How to Store Garden Furniture for Winter: Complete Protection Guide

As daylight shortens and the cold sets in, many people head indoors and leave garden furniture outside. So how do you store garden furniture for winter so it comes out in good shape in spring? The key is to plan ahead and match your care to each material. Good winter storage is more than throwing a cover over a table. It means cleaning, checking for damage, choosing the right place to store items, and keeping an eye on them. Follow this step-by-step guide to protect your investment, add years to your furniture’s life, and keep your outdoor space welcoming next season.

Why Store Garden Furniture for Winter?

It can feel like busywork once the weather turns, but packing away your furniture does more than tidy the garden. It helps keep it looking good and working well, especially through a wet, windy British winter. Leaving pieces outside speeds up wear and can shorten their life.

What Are the Risks of Leaving Outdoor Furniture Exposed?

UK winters can bring cold, damp, frost, and sometimes snow. These are tough on outdoor pieces. Common issues include:

• Wood: moisture leads to rot, warping, and cracking
• Metal: rust and corrosion from standing water and damp
• Rattan (natural or synthetic): weakening, sagging, and mould in damp air
• Plastic/resin: brittleness in freezing weather and fading from UV

Wind, rain, and frost also loosen fittings and make furniture look shabby. Dirt and leaves trap moisture and feed mould and mildew. Leaving furniture out all winter speeds up damage and can lead to repairs or early replacement.

Does All Garden Furniture Need Winter Storage?

Most garden furniture benefits from some winter protection, but the level of care depends on the material. Some hardwoods, like teak and oak, can cope outside all year and weather nicely, though they still need occasional oiling or sealing. Aluminium frames and good synthetic rattan also hold up well. Even so, a bit of protection keeps them looking better for longer.

Softer woods (like pine), natural wicker, and some coated metals are more vulnerable. These need indoor storage or strong covers. Cushions and other soft items attract damp, mildew, and pests, so bring them indoors. There’s no single method that suits every piece. Know your materials and their weak points for better winter care.

Benefits of Proper Winter Storage

• Longer life: less wear from rain, frost, and UV means fewer repairs and replacements
• Better looks: no more faded wood, peeling paint, or mouldy cushions in spring
• Ready to use: less heavy cleaning when the warmer weather returns

When Should You Prepare Garden Furniture for Winter?

Timing matters. Don’t wait for the first hard frost. A little planning now saves time and money later.

Factors Influencing the Best Timing

The best time to start is early autumn, roughly September to October. You’ll get milder, drier days that suit cleaning, repairs, and treatments. Cold, wet weather makes the job unpleasant and many treatments won’t stick well to damp surfaces.

Local weather matters too. If you live where frosts arrive early or rain is heavy, start sooner. Aim to have everything clean, dry, treated, and stored or covered before the first major cold spell.

Recognising Early Signs of Winter Weather

Watch the forecast and look for early hints: colder nights, damp mornings, frost on car windscreens, and the wet spell that often starts in October. These are clear signs to get moving before a sudden cold snap.

Cleaning Garden Furniture Before Storage

Clean everything before you store or cover it. This step helps stop mould, mildew, and long-term damage. Dirt, leaves, and food scraps hold moisture and feed fungus, especially in enclosed spaces. A good clean keeps items fresh for spring.

How to Clean Wooden Furniture

• Brush off leaves, dust, and loose debris
• Wash with warm, soapy water and a non-scratch pad; avoid bleach and harsh chemicals
• Use a wood colour restorer if needed
• Rinse well and let the wood air dry fully
• Keep furniture off grass during cleaning and storage to reduce moisture uptake

How to Clean Metal Furniture

• Clean with a mild cleaner and a soft pad or cloth
• Remove rust with a wire brush or a rust remover
• Rinse off soap and dry fully to avoid new rust
• Sand chipped paint and touch up exposed areas

How to Clean Rattan and Wicker Furniture

• Use a soft brush or vacuum to clear dust from the weave
• Wipe with water and mild detergent; do not soak
• For mould, try a water and white vinegar mix
• Avoid pressure washers, which can damage the weave
• Dry completely before storing

How to Clean Plastic Furniture

• Wash with warm water and mild detergent
• For deeper cleaning, a little bleach in water can help
• Use a sponge or soft brush; avoid steel wool and other abrasives
• Pressure washers are fine if used with care
• Rinse and dry fully to prevent mildew

How to Clean Outdoor Cushions and Fabrics

• Remove covers and machine wash on a gentle, cool cycle if the label allows
• For light cleaning, brush off dirt and vacuum
• Spot-clean stains with a fabric-safe cleaner
• Dry cushions completely before storing
• For mildew, clean with equal parts water and white vinegar, then dry well

Inspecting and Repairing Outdoor Furniture Ahead of Winter

After cleaning, check each piece and fix small issues. Small problems grow over winter, so deal with them now to keep your furniture sturdy and safe.

