October is the month that determines whether next summer you'll be relaxing on the furniture you already have — or spending to replace it. A few simple steps, done properly over two weeks, can save you the cost of an entirely new outdoor set over the next 5 years. Here's what to do for each material.
The 3 possible strategies
Indoor storage (shed, garage, basement)
The best strategy, bar none. Even for furniture technically rated for outdoor use. Eliminates the risk of frost, rust, and rot entirely.
Breathable waterproof covers
The most common compromise. Cover each piece individually with a dedicated cover. It must be breathable — airtight PVC causes mould within 3 weeks.
Leave everything uncovered outside
Only for furniture genuinely designed for year-round outdoor exposure: powder-coated aluminium frames with cushions brought indoors. Everything else deteriorates quickly.
By material: what to do
Wood (teak, eucalyptus, acacia)
Clean with a soft brush and mild soap, dry in the sun for 24h, then apply a dedicated outdoor wood oil (teak oil, linseed oil). Two coats, 12h apart. Cover with a breathable cover. Store indoors if possible.
Powder-coated aluminium
Rinse with a hose and dry. Check the coating: small scratches should be touched up with matching paint to prevent the metal underneath from oxidising. Cover optional.
Iron and wrought iron
Rinse and dry thoroughly. Apply linseed oil or microcrystalline wax over the entire surface. Cover ABSOLUTELY with a tarpaulin: a single rainy night on unprotected iron starts the rust.
Synthetic rattan (polyrattan, HDPE)
Clean with mild soap, dry, do NOT apply oils (they damage the finish). A waterproof cover isn't essential in frost-free areas, but it protects against winter UV rays — which are intense on clear days.
Natural rattan (wicker)
Cannot withstand a winter outdoors. Indoor storage is mandatory. Wipe with a barely damp cloth before storing.
Glass (table tops)
Remove if possible and store upright leaning against a wall. If left in place: clean with a glass cleaner and cover with a tarpaulin. Frost cracks start at the edges — inspect every 2 months.
Fabrics (cushions, sun lounger mattresses)
Bring indoors entirely. Wash before storing (mild soap), dry completely. Store in breathable fabric bags (never sealed plastic). Keep away from damp.
Covers: how to choose well
Material
High-density polyester with a PU (polyurethane) coating. Never plain PVC without breathability. Never cheap plastified sheeting.
Weight
Minimum 180 g/m². Below that, the first heavy snowfall will rip them.
Seams
Double-stitched and heat-sealed. Rain gets in through poorly made seams, not through the fabric.
Ventilation
Must have ventilation vents and tie-down cords under the furniture. No ventilation = guaranteed mould.
Right size
10 cm larger than the furniture in every direction. Too wide = acts as a sail in the wind. Too narrow = water gets in at the sides.
Mistakes we see every year
Covering wet furniture
It seems obvious, but it happens: you cover in the evening after afternoon rain has soaked into the fabric. Under a cover, within 3 days you have mould. Always dry first.
Leaving furniture directly on the ground
Wood and iron in contact with frozen ground and rising damp is a recipe for damage. Always raise pieces on blocks or feet, minimum 5 cm.
Oil on rattan
Opposite mistakes: oil on synthetic rattan (damages it) and no oil on teak (leaves it dry and cracked).
Cushions in plastic bags
Bin bags are tempting. They suffocate the fabric = guaranteed mould. Use breathable garment bags or clean cotton pillowcases instead.
How much you actually save
Without maintenance
A teak lounge set worth €1,500 lasts 4–6 years. Annualised cost: €250–375.
With proper maintenance
The same set lasts 15–20 years. Annualised cost: €75–100. Plus ~€30/year for oil + ~€60/year for covers. Total: €165–190/year. Real saving: €60–185/year.
And for fabrics?
Quality outdoor cushions (€60–80 each), properly maintained, last 8–10 years. Left outside uncovered: 2–3 seasons.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave garden furniture under a covered porch without a cover?
If the porch is fully covered, sheltered from driving rain, and you raise the furniture off the ground — yes. For iron and wood, still apply oil before winter: ambient humidity is high even under shelter.
When should I apply oil to teak?
September–October, on clean dry furniture, on a day with no rain forecast for the following 24h. Never in spring 'to kick off the season' (wrong: the wood is still damp from winter).
Are budget covers worth anything?
They survive 1–2 winters. A good cover (€50–80) lasts 5–7 years. Buying a €20 cover every year is a false economy.
Should I wash the cushions before putting them away?
Yes. Organic dirt (food, pollen, sweat) sets over time. Come spring, you bring them out fresh and ready — no scrubbing in the cold of March.
What if I don't have indoor storage space?
Good-quality waterproof covers for every piece + raise off the ground + monthly check under the covers (look for water ingress, condensation, pests). Not ideal, but it works if done carefully.