There’s nothing quite like that sinking feeling when you uncover your patio furniture in spring only to find cushions covered in mildew, rusted metal frames, or cracked wood. A little effort before the cold weather hits can save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars in replacements and keep your outdoor space looking great year after year.
Whether you have a full outdoor dining set, lounge chairs, or just a couple of Adirondacks, proper winter storage doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what you need to know to protect your investment.
This step is non-negotiable, even if your furniture looks clean. Dirt, pollen, and organic matter left on surfaces over winter create the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and material breakdown.
For most materials, warm water with mild dish soap works perfectly. Wicker and rattan need a soft brush to get into crevices, while metal frames benefit from a vinegar-water solution to remove any rust spots before they spread. Teak and other hardwoods should get a light sanding if you notice any rough patches, followed by a thorough cleaning.
Cushions and fabric need special attention. Remove all cushion covers and wash them according to the care label. For the foam inserts, use a fabric cleaner or upholstery shampoo, then let them dry completely in the sun—and we mean completely. Any lingering moisture will cause problems during storage.
Your storage approach depends on what space you have available and what your furniture is made from.
Indoor storage in a basement, garage, or shed is ideal for most furniture types. Cushions and fabric pieces should always go inside if possible. Even a closet or under-bed storage works for cushions. If you’re tight on space, many dining chairs can stack, and some lounge chairs fold flat.
Outdoor storage under weatherproof covers is the reality for most of us. Look for covers made specifically for outdoor furniture—they’re designed to breathe while keeping moisture out. Budget options run $20-40 per piece, while heavy-duty covers with reinforced seams and UV protection cost $60-150 but last several seasons. Make sure covers are secured tightly so they don’t blow off or collect water in sagging spots.
Deck boxes and outdoor storage benches ($100-400) offer a middle ground, perfect for cushions, pillows, and smaller items. They protect contents from the elements while doubling as extra seating during warmer months.
Different materials have different vulnerabilities in cold weather.
Aluminum and powder-coated metal can typically stay outside under covers. Apply a coat of car wax before covering to add extra protection against moisture. Check for any scratches in powder coating and touch them up to prevent rust from starting.
Wicker, rattan, and resin become brittle in extreme cold. If you can’t store these pieces indoors, they absolutely need covers or a protected area like a covered porch. Resin wicker is more weather-resistant than natural materials but still benefits from protection.
Wood furniture needs to breathe, so if storing outdoors, use covers that allow airflow or store under a roof without wrapping. Apply a fresh coat of sealant before winter for teak, cedar, or eucalyptus pieces. Painted or stained wood should be touched up anywhere the finish is compromised.
Glass tabletops can crack from extreme temperature changes. Store these vertically indoors if possible, with cardboard between them if stacking. If leaving outside, ensure they’re completely covered and consider placing them flat on the ground rather than on the frame.
Those finishing touches on your patio deserve attention too. Bring planters inside if they’re ceramic or terracotta—freezing water expands and cracks them. Store umbrellas fully open in a dry place so the fabric doesn’t develop creases or mildew. Remove solar lights and store batteries separately. Drain and store fountain pumps and irrigation systems according to manufacturer instructions.
Take five minutes now to photograph your furniture arrangement. Come spring, you’ll thank yourself when you’re trying to remember exactly how everything fit together.
Taking the time to properly store your outdoor furniture means you’ll be ready to enjoy your outdoor space the moment warm weather returns, without the hassle and expense of replacing damaged pieces. A few hours of prep work in fall protects your investment and ensures many more seasons of outdoor entertaining and relaxation.
