While the idea of getting a whole new patio set each year is super fun, it’s not really that practical. If you spend precious time and money to find the perfect patio set up, you’re going to want it to last for years. That’s why when the wet and cold months of winter set in, it’s a good idea to protect your investment. Here are a few ways to winterize your patio and protect your investment so you you can hit the ground running with outdoor living come Spring!
3 Tips to Help Winterize Your Patio
1) Bring it all in.
This is the luxury option. Not everybody has enough extra indoor space to store an entire patio set, but it’s the best way to keep it in great condition. If you do have the space, or can make some room, it’s well worth it to clean out a corner of your garage or shed for your patio furniture. Keeping wicker, iron, wood and even plastic furniture inside away from wet and cold will extend the life of your patio set. This goes for grills, furniture, and umbrellas as well.
2) Remove any Textile coverings.
Canopies, tents, pavilions and umbrellas can come in a number of different materials. In this day and age, coverings are usually weather treated or have some sort of weather-proof coating. While this is great, exposure to longer periods of more extreme weather can take a toll on these fabrics. If you’re using your outdoor space though the winter, by all means, keep those coverings up. If not, it’s a good idea to take down your coverings and store them in a cool dry place.
3) Cover Cushions
You need to protect your patio furniture cushions. No matter what material, they need to be stored some place dry. The process of them repeatedly getting wet and drying out over the winter months can make materials brittle and cause colors to fade. Help protect those cushions so you can rest on that patio with a beverage of choice when the sun’s out. If you have the room, bring the cushions inside a shed or garage. Or if you’re short on space, you can purchase an outdoor chest with storage to put your cushions in when the weather isn’t favorable.
You love your patio…so show your patio furniture some love by protecting it during the cold and wet months of winter by using our 3 simple tips to winterize your patio!