The best garden chair cover provides all-weather protection for your garden furniture. We all look forward to that time of year when the tortoise comes out of hibernation and the plants perk up. However, the Great British weather is a fickle mistress, as the Shipping Forecast can attest to. With gale-force winds and thunderstorms in August, those furniture covers need to be close to hand to keep your garden chairs looking ship-shape.
Equally, the sun may be blazing down and weathering your wicker sofa, so that's the time to cover it up with a material that offers UV protection. Outdoor furniture that's made of metal, wood and fabric is at risk of weather damage. Therefore it's worth investing in a cover to prevent damage from the sun, rain, wind and extreme temperatures. These can cause garden furniture to rust, peel, warp, or develop lichen and moss growth.
Best garden chair covers at a glance:
• Best cover for stacking chairs: AWNIC Stacking Garden Chair Cover - View offer on Amazon
• Best folding garden chair cover: Dokon Garden Folding Reclining Chair Cover - View offer on Amazon
• Best garden chair cover for a 2-seater: Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Loveseat Cover - View offer on Amazon
• Best 3-seater garden chair cover: AmazonBasics Griffen 3-Seater Sofa Cover - View offer on Amazon
Most contemporary garden furniture can tolerate a range of temperatures, but only to a certain degree. Which is why you ought to cover it in extreme weather. Features to look for include breathable vents to allow condensation to evaporate. Also, drawstring tie cords ensure a snug fit. Given our unpredictable climate, opt for windproof covers that are waterproof and UV-resistant. The cover will need straps to secure it to the garden chair.
Whether you're looking for a cover for a bench, stacking chairs, sun lounger or L-shaped corner sofa - whatever the weather, we've got you covered. Put under-the-weather garden chairs undercover with our guide to the best garden chair cover... it might just blow you away or at least prevent a washout. And for more tips on looking after your garden in extreme heat, scroll to the FAQs at the end of this article.
Best garden chair cover
Best cover for stacking chairs
Even your standard plastic chairs could do with some protection. Save yourself from the task of spring cleaning your chairs each year by investing in a cover. This tear-resistant garden chair cover for stacking chairs has received positive reviews on Amazon. The AWNIC Stacking Garden Chair Cover is available in a range of sizes and is heavy-duty enough to withstand all seasons.
Customer review: "Just took this cover off my garden chair which has had a good battering from the British winter. Chair completely dry and undamaged as was the cover now in the shed ready to use again next winter, would recommend."
Pros
- Weather-resistant
- Durable Oxford fabric
- Comes in a range of sizes
Cons
- None
Best folding garden chair cover
You don't need to know the Beaufort Scale to know that the British Isles is a windy place at times. The Dokon Garden Folding Reclining Chair Cover allows you to protect and store your sunbed or patio lounger. Made from rip-resistant PVC-lined Oxford fabric, this cover is extra durable. An adjustable hem cord allows for a custom fit; essential in windy conditions. Additionally, the click-close straps make it super easy to fasten.
Customer review: "The Dokon reclining chair cover is sturdy and durable. It is made from two pieces of waterproof fabric with protective hemming around the edges (a bit like a pocket or a pillowcase in its construction). It has two easy-click straps at the end to secure it onto the bottom bar of the recliner, plus a drawstring to tighten up the opening, if needed. As it is flat and two-dimensional, it only has two measurements, as can be seen in the seller's description. So ignore any preceding questions and answers about how 'deep' it is, there is a just simple trade-off between width and depth. The bigger the depth needed, the smaller is the width available."
Pros
- High-quality heavy-duty fabric
- Easy to clean
- Comes with a storage bag
Cons
- Slimline - not suitable for chunkier chairs
Best garden chair cover for a 2-seater
No need to duck for cover when it's blowing up a hooley, this mocha cappuccino-colour cover gives all-around protection. Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Loveseat Cover is made from high-strength polyester, so whether you're getting a blast from the Humber or fair winds from FitzRoy, your two-seater sofa is covered. The click-close buckles and an adjustable cord lock secure the cover firmly in place.
Customer review: "These are very heavy, weatherproof covers. Water beads up and runs off. These are even lined. Better quality product for heavy weather. Have ties for wind. I would purchase these again."
Pros
- Effective
- Available in a range of sizes
Cons
- Product dimensions are in inches
Best 3-seater garden chair cover
When there's a light icing on your decking, you need the AmazonBasics Griffen 3-Seater Sofa Cover to protect your centrepiece sofa. This cover has a protective splash-guard base which is ideal for protecting against puddles or creeping frost. Click-close straps snap around furniture, and interlocking seams add strength. The cream colour cover is a bit more elegant than a heavy black cover and it's proving very popular on Amazon.
Customer review: "Heavy duty covers that keep my garden furniture dry from the elements. Clips to securely fasten around the furniture. A fantastic buy, highly recommend them. Love the colour too, it’s less of an eyesore when in use."
