How to Store Outdoor Patio Furniture in Winter.

As the crisp autumn air turns chilly and the days grow shorter, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your home for the colder months. While you might be focused on weather-proofing windows or checking your heating system, don’t forget about the furniture that brought you so much joy during the summer. Your outdoor patio set, which served as the backdrop for barbecues, family gatherings, and quiet morning coffees, needs protection from the harsh winter elements.

Properly storing your patio furniture is more than just a seasonal chore; it’s an investment in its longevity and appearance. Exposure to snow, ice, freezing rain, and fluctuating temperatures can cause significant damage, from warped wood and rusted metal to faded fabrics and cracked plastic. Taking the time to clean, protect, and store your furniture now will ensure it remains in great condition, ready for you to enjoy as soon as the warm weather returns.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step process for storing your outdoor furniture during the winter. We’ll cover everything from the initial cleaning to choosing the best storage location and offering specific tips for different materials. Following these instructions will help you keep your furniture safe, extend its lifespan, and save you from costly repairs or replacements down the line.

Why Winter Storage for Patio Furniture Matters

It can be tempting to leave your patio furniture outside year-round, especially if it’s marketed as “all-weather.” However, even the most durable materials are not invincible against the relentless assault of winter conditions. Understanding the specific risks can motivate you to take protective measures.

• Moisture Damage: Winter brings a constant cycle of moisture in the form of snow, sleet, and ice. When this moisture seeps into materials like wood, it can freeze and expand, causing cracks, splits, and warping. For metal furniture, prolonged exposure to moisture is the primary cause of rust and corrosion, which weakens the structure and ruins its appearance.
• Structural Weakness: The freeze-thaw cycle is particularly damaging. Water penetrates small crevices, freezes and expands, and then thaws, leaving a larger gap for more water to enter during the next freeze. This repeated process can break down materials at a molecular level, leading to significant structural damage that might not be visible until it’s too late. Wicker and rattan are especially vulnerable, becoming brittle and snapping easily.
• Fading and Discoloration: While the winter sun is less intense, its UV rays can still cause fabrics and finishes to fade. The combination of sunlight, moisture, and temperature fluctuations can lead to discoloration, turning your vibrant cushions and polished wood into dull, weathered versions of their former selves.
• Pest Infestations: Unprotected furniture can become a winter shelter for pests. Rodents might chew through cushions for nesting material, and insects can make homes in hidden corners, leading to an unpleasant surprise in the spring.
• Mold and Mildew Growth: Damp, covered furniture that isn’t properly cleaned and dried before storage is a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. This not only creates unsightly stains and unpleasant odors but can also pose health risks and be difficult to remove completely.

By taking proactive steps to store your furniture, you’re not just preserving its aesthetic appeal. You are safeguarding its structural integrity, ensuring it remains safe and functional for years to come. A few hours of work in the fall can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in replacement costs.

How to Store Outdoor Patio Furniture: A Step-by-Step Guide

Properly preparing your furniture for storage is a systematic process. Follow these steps to ensure every piece is protected throughout the winter.

Step 1: Clean Everything Thoroughly

Never store dirty furniture. Dust, pollen, bird droppings, and food spills can stain materials and attract pests if left unattended. Before you put anything away, give every piece a deep clean.

• For Frames (Wood, Metal, Plastic): Use a mild soap and water solution. A soft-bristle brush can help scrub away stubborn dirt from crevices. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.
• For Cushions and Fabrics: Check the manufacturer’s care tag. Most outdoor cushions have removable covers that can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water. If not, spot-clean them with a fabric cleaner or a mixture of soap and water. For tough stains like mildew, a solution of one part vinegar to ten parts water can be effective.
• For Glass Tabletops: Use a standard glass cleaner to remove all streaks and smudges.

Step-2: Let It Dry Completely

This is a critical step that should not be rushed. Storing furniture while it’s still damp is a recipe for mold, mildew, and rust. After cleaning, let every component air-dry completely. This may take a full day or two, especially for cushions and porous materials. Place items in a sunny, well-ventilated area to speed up the process. Squeeze cushions to check for any internal moisture before proceeding.

Step 3: Inspect and Make Repairs

Once everything is clean and dry, inspect each piece for damage. Look for loose screws, wobbly legs, cracks in the wood, or chipped paint on metal frames. Winter storage can worsen existing problems, so it’s best to address them now.

• Tighten any loose hardware.
• Use wood glue and clamps to repair small cracks.
• Sand down any rust spots on metal furniture and touch them up with a rust-resistant paint that matches the original color.

Step 4: Apply Protective Treatments

Applying a protective sealant adds an extra layer of defense against moisture and temperature changes, even if you plan to store your furniture indoors.

• Wood Furniture: Apply a fresh coat of sealant or oil specifically designed for outdoor wood furniture. This will help repel moisture and prevent cracking.
• Metal Furniture: For iron or steel, apply a coat of automotive wax. This creates a barrier that helps prevent rust from forming. Aluminum furniture generally doesn’t rust but can benefit from wax to maintain its shine.
• Plastic and Resin: A coat of car wax can help repel water and prevent fading on plastic furniture.

