Don’t let your gorgeous patio furniture get destroyed by harsh winter weather. Take it from us—we’ve had to repurchase umbrellas, outdoor sofas, and lounge chairs more times than we wanted, and it can all be traced back to lack of protection.
With an effective outdoor furniture cover, your furniture lasts for many seasons to come—and stays looking good as new, to boot. We tested outdoor furniture covers for over six months on our patio sets in backyards across the country, all exposed to various climates, so you never have to say goodbye to your beloved egg chair.
The most important thing to consider before buying a cover is your climate. If you live in a rainy state, prioritize waterproofing over UV protection—don’t worry, all of our picks are waterproof or resistant. If you live in an area where it’s sunny all the time but there’s no retractable awning or umbrella to protect your fabric, you should prioritize UV protection.
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What We Like
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Thick, canvas material
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Secure leg buckles and snug fit
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Does well in major storms
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Sheds debris and bird droppings easily
For a heavy-duty cover that’ll protect your patio dining set from the elements, we love pretty much everything about this one, including its thick material, water resistance, and secure buckles for the legs.
The canvas-like fabric feels durable and substantial, more like something you’d use on a boat than a backyard. It slipped easily over our large teak dining table and four matching patio chairs, with only a few inches of chair leg exposed at the bottom.
Setup was simple: we secured the buckles around the chair legs and tightened the pull cords for a fit that was nearly perfect. We had an intense thunderstorm while testing, and not only did the cover stay in place but the furniture underneath stayed completely dry and protected.
The cover didn’t move thanks to the reinforced pull ties and buckles, and the heavy water either ran right off the side or pooled harmlessly on top. It’s also a great defense against falling leaves and the bird droppings we tend to get on our patio chairs.
We do wish the cover were a couple of inches longer to reach the ground, like our best versatile option. Since our chair legs are a little exposed, they do get wet. It doesn’t bother us though, given the cover performs well in every other way.
Dimensions: 140 x 80 x 32 inches︱Material: Polyester︱Waterproof: Yes︱Product Care: Spot clean only | Weight: 2.5 pounds
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`When we got these covers, we couldn’t stop talking about how much quality you get for the price. The polyester feels thick and weighty, with no flimsy stitching or pilling fabric, and the strong seams will last through many seasons.
These handled the Los Angeles rainy season, not to mention the ash and debris that blew in during fire season. Rain is no match for them, as water falls off instantly and leaves behind just a slightly damp surface that quickly dries. We’ve used similar covers before, but we’re impressed by how protective these are, saving our outdoor sofa from total ruin.
The medium size was just right for our two acacia outdoor chairs. The cords and ties didn’t add much snugness, but the drape looked clean and fully protected the furniture.
The covers smelled very faintly of cigars right out of the box (more of a manufacturing scent than an actual cigar scent) but it quickly dissipates. At around $40 for a two-pack, these are a true steal and help protect our chairs from rain, dust, and everyday mess without us having to overspend.
Dimensions: 140 x 80 x 32 inches︱Material: Polyester︱Waterproof: Yes︱Product Care: Spot clean only | Weight: 2.5 pounds
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What We Like
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Thick, heavyweight material
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Adjustable leg clips and cinch ties
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Excellent water repellency
If waterproofing is your main priority, we can confidently report after testing that this cover keeps furniture completely dry, even through high winds and rain showers. The heavyweight fabric feels more substantial than most, with reinforced seams and strong clasps that keep it snug on windy days.
It fits loosely over our 78-inch rattan outdoor couch, but we prefer that because it allows for airflow, preventing musty smells or mildew. And it still clips securely at all four legs and tightens easily with the dual pull cords.
The cover also showed no signs of fading despite hot, sunny days at temperatures over 90 degrees, and no shrinkage after cooler nights under 45 degrees.
Water beads up and rolls off the surface, and the heavier fabric feels like it can handle a harsher winter season without tearing or getting ruined. We wish it had side handles for quick removal like our best for sofas pick, but that’s an easy sacrifice for the overall performance.
Dimensions: 140 x 80 x 32 inches︱Material: Polyester︱Waterproof: Yes︱Product Care: Spot clean only | Weight: 2.5 pounds
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This custom outdoor furniture cover turned out to be far superior to our previous cover. The quality is impeccable, and due to the great protection, we have no doubt our furniture will be in great shape come spring.
