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Buying patio furniture covers may sound simple—pick something that looks good and buy it—but it's more complicated than that. A lot of first-time buyers can make mistakes and end up with a cover that tears after a few months, traps moisture, or doesn’t even fit properly. They are just a big waste of money.
This blog talks about all the mistakes you should avoid while shopping for a new patio chair or table cover.
Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid While Buying Patio Furniture
Buying the Wrong Size
You wouldn’t buy jeans without trying them on and knowing your exact size. So why do it with covers?
Don’t assume you know the size. Measure it before making your purchase. A cover that is too tight is stretched at the seams and likely to rip. One that is too loose can blow away with the wind. In both cases, your patio furniture will not get the protection it needs. So, measuring your furniture properly is not optional.
How to do it?
Measure width, depth, and height. Then, compare it with the actual cover dimensions. You’ll get an idea of what will fit.
Ignoring the Material
The quality of the material matters. Thin vinyl cracks in the sun. Cheap polyester rips with the first gust of wind. The best patio table covers use heavy-duty, UV-resistant fabric that’s waterproof but breathable. You want to go for something that protects your furniture through all the seasons.
What to look for?
- UV protection
- Waterproof coating (not just “water-resistant”)
- Breathable fabric to prevent mildew
Find a cover that checks all these boxes.
Forgetting About the Weather
What is the weather like in your region? Does it face strong sun or heavy rains? Does it have snowstorms?
If you live in Arizona, you need UV defense. In Florida? You’ll need the waterproof feature. In Chicago? You can’t do without wind straps.
Buying generic patio table or chair covers without considering your local weather is like wearing flip-flops in a snowstorm. You’ve got to be more prepared.
Check for:
- Tie-down straps or buckles (wind protection)
- UV-treated fabric (sun protection)
- Vents (breathability in humid climates)
No Ventilation, Big No
Imagine what will happen if you seal your patio chairs in a plastic bag in the rain. Yep—trapped moisture, mildew, mold, and awful odour are inevitable. Thus, covers without vents are a hard no. Airflow is crucial if you don’t want a moldy mess when summer comes back. So, always choose patio chair covers with built-in air vents. Bonus if they’re covered vents that block water.
Going Too Cheap
We all love a good deal. But if you’re buying $10 covers off some sketchy online store, you’re gambling with your furniture’s life.
Cheap covers are unreliable. They tear, leak, and fade, all within two weeks of buying them. And they’ll cost you more in the long run when you need to replace them, or worse, your furniture.
So invest in a solid set of patio table covers made by a reputable brand. It’ll last long and save you the effort of buying new covers.
- Ignoring Maintenance and Storage
Even the best outdoor chair covers won’t survive unless you take care of them. If you leave them dirty for days or let water pile up on them, then don’t be surprised that they’ve become worn out.
What to do:
- Clean your covers every few months
- Let them dry completely before folding
- Store them in a dry place when not in use
Check for a Warranty
Let’s say your cover tears after a month. You reach out to the company, and they hit you with, “Sorry, no warranty.”
Before you buy, read the return policy and check if there’s any kind of warranty or customer service support. If they’re not willing to stand behind their product, why should you?
No Tie-Downs = No Protection
A strong wind can easily lift an unsecured cover and send it flying across your yard. That’s not a surprise you’d want to get when you walk into your patio. To prevent this, your covers should come with proper fastening, such as straps, buckles, drawstrings, or elastic hems.
Not Thinking Long-Term
For instance, you bought a new patio set this year, a grill next year, and new lounge chairs the year after that. Will your current covers work? Buy versatile sizes or brands of covers that fit even if you upgrade your patio furniture. Plan ahead so you can avoid replacing your covers constantly.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Outdoor Vibe Intact
Your patio is your little escape. Your time away from stress. So, why leave your furniture at the mercy of rain, sun, dust, and bird droppings? Avoid the mistakes mentioned above to protect your investment and save yourself some time, money, and stress.
