Outdoor furniture is a wonderful addition to any patio, garden, or deck, providing comfort and style for enjoying the fresh air. However, constant exposure to rain and moisture can cause damage over time, leading to rust, mold, warping, or discoloration. Proper care and protection are essential to maintain the longevity and appearance of your outdoor furniture, ensuring it remains in excellent condition season after season.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to protect outdoor furniture from rain so that you can get back to using it in no time! So grab your tools, and let’s get started!
The Impact of Rain on Outdoor Furniture
Rain can have a variety of effects on outdoor furniture, depending on the materials it is made from. Wooden furniture is especially vulnerable, as prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to rot, warping, and discoloration. Metal furniture, while more durable, is not immune to damage either; it can develop rust over time if proper precautions are not taken. Even synthetic materials like wicker or plastic can degrade under continuous exposure, becoming brittle or developing mildew.
Cushions and fabric coverings are also at risk, as they can absorb water, leading to mold growth and unpleasant odors. Understanding these impacts is the first step in taking the necessary measures to protect and preserve your outdoor furniture.
Understand Your Furniture Material and Its Vulnerability
Different materials used in outdoor furniture have varying levels of vulnerability to environmental factors, so understanding them is crucial. For instance, wooden furniture, while beautifully crafted, may require regular sealing or oiling to prevent warping, cracking, or rotting from moisture exposure. Metal furniture, such as aluminum or steel, often needs protective coatings to guard against rust, with stainless steel being more resistant but still susceptible over time.
Synthetic materials like resin or plastic are lightweight and resilient but can become brittle or discolored from UV exposure without proper treatment. Fabrics used in cushions or covers, especially natural fibers, need to be water-resistant or have additional waterproof layers to withstand prolonged dampness. Recognizing the specific needs of your furniture material allows for tailored care and ensures its longevity.
10 Methods How to Protect Outdoor Furniture from Rain
1. Invest in High-Quality Waterproof Covers
One of the most effective and immediate methods for protecting outdoor furniture from rain is the use of custom-fit waterproof covers. These covers, typically made from heavy-duty polyester or vinyl, are designed to resist moisture, UV rays, and mildew. The key is to select covers that are specifically tailored to the shape and size of your furniture pieces—tables, chairs, loungers, or benches—so that they form a snug seal.
A cover with tie-down straps or elastic hems will stay put during windy weather and provide full coverage without letting water seep in from the edges. When not in use, simply draping the cover over your furniture is a quick, reliable method to ensure it stays dry and clean.
2. Store Cushions and Fabrics Indoors
While the furniture frame itself might be water-resistant or treated to withstand outdoor conditions, cushions, pillows, and fabric elements are often the most vulnerable to moisture damage. To preserve their lifespan, make it a habit to remove and store these items indoors or in a waterproof deck box when not in use. This approach prevents them from absorbing water, developing mold, or becoming stained by prolonged exposure to damp conditions.
Even if your cushion fabrics are labeled “outdoor-safe,” repeated soaking can reduce their quality over time, so proactive storage is an essential strategy for rain protection.
3. Apply Water-Repellent Sealants or Sprays
For furniture made of porous materials such as wood, wicker, or unsealed metals, applying a water-repellent sealant or spray can create a protective barrier against moisture. For wooden furniture, penetrating sealers or varnishes—such as polyurethane or marine-grade finishes—can enhance both durability and water resistance. Fabric sprays like Scotchgard can be applied to outdoor textiles to shield them from rain while maintaining breathability.
This method is especially useful when covers aren’t practical or for added assurance during the rainy season. Reapplication every year or after heavy storms will help maintain a strong, effective shield.
4. Place Furniture Under a Covered Structure
One of the best passive ways to protect outdoor furniture is to position it under a permanent or temporary structure that offers shelter. Covered patios, pergolas with polycarbonate roofs, or even a simple canopy or gazebo can drastically reduce direct rainfall exposure. These structures not only protect your furniture from rain but also from harsh sunlight, which can fade and weaken materials over time.