We customized our order to fit our L-shaped sectional and found the fit nearly perfect, with just some extra room that could be cinched up with the built-in cords. The construction is masterful—no risk of accidentally tearing on a sharp furniture corner—and the seams are reinforced for durability.
This cover also comes with its own storage bag, which delights us: We absolutely love having a safe, designated place to put the cover away during the warm months, when we’re frequently using the furniture.
Light rain rolls right off the surface, leaving the sectional completely dry. The covered vents on the sides are a nice touch too, allowing air to circulate so you don’t end up with mildew or trapped moisture under the cover.
The only real drawback here is the price. At almost $250, it can cost just as much as a regular patio set, and is definitely an investment. But if you have a large, unique, or high-end outdoor setup, getting a cover that fits your exact dimensions makes this a worthwhile purchase.
Dimensions: 140 x 80 x 32 inches︱Material: Polyester︱Waterproof: Yes︱Product Care: Spot clean only | Weight: 2.5 pounds
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This cover is a perfect choice for sofas, thanks to its sharp look, water-repelling ability, sturdy fabric, and handy pull handle for easy removal.
The fabric is pretty stylish, with a dark brown finish and accent details that look more elevated than your standard tarp-like cover. It slipped easily over our two-seat loveseat, and we liked the design; it gives the whole thing a neat, tailored appearance.
The tie-down straps and vents are secure and work well together to keep the cover attached yet allow for airflow—no ballooning or flapping on windy days. The pull handle makes it easy to remove when we were ready to sit; we found it a surprisingly nice touch.
This withstood our sprinkler-spraying to test its waterproofing—we were shocked that the loveseat stayed completely dry underneath. The seams feel solid, and the cover didn’t stretch, shrink, or show signs of fading after weeks of sun and wind exposure.
We also love the $35 price tag, especially for the quality you get. Although it didn’t fit our longer three-seat sofa (it was about 10 inches too short), this cover is a great option for standard-sized sofas. If you need to cover more furniture, choose our best large option, which comes at only about 10 dollars more.
Dimensions: 140 x 80 x 32 inches︱Material: Polyester︱Waterproof: Yes︱Product Care: Spot clean only | Weight: 2.5 pounds
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These chair covers won us over right away. They feel far more premium and high quality than their price tag suggests. The exterior has a rugged, fabric-like finish and the interior is waterproof and smooth.
Our favorite part of the covers are the fabric and the four way snaps. Installation was just four hefty clips attached to each leg, with the drawstring cinching everything together for a locked-down fit. Though the covers were slightly large for our chairs, they tighten nicely and feel completely secure.
We love how quickly these dry after rain and that they don’t fade under intense summer UV rays. During rainy days, even when the outer layer absorbed some moisture, the cushions underneath stayed perfectly dry.
No seams loosened, no straps slipped—in fact, we think these could easily handle harsher weather once winter rolls in. Plus, at just $25 per cover, the value is genuinely impressive.
Dimensions: 140 x 80 x 32 inches︱Material: Polyester︱Waterproof: Yes︱Product Care: Spot clean only | Weight: 2.5 pounds
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What We Like
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Thick yet flexible fabric
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Strong zipper with protective flap
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Secure umbrella hole with Velcro cover
We used this cover on our rectangular metal and faux wood dining table, which sits on a deck that gets a lot of New England sun, rain, and tree leaves. Despite a thunderstorm and a water-pour test, our table stayed bone-dry underneath.
The material and weave is thick enough to stand up to branches, rain, and pollen, making it impossible for our furniture to buckle from outdoor elements. Yet, it’s still flexible enough to maneuver over a table and chairs without a wrestling match.
The stitching is nice and clean, and even the zipper feels thoughtfully designed with a protective flap to shield it from rain. Another thoughtful feature is the Velcro-sealed umbrella hole, perfect for those whose tables have umbrellas.
The weight and length of the fabric also keeps the cover firmly in place, even through windy weather. We’re looking forward to seeing how it does over winter with piles of snow and in the fall with rogue leaves.
