When it comes to protecting your outdoor furniture, having the right cover is essential to ensuring longevity and maintaining a fresh look. Whether it’s your outdoor couch, deck chair, or dining set, measuring your furniture correctly is the first step to getting a custom outdoor couch cover or deck chair cover that fits perfectly. Here's a comprehensive guide to ensure you're making the right choices, with expert tips on getting those measurements just right.
Why Proper Measurements Matter
Choosing the wrong size furniture cover can cause several issues, from a poor fit that lets water seep through, to a cover that's too large and ends up looking messy. The right size helps protect your furniture from dirt, debris, and weather damage while ensuring a snug fit that prevents movement during wind or storms. Precise measurements will help you get the most out of your cover, extending the life of your outdoor furniture.
Step 1: Measuring the Width
The first dimension to focus on is width. To get an accurate measurement, use a tape measure and stretch it across the widest part of your furniture from left to right. For a table, begin the measurement at either the tabletop or the leg base, depending on which offers the greatest width. This applies to chairs, sofas, and other furniture, too—always aim for the widest part, as this ensures your cover won’t be too tight.
Keep in mind that it's important to leave a little extra space in your measurement for air circulation and ease of use. If the cover is too tight, it might be difficult to remove or secure. A good rule of thumb is to allow about 1-2 inches of breathing room for easy installation and removal.
Step 2: Measuring the Depth
Next, you’ll want to measure the depth. This is especially crucial for pieces like lounge chairs or deep-seating outdoor sofas. To do this, calculate the depth by measuring from the front edge of your furniture to the back, perpendicular to the width. Similar to the width measurement, you can choose to start this measurement at either the furniture’s tabletop (for tables) or its leg base (for chairs and couches). Always opt for the greater depth, ensuring that your cover will fit securely over the entire piece.
If you’re dealing with uniquely shaped items like L-shaped couches or sectional seating, ensure that you take depth measurements for each individual section to make sure your couch cover will fit seamlessly.
Step 3: Measuring the Height
Finally, don’t forget about height. The height of your furniture is just as important as the other dimensions. This is measured from the ground up to the highest point of your furniture. For chairs, you might want to measure up to the backrest; for tables, measure to the highest point on the table surface.
When choosing a cover, it's a good idea to pick one that is slightly shorter than the actual height of your furniture. Leaving about an inch or two of space will help ensure proper air circulation underneath the cover, preventing mold or mildew buildup. Additionally, it makes the cover easier to handle, reducing the risk of damage during removal or installation.
Special Considerations for Unique Furniture
For many outdoor furniture items, standard measurements may not work. If you have uniquely shaped or custom-built furniture, such as sectional couches or round tables, you may need a more tailored approach. In these cases, custom furniture covers are the way to go. For instance, a custom outdoor couch cover can be specifically designed to suit your couch's dimensions, ensuring maximum protection and a perfect fit.
Similarly, if you have a set of deck chairs with distinct designs, investing in high-quality deck chair covers will keep them looking great for years to come. Each chair’s measurements may differ slightly, so it’s worth taking the time to get accurate dimensions for each individual piece.
Tips for the Best Fit
- Consider the material: Not all cover materials behave the same. Some fabrics may stretch, while others are more rigid. Be sure to consider this when measuring, especially if the fabric is known to shrink or expand in certain weather conditions.
- Don’t forget about handles or features: Many outdoor furniture pieces have handles, decorative features, or additional attachments that could alter your measurements. Be sure to account for these when measuring.
- Account for accessories: If your furniture includes pillows, cushions, or other accessories that stay on the furniture when it's covered, include these in your height and depth measurements.
Maintenance and Longevity of Your Covers
Even after you’ve invested in the perfect-sized covers, it's crucial to maintain them to ensure they last as long as possible. Regularly inspect your covers for signs of wear and tear, such as fraying edges or weak spots that might let moisture in. Clean the covers as per the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid mold, mildew, or other damage caused by dirt and debris.
Having properly sized covers also means that they’ll be less prone to damage in harsh weather conditions. Snug covers are less likely to be whipped around in the wind, reducing the risk of tearing or wear.
Recap
Measuring your outdoor furniture for the perfect cover doesn’t have to be a complicated process. With a little care and precision, you can find the ideal deck chair covers or custom outdoor couch covers to keep your furniture looking great and protected from the elements year-round. At F&J Outdoors, we provide expert advice and top-quality covers tailored to meet your outdoor needs.
Looking for the perfect fit? Check out our YouTube Video for a more visual approach to measuring your outdoor furniture.
