Patio furniture needs protection

It’s best to start protecting patio furniture before all the leaves have fallen.

Autumn’s wind, rain, changing temperatures and leaves damage even the most durable furniture over time. Umbrellas won’t last more than a season if they’re left uncovered outside.

The top method of caring for outdoor furniture during the cold months is to store pieces in the basement, garage or shed. “They’ll get the longest life that way because they’ll be away from the elements,” says Dale Johnson, manager of Seasonal Concepts in Overland Park, Kan.

A few things to consider when storing your furniture inside:

•Cleaning: It’s recommended to clean furnishings before you store them indoors. It’s also important to wash them before you return them outside in the spring because they’re probably dusty.

•Cushions: Wrap them in an old bed sheet. Make sure they’re completely dry before you put them in a container, otherwise they’ll be moldy when you’re ready to put them outside in the spring.

•Umbrellas: Keep them upright, leaning against the wall or hung from grip hooks. Keep them off the ground where they can be chewed on by mice and insects.

The second best way to protect furniture takes an investment: Outdoor covers start at $12 per item. They’re a solution for those who don’t have storage space and have heavy furniture.

Covers are available for Adirondacks, stacking chairs, chaises, gliders, tables, ottomans and umbrellas. Barbecue grill covers should be kept on grills when they’re not in use year-round.

“You want grills to be sanitary because you cook on them,” says Steve Sweet, president and owner of Fireplace & Bar-B-Q Center in Overland Park, Kan. “Covers are a good way to protect surfaces from bird droppings and other debris.”

Some furniture covers can protect entire patio sets. They start at $45 for a small round table and four low-back chairs and go up to more than $190 for a 102-inch-long oval table and a dozen chairs.

Seasonal Damage

•Fall: Changing temperatures, leaves, rain, falling tree branches, wind

•Winter: Frigid temperatures, ice, snow

•Spring: Changing temperatures, pollen, rain, tree sap, wind

•Summer: Heat, humidity, sun, thunderstorms