8 Best Outdoor Furniture Covers for All-Weather Protection
Updated: Apr. 02, 2024
Not all outdoor furniture covers are created equal. Make sure your patio is properly protected with our research-backed, expert-approved recommendations.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
If home is your happy place, then the backyard should be your serenity—and that’s something to protect at all costs. Even from the elements. Whether adorning a backyard oasis with outdoor rugs, wicker sofas or outdoor pillows, the best outdoor furniture covers will make sure your backyard sanctuary remains intact.
“Outdoor furniture is an investment in your outdoor living space. Anything left outdoors in the elements will experience wear and tear from the exposure,” Lindsay Schleis, VP of Business Development for POLYWOOD, says. “Outdoor furniture covers protect water and snow from sitting on furniture frames which causes frames to chip, fade or rot over time, depending on the material. They also protect furniture and cushions from the sun’s UV rays, which cause fading.”
The best outdoor furniture covers will protect patio decor from just about anything that could wear it down. With such heavy-duty covers, you might even find yourself tempted to upgrade to one of the best outdoor furniture brands by scoring big at upcoming furniture sales.
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BEST AFFORDABLE OUTDOOR FURNITURE COVER
Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Love Seat Cover
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BEST OVERALL OUTDOOR FURNITURE COVER
Ultcover Water Resistant Patio Dining Set Cover
Pros:
- Water-resistant polyester canvas
- Available in three different sizes
- Drawcords secure to furniture leg
- Compatible with both oval and rectangular tables
- Fits one table, plus 4-6 chairs
Cons:
- Pricier than other covers
- No umbrella hole for the table
Available in three sizes, the Ultcover Water Resistant Patio Dining Set Cover fits most table and chair sets, providing a custom-like fit of protection for the most coveted patio furniture. Made of 600D polyester canvas complex, it features 100 percent coverage, a UV-resistant design and water-resistant backing.
“Covers help to keep the furniture clean and free from debris and undesirable critters. An exceptional all-weather outdoor furniture cover should demonstrate resistance to mildew, water and UV rays, as these factors contribute to the deterioration of outdoor furniture over time,” Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder at Arsight, explains.
This one comes with plastic clips and a heavy-duty elastic cord that secures to any table leg—both of which will come particularly in handy during storms or windy days. With reinforced padded handles, double-stitched seams for added reinforcement, and structured air vents that stay open to prevent moisture build-up and wind lofting, it’s the closest to a custom-fit outdoor furniture cover without paying the price of a custom-fit outdoor furniture cover.
BEST AFFORDABLE OUTDOOR FURNITURE COVER
Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Love Seat Cover
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Breathable side panels
- Three size options
- Color coordination between sizes
- Straps protect from windy weather
Cons:
- Not designed to cover wheels or legs
- More likely to fade over time
For the budget conscious, the Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Love seat Cover is the ultimate bang-for-your-buck choice. Specifically designed for love seats, this durable polyester cover comes in three size options although the Duck Covers collection also features matching covers for umbrellas, tables, grills and more.
Durable and efficient at protecting outdoor couches, chairs and more from any kind of precipitation—even in high moisture climates—it has double-stitched seams with an added layer of tape sealing, so you never have to worry about leaking.
Nylon straps with side-release buckles and a shock cord conveniently lock the cover in place, making it ideal for high wind conditions. Duck Covers use breathable side panels to circulate proper airflow, and they also work double duty to add more height (and therefore, more coverage).
BEST SPLURGE OUTDOOR FURNITURE COVER
Primrue Conversation Set Cover
Pros:
- Expensive, but its looks and protective abilities make it well worth the price
- Available in two colors
- Includes one love seat cover, two chair covers and one coffee table cover
- Puncture- and scratch-resistant
Cons:
- Only one size option available
The Primrue Conversation Set Cover isn’t cheap, but it sure is aesthetically pleasing. Beyond looks, this heavy-duty cover gets the job done. Not only does it protect home furniture from rain, wind, sun and snow, but it also vouches to protect it from sap and dirt, too.
With all the quality of a custom-fit cover set, it properly and effectively covers just about any furniture set of any material—wicker, teak, aluminum and more.
BEST OUTDOOR FURNITURE COVER ON AMAZON
Patio Furniture Set Cover
Pros:
- Over 15,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.3-star average
- Comes in 11 sizes and three colors
- UV-stabilized internal coating
- Adjustable hem
- Includes a reusable bag for storage
Cons:
- Not aesthetically pleasing
- No ventilation
Amazon has so many fantastic options for outdoor furniture covers, but when it comes to comparing and contrasting what’s available, this Patio Furniture Set Cover reigns supreme. The extra-large cover, marked by Amazon as a bestseller, has amassed over 15,000 ratings and is available in up to 11 sizes and configurations. It’s like a rain jacket for furniture.
