As the fall season settles in and winter weather approaches, it’s time to start preparing outdoor furniture for fall and winter weather. Snow, freezing temperatures, and inclement weather can do more than just dampen your outdoor space—they can seriously impact the structural integrity and appearance of your outdoor furniture if left unprotected.
At Premier Polysteel, we manufacture high-quality outdoor furniture designed to last through many seasons, but we also believe in sharing expert knowledge to help you protect any type of patio furniture—whether it’s wood, metal, or wicker. Below, we’ve outlined practical steps and key tips for protecting outdoor furniture through the colder months, so it stays in top shape and ready for the warmer months ahead.
Why Preparing Outdoor Furniture for Cold Weather Matters
Your outdoor furniture pieces face year-round exposure to the elements—but fall and winter months bring special challenges. Moisture from rain and snow can cause rust, mold, and mildew, especially in wood furniture, metal furniture, and certain types of wicker furniture.
Additionally, UV rays and fluctuating cold temperatures can lead to fading, cracking, or weakening of materials like natural rattan, teak wood, or poorly coated metals. Without proper preparation, even the most stylish outdoor patio furniture can quickly degrade in harsh weather.
Understanding Your Outdoor Furniture Material
Each furniture type requires unique care to weather the winter season successfully.
Wood Patio Furniture (Including Teak)
Wood furniture, including teak furniture, is beautiful but porous. Without proper sealing, moisture can penetrate the surface and freeze, causing cracks. Over time, natural oils in teak wood dry out, making the wood brittle. While teak is known for its resilience, it still benefits from proper winter storage and care.
Wicker Furniture: Natural, Resin, and Synthetic
Outdoor wicker—especially natural rattan—is vulnerable to snow, rain, and freezing temperatures. If you own resin wicker or synthetic wicker, you’re in better shape, but even these materials can wear down if not protected from constant exposure.
Metal Furniture: Steel, Wrought Iron, and Aluminum
Metal furniture, such as aluminum furniture or wrought iron, can develop rust without a protective barrier. Using a rust inhibitor can help, but your best bet is to clean, dry, and cover or store them properly.
Premier Polysteel furniture, made of first-rate steel and fully coated in plastisol (polyvinyl), offers exceptional durability in cold weather, standing up to snow, ice, and high winds without cracking, rusting, or fading. It’s an ideal low-maintenance solution for year-round use.
Best Practices for Protecting Outdoor Furniture
1. Clean Thoroughly Before Storage
Start with a good cleaning using mild soap and water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and allow every piece to become completely dry to prevent mold or mildew from forming during storage.
2. Use the Right Outdoor Furniture Covers
Invest in outdoor furniture covers or furniture covers made from breathable covers and lightweight material. These are designed to shield against moisture, UV rays, and freezing temperatures, without trapping condensation.
Avoid using plastic bags or tarps that don’t allow airflow—they may seem convenient, but they trap moisture and promote mildew growth. Look for covers to protect both the furniture frame and cushions.
3. Choose a Smart Storage Location
Whenever possible, store your furniture in a garage, shed, or dry location. If you’re short on indoor space, a covered outdoor kitchen or patio area can help limit exposure to inclement weather.
If you can’t bring furniture indoors, elevate it slightly and cover it properly to allow airflow and drainage. Even weather-resistant options benefit from limited exposure.
What About Cushions and Accessories?
- Cushions should be washed, dried completely, and stored indoors.
- Use dedicated furniture covers or containers to protect them from snow, rain, and pests.
- For outdoor furniture left outside, remove all fabric elements if possible.
Why Premier Polysteel Excels in Harsh Weather
Not all outdoor furniture is built to handle snow, freezing temperatures, and the freeze-thaw cycles of winter—but Premier Polysteel is.
Our furniture is manufactured with first-rate steel and completely coated in plastisol (polyvinyl), creating a sealed, rust-resistant surface that stands up to rain, UV rays, cold weather, and bird droppings without flaking, cracking, or peeling.
Unlike wood furniture, natural rattan, or uncovered metal furniture, Premier Polysteel products are made to remain outdoors and stay looking great throughout the year—even in the cold and snow.
If your tables or benches won’t be in use during the winter months, you may choose to use outdoor furniture covers or bring them into a garage or dry location—but with Premier Polysteel, that’s optional. There’s no need for winter storage or covering. Our furniture is built to be left outside and still perform beautifully.
In fact, many maintenance crews and facility managers appreciate how our furniture can be left in place year-round, saving time and labor costs during the colder months. Watch this video to learn why maintenance teams love Premier Polysteel furniture.
Final Tips for Winterizing Your Patio Furniture
- Don’t delay—start preparing outdoor furniture for fall and winter weather before the first frost
- Clean and dry all pieces thoroughly
- Use high-quality covers made for the specific material
- Store what you can; cover what you can’t
- Invest in weather-resistant materials that require less effort to maintain
Ready for Furniture That Doesn’t Fear the Forecast?
Winter shouldn’t mean worrying about your outdoor furniture. Premier Polysteel products are designed to withstand the elements with ease, offering unmatched durability in even the harshest weather.
Explore our full line of low-maintenance, high-quality materials, built to last through every season, not just survive them.
