How to Protect Outdoor Furniture in Winter: Patio Guide
How to protect outdoor furniture in winter: clean it, dry it, store the cushions and use a vented cover. Steps by material, plus when to store instead.
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The short answer
- The core routine: clean the furniture, dry it fully, store the cushions, then add a vented, breathable cover.
- Never seal it in plastic: trapped moisture causes mildew and mold faster than snow does.
- Sectionals: cushions and seat boxes need the most care; cover the whole set and lift the feet off wet ground.
- Store if you can: a garage or shed beats any cover for wood, wicker and metal with chipped paint.
On this page
How to protect outdoor furniture in winter comes down to a short routine: clean it, dry it, bring the cushions inside and cover the frames with a vented, breathable cover. Moisture trapped against the furniture does most of the damage, so airflow matters more than a thick layer. If you are still choosing a set, our guide to outdoor sectionals built for year-round weather shows which frames and fabrics need the least winter care.
Should you cover outdoor furniture in the winter?
Yes, in most climates. Patio furniture covers keep snow, ice, leaves and dirt off the finish and prevent the moisture, mold and mildew damage that builds up over a long season. The cover must be breathable and vented, with a gap at the bottom. Tight plastic traps condensation against the frame and does more harm than good.
Skip the plastic tarp
A tarp pulled tight holds damp air against the furniture all winter. If a tarp is all you have, prop it up so air can move underneath and secure it against wind.
Fit matters too. A cover that is too small leaves cushions and arms exposed, while one that is too large flaps and collects water in puddles. Choose furniture covers sized to the set, with tie-downs or straps, and check them after storms.
How do I winterize my outdoor furniture?
Winterize in this order: clean, dry, repair, store the soft parts, then cover. Do it on a dry fall day before temperatures stay near freezing.
- Clean it with mild soap and water to remove dirt, sap and debris, which hold moisture and feed mildew. Thorough cleaning now prevents stains from setting over winter.
- Let it dry completely, including joints and seat slats.
- Repair chips in paint or powder coating so rust cannot start, and reseal bare wood.
- Store cushions and pillows somewhere dry, such as a closet, garage or storage bin.
- Lift the feet onto glides or pavers so they stay out of standing meltwater.
- Add the cover and tie it down.
Is it better to store outdoor furniture or cover it?
Storing is better when you have space. A garage, shed or basement protects every material, including wood, wicker and metal, from snow, wind and freezing temperatures. Cover the patio furniture that stays outdoors, and store whatever absorbs water, especially cushions.
For a sectional, take apart what you can. Stack the seat and back cushions indoors and leave the heavy frame modules under a fitted cover. If you are unsure what can stay out, see our guide to what kind of outdoor furniture can be left outside all year long.
| Item | Plan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cushions | Store | Hold water |
| Wicker | Store | Weave cracks |
| Wood | Cover | Seal first |
| Aluminum | Cover | Tie down |
| Iron, steel | Cover | Keep paint intact |
What does each material need?
Care depends on the material, so check your manufacturer’s care guide before the first frost. These are typical guidelines.
- Wood and teak: teak weathers to a silver-gray that does no harm, but untreated softer woods soak up water and crack when it freezes. Clean the boards, let them dry and apply an outdoor wood protectant or oil if you want to keep the color.
- Metal: fine until the finish chips, because rust then creeps under the coating. Touch up scratches and wipe off moisture.
- Aluminum: it does not rust, but it is light, so tie it down.
- Plastic and HDPE: they absorb almost no water and need only a wash.
- Wicker and rattan: repeated freezing is hard on them, so move them indoors when you can.
How to protect wooden outdoor furniture in winter
Clean the wood with mild soap, let it dry fully, then apply a penetrating outdoor sealer or oil to bare boards. Cover it with a vented cover or move it into a shed. Teak can stay out, but a cover keeps leaves and debris off.
Can furniture stay out in snow and freezing temperatures?
Solid HDPE, teak and aluminum can. Brush off heavy snow gently so the seat does not sag, and keep feet out of meltwater. Hollow tubes without drain holes, wicker and chipped metal are the weak points, since trapped water freezes and widens cracks.
What should you check during winter and in spring?
Look at the cover after heavy snow or wind and brush the snow off so it does not pool. On a mild, dry day, lift the cover for a few minutes to let moisture escape and check for mold or mildew. Remove leaves and debris, which hold water against the surface.
In spring, wipe the furniture down, check bolts and fasteners, and touch up any paint or sealer that wore through. Let cushions dry in the sun before they go back, and put the set back out once the cold has passed.
Do a mid-winter check
A five-minute look in January catches a loose strap, a pooled cover or early mildew while it is still easy to fix.
Next in this series: What Is the Longest Lasting Outdoor Furniture? Patio Materials
Frequently asked questions
Should you cover outdoor furniture in the winter?
Yes, in most climates. A fitted, vented cover keeps snow, leaves and debris off the finish and slows mildew. Choose breathable fabric, never tight plastic, and leave a gap at the bottom for airflow.
How do I winterize my outdoor furniture?
Wash it with mild soap, dry it completely, touch up chips, store the cushions, lift the feet off the ground and add a vented cover tied down against wind.
Can wooden furniture be left outside in winter?
Teak can, since its natural oils resist moisture. Softer woods should be sealed and covered, or stored, because water that freezes inside the grain causes cracks.
What is the best protectant for outdoor wood furniture?
A penetrating oil or sealer made for outdoor wood, applied to clean, dry boards before the first freeze. Follow the label and your furniture maker's care guide.
What is the best outdoor furniture to use in snowy conditions?
Solid HDPE and aluminum are the most forgiving because they absorb no water. Brush off heavy snow and keep the legs out of standing meltwater.