Best Storage Options for Your Patio Furniture

Where you store your furniture is just as important as how you prepare it. The ideal location is dry, protected, and has a relatively stable temperature.

Garage or Shed

A garage or shed is often the best choice for storing outdoor furniture. These spaces offer complete protection from snow, ice, and wind.

• Pros: Fully shielded from the elements, secure from theft, and keeps your yard looking tidy.
• Cons: Can take up valuable space needed for vehicles or other equipment. Pests can sometimes be an issue, so ensure the area is sealed.
• Tips: If space is tight, use vertical storage solutions. Hang folding chairs on wall hooks or use shelving units for smaller items. Stackable chairs can also save significant floor space.

Indoors (Basement or Spare Room)

If you have a dry basement or an unused room, bringing your furniture inside offers the ultimate protection.

• Pros: The most controlled environment, offering stable temperatures and humidity levels. No risk of pests.
• Cons: Often impractical due to space limitations. Can be difficult to move large or heavy pieces indoors.
• Tips: This option is best for smaller sets, delicate pieces like wicker, or just the cushions and umbrellas.

Using Furniture Covers

If indoor storage isn’t an option, high-quality, weather-resistant covers are your next best defense.

• Pros: A convenient and affordable solution. Keeps furniture accessible if you have an unusually warm winter day.
• Cons: Offers less protection than indoor storage. If not secured properly, covers can be blown off by strong winds. Trapped moisture can lead to mold.
• Tips: Choose covers made from heavy-duty, waterproof, and breathable material. A breathable fabric is crucial to allow moisture to escape. Ensure the covers fit snugly and have straps or drawstrings to secure them tightly. To prevent water from pooling, place an object like a bucket or ball in the center of tables and chairs to create a tent-like shape.

Protecting Different Furniture Materials

Different materials require slightly different care. Here’s a breakdown of how to handle the most common types of patio furniture.

Wood (Teak, Cedar, Acacia)

Wood is beautiful but requires care. After cleaning and drying, apply a sealant. Teak is naturally resistant to rot and insects due to its high oil content, but a sealant will help it maintain its honey-brown color. Without it, it will weather to a silvery-gray patina, which some people prefer.

Metal (Wrought Iron, Aluminum, Steel)

The primary goal with metal furniture is rust prevention. After cleaning and drying, inspect for any chips in the paint. Sand these areas and apply touch-up paint. A coat of paste wax offers an excellent protective barrier. Aluminum doesn’t rust but can oxidize, so waxing helps maintain its finish.

Plastic or Resin

Plastic is low-maintenance but can become brittle and crack in freezing temperatures. Clean it thoroughly and apply a coat of automotive wax to help repel water and prevent UV damage. Storing plastic furniture indoors or in a garage is highly recommended to prevent it from cracking.

Rattan or Wicker

Natural rattan and wicker are very susceptible to moisture and should always be stored indoors. They can absorb moisture, which leads to mold and rot. Synthetic, all-weather wicker is more durable but will still last longer if stored indoors or with a high-quality cover.

Your Guide to a Lasting Patio Set

Taking the time to properly store your outdoor patio furniture is a simple but effective way to protect your investment. A weekend of cleaning, repairing, and storing in the fall will reward you with beautiful, functional furniture for many summers ahead. By shielding it from the harsh winter weather, you prevent rust, rot, and fading, ensuring your outdoor oasis is ready to welcome you back as soon as the sun returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave my patio furniture outside in the winter?

While some furniture is labeled “all-weather,” it’s not recommended. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, moisture, and UV rays can cause significant damage to most materials, including rust on metal, cracking in wood and plastic, and mildew on fabrics. At a minimum, you should use high-quality, breathable, waterproof covers.

Do I need to cover my patio furniture if it’s stored indoors?

It’s a good idea, though not as critical as when storing outdoors. Covering your furniture in a garage or shed protects it from dust, scratches, and potential pest droppings. A simple dust cover or an old sheet will suffice for indoor storage.

What is the best way to store outdoor cushions?

Cushions should always be stored indoors in a dry, clean space. Before storing, clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure they are completely dry to prevent mold and mildew. Storing them in breathable bags or containers in a closet, attic, or under a bed is ideal.

How do I prevent pests from nesting in my stored furniture?

Clean all furniture thoroughly to remove any food residue that might attract pests. If storing in a shed or garage, ensure there are no entry points for rodents. You can place mothballs or cedar blocks around the storage area to deter insects and mice. Avoid using plastic tarps that can trap moisture and create a cozy environment for pests.

Can I stack my patio chairs for winter storage?

Yes, if they are designed to be stackable. Stacking is a great way to save space. Place a piece of cardboard or a soft cloth between each chair to prevent scratches. For non-stackable chairs, try disassembling them if possible to store them more compactly.