The cold months are just around the corner, which means it's time to prepare your garden furniture for winter. But how do you ensure that your lounge set, garden chairs and parasol survive the winter well? With proper care and a few clever tips, your garden furniture will stay beautiful for years to come. We've laid everything out for you!
Checklist at a glance
| Item | Winter advice |
|---|---|
| Garden set (wood/aluminium) | Can stay outside, remove cushions |
| Furniture covers | Use breathable covers only, not sealed plastic |
| Parasol | Better to store indoors, or hang horizontally |
| Parasol base | Can stay outside, cover the opening |
| Wicker/plastic furniture | Don't use during frost, becomes brittle |
| Garden cushions | Store dry daily in a cushion bag or storage box |
Which garden furniture can stay outside?
Many garden furniture items can remain outside without any problems, even in winter. However, if you have the possibility to store them, make use of it! Storing your garden furniture will extend its lifespan. If you don't have storage space, that's no problem either: garden furniture such as a lounge set can stay outside quite happily. Just make sure that cushions are always kept dry and stored somewhere safe. This prevents mould and discolouration.
Pay extra attention to aluminium garden furniture. Condensation can form in hollow tubes, and when this water freezes, it can cause damage. Therefore, regularly check whether there is water in the frame and remove it if necessary.
View our extensive collection of garden sets or garden chairs.
Should you cover garden furniture?
Although it may be tempting to cover garden furniture , we actually advise against it. Protective covers can cause the furniture to 'suffocate', especially if moisture remains trapped under the cover. This can lead to mould stains, which are difficult or even impossible to remove. So it's better to leave your garden furniture open to the fresh air, unless you use a breathable cover that is specifically designed for garden furniture.
Looking for such a breathable cover? The Platinum AeroCover is waterproof and breathable, protecting your garden set without trapping moisture underneath.
AeroCover Garden Set Cover (200x150xH85)
Parasols in winter
A parasol is a different story. We recommend storing parasols and their covers indoors during winter. This prevents moisture from seeping into the fabric and causing unsightly stains. Don't have space in the house? Consider a clever storage solution, such as hooks on the garage wall. The parasol can lie there horizontally: space-saving and tidy!
A parasol base can safely remain outside. It is, however, wise to cover the opening of the base so that water doesn't get in.
Don't have a suitable cover for your parasol yet? Take a look at this Madison parasol cover, for example.
Wicker and plastic in winter
Garden furniture made of wicker or plastic weave requires some extra attention in winter. Low temperatures make the material stiffer and it can break under strain. Therefore, don't use these furniture pieces during frost. Do you want to use them anyway, for example for a party? Let them first reach room temperature by placing them indoors for a few hours.
Cushions: always store dry
Garden cushions are an essential part of your garden set, but they cannot withstand moisture. Rain and even morning dew can damage the filling and cause mould. Therefore, store cushions daily in a cushion bag or a waterproof storage box. This is not only important in winter, but also in summer to prevent sun-induced discolouration.
Looking for a handy cushion bag? The Coverit cushion bag is specially designed to keep your garden cushions dry and neatly stored.
Check out our full range of storage boxes.
Conclusion
With proper preparation, your garden furniture will get through the winter without any problems. Whether you choose to store it, protect it, or perform clever maintenance, a little attention now prevents problems later.
Would you like to know more about maintaining your garden furniture or get inspiration for winter? Take a look at our winter page. Together we'll keep your garden and furniture in top condition, even during the coldest months!
Also read: Preparing garden furniture for winter and protecting against frost and Should you cover garden furniture or not? What you need to know
