A guide from Patio and Home Direct, Vancouver
Vancouver weather is beautiful — and hard on outdoor furniture. Rain for months, strong summer sun, pollen in spring, and leaves all autumn. A good protective cover is the simplest, cheapest way to keep your set looking new, and it costs a fraction of replacing a single chair.
What happens without a cover
- Rain soaks into cushions and frames, and trapped moisture grows mildew.
- Sun fades fabric and weakens wicker and wood over time.
- Dust, pollen, bird droppings, and tree sap stain surfaces and mean hours of cleaning every spring.
- Cushions left out all winter are usually the first thing that needs replacing.
What makes a good cover
Not all covers are equal. Look for these four things:
1. "Breathable fabric." A cover must keep rain out while letting trapped moisture escape. A tight plastic tarp does the opposite — it traps dampness underneath and grows mildew.
2. "Water- and UV-resistant." It should shed rain and block sun, so colors stay true and frames stay dry.
3. "The right fit." Too loose and wind gets under it; too tight and it strains at the seams. Measure your set first (see below).
4. "Easy on and off." If a cover is a struggle to use, it will end up folded in the shed. Look for covers with handles and ties or straps that hold them in place on windy days.
Treasure Garden and Ratana covers
At Patio and Home Direct, we carry protective covers from Treasure Garden and Ratana — two brands known for quality outdoor living. Ask us about sizes for dining sets, sectionals, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and fire tables, and we will help you match a cover to your set.
How to choose the right size
Grab a tape measure and note three numbers: length, width, and height of your set. For a dining set, measure the table with the chairs pushed in; for a sectional, measure the full L-shape. Your cover should be slightly larger than those numbers — never smaller. If you are between sizes, size up. Not sure? Bring your measurements — or a photo — to our store, and our staff will help you find the right fit.
Cover care, in brief
- Clean your furniture and let it dry completely before covering it.
- Never cover furniture while it is still damp.
- After a big storm, check that the cover is still in place and rain is running off, not pooling on top.
- A cover can stay on all winter — that is exactly what it is for.
Visit us in store
A cover costs far less than a replacement set, and the right one will add years to your furniture's life. Visit Patio and Home Direct, 250 E 5th Ave, Vancouver, or call us at 604-709-3588 — bring your measurements and we will help you find the right Treasure Garden or Ratana cover for your set.
