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The 9 Best Outdoor Furniture Covers The Spruce Has Tested

Keep your patio set looking brand new for years

The Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Loveseat Cover covers a love seat on an outdoor deck
Credit:

The Spruce

Don't let your gorgeous patio furniture get destroyed by harsh winter weather, take it from us. We've had to repurchase umbrellas, outdoor sofas, and lounge chairs more times than we've certainly wanted to—but it can all be traced back to lack of protection.

With an effective outdoor furniture cover, you can ensure your furniture lasts for many seasons to come—and stays looking good as new, to boot. So you never have to say goodbye to your beloved egg chair, we tested outdoor furniture covers for over six months on our patio sets in backyards across the country, all exposed to various climates.

One of the most surprising discoveries in our testing was how covers at different pricepoints performed. Some Amazon brands tended to be cheaper, while name brands like Article and Duck Covers skewed more expensive, yet both worked effectively.

The most important thing to consider is your climate and the elements you deal with. If you live in a rainy state, prioritize waterproofing over UV protection—don't worry, all of our picks are waterproof or resistant. If you live in an area where it’s sunny all the time but there’s no retractable awning or umbrella to protect your fabric, you should prioritize UV protection.

Buying Tip

Dealing with high winds? Look for covers with straps and bungees to keep them secure to your furniture, which all of the options on this list do. Also, once you buy, remember to cover your outdoor furniture before it rains or snows.

What We Like
  • Waterproof backing

  • 12 sizes available

  • Drawcords and clips to keep it secure

  • Visible high-quality material

What We Don't Like
  • Looked too large at first

  • Water pooling

For a heavy-duty design to keep furniture well-protected, our favorite outdoor furniture cover is from Ultcover. Despite months of rain, falling leaves, and branches overhead, our wooden patio furniture stayed fully dry and protected.

During testing, we loved the high-quality, heavy-duty canvas material. It came with straps on each side that fastened the cover to the furniture, which was great (the cover initially seemed too big for our patio set). It is completely waterproof with small vents on the sides to allow airflow and prevent wind from blowing the cover away.

What Our Tester Says

"In the last six months, our patio furniture was exposed to rain, snow, and wind. Throughout it, this one cover completely protected all of the furniture on my deck," says our tester.

The size of this cover (we tested the 106 x 106-inch, square version) was large enough to shield two couches, two chairs, one large table, and two small tables pushed together. Even though we opted for such a large cover, we were shocked at the low price.

The ULTCOVER Square Patio Heavy Duty Table Cover on furniture on a patio
The Ultcover Heavy-Duty Table Cover was big enough to cover two couches, two chairs, and a table. Credit:

The Spruce

While it's not as big or affordable as our best large option, it's a small price to keep your entire set covered with one item. With two colors and 12 sizes available, you're guaranteed to find one to fit your needs. Although you can't throw this in the washer to keep it clean, you can hand-wash it if needed.

One thing to note is that rain water may pool on top of this cover, so you'll need to repeatedly dump out the excess if you live in an especially wet area. Otherwise, our patio set looked brand new when spring arrived six months later.

Dimensions: 106 x 106 inches | Material: Polyester canvas | Waterproof: Waterproof backing | Product Care: Hand-wash only | Weight: 14.9 pounds

Find the Right Size Cover for Your Furniture

Outdoor furniture is offered in various styles, each requiring a specific size and shape of cover. Before you buy, spend a few minutes precisely measuring your furniture to ensure you find a cover with the exact dimensions you need.

What We Like
  • Waterproof and UV-resistant design

  • Covered entire dining set

  • Straps connect to table or chair legs

  • Cover went all the way to the ground

What We Don't Like
  • Water pooled on top of cover rather than sliding off

Made of waterproof fabric with a UV-resistant coating, this furniture cover from F&J is ideal for round tables and dining sets, keeping them dry until your next get-together. We used it to cover a round table and a set of chairs made of steel and wicker, and it kept them perfectly dry for months.

We found that the cinch mechanism required a bit of trial and error to get the cover tight enough to avoid moisture pooling on top. Luckily, no fading or shrinking occurred in the sun, and no debris was collected underneath the cover because it was large enough to reach the ground on all sides.