If permanent coverage isn’t an option, retractable awnings or large outdoor umbrellas provide flexible alternatives that can be deployed during inclement weather.
5. Elevate Furniture Off the Ground
Even when protected from direct rain, water can accumulate on patios, decks, or lawns, leading to pooled moisture beneath your furniture. This can result in rot, rust, or mildew on the legs and lower frames. To combat this, elevate your furniture slightly off the ground using rubber or plastic foot caps, furniture risers, or slatted bases that allow water to drain. For wooden furniture, placing bricks or pavers beneath the legs during wet seasons can help keep them dry.
This small elevation helps ensure that even during storms or flooding, your furniture won’t be sitting in water.
6. Use Outdoor Rugs with Drainage Features
An often-overlooked method for preventing rain damage is the use of outdoor rugs designed to facilitate water drainage. These rugs not only provide comfort and aesthetic appeal but also act as a moisture buffer between your furniture and wet ground. Look for rugs made from polypropylene or other quick-drying synthetic fibers that resist mold and mildew. A rug with a breathable mesh backing will encourage airflow and prevent water from becoming trapped underneath.
This is especially useful for seating areas or lounges placed directly on decks, balconies, or concrete patios.
7. Regularly Clean and Maintain Surfaces
Routine maintenance plays a crucial role in protecting outdoor furniture from the elements. By regularly cleaning dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and moisture from surfaces, you prevent buildup that could accelerate wear or encourage mold growth. For wood, use a soft brush and mild soap solution; for metal, apply a rust inhibitor if needed.
After rain, dry off excess water with a towel or cloth to discourage watermarks or stains. Keeping surfaces clean not only extends the life of your furniture but also ensures that protective sealants or coatings adhere properly and remain effective.
8. Choose Weather-Resistant Materials from the Start
If you are in the process of purchasing new outdoor furniture, choosing materials that inherently resist rain damage can save you considerable effort later. Materials such as teak, eucalyptus, powder-coated aluminum, stainless steel, and all-weather wicker are designed to withstand moisture and fluctuating temperatures. These materials often require less maintenance and are less susceptible to swelling, warping, or corrosion. Additionally, opt for cushions made from quick-drying foam and covered in solution-dyed acrylic fabric, which won’t fade or mildew easily.
9. Relocate Furniture During Extended Storms
For regions experiencing heavy or prolonged rainy seasons, consider moving your outdoor furniture into a garage, shed, or covered porch when not in use for extended periods. This might require some effort, but storing furniture away from the elements during peak storm conditions significantly reduces the risk of structural damage, rust, and mildew. Foldable or stackable pieces are particularly useful for this purpose.
Even during shorter wet spells, temporarily relocating furniture out of the rain can help preserve its finish and prevent long-term wear.
10. Install a Drainage System Around Furniture Zones
If your outdoor furniture sits in a yard or patio prone to pooling water, improving drainage in that area can be an excellent long-term solution. Installing French drains, gravel beds, or sloped grading can help channel rainwater away from your furniture zones, preventing stagnant puddles that invite mold and rot. This infrastructure investment not only protects your furniture but also enhances the overall usability of your outdoor space during and after rainstorms.
It ensures that water moves away efficiently, reducing the humidity and moisture accumulation that often leads to furniture degradation.
Conclusion
Protecting your outdoor furniture from moisture and rain is essential for prolonging its lifespan and maintaining the comfort and appeal of your outdoor spaces. By implementing preventative measures, such as coverings, weather-resistant materials, and proper drainage solutions, you can ensure your furniture remains in excellent condition despite harsh weather.
Investing time and resources into these strategies not only safeguards your furniture but also allows you to enjoy a functional and welcoming outdoor environment for years to come. Now that you know how to protect outdoor furniture from rain. While it does take a few steps each time, hopefully now you understand the process and why it’s worth taking the extra step to make sure your floor is properly cared for. So don’t wait any longer, take action today!