This guide from RST Brands explains why it’s important to cover outdoor furniture for winter, what type of covers work best, and how doing so extends the life of your investment. Explore product recommendations and tips for keeping your patio pieces protected all season.
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How to Cover Outdoor Furniture for Winter: What You Need to Know

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How to Cover Outdoor Furniture for Winter: What You Need to Know
By Jordan Henrie
·
September 3, 2025
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The best way to protect your outdoor furniture in winter is by using tailored, weatherproof covers designed to shield your investment from moisture, UV rays, and freezing temperatures.

Outdoor furniture is an investment in comfort, style, and outdoor living. But as the seasons change, so do the demands on that investment. When winter rolls around, snow, sleet, rain, and cold temperatures can quickly degrade even the most durable materials. That’s why preparing your patio setup for winter isn’t optional—it’s essential. 

At RST Brands, we understand how important it is to preserve the beauty and performance of your furniture year-round. Our winter covers are designed with premium protection in mind, so you can enjoy peace of mind through every cold snap and storm.

RST Brands club chair with one cover removed to show winter-ready furniture setup in a snowy outdoor space.

Why Winter Protection Matters for Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture is built to endure, but even the toughest materials have limits when exposed to months of harsh weather. Cold temperatures can cause materials to become brittle, moisture can seep into seams or cushions, and UV rays—even in winter—can cause fading and surface degradation. The freeze-thaw cycle alone can wreak havoc on aluminum frames, wicker weaves, and wood finishes if they aren’t properly covered.

That’s why investing in proper winter coverage is a smart move. Our outdoor furniture covers are designed specifically for RST Brands collections, ensuring a snug, secure fit that protects every inch. With reinforced stitching, breathable yet waterproof materials, and stylish profiles, our covers offer more than just basic protection—they extend the lifespan and preserve the appearance of your favorite outdoor pieces.

Benson™ 2 Piece Club Chair Furniture Cover Set shown in durable gray fabric for all-weather protection.

What Makes a Good Winter Furniture Cover?

Not all covers are created equal. A generic plastic tarp might seem like a quick fix, but it often traps moisture, blows off in strong winds, or deteriorates under extreme cold. A quality winter furniture cover should be custom-fitted, weatherproof, breathable, and easy to secure.

At RST Brands, we offer tailored solutions that check every box:

  • Durable materials that resist tearing, cracking, and fading
  • Water-resistant fabric to prevent mold and mildew
  • Ventilation features that allow air circulation while blocking precipitation
  • Elastic hems and adjustable buckles to keep covers in place during wind or snow

We design our covers to complement the furniture they protect. Our Benson™ 2 Piece Club Chair Furniture Cover Set, for instance, is tailored to fit securely over your Benson collection chairs, guarding against everything winter throws your way.

Deco™ 8 Piece Sofa & Club Chair Furniture Cover Set shown with snug-fitting, weather-resistant gray covers for winter storage.

How to Choose the Right Cover for Your Furniture

Selecting the right winter cover starts with identifying your furniture type and collection. Each piece in our lineup—from sectionals to dining tables—has its own dedicated cover. For example, if you have a larger lounge arrangement, our Deco™ 8 Piece Sofa & Club Chair Furniture Cover Set is designed to fit snugly over all eight pieces, with a look that complements your setup even in off-season months.

For modular arrangements, the Cannes™ 4 Piece Sectional and Table Furniture Cover Set is ideal. It includes protective covers for both the seating and the table, ensuring your full set is safeguarded against snow, sleet, and cold winds. Each set is crafted for a seamless fit, eliminating the gaps and sagging that can invite winter damage.

When in doubt, match your cover to your collection by name—we’ve made it easy to shop our full line of outdoor furniture covers so that every piece stays protected.

Preparing Your Furniture for Winter Coverage

A great cover does most of the heavy lifting, but a few extra steps can ensure your furniture stays in peak condition all winter long. Before applying your winter covers:

  • Clean the furniture: Wipe down surfaces to remove dirt, dust, or grime that could cause staining.
  • Dry completely: Moisture trapped under a cover can lead to mold or mildew.
  • Remove cushions if necessary: While our covers are designed to protect cushions as well, you may want to store them separately for added peace of mind. 
  • Check your fastenings: Make sure all straps, cords, or elastic bands are properly adjusted so the cover stays secure.

Need a smarter way to store your cushions during the cold months? Discover long-term solutions that help protect your investment in Weatherproof Solutions: Safely Storing Patio Cushions Outside.

Year-Round Care Pays Off

Seasonal maintenance isn’t just about protection—it’s about maximizing the life and value of your outdoor furniture. By covering furniture in the winter, you avoid costly repairs, replacement cushions, or early upgrades. Plus, it makes the transition into spring much smoother. No deep cleaning, no fading to repair, no mildew to scrub away.

Want to make sure your outdoor furniture stays in top shape all year long? Explore care tips tailored to every season in From Spring Blooms to Winter Frost: Caring for Your Outdoor Furniture in Every Season.

Designed to Protect and Impress

While most covers focus purely on function, ours deliver both function and form. We understand that covered furniture still takes up visual space in your yard or on your patio. That’s why our winter covers are designed to look as sleek as the pieces they protect. Fitted seams, neutral tones, and minimal branding keep things clean and modern.

Each of our covers is crafted with the same attention to detail that goes into our furniture collections. Our goal is to ensure your outdoor setup looks just as intentional in winter as it does during peak season. From single chairs to full sectional groups, we provide protection without compromising style.

Cannes™ 4 Piece Sectional and Table Furniture Cover Set featuring tailored gray covers for all-season outdoor protection.

Where to Find the Best Outdoor Furniture Covers

Every outdoor setup is unique, which is why we offer a wide range of cover sets. Whether you're looking to protect a couple of club chairs or an expansive dining arrangement, there's a solution designed for your exact needs.

You can explore our full line of outdoor furniture covers, including bestsellers like:

Not all patio furniture is built to handle the elements—find out what materials truly last in The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Durable Outdoor Furniture for Every Climate.

Keep Your Patio Protected All Season Long

When it comes to outdoor furniture, protection is key to long-term enjoyment. Winter brings unique challenges, but with the right preparation and the right products, your investment is safe until the sun returns. At RST Brands, we design solutions that do more than just cover your furniture—they enhance its lifespan, beauty, and value.

Shop outdoor furniture covers that are made to fit, built to last, and styled to match your space.

Related Questions

Do I really need to cover my patio furniture in winter?
Yes. Even weather-resistant furniture can suffer damage from freezing temperatures, moisture, and UV rays. A proper cover helps prevent fading, rust, mold, and wear.

Can I leave outdoor cushions on during the winter?
We recommend removing and storing cushions indoors or in a dry, ventilated space. However, our custom covers are designed to protect cushions when left in place, provided they are dry before covering.

What materials are best for winter furniture covers?
Look for polyester with a waterproof or water-resistant backing. Breathable designs with vents help prevent mold and mildew. All RST Brands covers meet these standards.

How do I keep my covers from blowing away in the wind?
Our covers include adjustable buckles, drawstring hems, or hook-and-loop fasteners to ensure a tight, secure fit that stays put, even in stormy conditions

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