What Our Tester Says

"This has remained outside for the past 365 days, so it's thrived in heat, sun, rain, wind, snow, sleet, and anything and everything you can think of we've encountered in Iowa this past year," says our tester.

The pocket on the F&J Outdoors Outdoor Patio Furniture Covers, Waterproof UV Resistant Anti-Fading Cover for X-Large Round Table Chairs Set
F&J Outdoors Patio Furniture Cover is made from thick fabric that kept our set dry for months. Credit:

The Spruce

Because of the round shape and unique size that fit around our entire patio set, we found the price fair. At just over $90, it's nearly the same price as the 96 x 70 x 32-inch version of our favorite option for dining sets. This round cover we tested is 96 inches in diameter, making the pair perfect to cover rectangular and circular tables of the same size, justifying the similar price tag of the two.

Dimensions: 96 x 27.5 inches︱Material: Fabric︱Waterproof: Yes︱Product Care: Hand-wash only | Weight: 4.7 pounds

What We Like
  • Double-stitched with tape-sealed seams

  • Breathable side panels for ventilation

  • Fits multiple furniture types

What We Don't Like
  • Hard to fold and store

  • Only comes in two sizes

If you have a patio dining set that you want to keep looking great for your next outdoor dinner party, this waterproof Duck cover is the perfect size and offers plenty of protection against the elements.

We think this would be a particularly great option for windy areas—thanks to secure straps and breathable side panels, the cover did not slide or move around during months of testing. While we did notice a few small tears, no water seeped through and the cover worked wonderfully.

The directions for the Duck Covers Elegant Waterproof 96 Inch Rectangular/Oval Patio Table & Chair Set Cover
The Duck Covers 96-inch Cover is the perfect all-in-one solution for covering a dining set. Credit:

The Spruce

In addition to protecting our furniture from rain, snow, and moisture seeping through, the cover did not fade or shrink in strong sunlight. However, this cover did not reach the bottom of our furniture, but our best versatile option does, which can help prevent small critters from crawling underneath.

We found this large size hard to fold and wished it came with a storage bag. But, it's available in four sizes, fits rectangular and oval patio tables, and is roomy enough to shield six patio chairs.

Dimensions: 140 x 80 x 32 inches︱Material: Polyester︱Waterproof: Yes︱Product Care: Spot clean only  | Weight: 2.5 pounds

A close-up of a buckle on the Duck Covers Classic Accessories LTO10984 Rect/Oval Table & Chair Cover
We love this cover for windy conditions, since the straps keep the cover taut and secure. Credit:

The Spruce

What We Like
  • Took 5 minutes and one person to install

  • Strap ensures covers stay secure

  • Can cover multiple pieces at once

What We Don't Like
  • Visible fold lines

If you're looking for a single cover to protect your entire patio set, opt for a large option like this one from Ruimoy, which spans 108 x 82 inches. There are nine other sizes available, but we're partial to the oversized option as a one-stop solution for preserving outdoor furniture.

While we tested these under a covered deck, this waterproof cover offered extra protection from water, dirt, and falling leaves. Four adjustable straps and one bungee ensure the cover fits snugly over your patio set. We didn't notice the straps loosening during the testing period and were constantly impressed by the great fit.

What Our Tester Says

"I would recommend this product. It covers my large sectional and fire table and protects it from all weather: cold, snow, rain, and the sun," says our tester.

However, we didn't love that the fold lines were still visible for days after the cover was set up, which we did not notice for any other covers we tested. If aesthetics are not your main concern when covering your furniture, it shouldn't be an issue. However, after testing this cover for a year, the lines do eventually go away.

The buckle on the Ruimoy Patio Furniture Cover
During six months of testing, the Ruimoy Patio Furniture Cover's straps never loosened. Credit:

The Spruce

While this is the largest cover we recommend, it is less expensive than our other options. At just $46 (with smaller models priced over $80), we think this is a steal for covering all of your outdoor furniture at once. Plus, it kept our furniture protected for an entire year without any damage.

Dimensions: 124 x 70.8 x 29.1 inches | Material: 600D polyester | Waterproof: Yes | Product Care: Not Listed | Weight: 4 pounds

The Ruimoy Patio Furniture Cover covers patio furniture
After six months of use, this cover's fold lines eventually faded. Credit:

The Spruce

What We Like
  • Dual zippers for easy loading

  • Padded handles for easy transport

  • Very roomy

What We Don't Like
  • Not suitable for storing outdoors

Your outdoor cushions need protection, too, so don't forget about them. Instead, opt for the easy-to-carry Classic Accessories bag, which can hold cushions for both a bench and an upholstered chair of all shapes.

