How To Protect Outdoor Furniture

Written by Neighbor Editorial Team | @neighboroutdoor |

Protect your outdoor furniture with these expert care tips and learn how Neighbor’s durable, custom-fit covers can keep your pieces looking their best.

Outdoor sofa covered by a black protective cover

Your outdoor space is an extension of your home, and like any room you care about, it deserves a little TLC. Whether prepping for weeknight dinner parties or wrapping up an outdoor season well-lived, learning how to protect outdoor furniture can keep your pieces shining season after season.
From triple-digit weather to spring showers and everything in between, environmental factors can take a toll on outdoor furniture. The good news? A few habits can protect your outdoor furniture year-round. That means more seasons of relaxing, hosting, and enjoying a love of gathering outdoors.

Key Takeaways

  • Covers are key.
    Durable, waterproof, UV-resistant covers are one of the easiest ways to shield your furniture from the elements.

  • Use the right protectants for each material.
    From rust-resistant sprays for metal to oil-based sealants for teak, product-specific care goes a long way.

  • Store or elevate during extreme weather.
    To avoid moisture damage, keep cushions inside, elevate furniture off the ground, or bring pieces in during the off-season.

  • Inspect and maintain regularly.
    Tighten screws, refresh fabrics, and protect your outdoor furniture to extend the life of every piece.


7 Ways to Protect Outdoor Furniture

Neighbor outdoor furniture is built to last, but a little care goes a long way. Whether you’re getting ready to host, settling in for the off-season, or just wondering how to protect outdoor furniture, here are seven ways to get your furniture outdoor-ready.

Woman's hand pulling protective cover away from an outdoor sofa

1. Use Protective Covers

One of the simplest and most effective ways to extend the lifespan of your outdoor furniture is by using covers that check all the boxes: durable, waterproof, and UV-resistant. Protective covers are ideal for shielding furniture during harsh weather conditions, such as heavy windstorms, rain, snow, sun, and more. Not all covers are created equal, which is why we made outdoor furniture covers that fit your Neighbor outdoor furniture pieces like a glove and hold up through all four seasons.

Overhead image of outdoor table being cleaned with a scrub brush and soapy water

2. Clean Regularly

Environmental factors like dirt, pollen, and mildew can wear down the beauty and longevity of outdoor furniture. Prevent discoloration, staining, and build-up by regularly cleaning or wiping down outdoor furniture with a mild soap and water solution. For more potent stains, keeping a do-it-all cleaner like the Sunbrella® Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner can simplify your cleaning routine. Wipe away everyday dirt and grime, and leave fabrics clean and renewed.

3. Apply Weatherproof Sealants

While some outdoor furniture, like teak and synthetic wicker, is resistant to mold and mildew, it’s not immune to it. Use a wood protector to add a shield of defense against moisture and sun-related issues like fading, cracking, or drying from sun exposure. For metal frames, a rust-resistant spray or wax coating can stop oxidation before it starts.

4. Store During Harsh Weather

Like parking a car in a garage during hail or a snowstorm, storing outdoor furniture inside during harsh weather can support its longevity. Protect your investment by storing cushions inside, using a protective cover, and, when at all possible, storing your furniture indoors during the off season.

Red wine spilling on a white-colored outdoor sofa cushion

5. Use Outdoor-Safe Fabrics and Cushions

Fabrics designed for outdoor use, like solution-dyed acrylics, are made to resist fading, moisture, and mildew. At Neighbor, our upholstered pieces feature Sunbrella® fabrics because they’re soft, durable, and weather-ready. And when life happens (think: spilled drinks, muddy paws, or sunscreen stains), they're easy to clean with targeted solutions like Sunbrella® Extract™ Oil-Based Stain Remover.

Ventilated protective cover that is off the ground by a few inches

6. Elevate From Ground Moisture

When it comes to caring for your outdoor furniture, small strategic placements can make a big difference. Keeping furniture positioned off the ground helps prevent moisture buildup that can cause rust, mold, or rot.

Tip

  • Use furniture risers or place furniture on a rug or deck to create a buffer zone between your furniture and water, wet grass, or soil.
Studio image of three Sunbrella® cleaning products in spray bottles

7. Inspect and Repair Promptly

Wear on outdoor furniture is a sign of well-enjoyed memories, but can lead to costly repairs if not checked. Tighten loose screws, sand out rough spots, and use protective sprays like Sunbrella® Restore Fabric Protector & Repellent as needed to refresh your pieces between seasons.