Checking for Structural Damage

Look closely at every item for wear or loose parts. Check joints, screws, and fittings are tight. Watch for:

• Wood: splinters, soft spots from rot, and areas that look waterlogged
• Metal: rust spots, paint chips, or exposed bare metal
• Rattan/wicker: sagging, frayed or loose strands
• Plastic: cracks or brittle areas

Repairing Minor Issues to Prevent Worsening

• Tighten screws and fasteners
• Sand small splinters on wood; fill minor cracks with wood filler
• On metal, remove rust, prime, and repaint
• Re-weave or glue loose rattan strands where possible

A loose screw or small rust patch can turn into a big failure in winter wind and temperature swings. Fixing now saves bigger jobs later.

Applying Protective Coatings Where Needed

• Wood: use a good preservative, oil, sealant, or waterproof wax to repel water and slow UV fade
• Metal: after touch-ups, add a rust prevention spray or clear protective coat
• Plastic/resin: use a UV-protective spray to reduce fading and brittleness

Pick coatings that suit each material. This extra layer helps your furniture cope with wet and freezing weather.

Best Storage Methods for Different Garden Furniture Materials

Just as cleaning steps vary, storage needs differ by material. Matching the method to the item gives the best protection and longer life.

Storing Wooden Furniture

Hardwoods like teak and oak can stay outdoors if you’re happy with a greyed, weathered look. Treat with oil, stain, or a hardwood shield, tip off standing water, and keep legs out of puddles. If you prefer a newer look, store in a garage, shed, or conservatory.

Softwoods (such as pine) stain and rot more easily and should go indoors over winter. Foldable items can go in outdoor storage boxes if the boxes are weatherproof. Always dry wood fully before storage to avoid mould.

Storing Rattan and Wicker Furniture

Rattan and wicker benefit from careful storage. Natural wicker should live indoors when not in use. Synthetic rattan handles weather better, but long exposure still causes wear. If you cannot store inside, use a good breathable cover.

Clean and dry the furniture before covering. If you use a storage box, make sure it is weatherproof and that items are fully dry. Wicker protectors that repel water and dirt can help.

Storing Metal Furniture: Cast Iron, Aluminium, and Steel

Rust is the main problem. Cast iron can sit outside, but treat rust early and repaint with metal paint. For plastic-coated frames, water can get into joints and start corrosion, so indoor storage is better.

Aluminium resists rust and can stay out, though it may oxidise. Clean yearly with a mild cleaner like water and vinegar. If you can store metal furniture indoors, that gives the best protection, especially in damp areas. If it stays outside, use a breathable, well-fitting cover and secure it against wind.

Storing Plastic and Resin Furniture

Plastic and resin need little care but can fade and become brittle in cold snaps. If you won’t use them in winter, keep them indoors to avoid UV fade and cold damage.

If they must stay outside, clean and dry them, use a plastic-safe UV protectant, and add a well-fitted cover. Keep them out of direct sun when possible, even in winter, to slow ageing.

How to Store Outdoor Cushions and Soft Furnishings

Cushions and fabrics are the most likely to suffer in winter. They soak up moisture, attract mildew, and can invite pests. Store them well so they stay fresh and ready for spring.

Protecting Against Damp and Mould

Golden rule: store only when completely dry. Even slight damp can lead to mildew and bad smells. After cleaning (mild soap or upholstery cleaner), let items air dry for a long time, ideally in sun. Don’t rush this step; it’s your best defence against mould.

If you used a water and vinegar mix for mildew, rinse and dry fully. Use breathable storage bags rather than sealed plastic, which can trap moisture. If your storage space is damp, a small dehumidifier helps keep air dry.

Best Storage Locations for Fabrics

Keep cushions indoors in a dry, ventilated, steady-temperature space like a spare room, loft, dry cellar, or garage. This keeps moisture and pests away and helps prevent fading from indoor sun.

Short on room? A weatherproof outdoor cushion box is a good option. Look for strong boxes made from aluminium, resin/plastic, or resin wicker. Raise the box off the ground and load it with items that are fully dry. Good airflow and dryness are the goals.

Should You Cover Garden Furniture Left Outside?

If indoor space is tight, good covers are the next best thing. They shield furniture from rain, frost, and dirt.