Pros
- Splash-guard protection in base
- Elegant cream colour
- Matching furniture covers available
Cons
- None
Best garden chair cover set
With a gale force imminent, invest in the Kovshuiwe Patio Furniture Covers, 4-Piece set. This value-for-money set protects against wind, rain, frost UV rays, dirt, dust, tree sap, bird droppings and more. This set of covers is waterproof, as well as being wear-resistant and heat-resistant, so you won't feel high pressure knowing your garden furniture is protected.
Customer review: "I like that they actually did what they said they would do. Keep all my new garden furniture dry and safe. The most wettest and wildest days here on a windy west coast island."
Pros
- Value for money
- Lined for extra protection
Cons
- Measure your garden furniture carefully before buying to avoid disappointment
Best egg chair cover
For when the wind's becoming cyclonic, and you're about to lose your egg… the Landrip Egg Chair Cover will provide protection from the elements. It has a waterproof zip for easy fastening and removal. Nobody wants a veering wind to buffet their egg, so invest in a cover that's made of durable Oxford fabric. Two sizes available.
Customer review: "This cover fits my double hanging egg chair perfectly and the zip makes it easy to get on and off. I've been using it for a couple of months now and it seems to be very well made, durable and waterproof."
Pros
- Leakproof
- Specifically designed to fit an egg chair
Cons
- Some reviews have commented that it's a little flimsy
Best budget garden chair cover
Protect patio chairs from grime with the ADEPTNA Heavy Duty Patio Stacking Chair Cover. This cover is ridiculously good value for money and a worthwhile investment for when smooth weather becomes invariably rough. Made from rip-resistant plastic, the cover fastens with a drawstring close and offers UV protection as well as some protection from rain and snow.
Customer review: "Easy to use and secure to chair stack. The only thing I would advise is to check the size of your chairs when they are stacked. Mine are larger measured from front to back when stacked, and the cover only fits three chairs. Ordering another cover now."
Pros
- Value for money
- Well reviewed
Cons
- Measure your chairs first to ensure they will fit
Best swing bench cover
www.diy.com
As a maritime nation, we have to contend with a blowy sea state from time to time. And nobody wants to see their swing chair fly away. This Blooma Grey Trapezoid Swing bench cover is a convenient form of protection and storage case all-in-one. It's water repellent rather than waterproof so it will need to be stored inside in the winter months.
Customer review: "Brought this for our three seater swing. It has Velcro straps to use around feet of swing. Excellent quality. Plenty of coverage. Pricey but worth it."
Pros
- Well reviewed
- Carry case for storage
- Smart-looking
Cons
- Not waterproof
Best cover for an L-shaped sofa
www.argos.co.uk
With pre-made folds, the Argos Home Heavy Duty L-Shaped Corner Cover is easy to fit onto your L-shaped sofa. Made from easy-to-clean polyethylene, keeping your corner piece perfect is a doddle. It comes with a storage bag so you can put the cover neatly away - it's the ace of shades for value and practicality.
Customer review: "Bought this for my new garden furniture… fits like a glove totally waterproof… excellent quality."
Pros
- Good value
- Easy to clean
- Fits easily
Cons
- Some customers found it was not as waterproof as they hoped
FAQs
What are fire hazards in the garden during hot weather?
BBQs and fire pits are the obvious risks, but GB Foam has highlighted how garden furniture is an often overlooked aspect of outdoor fire safety.
According to a press release from GB Foam, a UK furniture component expert, our country faced a staggering 28 per cent increase in fires in 2022. There were 185,437 incidents reported, according to GOV UK. The unprecedented dry weather of last summer caused by record-breaking heat helped fuel the alarming surge.
In 2022, when the UK experienced a heat wave, Aldi announced that certain garden furniture it had sold posed a fire risk due to an issue with the cushion covers and would therefore need to send replacements for the items.
How can I minimise the risk of fire in my garden?
GB Foam has some tips to minimise the risk of fire in your garden:
• Check for fire safety labels on garden furniture. In the UK, furniture cannot be sold without a fire safety label.
• Glass tops on tables can intensify the heat coming from direct sunlight. So it's best to remove the glass in hot weather. The same principle applies to garden mirrors, especially if they're near flammable materials.
• Keep flammable materials away from BBQs and fire pits. Make sure there's a safe distance around anything with an open flame. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Extinguish cigarettes responsibly, never throw them in the vegetation.
• Maintain vegetation - don't let it grow out of hand. Remove dry debris, as this can ignite in extremely hot weather.
• Install an outdoor smoke alarm.
• Don't leave your phone outside in direct sunlight. The battery can catch fire if it overheats.
• Make sure cushion filling is sourced from a reputable supplier that conforms to UK fire safety standards.
A spokesperson for GB Foam said: “We’re determined to help improve furniture fire safety in any way we can. Overall, the UK maintains a high standard when it comes to furniture, but unfortunately, some lesser-quality pieces can still slip through. In addition, many people also choose to make their own furniture by recycling wooden pallets, which can be a cost-effective way to furnish your garden but may pose unexpected fire risks. Proper safety practices, combined with sourcing the right furniture materials can help to mitigate these risks."
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Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in garden trends. When she's not flexing her mow-how, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.