The only hassle is having to measure your set and compare it to Yardbird’s sizes before ordering, but that step pays off for a perfect fit.
Dimensions: 140 x 80 x 32 inches︱Material: Polyester︱Waterproof: Yes︱Product Care: Spot clean only | Weight: 2.5 pounds
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What We Like
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Waterproof and UV-resistant design
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Straps connect to table or chair legs
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Cover goes all the way to the ground
Made of waterproof fabric with a UV-resistant coating, this furniture cover from F&J is ideal for round tables and dining sets, keeping them dry until your next get-together. We used it to cover a round table and a set of chairs made of steel and wicker, and it kept them perfectly dry for months.
We found that the cinch mechanism required a bit of trial and error to get the cover tight enough to avoid moisture pooling on top. Luckily, no fading or shrinking occurred in the sun, and no debris was collected underneath the cover because it was large enough to reach the ground on all sides.
Because of the round shape and unique size that fit around our entire patio set, we found the price fair. At just over $90, it’s nearly the same price as the 96 x 70 x 32-inch version of our favorite option for dining sets. This round cover we tested is 96 inches in diameter, making the pair perfect to cover rectangular and circular tables of the same size, justifying the similar price tag of the two.
Dimensions: 96 x 27.5 inches︱Material: Fabric︱Waterproof: Yes︱Product Care: Hand-wash only | Weight: 4.7 pounds
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What We Like
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Took 5 minutes and one person to install
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Strap ensures covers stay secure
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Can cover multiple pieces at once
If you’re looking for a single cover to protect your entire patio set, opt for a large option like this one from Ruimoy, which spans 108 x 82 inches. There are nine other sizes available, but we’re partial to the oversized option as a one-stop solution for preserving outdoor furniture.
While we tested these under a covered deck, this waterproof cover offered extra protection from water, dirt, and falling leaves. Four adjustable straps and one bungee ensure the cover fits snugly over your patio set. We didn’t notice the straps loosening during the testing period and were constantly impressed by the great fit.
We didn’t love that the fold lines were still visible for days after the cover was set up, which we did not notice for any other covers we tested. If aesthetics are not your main concern when covering your furniture, it shouldn’t be an issue. However, after testing this cover for a year, the lines do eventually go away.
While this is the largest cover we recommend, it is less expensive than our other options. At just $46 (with smaller models priced over $80), we think this is a steal for covering all of your outdoor furniture at once. Plus, it kept our furniture protected for an entire year without any damage.
Dimensions: 124 x 70.8 x 29.1 inches | Material: 600D polyester | Waterproof: Yes | Product Care: Not Listed | Weight: 4 pounds
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Your outdoor cushions need protection, too, so don’t forget about them. Instead, opt for the easy-to-carry Classic Accessories bag, which can hold cushions for both a bench and an upholstered chair of all shapes.
During testing, we loved the dual zippers that work both ways, which was essential because we stuffed this bag to the brim with cushions, bag chairs, and pillows. And the best part? There was still room left for more.
Rather than buying a cushion storage bag and a sofa cover, a bag like this adds an extra layer of protection and is a wise investment for stormy areas. This cover is also backed by a 3-year warranty—the manufacturer guarantees replacement if it is damaged by dry rot, sun, or mold.
We tried this cover for one year indoors and loved the ease of use. It kept dirt and moisture away from our outdoor cushions, but if you want a fully waterproof option, you can use our favorite sofa cover from Vailge, and leave the cushions on the couch over winter.
While it does provide complete coverage, this cover isn’t meant as an outdoor storage solution. It’s water-resistant, but not waterproof like other options on this list, so it’s designed to be used indoors in a basement or garage and not left outside all winter. It can be placed outdoors when needed, but is not recommended for heavy rain or snow.
Dimensions: 60 x 20 x 28 inches | Material: Polyester Waterproof: Yes Product Care: Spot clean only | Weight: 4.3 pounds
Final Verdict
Our pick for the best outdoor furniture cover is the Ultcover Rectangular Patio Heavy Duty Table Cover, available in various sizes with great quality and functionality. If you’re looking to cover your patio chairs, we love the budget-friendly Vailge Patio Chair Covers. This durable, snug-fitting two-pack kept our wicker patio chairs protected from rain, snow, sunlight, and even small critters.
