Best garden chair cover that protects in all weather

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 cover shortlist:

• Best cover for stacking chairs: AWNIC Stacking Garden Chair Cover
• Best folding garden chair cover: Dokon Garden Folding Reclining Chair Cover
• Best garden chair cover for a 2-seater: Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Loveseat Cover
• Best 3-seater garden chair cover: AmazonBasics Griffen 3-Seater Sofa Cover

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 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

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.