subject: Patio Furniture Covers: The Difference Is Detail [print this page] Patio Furniture Covers: The Difference Is Detail
Heavy rains, winter weather, and even exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can shorten the lifespan of outdoor furniture dramatically. Resins, woods, and metals can become weakened, discolored, and damaged over time, and replacing patio furniture can be costly. The ideal solution for protecting outdoor furniture is to use patio furniture covers.
Unfortunately, buying just any set of patio furniture covers does not guarantee that the furniture will be adequately protected. Poor quality furniture covers deteriorate quickly when exposed to weather and temperature extremes, and cheaper materials can even damage patio furniture surfaces. By paying close attention to the details when purchasing patio furniture covers, homeowners can feel confident that they are choosing high quality covers that will do a proper job of protecting their furniture.
Stitching and Seams
Details that homeowners should focus on first when looking at patio furniture covers are the stitching and seams. Stitching and seams should be protected from weather exposure and hidden with a protective piping. Piping also diverts water off of furniture covers, which prevents water from collecting on covers and creating stains or other damage.
Hems and Closures
Homeowners should also take note of hems and closures on each cover. Are the covers likely to stay on the furniture, even on windy days? Drawstrings, elastic hems, leg ties, and Velcro are some of the different types of hems and closures homeowners will find on better quality patio furniture covers, and each can prevent covers from blowing away. The essential requirement, though, is that covers, no matter what kind of closure or hem is used, must fit every piece of furniture snugly. Without a snug fitting hem or closure, patio furniture covers will not sufficiently protect the furniture.
Special Features
Higher quality patio furniture covers usually come with a number of special features that make protecting outdoor furniture easier. Special features vary, but homeowners should look for any details that add value or convenience to the patio furniture covers. For example, a zippered closure on a patio umbrella cover is more convenient and easier to operate than one with multiple snaps or ties. In addition, furniture covers with their own built-in storage pouches make it easier to store the covers neatly away when they are not in use.
Some homeowners decide to have custom patio furniture covers made so that they can choose the closures, hems, and special features that best fit their particular needs. Using custom patio furniture covers also ensures the highest quality and best fit. Whether homeowners choose custom or standard covers, though, doesn't matter as much as paying close attention to the details before making a purchase. Knowing what to look for in a quality furniture cover empowers homeowners to make the best choice.
