Patio Furniture Covers
Considering the cost of quality outdoor furniture, it is surprising that so many homeowners have to be convinced of the need for patio furniture covers. While most patio furniture is made to resist damage from the elements, covering it during periods of extreme heat, cold or moisture is always a good idea. Covering barbeque grills and other outdoor cooking and heating units is almost mandatory if a homeowner wants them to last more than one or two seasons. Patio umbrellas and tables also need the added protection of patio furniture covers. Another patio accessory that is often missed when selecting patio furniture covers is the wood bin. Now that the need for patio furniture covers has been established, what should a homeowner look for when choosing them?
Obviously the function of patio furniture covers is to protect the patio furniture; however, the best patio furniture covers in the world are useless if their owners never put them on the furniture. Therefore, not only must patio furniture covers be functional they must also be easy to put on and take off of the furniture. 
Most patio furniture covers come in standard sizes that fit the majority of patio furniture. Homeowners who have custom designed patio furniture will most likely also have to have custom made patio furniture covers. Even when purchasing standard patio furniture covers, it is important to have accurate furniture measurements. Some major manufacturers of outdoor furniture, barbeque grills and other outdoor accessories also produce patio furniture covers specifically made for their products.
Other than size, the materials from which patio furniture covers are made are the most important component when considering their function as protection. The material should be mildew resistant, rain resistant and insect resistant. Interior linings protect the surfaces of the furniture from being damaged by the covers themselves. Be wary though of linings which may rub off or fade on furniture surfaces. Also watch out for linings which may shed on the furniture making it necessary to clean the furniture before using it once the covers have been removed. Fabric which is protected against the sun’s rays gives added protection to the furniture underneath.
Once the homeowner has ascertained that the patio furniture covers will indeed protect the furniture, it’s now time to determine how easily they go on and come off of the furniture. Convenient application and removal are particularly important for large, oddly shaped furniture such as eating tables and grills and for tall pieces like umbrellas. 
Check to see if the patio furniture covers are light enough to be picked up and handled by one person. Make sure that all of the closures open and close easily. Zippers should glide over their teeth and fasten securely. Some makers of patio furniture covers have been thoughtful enough to attach wands to the zippers for umbrellas and other bulky pieces. The wands allow for pulling the zippers closed after the covers have been installed.
So, protect the expensive investments that are sitting on the deck. Search out patio furniture covers that defy the elements and that can actually be put on and taken off the furniture without a great deal of trouble. After the thunderstorm is over or the snow melts the effort will have been worthwhile.
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