How To Make Outdoor Furniture Covers

Outdoor furniture is great to use when the weather is good. Unfortunately, they are left in the rain and snow during a large part of the year. A cover can protect it and make it last longer, with the added advantage of keeping the furniture clean.

All about the measures

The first thing you should do in measuring the furniture is to imagine you are trying to build a crate to store it. This can give you a rough idea of how much material you need to cover it. If the furniture has no straight lines or lots of pointy bits, measuring may prove difficult. However, you should still get a rough estimate of its size.

Plastic tarp, heavy canvas or cloth

Depending on the weather the furniture is subjected to, there are different materials you can use to cover it. Each has its price, advantages and disadvantages. The cheapest solution is a plastic tarp with eyelets that tie around the furniture. This is suitable for rain and snow, but degrades with too much exposure to the sun. A simple cloth is good protection for the sun, but rots if left wet for prolonged periods. Heavy rubber canvas is the best solution because it stands up to all seasons; however, it is the most expensive.

Making the cover

If you decide to make a cover to measure using the material that best suits your needs, you should utilize a sewing machine and pair of scissors for the best results. Start by cutting a few panels the length of the crate walls that you measured earlier. Sew these together, making sure the seam is turned inside out. After the cover is finished, seal the seams with seam sealant. This prevents the thread from rotting and is found where most camping supplies are sold.

Get crafty, and create your own outdoor furniture cover. Save money by making your own covers, and cut costs by adding years to your furniture's life.

The cheapest solution is a plastic tarp with eyelets

by Peter Laurel, Home & Garden writer