How We Tested the Outdoor Furniture Covers
We tested 15 outdoor furniture covers in our backyards across the country from Iowa, New Jersey, to Connecticut in rainy, windy, cold, and sunny conditions. Each cover was evaluated on quality, performance, durability, fit, and value.
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The Spruce
Quality: We inspected the quality, thickness, reinforced seams, and feel of the fabric, as well as the strength of the bungees, straps, clips, or ties. We noted any padded handles or special features that made the cover easier to fold, move, or store.
Credit:
The Spruce
Performance: We set up the covers according to the instructions and secured them tightly with the included bungees, straps, or clasps. We then tested the covers in our outdoor spaces for two weeks in the elements, recording the weather conditions and noting if the covers shifted or blew off during that time and had to be adjusted.
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Durability: After two weeks, we inspected our outdoor tables, loveseats, chairs, and more to see if they were damaged or if any moisture slipped through. We noted if the fabric faded or shrunk in the sunlight. We also cleaned the covers according to the manufacturer’s instructions when needed.
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Fit: We evaluated the fit of each cover and noted how easy it was to adjust and secure.
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The Spruce
Value: After the testing period, we noted what we liked and didn’t like about each cover and if we felt that the price was reflective of its features.
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Long-Term Testing: We used these outdoor furniture covers on our patio furniture across the country for over six months. They were exposed to the elements, including wind, snow, rain, and hail. After months of testing, we noted any changes in quality, any damage to our patio furniture, and how the covers performed overall after using them outdoors. We will continue to monitor these covers for durability and update our list accordingly.
What to Look for in an Outdoor Furniture Cover
Research the Right Materials for Your Weather Conditions
It’s important that these covers can withstand weather conditions in your area. “Features like mildew, water, and UV resistance will help to ensure the cover you are purchasing will have longevity and best protect your furniture,” says Susan Frechette, associate director of corporate communications at Wayfair.
Though it may seem like a given, it’s worth checking that the covers are waterproof (all of our recommendations are); otherwise, rain and other severe weather could lead to furniture damage.
Many outdoor furniture covers are UV-treated to avoid fading and shrinking in the sun, including our best option for dining sets. Cormier notes that a small amount of fading over time is normal, though.
One notable exception is our favorite outdoor cushion cover. This cover is water-resistant but is best to be stored indoors in a basement or garage.
“Water resistant [covers] can only absorb the smallest amount of water, about a tenth of a gram,” says Cormier. It’s wise to store your outdoor cushions and pillows indoors anyway during inclement weather to increase their longevity.
Secure the Covers to Your Furniture
Though furniture covers tend to be on the heavier side, they still need to be secured to ensure that they stay in place. Every option on this list has some form of bungee or clasp to keep your cover in place. From drawstrings to buckles, it’s important to confirm that the furniture cover has any type of fastening for added peace of mind.
Our best round pick, has quick-release buckles plus a drawstring with a lock to help keep it in place. Even our top option for loveseats, which was heavy enough to stay in place during high winds, comes with reinforcing hardware to ensure a snug fit.
One More Thing
It’s important to keep your covers clean. Some brands recommend wiping removable furniture covers with a cloth or scrub dipped in soapy water. (A mild soap or dish detergent is preferable.) After wiping them down with soap and water, wipe them dry with a clean cloth. Other covers can be hosed off and left in the sun to dry.
When attempting to remove stains, mold, or mildew from the cover, be sure to use a cleaner that’s formulated for that purpose and compatible with the material. It’s always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer’s guide for specific cleaning instructions. For stubborn dirt and grime, you could try power washing.
Chris Johannsen, a designer and owner of CREATIVEscape, says to “be very careful with this approach. Never get too close to the furniture, and keep the spray at a wide angle. A narrow spray could cut, dent, or tear your furniture, especially if you get too close.”
Why Trust The Spruce?
Nusrat Sultana is an editor on The Spruce who covers shopping across home and the outdoors. As a homeowner in New York City, she knows a thing or two about taking care of furniture and keeping it looking brand new.
We tested over 15 outdoor furniture covers of every size and shape in our backyards for this article, looking at quality, performance, durability, and fit.
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