While it may just look like a regular old black tarp at first, it’s almost completely windproof thanks to a duo of drawstrings and buckle straps that hold it taut to the furniture. Aesthetics aside, the cover can protect many different pieces of furniture at once. And while you may see the occasional leakage or after a couple of years of use, some rips, the Patio Furniture Set Cover has a cult-like following that keeps shoppers loyal to the brand.
BEST OUTDOOR FURNITURE COVER FOR WINTER
Patio Furniture Cover
Pros:
- Will securely protect furniture through winter weather
- Affordable
- Available in nine different sizes and covers whole dining sets
- Features two air vents
- Huge, padded handles for comfort
- Legs feature windproof buckles
- 1,400 Amazon ratings and a 4.6-star average
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than other covers, but helpful in the winter
If it’s value you want, this Amazon Patio Furniture Cover covers a lot of surface area for a low-to-mid-tier price. With over 1,400 ratings averaging 4.6 stars out of 5, this pick features two air vents, four padded handles, 600 waterproof Oxford cloth and inner waterproof tape. It’s slightly heavier than the rest of our picks, but that’s actually a desired feature in the winter when a heavier weight will keep the cover extra secure when the furniture isn’t in use for long periods of time.
The largest size covers round or oval patio dining sets with anywhere up to eight to 12 chairs; alternatively, it covers six- to eight-person sofa sets, so if you have a big family, backyard and the patio furniture to match it, this cover will protect it all.
This tear- and UV-resistant cover consists of 600D polyester material that’s been stitched and PU coated with waterproof tape at every seam. Additionally, it features four click-close straps and an elastic hem cord with a toggle that securely attaches to furniture.
BEST OUTDOOR FURNITURE COVER FOR SUN PROTECTION
SunPatio Waterproof Patio Furniture Cover
Pros:
- UV-resistant 600D fabric protects from sun damage
- Built-in mesh air vents
- Available in eight sizes
- Waterproof vinyl coating
- Available in matching set
- Two-tone colorway
- 600 Amazon ratings and a 4.6-star average
Cons:
- No umbrella hole for tables
- No drawstring
Aptly named, the SunPatio brand is ideal for protecting valuable outdoor furniture from ultraviolet rays that threaten to fade it. The material is vinyl and SunPatio makes several different sizes, including a round one for a grill. The workmanship on the sewing is outstanding (look at that abrasion-resistant thread), making for a more durable design, and it also features built-in mesh air vents for proper circulation and internal condensation reduction.
To provide the snuggest fit, click-close the buckle straps on the bottom of the cover, which attaches to each of the four legs of the furniture during windier weather. Aside from its durability and reliability, it’s just plain pretty to look at. While so many other outdoor furniture covers look basic, the SunPatio Waterproof Patio Furniture Cover is an aesthetically pleasing beige and olive, matching your patio decor perfectly.
BEST L-SHAPED OUTDOOR FURNITURE COVER
ClawsCover Sectional Sofa Cover
Pros:
- Designed to fit tricky L-shaped outdoor furniture
- Multiple configurations to fit different furniture shapes
- Six adjustable windproof straps
- 11 size options
- Includes storage bag
- Reinforced canvas on each corner
- 1,500 Amazon ratings and a 4.3-star average
Cons:
- Must be sure to buy the correct cover for your right- or left- L-shaped sofa
For those with L-shaped outdoor sectionals, it can be tricky to find the right fit, but the ClawsCover Sectional Sofa Cover makes it easy. With six adjustable windproof straps, the ClawsCover isn’t going anywhere. This L-shaped couch cover comes in 11 sizes, some of which fit L-shaped sofas that go left and others that go right, so it’s crucial to pick the correct one for your outdoor furniture.
Crafted from 420D Oxford woven polyester, it’s coated with a layer of PU waterproof coating and waterproof strips seal the fabric shut. All-elastic rope at the bottom of the cover tightens around the patio furniture for the safest fit possible, and it also features two vents. In terms of durability, this cover passes the test of time, too. Its corners come padded with reinforced canvas for even more protection against unwanted rips and tears.
BEST FOR GRILLS
Classic Accessories Veranda BBQ Grill Cover
Pros:
- Fits a wide number of grill brands and varieties
- High-quality design touches
- Affordable
- Easily bundled with other covers for chairs, love seats, and outdoor accessories
- Matches the Classic Accessories covers collection
- 28,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.6-star average
Cons:
- May not cover wheels or legs
A high-quality grill isn’t cheap, so protect it from rain, snow, dust, pollen and everything in between. The Classic Accessories Veranda BBQ Grill Cover is the best of the best with a 4.6-star average and more than 28,000 ratings. With a two-toned khaki colorway that isn’t awful to look at and a variety of available sizes (nine total), this patio grill cover is extremely versatile.
