How to Winterize and Protect Your Outdoor Furniture: 9 Expert Tips

Protecting your outdoor furniture in winter is essential to maintain its appearance and extend its lifespan. Garden furniture is exposed to wind, snow, humidity, and temperature swings, all of which can damage materials, tarnish surfaces, and weaken structures, especially during Quebec’s harsh winters. Winterizing your furniture simply means cleaning it, drying it completely, and storing or covering it properly for its material.

Outdoor furniture has improved in quality, variety, and refinement. Today, you can create beautiful outdoor spaces with furniture made from wrought iron, aluminum, wood, synthetic rattan, polymer, and more. It’s a worthwhile investment that deserves to be maintained and preserved all year long.

Here are some tips from outdoor furniture experts on how to protect your deck, patio, or balcony furniture before the first snowfall.

Key takeaways

Clean and fully dry every piece before storing or covering it. Always bring cushions, natural rattan, and your most fragile pieces indoors. Whatever stays outside should be raised off the ground and covered with a snug, breathable cover, never an airtight tarp. The ideal timing is October, before the first snowfall.

 

1. Clean before storing: the basis of good protection

Before storing or covering your garden furniture, you must first clean it. This simple step removes dirt, stains, pollen, and pollution residues that can become embedded in surfaces and cause damage during the winter.

Use a mild cleaner and a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid harsh products that could damage protective finishes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, then let it dry in the open air, away from moisture. This step is particularly useful for wooden and rattan furniture, as their natural fibers easily absorb water easily. For more care guides by material, see our outdoor furniture care and maintenance section.

Cleaning furniture before winter storage is the best way to prevent mold, unpleasant odors, and stubborn stains in the spring. 

 

2. Store furniture in a dry place whenever possible

Outdoor furniture can be left outside during the winter, but if you have the option of storing it indoors, in a basement, shed or garage, that’s even better. Storing it in a dry place protects it from the elements, frost, and moisture.

A garage, ventilated basement, or waterproof shed are all suitable places to store your garden furniture. Before storing it, make sure it is completely dry to prevent condensation and mold growth.

If space is limited, prioritize the most fragile furniture: wooden tables, patio chairs with fabric parts, or lightweight dining sets. More robust models, such as aluminum or synthetic rattan furniture, can remain outside. To make storage easier, stack chairs that allow it, remove detachable parts, and keep hardware together in a labeled bag. Setting up again in the spring will go much faster.

 

3. Choose a high-quality cover to protect structural elements that remain outdoors

In general, it is best to store structural elements indoors. If this is not possible, they can remain outdoors but must be protected. In this case, cover them with a waterproof tarp or covers specially designed for patio furniture.

A protective cover provides an effective barrier against snow, rain, and UV rays. Choose a breathable fabric cover with tie-down straps to keep it in place even in high winds. Waterproof furniture covers should fit snugly without being too tight, so that some air can circulate and prevent condensation. For a perfect fit, JML offers custom protective covers in vinyl or Sunbrella, made by our affiliated company Toiles GR, a custom tarp and cover manufacturer for more than 30 years.

If water seeps into your furniture’s structure and freezes, the expansion can crack surfaces, break pieces, or warp frames. This risk grows with freeze-thaw cycles, which, according to Ouranos, are becoming more frequent in the middle of winter. Covering your furniture with a waterproof tarp or a well-fitting cover also softens the effect of temperature swings and, above all, keeps pollutants and wind-blown particles from damaging the surfaces during the winter.

 

4. Raise furniture off the ground

Snow-covered or frozen ground retains moisture, which can damage materials. Raising garden furniture prevents direct contact with standing water and facilitates air circulation.

Use wedges, blocks, or temporary wooden flooring to keep rigid furniture dry. This precaution prevents rust on metal furniture and warping of wood. Even aluminum or plastic furniture benefits from this slight elevation, as it reduces the risk of stains, cracks, or finish deterioration.

If you have stored your outdoor furniture in a shed, make sure the floor is not damp; if it is, elevate the furniture as well.

 

5. Use targeted protection depending on the type of material

Protect wooden outdoor furniture during winter

For unpainted wood furniture (teak or IPE, for example), protecting your garden furniture means applying a natural oil made for that wood species, preferably early in the fall.

