Can Patio Furniture Stay Outside in Winter?

Much of it can, especially well-made aluminum, teak, and all-weather wicker frames. Cushions, fabrics, and lightweight pieces are a different story. A Northern Virginia winter brings freeze and thaw cycles, wet snow, and long damp stretches, so a little planning now keeps your set ready for spring. If you followed our summer and fall furniture care guide, this is the next step.

What patio furniture can stay outside all winter?

Powder-coated aluminum is the easiest to leave out because it will not rust. Clean it and make sure water cannot pool anywhere it could freeze. Teak is naturally weather resistant and can stay out, though it will weather to a soft silver gray unless it is oiled and protected, as our guide to teak outdoor furniture explains. All-weather wicker over an aluminum frame also holds up well. Iron and steel can stay out too, but touch up any chips in the finish first, since bare spots let moisture in.

Should you cover patio furniture or store it?

Covers work well for larger pieces that stay outside, as long as they are breathable and fit snugly. Skip plain plastic tarps, which trap moisture and invite mildew. Make sure everything is clean and completely dry before it is covered, and lift covers after a storm to let air move. If you have garage or shed space, bring in smaller chairs, side tables, and anything with a glass top.

How should you store outdoor cushions for winter?

Bring them inside. Even fabrics made to resist fading and mildew last longer when they spend winter indoors. Brush off debris, spot clean any stains, let them dry completely, and store them on edge or in breathable bags in a dry space. A damp cushion sealed in plastic is the quickest way to find mildew in April.

Get your set ready for the season

Stop by our Manassas showroom and our team can help you find the right care products and covers for the furniture you own. And if this is the year a worn set gets replaced, here is why fall is a smart time to shop our outdoor furniture collection.