When the sun is shining and the sky is clear, it’s easy to forget that outdoor protection is still necessary in the summer. Just because it’s not raining or snowing, doesn’t mean that your patio furniture is immune to damage. In fact, leaving your backyard items exposed all summer long could mean you’ll be buying more when spring rolls around.

Understanding the potential harm your patio set could experience this summer is key to choosing the protection that’s perfect for you.

Aesthetic Damage

Fading is the number one issue your outdoor furniture will face this summer. Any upholstery that’s overly exposed could quickly lose colorfastness, along with certain metals and woods becoming oxidized and acquiring blemishes.

Wood furniture will quickly fade and become water damaged unless it is properly protected. If you are anticipating extreme temperatures, move your furniture under a covered patio, garage, or use a patio furniture cover.

For more information on caring for your outdoor furniture, read our post on How to Take Care of Outdoor Furniture.

Structural Damage

The heat of summer can cause structural weakness in your patio furniture. The expanding and contracting of woods and metals can mean your items lose quality over time.

While you may not notice the effects of this after one summer of use, structural damage in your outdoor furniture will begin to show itself over time. If left unprotected for long stretches of time, you will be left with broken furniture within a couple seasons.

Damage from Nature

While damage from rodents and other animals is a year-round concern, the summer brings a host of other insects and critters that cause additional headaches. By covering your belongings, you can save them from nests, bird & rodent droppings and dead insects.

Dust and dirt is a persistent, unavoidable issue in the dry heat of summer. Utilizing a cover can at least mean you get to relax without having to wipe down your cushions first.

Furniture Warranty

If your outdoor furniture has a warranty, there’s a good chance it won’t cover the damages we mentioned above. By using a cover, you can ensure your warranty is there for when you really need it.

The Best Cover for Your Climate

All of our covers provide great protection against all types of weather, but some are better suited to specific climates. Find your geographic region below to see which of our cover collections is right for you.

Northeast

The Northeast typically gets precipitation year-round. With snowy winters, rainy springs, and humid summers, it's crucial to have a cover that is water-resistant and breathable.

If snow and rain are your primary concerns, our Ultima or Prestige collection is the way to go. These covers have top-rated water-resistance and durability, meaning they can stand up to the harsh northern storms. Ultima and Prestige are also solution-dyed, making them fade-resistant through hot summers.

Ultima covers are perfect for areas with moderate to high rain and snow, moderate to high direct sunlight, and moderate to high humidity.

Prestige covers are ideal for areas with heavy to extreme rain and snow, heavy to extreme direct sunlight, and heavy to extreme humidity.

West

If you live on the coast, you most likely face cool, wet winters with dry, cool summers. Those living more inland will face cool and dry temperatures year-round. While the mountains typically have cool and dry summers, winters bring heavy snows and cold weather.

For those living on the coast, it's important to have a breathable cover for the winter weather, and a UV-resistant one for the summertime. Our Elite collection is perfect for areas with moderate direct sunlight, low to moderate humidity, and moderate to high rain and snow.

If you live more inland, a cover from our Classic collection will offer you the protection you need. These covers are ideal for areas with moderate to high rain and snow, low humidity, and moderate to direct sunlight.

Since living in the mountains brings heavy snow in the winter, we recommend using one of our heavier-duty Ultima or Prestige covers. These collections are great for areas to heavy rain, snow, and humidity.

Southeast

Humid and sub-tropical, the Southeast has short and mild winters with hot and humid summers. It typically rains throughout the year, so water-resistance and breathability is a must.

If humidity and sun are your primary concerns, we recommend our Ultima collection. These covers will offer you great protection throughout both the summer and winter weather, as they are fade-resistant, water-resistant, and UV-resistant.

Southwest

Similar to the Southeast, the Southwest has mild winters and hot summers. However, the Southeast has less precipitation than the Southwest, so summers tend to be more dry than humid.

Our Elite and Classic collections are great for areas with mild to moderate conditions. If you live in an area that regularly faces intense direct sunlight, you may want to consider our Ultima collection to minimize any potential cover fading.

Midwest

With humid summers and cold, snowy winters, your furniture cover needs to be breathable and durable.

If you live in the Midwest, you probably spend as much time as possible outdoors in the summer before having to lock yourself away for the winter. With that in mind, you'll want a cover that can easily be taken on and off during the summer, yet still holds up to the harsh winter storms. Our Elite or Ultima covers will do the job for you.

Elite is lightweight while still being durable, and is great for areas with moderate to high rain and snow, moderate direct sunlight, and low to moderate humidity. Since Ultima is constructed of a heavier material than Elite, it is a bit more difficult to get on and off. However, if you are concerned about the heavy snow and potential water damage to your furniture, Ultima covers are the way to go.


Patio furniture and grills are typically used the most in the summer, which can make protecting them feel like a pain. But by investing in a cover, you will end up saving yourself time and money in the long run by avoiding intense cleaning and repair costs.

classic
Classic

Collection Spotlight

The Covermates Classic collection of outdoor furniture covers provides superior-quality at an affordable price. Made with lightweight and easy-to-store vinyl, these covers blend performance and value and come with an impressive 2-year warranty backed by Coverstore.
elite
Elite

Collection Spotlight

Setting the standard for design and functionality, the #1 best-selling Covermates Elite collection offers quality performance for all weather conditions. The lightweight fabric combined with double stitched seams provide extra durability against high wind and rain. All Elite covers are fully backed by Coverstore's 3-year warranty.
ultima
Ultima

Collection Spotlight

The top-rated Covermates Ultima collection is carefully constructed with industry-leading 600D Ripstop Polyester, making it resistant to tearing, ripping, cracking, and scratching. With a subtle grid pattern and waterproof seam binding, the Ultima Ripstop collection provides superior protection against all types of weather. All Ultima covers are fully backed by Coverstore's 7-year best-in-class warranty.
prestige
Prestige

Collection Spotlight

The Covermates Prestige collection offers the highest denier Polyester on the market, giving it superior water and UV resistance. Coverstore's Prestige covers provide unmatched strength and durability without sacrificing an elegant design. All Prestige covers are backed by a best-in-class 7-year warranty.

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