Now that you've made an investment in new furniture for the porch, patio, or deck, what will you do with it when weather prevents its use for a long period of time? Generally speaking, homeowners have three basic choices -- store it, cover it, or do nothing. The best choice for you will depend chiefly on your unique situation. Knowing more about each option should allow any homeowner to make the most informed decision about outdoor furniture protection.

Letting It Go

Some homeowners prefer to do very little, if anything, to protect their outdoor furniture. Many people may feel that they lack the extra time needed to use patio furniture covers or to carry furniture pieces into storage. Protecting the outdoor furniture is not often on top of the priorities list for many busy homeowners. Regrettably, neglected patio furniture deteriorates at a dramatically faster rate than protected furniture. The lifespan of resins, metals, and woods is very much reduced with constant exposure to the elements. The result is furniture that looks beaten up and weathered, and that falls apart and requires replacing much sooner than homeowners might expect.

Storing It Away

Other homeowners like to store their patio furniture in a shed or another available space. Storing outdoor furniture makes sense when it will be out of use for a significant amount of time, such as through the winter. Storing furniture does have some disadvantages, though. Outdoor furniture is usually heavy, and moving it generally requires more than one person. Moving furniture can cause injury to those doing the moving, and it can cause damage to furniture pieces if any part is scraped, dropped, or bumped in transit. Storage is not a practical choice for homeowners who do not have extra space available, nor is it ideal for those who want only temporary protection from the elements.

Covering It Up

A growing number of homeowners prefer the third option for outdoor furniture protection -- patio furniture covers. Patio furniture covers can be put on and removed in a matter of minutes, making regular use possible. Homeowners can promptly cover their patio furniture before an impending storm, and then remove the covers after the weather has cleared. Patio furniture covers made using superior quality fabrics are intended to stand up to many years of harsh weather conditions, too, so they can protect furniture successfully for extended periods of time. Also, patio furniture covers are a space saver because they can be folded away and stowed in a small space when they aren't needed.

Storing outdoor furniture, covering it, or doing nothing to protect it is entirely the choice of the individual homeowner. Understanding some of the advantages and disadvantages of each option, though, is crucial so that the most preferred method can be used.