During testing, we loved the dual zippers that work both ways, which was essential because we stuffed this bag to the brim with cushions, bag chairs, and pillows. And the best part? There was still room left for more.

Rather than buying a cushion storage bag and a sofa cover, a bag like this adds an extra layer of protection and is a wise investment for stormy areas. This cover is also backed by a 3-year warranty—the manufacturer guarantees replacement if it is damaged by dry rot, sun, or mold.

The handle on the Classic Accessories Veranda Water-Resistant 60 Inch Patio Cushion and Cover Storage Bag
The Classic Accessories Veranda Patio Cushion Storage Bag has reinforced handles for easy moving. Credit:

The Spruce

We tried this cover for one year indoors and loved the ease of use. It kept dirt and moisture away from our outdoor cushions, but if you want a fully waterproof option, you can use our favorite sofa cover from Vailge, and leave the cushions on the couch over winter.

While it does provide complete coverage, this cover isn't meant as an outdoor storage solution. It's water-resistant, but not waterproof like other options on this list, so it's designed to be used indoors in a basement or garage and not left outside all winter. It can be placed outdoors when needed, but is not recommended for heavy rain or snow.

Dimensions: 60 x 20 x 28 inches | Material: Polyester Waterproof: Yes Product Care: Spot clean only | Weight: 4.3 pounds

What We Like
  • 100 percent waterproof fabric

  • Adjustable buckle straps and cord lock closures

  • Folds up for easy storage

What We Don't Like
  • No warranty

To protect outdoor couches and loveseats, the Vailge Heavy Duty Patio Sofa Cover is an excellent choice thanks to its waterproof, UV-resistant, and dustproof material. While intended for sofas, we also used these covers on outdoor chairs and coffee tables.

Due to the adjustable buckle straps, drawstring around the bottom, and cord lock closure, we found that the 93 x 40 x 35-inch cover stayed secure against high winds, even while covering multiple shapes and sizes. It felt snug and we were never worried it would blow off—such a win during blustery, stormy winters.

What Our Tester Says

"The cushions stayed out on my furniture all fall, winter, and the current spring season. This cover has done a great job protecting both the cushions and furniture," says our tester.

The cover held up perfectly to slight rain and winds during testing, protecting it from moisture and debris even after one year of use. We also appreciated the handle loops on each end that make transport easy. The cover is a bit bulky, but does fold up small to make storage a breeze.

The adjustable strap on the Vailge Heavy Duty Patio Sofa Cover
The adjustable strap on the Vailge Patio Sofa Cover ensured it stayed secure during wind and rain. Credit:

The Spruce

To keep the cover clean, hose it down with water and let it dry in the sun. It comes in six sizes to suit a variety of sofas. We also love the $47 price tag, which is lower than our best loveseat cover ($89).

If you need to cover even more furniture, but don't want to spend more than this, choose our best large option, which comes at a similar price, only bigger.

Dimensions: 93 x 40 x 35 inches︱Material: Polyester︱Waterproof: Yes︱Product Care: Spot clean only (hose with water) | Weight: 7.6 pounds

What We Like
  • Protects from rain, snow, and sun

  • Buckle straps and drawstring cord for a more secure fit

  • Fits larger chairs

What We Don't Like
  • Not vented to reduce moisture

The Vailge Patio Chair Covers are a great budget-friendly option that offers plenty of features to keep your chairs dry and protected all year.

We used this two-pack to cover two wicker glider chairs through several bouts of wind, rain, and bright sun and were impressed by how it kept our furniture dry.

The Vailge Patio Chair Cover on a chair
We used the Vailge Patio Chair Cover on two wicker gliders to protect them from rain and debris. Credit:

The Spruce

They feature an elastic hem cord with an adjustable toggle and buckle straps that fasten over furniture legs to keep it closed tightly. The design isn't vented (meaning moisture can build up underneath), so you may want to air out your furniture occasionally or after an intense storm.