Protecting Different Materials

Not all outdoor furniture is made the same, so your care routine shouldn't be either. From wood to metal to wicker, here’s how to protect outdoor furniture depending on the type of material.

Protection Tips for Wood Furniture

Wood offers warmth and natural beauty, but it also needs protection from the sun, moisture, and mildew. Use a weatherproof sealant or wood protector to help fight fading, cracking, and moisture. Keep your wood furniture out of the sun by storing it indoors or using a protective cover during the off-season.

Guarding Metal Furniture Against Rust

Although metal furniture never met a spill it couldn’t handle, it can be vulnerable to oxidation if left exposed to moisture. Apply a rust-resistant primer or spray to help prevent rust spots. After a storm or heavy dew, give your metal frames a quick towel dry.

Tip

  • If your setup sits on grass or soil, consider rubber feet, risers, or an outdoor rug to reduce contact with wet ground.


Woman's hand resting on wicker furniture with a child in the background

Preserving Your Wicker Furniture

Not all wicker furniture is made equally. Natural wicker, made from organic plant fibers, is susceptible to water damage, fading, and rotting. Make sure to safely store natural wicker or keep it covered to prevent damage. Synthetic wicker, on the other hand, is known for its all-weather durability and minimal maintenance features. Synthetic wicker just requires an end-of-season wipe down with soap and water.

Caring for Plastic Outdoor Furniture

Plastic furniture is lightweight and low-maintenance, but it still benefits from regular cleaning and protection. Wipe surfaces down with a mild soap and water mixture to remove dirt and debris. During high-heat days, consider moving plastic furniture indoors or to shaded areas to prevent warping or fading.

Rear view of a beautiful modern teak dining chair with a couple dining in the background

Keeping Your Teak Furniture in Prime Condition

Teak is as beautiful as it is resistant and durable. With natural resistance to rotting, humidity, and stains, a few best practices can help your teak furniture live a long life outdoors. Although teak is mold-resistant, protect it from fostering mold by wiping away debris, dirt, and spills with water and mild soap. For a step-by-step guide on caring for teak furniture, check out our care guide for teak furniture.

Close-up image of a protective cover being secured to the leg of a piece of outdoor furniture

Why Protecting Your Outdoor Furniture Is Crucial

With the right care, your favorite outdoor pieces can last for many years, reducing the need for repairs or replacements. This not only helps you avoid unnecessary waste but also keeps more money in your wallet. From FSC-certified teak to weather-resistant cushions, your Neighbor outdoor furniture is designed to perform. A few small maintenance habits can keep your furniture looking as good as the day you bought it (or assembled it).

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean and check up on my outdoor furniture?

A general rule of thumb for cleaning and checking up on outdoor furniture is at least twice a year. Aim to clean and routinely inspect it for any small repairs before storing for the off-season and again at the beginning of the next season. However, specific care and maintenance depend on the furniture material, usage, and exposure, which may require more frequent cleaning and maintenance to keep your furniture looking its best.

What is a good, versatile protectant for all types of outdoor furniture?

For fabrics, a product like Sunbrella® Restore Fabric Protector & Repellent offers a breathable layer of defense against moisture and stains. For wood and metal, opt for a sealant or protective spray designed for your specific material, like water-based for wood and rust-resistant for metal.

How can I effectively store outdoor furniture during the off-season?

When possible, move outdoor furniture indoors to a dry location like a garage or shed. If space is limited, use breathable, well-fitted covers. Like a suit of armor that does the heavy lifting during the off-season, a protective cover can protect your investment during all seasons. Opt for weather-resistant covers that move with the seasons: fade-proof, waterproof, and UV-resistant.

Explore Neighbor's Collection of Protective Covers

Intentional designs call for intentional protection. That’s why Neighbor created a line of protective covers that marries form and function to extend the longevity and beauty of your outdoor furniture. From durable construction to weather-proof materials for the longevity of your favorite teak and aluminum outdoor pieces, Neighbor has your back (and bottom). For a long life outdoors, protect your investments with Neighbor’s outdoor furniture covers collection and love your favorite pieces season after season.

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