covered with PVC or any other waterproof material to make it more water-resistant. Oxford covers are known for their strength and resistance to tearing, making them suitable for a more rugged environment.
Canvas: One of the heaviest duty fabrics, canvas provides excellent durability and a rather classic look. Canvas is often treated to be water-resistant but may not stand up as well in extremely wet climates like vinyl or polyester. Covers made of canvas tend to breathe a little more freely, which helps keep air circulating in hot, damp environments.
Polyurethane (PU) Coated Fabric: PU coated fabrics give excellent water resistance and protection against the harmful UV rays of the sun. The covers are normally lightweight, very foldable for storage, and thus suitable for moderate weather conditions. They are often used for coverings of top-quality outdoor furniture.
Features to Look for in Outdoor Chair Covers
These can be several options when it comes to outdoor chair covers in acquiring the best furniture protection. Such features include:
Waterproofing: Waterproof cover on your chairs protect them from the rain and the moisture. There is waterproofing built into a material or coatings of the covers to provide an extra barrier against water. Other covers are sealed at the seams or, sometimes extra layers on an already waterproof basis.
UV protection: Sun’s UV rays degrade your furniture by fading and cracking it out. UV protection chair covers keep the furniture away from UV ray absorption; due to this reason, the furniture color and its finish will not degrade. It is very much important in those regions that face very long summers or have too much sunlight throughout the year.
Breathability: While an emphasis needs to be placed on making the chair covers waterproof, some air also has to be allowed in so moisture cannot get trapped inside the cover to cause mold and mildew. Many high-quality chair covers have breathable vents or fabrics that allow air circulation while still protecting furniture from the elements.
Elastic Edges and Drawstrings: The elastic edges or drawstrings help keep the cover in place by preventing the wind from blowing the cover away with a gust. These features are valuable for covers in places where gusts or storms frequently occur.
Storage and Portability: Many outdoor chair covers come with a storage bag or folding design, which can be folded for easy storage. It makes them easy to store when you are not using them. This will be more useful when you use them seasonally or when you need protection to give your chairs during certain months.
Care of Outdoor Chair Covers
Care is the ultimate secret to getting your chairs in the outdoors for a long time. First of all, clean the covers by washing them according to the manufacturer’s guidance. Most covers are just wiped clean with a damp cloth or hosed off with no dirt and debris, so it is advisable to avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the fabric in getting rid of tough stains.
Store them in a dry and cool place when it is not in use and prevent molds and mildews. Foldable covers need to fold neatly and not be compressed in such a manner that might cause some permanent creases or damage.
Conclusion
Chair covers in the outdoors play a vital role for anybody wanting to protect their furniture from the environmental condition and will be able to use it up to a longer period of time. From custom-fit to universal covers, there is something for every type of chair and outdoor environment. Once you consider all the important factors such as materials, waterproofing, and UV protection, there’s bound to be the right cover for your needs. With proper care and maintenance, your chair covers will continue protecting it reliably so that you can get to enjoy your outdoor space year in and year out.