Available in gray or beige and in six sizes, the covers are only suitable for patio chairs, but the set of two makes this an affordable pick for storing your outdoor seating. There's also a four-pack option in larger sizes and standard and deep sizes, so all chairs are welcome.

Dimensions: 38 x 31 x 30 inches︱Material: Oxford fabric︱Waterproof: Yes︱Product Care: Not Listed | Weight: 4 pounds

What We Like
  • Heavy-duty waterproof fabric

  • Stays secure with click-close straps and elastic hem cord with toggle on corners

  • Extra material provided for patch

  • Padded handles

What We Don't Like
  • Double the price of our sofa cover

  • May start fading after a year

This heavy-duty option from Duck Covers keeps your patio loveseats (and their cushions) safe from the elements. We tested this cover for an entire year and loved the results. Our loveseat looked perfect; besides some slight fading, there was no visible wear or tear on the cover.

It has quick-close straps on all four corners to keep the cover in place on extremely windy days, but we found that the cover seemed heavy enough to stay put on its own even during high winds, so bring on stormy climates!

We used the second largest option at 93 x 40 x 35 inches, which fits loveseats up to 91 x 38 x 35 inches, and it felt weighty and secure.

The Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Loveseat Cover covers a seat
We love the elastic hem on each side of the Duck Covers Loveseat Cover for a tight fit. Credit:

The Spruce

For a more customized fit, there is also an elastic hem cord with an adjustable toggle on each corner, which we recommend using for intense weather. The breathable side panels prevent moisture from building beneath the cover. 

While this cover operates very similarly to the best pick for sofas, but at a higher price point of $89, we appreciate that it comes in three more sizes and offers a 2-year limited warranty in case your cover gets ripped or damaged.

Dimensions: 93 x 40 x 35 inches︱Material: Polyester︱Waterproof: Yes︱Product Care: Spot clean only | Weight: 6 pounds

The Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Loveseat Cover covers patio furniture
This cover felt weighty on our outdoor loveseat even without the helpful straps. Credit:

The Spruce

What We Like
  • Breathable vents for circulation

  • Elastic hem with adjustable drawcord

  • Protects against elements (and squirrels)

What We Don't Like
  • Difficult to choose the correct size

You can practically protect anything with this versatile rectangular cover from Ultcover. We used these covers on a sofa, a loveseat, and two chairs, and we loved the snug fit made possible by thick clasps and adjustable bungee cords, which did not loosen over time.

After days of exposure to rain, wind, bright UV rays, and curious squirrels, all four pieces of furniture looked unchanged. The performance of these covers even convinced us to leave these pieces outdoors during the winter rather than storing them in the garage.

The ULTCOVER Waterproof Outdoor Sofa Cover - Durable Patio Bench Covers covers a loveseat
The Ultcover Sofs Cover beautifully protected our wooden furniture and cushions in the winter. Credit:

The Spruce

Luckily, after months in the elements, the covers performed beautifully, keeping rain and snow off our patio furniture. It also withstood high winds and proved easy to install and maneuver in just a matter of minutes. To prevent mildew or mold from building up underneath the cover during rain or snow, there are air vents on each side.

We love that this cover is available in six colors and 11 sizes to fit most furniture in your outdoor space. However, finding the right size for your furniture may take a bit of trial and error. We opted for an oversized fit that allowed part of the cover to tuck under the legs so no part of the couch touched the ground or was exposed to the elements.

Dimensions: 88 x 35 x 24 inches | Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes | Product Care: Hand-wash only | Weight: 7.6 pounds

Final Verdict

Our pick for the best outdoor furniture cover is the Ultcover Rectangular Patio Heavy Duty Table Cover, available in various sizes with great quality and functionality. If you're looking to cover your patio chairs, we love the budget-friendly Vailge Patio Chair Covers. This durable, snug-fitting two-pack kept our wicker patio chairs protected from rain, snow, sunlight, and even small critters.

How We Tested the Outdoor Furniture Covers

The Article Hofte Lounger Cover on outdoor furniture
Most outdoor furniture covers we tested retain their wrinkly appearance, which we don't mind. Credit:

The Spruce

We tested 15 outdoor furniture covers in our backyards across the country from Iowa, New Jersey, to Connecticut in rainy, windy, cold, and sunny conditions. Each cover was evaluated on quality, performance, durability, fit, and value.

