How to Store Patio Furniture in Winter

Storing patio furniture properly over winter protects it from the weather conditions that cause the most damage: freeze-thaw cycles, sustained moisture, UV exposure, and wind. The right storage approach depends on your climate, what your furniture is made from, and the storage space available. Some furniture can stay outside safely. Other pieces need to come in, or at minimum be covered and prepared.

This guide covers everything you need to know about winterizing and storing outdoor furniture.

Does Your Furniture Need to Be Stored?

Not all patio furniture needs to come inside for winter. The decision depends on two factors: the material and the climate.

Materials that can typically stay outside year-round:

  • Powder-coated aluminum in good condition (no chipped powder coat)
  • Grade A teak
  • HDPE poly lumber
  • Quality resin wicker over aluminum frames

Materials that should be stored or covered in cold, wet winters:

  • Steel or iron frames, sustained wet and freezing conditions accelerate rust
  • Budget resin and plastic furniture, prolonged freeze-thaw cycles can cause cracking
  • All cushions, should be stored inside or in a deck box regardless of frame material
  • Natural wood furniture other than teak, cedar, pine, and acacia benefit from winter protection

Climates where storing furniture matters most:

  • Areas with hard freezes below 20°F (-7°C)
  • Regions with heavy snow and ice accumulation
  • Coastal areas with winter storm exposure
  • Areas with prolonged wet winters where surfaces stay damp for weeks

In mild climates with winters above freezing and minimal rainfall, most furniture can stay outside with a quality cover.

Storage Options

Indoor Storage

Indoor storage is the best option for furniture you want to protect fully. A garage, shed, or basement offers protection from all weather. The main challenge is space.

To maximize indoor storage space:

  • Stack chairs, many outdoor chairs stack efficiently
  • Fold folding chairs and tables
  • Remove table legs if they are designed to detach
  • Store cushions separately from frames

Before storing indoors:

  • Clean everything thoroughly (see how to clean outdoor patio furniture)
  • Allow all surfaces to dry completely, never store damp furniture indoors as mold will develop
  • Apply teak oil to any teak pieces if desired
  • Touch up any chips or rust spots on steel frames before storage

Outdoor Storage with Covers

If indoor space is not available, quality outdoor furniture covers provide a practical alternative for furniture that can handle the cold.

Covers should be waterproof or water-resistant, UV-stabilized, and fitted rather than loose. Loose covers that flap in wind can cause surface abrasion over a winter. They also allow moisture to enter through the gaps and trap it inside.

Look for covers with elastic hems, tie-down straps, or drawstrings that secure the cover to the furniture. Vented covers that allow some airflow reduce condensation buildup beneath the cover.

Our best patio furniture covers guide covers the best options by furniture type and size.

Deck Boxes and Outdoor Storage Containers

Deck boxes are a practical solution specifically for cushions and small accessories. They sit on the patio, provide weatherproof storage, and double as additional seating in many designs. For large sets with multiple seat and back cushions, a 150-gallon or larger deck box is typically needed.

Step-by-Step Winter Storage Process

Step 1: Clean Everything

Dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and grime left on furniture over winter can permanently stain finishes and encourage mold growth beneath covers. A thorough end-of-season clean takes an hour or two but saves considerably more time and frustration in spring. See our cleaning guide for material-specific methods.

Step 2: Allow Everything to Dry Completely

This is the step most people skip. Furniture stored while damp, frames and especially cushions, develops mold under covers or in enclosed storage. Allow at least a full day of dry weather after cleaning before storing or covering.

Step 3: Treat Surfaces That Need It

  • Teak: Apply teak oil or sealer if you want to maintain color through winter
  • Steel: Touch up any chips in the powder coat with metal paint and apply automotive wax for a moisture barrier
  • Aluminum: No treatment needed

Step 4: Disassemble Where Practical

Removing umbrella poles from table bases, separating sectional modules, and folding folding chairs all reduce the storage footprint and make it easier to fit furniture into available space.

Step 5: Store Cushions Separately Indoors

Even if the frames stay outside, cushions should come in. Store them in breathable bags or a clean dry space. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and create mold conditions.

Step 6: Cover or Position Outdoor Furniture

For furniture staying outside, apply fitted covers and use tie-downs or bungee cords to secure them against winter wind. Position pieces where they will be least exposed to prevailing wind and direct snow accumulation where possible.

Spring Preparation

When outdoor furniture comes out of storage in spring, a quick inspection before use is worthwhile:

  • Check steel frames for rust that may have developed through the winter
  • Inspect teak for any cracking or checking in the wood
  • Check resin wicker for any weave damage
  • Inspect covers for damage that needs replacement before next winter
  • Wash cushions before first use, as they may have picked up dust or mild mildew smell in storage

Frequently Asked Questions

Can patio furniture be stored in an unheated garage over winter?
Yes. Temperature is not the concern, moisture is. An unheated but dry garage is an excellent storage environment. Avoid leaving furniture in spaces that become very damp, such as garages with leaking roofs or crawl spaces with moisture issues.

Do I need to deflate inflatable furniture before storing?
Yes. Store inflatable outdoor furniture fully deflated to prevent stress on the seams from temperature-related pressure changes. Clean and dry before storing.

Is it worth buying furniture covers if I have indoor storage?
Covers are most valuable for furniture stored outdoors. If you have indoor storage, covers are less critical but still useful for keeping furniture clean between seasonal uses and for shorter periods of non-use during the season.