Not only does it fit all kinds of grills (Brinkmann, CharBroil, Jenn Air and Weber Genesis just to name a few), it features durable interior bound seams, high-density stitching and padded handles for easy gripping. The fabric top is water-resistant, and the bottom features a protective laminated backing and dark splash guard skirt.
What to look for when buying outdoor furniture covers
When you’re in the market for outdoor furniture covers, you’ll want to consider a few factors: your furniture’s size, shape and material, where you’ll be keeping the furniture, your area’s weather and climate, how long the furniture will be covered for and your budget. Additional factors like ventilation and how the cover secures to the furniture (buckles, drawstrings and click-close straps) will help determine the ideal cover for your needs.
Some types, like wood and wicker outdoor furniture, need special consideration to keep as long-lasting as plastic-based materials. “To expand the life of any outdoor furniture, I recommend covering wooden, wicker/rattan and plastic furniture with weather-resistant covers to prevent damage from moisture, freezing temperatures and potential rot or cracking,” says Anton Schwarz of the lawn and landscaping blog Lawn Liberty.
According to Kropovinsky, shoppers should also look for covers that protect furniture against:
- Mildew: Being a type of fungus, mildew develops on outdoor furniture and cause damage. Covers with mildew-resistant materials help to prevent mildew formation.
- Water: Water exposure leads to warping, decay or corrosion of outdoor furniture. Covers designed with water-repellent materials prevent water from penetrating the furniture.
- UV rays: Ultraviolet rays from the sun cause outdoor furniture to fade and weaken. Covers made with UV-blocking materials shield furniture from such damage.
Why you should trust us
I cover sustainability, food waste and upcycling, specializing in home and backyard products. Along with Reader’s Digest, my work has appeared in Parade, Newsweek, Travel + Leisure, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple and Southern Living. For this guide, I spoke with three experts regarding the outdoors and backyard furniture: Lindsay Schleis, Artem Kropovinsky and Anton Schwarz.
Lindsay Schleis is the VP of Business Development for POLYWOOD, a sustainable home and furniture brand. Artem Kropovinsky is an interior designer and founder of the New York-based interior design studio Arsight. Blogger and business owner Anton Schwarz runs LawnLiberty.com, an online resource for lawn owners.
How we found the best outdoor furniture covers
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQs
What type of cover is best for outdoor furniture?
A cover with proper ventilation is crucial in preventing moisture that could ruin outdoor furniture. “Outdoor covers should also be breathable to prevent condensation and mildew buildup, and feature reinforced seams and straps or buckles to ensure a secure fit,” Schwarz adds.
What fabric is used for outdoor furniture covers?
“Effective outdoor furniture covers are fashioned from resilient materials capable of withstanding harsh weather,” Kropovinsky says. According to Kropovinsky, some ideal materials for outdoor furniture covers include:
- Polyester: Known for its strength and longevity, polyester is also impervious to water and ultraviolet rays.
- Oxford fabric: A subtype of polyester, Oxford fabric boasts durability and resistance to water and ultraviolet rays.
- Canvas: As a natural fiber, canvas offers strength and durability while protecting against water and ultraviolet rays.
- Nylon: Nylon is a sturdy material that resists water and ultraviolet rays.
How do I stop water collecting on my patio furniture covers?
With most covers, there will be a dip in the middle once placed over the furniture. Because there’s nothing in the middle pushing up against the cover, water, snow or debris pools here over time. To prevent that, purchase an airbag that inflates and holds the cover more taut. Duck Covers makes a fantastic one for a reasonable price.
How do I protect my outdoor furniture in the winter?
The best outdoor furniture covers effectively protect furniture in weather of all kinds, including rain, snow, sun and wind. The best time to buy patio furniture aside, all-weather covers preserve outdoor furniture during every season—winter and summer included.
How do you secure patio furniture covers from wind?
First and foremost, when you’re closing up for the season, you’ll want to clean patio furniture before covering it. Then, determine which cover fits on which piece of furniture—there are different sizes and shapes for tables, sofas, ottomans, chairs, grills and more. Ensure the cover protects the furniture completely, then tightly secure it with whatever straps or locks the cover features.
What is the best way to store outdoor cushions in winter?
To minimize damage, dirt and mildew, you should store your outdoor cushions indoors during the winter, inclement weather and when you won’t use them often. It’s best to keep them somewhere cool and dry, like in a garage, as well as off the ground and out of reach of pests.
Originally Published: April 21, 2023