  • Quality: We inspected the quality, thickness, reinforced seams, and feel of the fabric, as well as the strength of the bungees, straps, clips, or ties. We noted any padded handles or special features that made the cover easier to fold, move, or store.
  • Performance: We set up the covers according to the instructions and secured them tightly with the included bungees, straps, or clasps. We then tested the covers in our outdoor spaces for two weeks in the elements, recording the weather conditions and noting if the covers shifted or blew off during that time and had to be adjusted.
  • Durability: After two weeks, we inspected our outdoor tables, loveseats, chairs, and more to see if they were damaged or if any moisture slipped through. We noted if the fabric faded or shrunk in the sunlight. We also cleaned the covers according to the manufacturer's instructions when needed.
  • Fit: We evaluated the fit of each cover and noted how easy it was to adjust and secure.
  • Value: After the testing period, we noted what we liked and didn't like about each cover and if we felt that the price was reflective of its features.
  • Long-Term Testing: We used these outdoor furniture covers on our patio furniture across the country for over six months. They were exposed to the elements, including wind, snow, rain, and hail. After months of testing, we noted any changes in quality, any damage to our patio furniture, and how the covers performed overall after using them outdoors. We will continue to monitor these covers for durability and update our list accordingly.

What to Look for in an Outdoor Furniture Cover

Outdoor furniture on a patio covered by the Ruimoy Patio Furniture Cover
Look for a cover that works for an entire set like the Ruimoy Patio Furniture Cover. Credit:

The Spruce

Research the Right Materials for Your Weather Conditions

It's important that these covers can withstand weather conditions in your area. "Features like mildew, water, and UV resistance will help to ensure the cover you are purchasing will have longevity and best protect your furniture," says Susan Frechette, associate director of corporate communications at Wayfair.

Though it may seem like a given, it's worth checking that the covers are waterproof (all of our recommendations are); otherwise, rain and other severe weather could lead to furniture damage.

Many outdoor furniture covers are UV-treated to avoid fading and shrinking in the sun, including our best option for dining sets. Cormier notes that a small amount of fading over time is normal, though.

One notable exception is our favorite outdoor cushion cover. This cover is water-resistant but is best to be stored indoors in a basement or garage.

"Water resistant [covers] can only absorb the smallest amount of water, about a tenth of a gram," says Cormier. It's wise to store your outdoor cushions and pillows indoors anyway during inclement weather to increase their longevity.

The handle on the Classic Accessories Veranda Water-Resistant 60 Inch Patio Cushion and Cover Storage Bag
Sturdy handles like this make it easy to slip the cover on your furniture and move it around. Credit:

The Spruce

Secure the Covers to Your Furniture

Though furniture covers tend to be on the heavier side, they still need to be secured to ensure that they stay in place. Every option on this list has some form of bungee or clasp to keep your cover in place. From drawstrings to buckles, it's important to confirm that the furniture cover has any type of fastening for added peace of mind.

Our best round pick, has quick-release buckles plus a drawstring with a lock to help keep it in place. Even our top option for loveseats, which was heavy enough to stay in place during high winds, comes with reinforcing hardware to ensure a snug fit.

One More Thing

It's important to keep your covers clean. Some brands recommend wiping removable furniture covers with a cloth or scrub dipped in soapy water. (A mild soap or dish detergent is preferable.) After wiping them down with soap and water, wipe them dry with a clean cloth. Other covers can be hosed off and left in the sun to dry. 

When attempting to remove stains, mold, or mildew from the cover, be sure to use a cleaner that’s formulated for that purpose and compatible with the material. It’s always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer’s guide for specific cleaning instructions. For stubborn dirt and grime, you could try power washing.

Chris Johannsen, a designer and owner of CREATIVEscape, says to “be very careful with this approach. Never get too close to the furniture, and keep the spray at a wide angle. A narrow spray could cut, dent, or tear your furniture, especially if you get too close.”

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Julia Fields, a senior writer for The Spruce, covering patio essentials since October 2021. She's spent years researching the best patio furniture for every size and shape, so it only makes sense that she'd research and test the best covers to keep your furniture looking brand new.

For this list, she utilized testing insights on 15 outdoor furniture covers of every size and shape that were real-world tested in our backyards across the country.

Our Experts:

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