subject: Three Different Approaches to Outdoor Furniture Protection [print this page] Three Different Approaches to Outdoor Furniture Protection
Now that you've spent a good deal of money on new furniture for the porch, patio, or deck, what will you do with it when weather prevents its use for extended periods of time? Generally speaking, homeowners have three basic choices -- store it, cover it, or do nothing. The best choice for you will depend largely on your specific situation. Knowing more about each option should allow any homeowner to make the most informed decision about outdoor furniture protection.
Letting It Go
Some homeowners choose not to do much, if anything, to protect their outdoor furniture. Many people may feel that they lack the extra time needed to use patio furniture covers or to carry furniture pieces into storage. Protecting the outdoor furniture is not usually near the top of the priorities list for many busy homeowners. Regrettably, neglected patio furniture shows wear and tear at a dramatically faster rate than protected furniture. The lifespan of woods, metals, and resins is greatly reduced with constant exposure to the elements. The result is furniture that looks weathered and beaten up, and that falls apart and requires replacing much sooner than homeowners might expect.
Storing It Away
Other homeowners prefer to store their patio furniture in a shed or another available space. Storing outdoor furniture is a practical choice when it will be out of use for a significant length of time, such as over the winter months. Storing furniture does have some disadvantages, though. Outdoor furniture can be quite heavy, and moving it safely requires more than one person. Moving furniture can cause injury to those doing the moving, and it can cause damage to furniture pieces if any part is scraped, dropped, or bumped in transit. Storage is not an ideal option for homeowners who do not have extra space available, nor is it ideal for those who only need temporary protection for their furniture.
Covering It Up
An increasing quantity of homeowners prefer the third option for outdoor furniture protection -- patio furniture covers. Patio furniture covers can be easily put on and taken off, making it possible to use them frequently. Homeowners can rapidly cover their patio furniture before an impending storm, and then remove the covers after the weather has cleared. Patio furniture covers made using superior quality fabrics are designed to withstand many years of harsh weather conditions, too, so they can protect furniture successfully for extended lengths of time. In addition, patio furniture covers are a space saver because they can be folded away and stowed in a small space when not in use.
Storing outdoor furniture, covering it, or doing nothing to protect it is entirely the choice of the individual homeowner. Understanding some of the advantages and disadvantages of each option, though, is crucial so that the most preferred method can be used.