This type of finish lets wood furniture spend the winter outdoors without turning gray. Various varnishes and stains are also available to waterproof the wood. As with other materials, wood furniture should be covered in winter, but make sure the cover has ventilation flaps. Proper teak maintenance and IPE wood maintenance are essential to maximize lifespan and appearance

Protecting metal outdoor furniture during winter

Metal garden furniture can stay outside all winter without damage to the finish, provided certain conditions are met. Chairs and tables should be positioned so that water runs off them, and stabilized to prevent any movement or friction that could cause flaking. Wrought iron needs a little more attention: moisture and de-icing salt speed up corrosion. Touch up any scratches with a rust-inhibiting product before winter, dry the piece completely, then cover it with a breathable cover. All the steps are detailed in our guide to outdoor wrought iron maintenance.

Protect synthetic rattan outdoor furniture during winter

Synthetic rattan is designed for outdoor use and can generally stay outside over the winter under a waterproof, breathable cover, after a final rinse at the end of the season. In areas with frequent hard freezes, sheltering it is still preferable to spare the joints and connections. See our article on whether you can leave rattan furniture outside.

Protecting plastic outdoor furniture during winter

Plastic furniture (polyethylene resin) is highly resistant to moisture and relatively easy to clean. UV rays and cold weather have less of an impact on it than in the past, but the risk of accelerated aging is still present and, like other types of furniture, it should be covered.

 

Winterizing outdoor furniture by material: quick reference

 

6. Store and maintain cushions and other accessories

When it comes to cushions and removable fabrics, it’s best to store them early (end of September), since rain and successive damp nights can let mold take hold. Simply store them in your home or garage, and avoid places like sheds or winter shelters, where squirrels or field mice could get in and make a winter feast of your cushions.

Do not machine-wash removable covers, as this can damage the fabric’s UV treatment. Instead, take them to a specialist who can clean and re-treat them. If you’d rather clean and re-treat them yourself, ask your retailer for advice. They’ll be happy to give you instructions and supply the products you need.

 

7. Let your furniture breathe during winter

Good protection against the elements does not mean airtight packaging. Furniture needs to breathe. A poorly ventilated waterproof cover or tarpaulin promotes condensation and therefore the growth of mold.

Choose a garden furniture cover with built-in vents or leave the closure slightly open to allow air to circulate. Check the condition of your outdoor furniture from time to time during the winter to quickly spot any water infiltration or premature wear and tear on the cover.

 

8. Prepare for springtime use

When the snow melts and temperatures rise, gradually uncover your furniture. Let it air out in the open to remove any accumulated moisture. Clean the surfaces with a damp cloth and inspect the fasteners, hinges, and joints.

A light sanding or a new coat of oil on wood, a rinse on aluminum, or a check of the fabrics is often all it takes to restore your furniture to its former glory. This is also a good time to replace covers or buy new accessories.

 

9. Invest in high-quality, durable furniture

The best way to limit wear and tear from the elements is to choose durable, well-designed outdoor furniture. At JML, we select garden and patio furniture built to withstand Quebec winters: aluminum, UV-treated woven rattan, certified teak wood, and high-end waterproof fabrics. Their innovative design and manufacturing make them exceptionally durable, no doubt about it. Explore our residential outdoor furniture collections, including wrought iron, wood, synthetic rattan, and resin and polymer furniture, or see them in person at our showroom in Lachine.

 

Call on JML for high-quality furniture that can withstand the cold

Protecting your outdoor furniture means extending its life and preserving its beauty year after year. With our expert advice and selection of high-end garden furniture, you can face winter without worry. For personalized guidance and information about our furniture products, contact our outdoor furniture specialists. 

 

Frequently asked questions

Should all outdoor furniture be brought inside during winter?

No. Furniture made of aluminum, synthetic rattan, or plastic can remain outside, provided it is well covered. Wood, on the other hand, should be stored away or protected with a waterproof cover. Cushions should always be brought indoors.

Can rattan furniture be left outside during winter?

Natural rattan cannot withstand frost or moisture. It must be brought indoors. However, UV-treated synthetic rattan can be left outside if covered with a protective cover. In areas with frequent hard freezes, sheltering it is still preferable.

Can a glass table be left outside in winter?

It is possible, but it must be covered with a padded cover or a waterproof tarpaulin. Glass must be protected from thermal shock and ice that can accumulate on it.

How do you winterize a complete set of garden furniture?

Clean each item, leave them to dry in the open air, apply a protective coating suitable for the material, then cover them with a waterproof cover. Cushions should be brought inside the house or garage.

How can you prevent mold on outdoor furniture in winter?

Always dry furniture thoroughly before covering it and choose a cover with ventilation to allow the furniture to breathe.

When is the best time to protect your garden furniture?

Ideally before the first snowfall, when temperatures start to drop, during October (earlier or later depending on the year).