Choosing Quality Furniture Covers

• Fit: measure first. Too small leaves parts exposed; too large flaps and traps moisture
• Material: choose weather-resistant fabrics like polyester or vinyl
• Breathability: vents or breathable fabric help reduce condensation and mould
• Fixings: straps, buckles, or drawstrings keep covers secure in wind

Benefits and Drawbacks of Covering Instead of Storing Indoors

Benefits:

• Shields from rain, frost, snow, and UV
• Keeps off dust, leaves, and bird droppings
• Helps metal resist rust by limiting direct moisture
• Reduces cleaning work in spring

Drawbacks:

• Moisture can get trapped if items weren’t fully dry or if covers don’t breathe
• Strong winds can lift covers if not secured
• Temperature swings still affect materials compared with indoor storage

If you cannot store indoors, a breathable, well-fitted, and well-secured cover is a strong defence for winter.

Where to Store Garden Furniture in Winter

Picking the right spot is a big part of protecting your furniture. Aim for shelter from wind, rain, and frost, but work with the space you have.

Indoor Options: Garages, Sheds and Conservatories

Indoors gives the best protection from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. This suits high-value pieces and anyone who won’t use their garden furniture in winter. Garages, sheds, and conservatories work well if dry and ventilated.

Clean and dry items before moving them inside. If space is tight, disassemble modular sets or stack chairs and tables. Use wall hooks for lighter items. Covers help keep dust off and protect surfaces. Avoid damp basements or humid garages that can cause mould.

Outdoor Storage Boxes: Are They Effective?

Outdoor storage boxes are handy for cushions, small pieces, and accessories. Common materials and traits:

• Aluminium: sturdy, secure, often powder-coated to resist rust
• Resin/plastic: resists sun, rain, and snow; light and easy to clean
• Wood: classic look; needs regular sealing to avoid rot and warp
• Resin wicker: stylish and durable for outdoor use

Choose heavy-duty, weatherproof boxes raised off the ground. Only store items that are clean and fully dry to avoid mould. Boxes don’t control temperature, so keep very delicate items elsewhere unless the box is climate-controlled.

Preparing the Storage Area for Winter

Get your storage space ready before you load it:

• Clean the area and check for pests
• Use dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers if the space is damp
• Improve airflow to lower mould risk
• Fix any roof or wall leaks in sheds/garages
• Protect items from cold, damp floors with tarps or blankets
• Organise with shelves, hooks, or stacking to save space

A tidy, dry, and aired storage area keeps furniture safe through winter.

Regular Checks and Maintenance During Winter

Even when stored or covered, a little follow-up helps avoid spring surprises. Quick checks now keep everything in good order.

Spotting Issues Like Damp, Mould or Pests

Check once a month, and after heavy snow, long rain, or deep cold. Look for:

• Damp patches, mould, or mildew on surfaces and on the inside of covers
• Pest signs such as droppings, gnaw marks, or nests

If you find damp or mould, take the item out, clean it, and dry it fully before putting it back. Deal with pests quickly to stop damage.

Why Occasional Airing Can Prevent Long-Term Damage

On a mild, dry day, open covers or bring items out for a few hours. Fresh air helps remove trapped moisture and keeps mould at bay. This is also a good time to tighten screws, look for new rust, and check coatings.

For cushions stored indoors, take them out of bags and fluff them near an open window now and then. This keeps them fresh and stops musty smells.

Bringing Garden Furniture Back into Use After Winter

Once spring arrives, it’s time to bring your garden set back into service. A careful return to use keeps everything safe and looking good.

Spring Cleaning and Reassembly Tips

Take furniture out of storage or remove covers. Check covers for damage or mould, then clean and dry them before folding them away. Wipe all furniture surfaces to remove dust and cobwebs. If needed, use mild detergent, then rinse and dry.

• Wood: lightly sand small marks and reapply oil or sealant if the old coat has faded
• Metal: remove any rust and touch up paint where needed
• Cushions/fabrics: wash as per care labels and dry fully
• Reassemble any pieces you took apart, matching all parts and tightening fittings

Inspecting for Winter-Related Damage

Do a full check before daily use:

• Tighten all screws, bolts, and fittings
• Wood: look for new cracks, splinters, or rot and repair or replace parts
• Metal: remove new rust and add rust-resistant paint or clear coats
• Rattan/wicker: fix loose, frayed, or sagging weave
• Fabrics: repair small tears or replace badly damaged covers or pads

This spring check keeps your furniture safe, sturdy, and ready for another season, while helping it stay attractive for years ahead.