Outdoor furniture is an item that makes your relaxation time in the garden or on the terrace more comfortable. To keep your favorite outdoor furniture in good condition for a long time, you need to protect it from rain and ultraviolet (UV) rays.
In this article, we will introduce the features, benefits, and precautions for using protective covers for outdoor furniture. We will also explain where you can purchase them, so if you want to take good care of your outdoor furniture or are considering purchasing some, please use this as a reference.
What are protective covers for outdoor furniture?
Protective covers for outdoor furniture are used to protect outdoor furniture from rain and UV rays. Since many outdoor furniture pieces are expensive, costing anywhere from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen, an increasing number of people are using protective covers to ensure they can be used for as long as possible.
While outdoor furniture is generally excellent in terms of durability and water resistance, it is still subject to some degree of dirt and deterioration caused by rain and wind. As using a cover can also reduce the frequency and hassle of maintenance, you should definitely gain some knowledge about protective covers and consider using them.
Benefits of using protective covers for outdoor furniture
We will explain in detail the benefits of using protective covers for outdoor furniture. If you are considering using a protective cover or are interested in one, please use this as a guide. There are five main benefits, so let's look at each of them.
- Protects furniture from rain and wind
- Effective against mold
- Protects against UV rays
- Reduces the effort of putting away furniture
- Stylish designs
Protects furniture from rain and wind
By using a protective cover, you can protect your precious outdoor furniture from rain and wind. While most outdoor furniture is inherently resistant to the elements, using a protective cover allows you to use it for a longer time while keeping it in better condition.
Sometimes, purchasing a protective cover alongside your outdoor furniture is more cost-effective than buying a highly durable, premium-priced piece of furniture alone. Consider using one so you can enjoy your favorite items for years to come.
Effective against mold
Although outdoor furniture is designed to be durable and water-resistant, leaving it wet for a long period can cause mold to grow. To avoid leaving it wet, it is important to take preventative measures—keeping it dry—which is why we recommend using a protective cover. Along with using a cover, drying your furniture periodically in a cool, well-ventilated area will further prevent the growth of mold.
Protects against UV rays
It is important to understand that even if outdoor furniture has excellent water resistance, it may not be protected against the deterioration of fabrics and wood caused by UV rays. Another benefit is that a protective cover also shields your outdoor furniture from UV rays.
Since it protects your valuable furniture from sun damage and fading, you should consider using a protective cover as a UV protection measure.
Reduces the effort of putting away furniture
Furniture such as sofas, which can absorb water when wet, will be damaged by rain and wind. While it may be necessary to move such furniture on rainy days, another benefit is that using a protective cover can reduce the time and effort spent putting away or moving furniture.
If you are out of the house during the day or find moving furniture to be a hassle, we highly recommend using a protective cover.
Stylish designs
Many people imagine single-colored or transparent items when they hear "protective cover," but there are now many stylish designs on the market. Patterned covers are also available, allowing you to enjoy changing the atmosphere of your exterior.
Protective covers are also popular in Spain, which, like Japan, experiences all four seasons. By incorporating designs similar to those in overseas tropical resorts, you can enjoy a different taste than usual.
Since many protective covers are less expensive than the furniture itself, you can reasonably change the look of your space.
Precautions when using protective covers for outdoor furniture
While protective covers for outdoor furniture are gaining attention, there are some points to keep in mind when using them. Incorrect use can lead to the deterioration or damage of your furniture, so please make sure to check these points carefully. The precautions are as follows:
- Measures are required in case of disasters
- Regular maintenance is important
- They can sometimes be expensive
We will explain each of these.
Measures are required in case of disasters
While protective covers shield furniture from rain and wind, you need to take additional precautions during typhoons or high winds. While a cover protects furniture from rain, furniture may still shift or fall over in the strong winds of a typhoon.
To prevent furniture from moving or falling over due to strong winds, secure it by tying it to a fence or railing with rope, and be sure to bring smaller items like vases and cushions indoors.
If your fence is not strong enough, you may need to perform some DIY, such as using brackets to increase its strength. Japan is a country prone to disasters like earthquakes and typhoons. It is important to be well-prepared at all times.
Regular maintenance is important
Even when using a protective cover, regular maintenance of your outdoor furniture is still necessary. Beyond using a cover, maintenance for outdoor furniture includes the following:
- Wiping away dirt from furniture and making repairs
- Washing fabric items such as parasols and cushions
- Re-applying stain or finish to solid wood furniture like acacia or eucalyptus
Also, be sure to keep an eye on your protective cover for any rips or holes. By performing regular maintenance on both your furniture and the cover, you can reduce overall management costs.
If you want to minimize the frequency of maintenance, you might consider purchasing foldable outdoor furniture that can be stored away when not in use. Some chairs and tables are telescopic or foldable, so please consider those options.
They can sometimes be expensive
Protective covers can sometimes be expensive depending on the manufacturer, product, and size. Note that larger items or those with stylish designs tend to be particularly pricey.
You should be flexible in your approach, such as buying a product that meets your functional requirements within your budget. It is also important to compare multiple sites and products to ensure you purchase at an appropriate price.
At NU PLACE, you can also purchase covers tailored to the product size
At the outdoor furniture brand "NU PLACE," you can also purchase protective covers as an option to fit the product size. Although NU PLACE's outdoor furniture is originally crafted using highly durable materials, adding a protective cover allows you to enjoy it in beautiful condition for an even longer time.
Protective covers vary by product size and can be added as an option on the product purchase page. They may be priced slightly higher than those found on shopping sites like Amazon or Rakuten. However, because they are designed to cover the furniture precisely according to its dimensions, you won't have to worry about mismeasuring and ending up with furniture that gets wet.
Why not spend some elegant time by purchasing furniture from NU PLACE to transform your balcony or garden into a wonderful space?
＊Reference: NU PLACE
Summary | Let's use protective covers to make your outdoor furniture last longer
In this article, we introduced the features, benefits, and precautions for using protective covers for outdoor furniture. Using a protective cover is highly effective for keeping your outdoor furniture beautiful and long-lasting.
Because they protect your outdoor furniture from rain, wind, and UV rays, and also help prevent mold, they reduce maintenance effort and management costs. Before purchasing and using one, be sure to understand that prices can be high and that additional measures are needed in case of disasters.
By looking at and comparing multiple products, you will gain an understanding of fair pricing. To protect your valuable outdoor furniture and keep it beautiful for years to come, we highly recommend purchasing a protective cover.