Cover or seal garden furniture? Protect your garden furniture properly!
The question of whether to cover or seal garden furniture is one that concerns many garden owners.
With so much garden furniture, whether wooden, plastic or metal, exposed to the elements, the right protection is crucial to its longevity. In this article, we will explain the different options and materials to help you protect your garden furniture properly.
Table of contents
Why is it important to cover garden furniture?
Weather influences on garden furniture
Garden furniture is exposed to various weather conditions throughout the year. UV radiation, rain, moisture and frost affect the materials and cause them to wear out over time.
Wooden furniture tends to turn gray under various environmental conditions and poor maintenance and can rot due to permanent moisture . Plastic furniture loses its color and becomes brittle, while metal furniture will rust if it is constantly in contact with moisture.
Protective covers offer effective protection against these influences and help to extend the life of the furniture.
Risks for garden furniture without protection
Inadequate covering of garden furniture can drastically shorten its lifespan. Failure to understand the risks such as the effects of UV radiation, which lead to material fatigue, and exposure to high humidity, which causes the material to swell, can cause irreversible damage.
Furniture that is constantly exposed to wind and weather can become unsightly and unusable.
It is therefore important to cover or seal the garden furniture properly to prevent this damage.
Which materials are best suited for protective covers?
The right protective covers for different types of garden furniture
The choice of the right material for protective covers depends on the type of garden furniture to be protected. Tear-resistant and water-repellent protective covers are ideal for wooden garden furniture, as they protect the wood from moisture and UV radiation. Plastic furniture also needs waterproof and UV-resistant covers to retain its color and structure. Furniture made of metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel, needs covers that protect against corrosion. Robust materials such as PVC-coated polyester fabric offer optimum protection.
Breathable materials for optimum coverage
Breathable materials are essential for the correct covering of garden furniture, as they prevent moisture accumulation and thus prevent mold growth and mildew stains. Please also note that even a breathable cover does not offer 100% protection against mold growth. Polyester fabrics with a PVC coating are waterproof and at the same time offer good air circulation. This is particularly important for upholstery and polyrattan furniture, which are susceptible to moisture and dirt. Breathable protective covers are also beneficial for wooden garden furniture, as they enable moisture regulation and prevent the wood from turning gray.
Covering or sealing: Which is the better option?
Advantages and disadvantages of the garden furniture cover
Covering garden furniture offers numerous benefits, including protection from the weather and preventing dirt from accumulating. Covering keeps the furniture clean and ready for use at all times. However, the disadvantages can be that moisture can be trapped if not applied correctly, leading to mold growth.
In addition, constantly covering and uncovering the furniture can be time-consuming and laborious.
Nevertheless, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, especially if the protective covers are breathable.
The effectiveness of sealants for garden furniture
Sealing can also be an effective method of protecting garden furniture.
They provide an additional layer of protection against moisture and UV radiation and are particularly beneficial for wooden furniture.
Sealing prevents water penetration and fading caused by the sun.
However, a sealant must be renewed regularly to remain effective.
In addition, sealers do not offer protection against physical damage such as scratches and rust, which is why a combination with protective covers can be useful.
Our sealers keep garden furniture protected from UV rays, dirt and moisture and are easy to clean. Please note, however, that the effectiveness of the sealant depends on various factors.
Should I cover or seal my garden furniture?
It is advisable to seal the garden furniture and store it under a protective cover.
Sealing ensures that the material is protected.
The right cover helps to protect the furniture from mechanical influences.
You should select the appropriate sealant depending on the material.
You can find the following sealers in our online store:
- Wood: Professional quality wood sealant
- Metal & plastic: Plastic + metal sealant in professional quality
What you should bear in mind when storing garden furniture
Correct storage during the winter months
During the winter months, it is particularly important to store garden furniture correctly to avoid damage caused by frost and large temperature fluctuations.
Wooden furniture and polyrattan should ideally be stored in a dry and well-ventilated room.
Metal furniture should also be protected from moisture to prevent rust.
Plastic furniture can remain outside, but should be stored under a robust, weatherproof cover.
Before storage, it is advisable to clean the furniture thoroughly and allow it to dry to prevent damage.
Frequently asked questions about garden furniture protection
To cover your garden furniture properly, we recommend using special protective covers for your garden furniture.
These covers are usually water-repellent and protect against harmful substances in the air, keeping the furniture looking good for longer.
It can also be useful to use protective covers for your garden furniture in summer, especially in bad weather or if the furniture is left outside unused for a long time.
This protects the furniture from heavy moisture and weathering.
Sealing your garden furniture can extend its lifespan by making it more resistant to water, high humidity and pollutants in the air.
This is especially true for wooden and teak garden furniture.
Yes, plastic garden furniture is generally weatherproof and resistant to most weather conditions.
However, an additional sealant & protective cover can extend its service life and prevent damage.
Metal garden furniture should be cleaned regularly and re-coated if necessary to prevent rusting.
Protective covers can also help to protect the furniture from the weather and heavy rain.
Upholstery should always be kept dry to prevent mold growth.
A weatherproof cover can help to protect them from moisture and dirt when they are not in use.