Key takeaways
- Measure the furniture, including height and the widest points.
- Choose a cover with straps, a drawstring, or both.
- Look for vents if the furniture will remain covered for weeks.
- Check whether the fabric is UV-resistant and whether seams are protected.
- Avoid covers that are so tight they press against corners.
- Use a separate patio furniture cover support if water could pool on a table.
Covering patio furniture does not have to mean buying a separate fitted cover for every chair. The cheapest workable approach is usually a breathable outdoor cover for the main pieces, combined with simple tie-downs and a little preparation before bad weather. A bargain cover can protect furniture well, but only if it stays in place and allows trapped moisture to escape.
Choose the right cover for the furniture
Start by measuring the furniture as a group. A single table-and-chairs cover is often cheaper than several individual covers, and it reduces the number of pieces you need to remove before a storm. Measure the widest and tallest points, then add a few inches. Do not buy a cover that fits tightly over sharp corners; tension can split the fabric or pull the cover off in wind.
For a low-cost starting point, compare patio furniture cover sets with individual covers. Sets are convenient, but they are not always the cheapest per piece. A large rectangular cover can work over a compact dining set, while separate covers are better when the chairs are frequently used or stored in different places.
| Cover option | Typical cost | Best for | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester or Oxford-cloth furniture cover | Low to moderate | Regular outdoor use and seasonal rain | Can leak or tear if thin, poorly fitted, or left rubbing on corners |
| Heavy-duty vinyl cover | Low to moderate | Maximum rain protection on sturdy furniture | Can trap condensation and become brittle in sun or cold |
| Water-resistant tarp | Low | Temporary protection or large irregular items | Needs careful tie-downs and ventilation; looks untidy |
| DIY cover from outdoor fabric | Low if materials are available | Handy owners with unusual furniture sizes | More work and usually less reliable seam waterproofing |
The best cheap covering options
1. A basic fitted furniture cover
This is the best choice for most shoppers. Look for polyester, solution-dyed fabric, or Oxford cloth with a water-resistant coating. Useful features include a drawstring hem, buckle straps, taped or protected seams, air vents, and handles. You do not need the thickest advertised material for a covered patio or a mild climate.
A low-cost cover is fine when the furniture sits under an overhang, is used regularly, and can be uncovered after rain. It is less suitable for an exposed deck with strong wind, driving rain, and snow. Thin covers often fail first at corners, around the drawstring, and where water pools on a flat table.
Buy waterproof patio table and chair covers only if the listing provides actual dimensions and shows how the cover is secured. “Waterproof” describes resistance to water entering from outside; it does not guarantee that condensation will not form underneath.
2. A tarp used correctly
A tarp is the lowest-cost option for temporary protection, moving, or covering furniture during a storm. Choose a UV-resistant outdoor tarp rather than a very thin utility sheet. Place a clean blanket, foam, or an inverted plastic bin under sharp edges so the tarp does not wear through.
Do not simply drape a tarp over a table and tuck the corners underneath. Wind can turn it into a sail, pulling furniture over or scuffing the finish. Use elastic tie-downs, rope, or tarp clips around the furniture frame. Leave a small opening near the bottom for airflow, particularly in warm weather.
A tarp suits someone who needs an inexpensive seasonal solution and does not mind adjusting it. It is a poor choice for a neat-looking patio, daily access, or furniture that cannot tolerate repeated rubbing and trapped dampness.
3. A homemade cover
If you already have outdoor fabric, a shower-curtain liner, or a retired boat cover, a simple homemade cover can save money. Use the material as a loose dust and rain shield, and secure it with sewn-in elastic or clips. For a table, a rectangular panel with reinforced corner points is easier to make than a tailored cover.
The weak point is usually the seams. Sewing ordinary fabric does not make it waterproof, and seam sealant adds cost and labor. Homemade covers are most sensible for protected areas, short-term storage, or furniture with unusual dimensions that would require an expensive custom cover.
How to make a cheap cover last
Clean and dry the furniture before covering it. Dirt trapped under a cover can stain cushions and rub against painted or powder-coated surfaces. Remove seat cushions when possible; cushions hold moisture and are much harder to protect than metal or plastic frames.
Use spacers to create a peak so rain runs off instead of pooling. An upside-down storage bin, a short plastic stool, or a purpose-made cover support can lift the middle of a table cover. Keep the support rounded or padded so it does not puncture the fabric.
Secure the cover to the furniture, not just to nearby objects. Straps with quick-release buckles are convenient, while bungee cords provide tension but can snap back dangerously if stretched too far. Rope works, but knots may loosen and rope can rub against finishes. Check the cover after the first windy night and adjust any loose or flapping areas.
Ventilation matters even when the cover is labeled waterproof. Vents, loose hems, and occasional airing reduce condensation. Avoid wrapping furniture tightly in plastic film for weeks at a time. That method may keep rain out initially but can trap humidity against wood, fabric, and metal fasteners.
When spending more is worthwhile
Upgrade from the cheapest cover when the furniture is expensive, exposed, or left outside year-round. A heavier fabric with strong seams and better straps is less likely to tear in wind. A custom-shaped cover can also be worth paying for when it prevents large puddles and does not flap against delicate surfaces.
For wood furniture, a cover should not replace periodic cleaning and finish maintenance. For steel or iron, inspect scratches and rust-prone joints before covering. Aluminum and resin furniture generally tolerate inexpensive covers well, provided wind does not drag them across the ground.
In snowy areas, remove heavy accumulation rather than expecting a low-cost cover to support it. In high-wind locations, storing the furniture or taking the cover off during severe weather may protect it better than buying a heavier cover. No fabric cover is a substitute for anchoring lightweight chairs and tables.
A practical buying checklist
- Measure the furniture, including height and the widest points.
- Choose a cover with straps, a drawstring, or both.
- Look for vents if the furniture will remain covered for weeks.
- Check whether the fabric is UV-resistant and whether seams are protected.
- Avoid covers that are so tight they press against corners.
- Use a separate patio furniture cover support if water could pool on a table.
For most homes, the cheapest sensible setup is a correctly sized midweight cover, a few tie-down straps, and a support in the center of a large table. A tarp is cheaper for occasional use, while a premium cover earns its cost mainly in harsh weather or when replacing the furniture would be expensive.
FAQ
Can I use a regular blue tarp to cover patio furniture?
Yes, for temporary protection, but secure it carefully and allow airflow. A tarp that flaps in the wind can abrade finishes and tear quickly.
Should patio furniture covers be completely waterproof?
Not always. Water resistance plus ventilation is often better for long-term use because a fully sealed cover can trap condensation underneath.
How do I stop a patio cover from blowing away?
Use covers with buckle straps or a drawstring, then add elastic tie-downs around the furniture frame. Do not rely on loose ropes tied only to the cover.
Is it cheaper to cover each chair separately?
Usually not. One properly sized cover for a table and chairs often costs less, but individual covers are more convenient when the furniture is used frequently or stored separately.
