Old man winter is blowing across the nation, and it's time to store your outdoor furniture if you haven't already. Protecting your furniture from the elements is necessary if you want it to last longer. Here are a few tips for securing your furniture, so you can continue enjoying it for years to come.
Prepare it Ahead of Time
Ideally, you should prepare your furniture ahead of time. Check wood for areas of rot, and make sure that there is no rust on your metal furniture. Clean it, inspect it and make any necessary repairs before putting it away for the coming winter months. Cushions should be dried and cleaned before going in storage.
Detachable Cushions
Most patio pieces have detachable cushions. These should never be left outside for the winter. Ideally, they should be stored in a dry basement, clean crawlspace or attic. Clean the cushions before putting them into storage. Treat stains, remove any mildew and make sure they are completely dry. Put the cushions in plastic bags to protect them from dust and bugs, and then store them in these dry, secure areas.
Make Room in the Shed or Garage
The chairs for your set should be put in the shed or garage. If you can fit the table, then get it out of the elements, also. If possible, hang chairs and smaller tables from the ceiling to leave your floor space open for other items. You can also stack some chairs to save space. Try to keep the furniture clustered together to avoid losing too much floor space in your garage. If the pieces are small enough, store them in the attic or crawlspace, instead.
Cover the Table for Protection
Covering your patio table prevents it from getting stained over the course of the winter. It will be easier to clean when spring rolls around again. Place a tarp over the table, and secure it below the tabletop. With the edges cinched tightly under the top, you won't have to worry about it blowing away in a storm. Maintain an insulating area between the tarp and your table 
by using a soccer or volleyball to raise the tarp off the table and prevent it from sticking to the surface.
Securing Furniture on the Deck
If you don't have space for the furniture in a garage or shed, then you will have to leave the furniture on the deck. However, it still needs to be protected from the harsh weather and powerful winter winds. Group furniture together in the center of the deck. Each piece should be individually covered with a tarp or special furniture cover before the pieces are pushed against each other. Wrap a rope around the perimeter of the entire furniture collection to prevent pieces from moving around in the wind.
Once you have secured the pieces by wrapping rope around the collection, cover the entire furniture collection with another tarp. Secure the tarp as tightly as possible by wrapping the rope under furniture legs. If you have them, you can also use cinder blocks at the corners to keep the tarp held tightly in place and prevent it from moving around.
It will take time to protect your patio furniture from the cold winter. However, it will allow you to preserve your furniture and get more years of service out of it. Inspect your furniture before storing it, and make any necessary repairs ahead of time. Store cushions in a safe place inside, and take steps to protect the furniture from winter wind, snow and rain. Your furniture will remain functional and last longer when you take the time to follow these steps.
