How to Store a Patio Set for Winter

On this page (9 sections)

1. How should you store a patio set for winter?
2. What should you do before putting furniture away?
3. Where should patio cushions go for winter?
4. Can you leave a patio set outside in winter?
5. How do you store aluminum patio furniture?
6. How do you protect a wicker set during winter?
7. Should you take a patio set apart?
8. What should you check during winter storage?
9. Which patio set storage plan should you choose?

To store a patio set for winter, clean and dry every piece, bring cushions indoors, and move the furniture to dry shelter when possible. If the set stays outside, use a secure, ventilated cover and keep water from pooling.

Start before freezing weather so cushions and joints have time to dry. Your storage plan should account for the table, every chair, glass panels, umbrella parts, and the route you'll use to move them.

How should you store a patio set for winter?

Choose dry indoor storage first, sheltered outdoor storage next, and an exposed covered spot only when the furniture's care instructions allow it. A roof helps, but it won't stop wind-driven rain or dampness rising from the ground.

Use this order to avoid moving furniture twice:

1. Measure the storage space, doorway, and narrowest turn.
2. Clean the furniture and let all parts dry.
3. Separate cushions, umbrellas, and approved removable parts.
4. Move the largest piece first, then arrange smaller pieces without blocking access.
5. Cover outdoor pieces and leave room to inspect them.

Don't assume chairs will slide fully beneath a table. Arms, curved backs, and table braces can prevent that, so measure the actual arrangement.

Our guide to arranging patio furniture on a small patio can help you plan usable space around stored pieces.

What should you do before putting furniture away?

Remove dirt and clean each material according to its care instructions before storage. Leaves caught in joints and damp debris beneath chair legs can hold moisture where you won't notice it.

Brush away loose dirt with a soft brush, then clean surfaces with an approved method. Avoid pressure washing, abrasive pads, or strong cleaners unless the furniture's instructions specifically allow them.

Pay attention to the underside of the table, woven corners, foot pads, and hardware. Let water drain and allow those hidden areas to dry before covering anything.

Check for loose fasteners, damaged feet, chipped finishes, or split parts. Handle repairs according to the care guide, and let any approved touch-up finish cure before storage.

Remove the umbrella before moving the table, and store it according to its own instructions. Keep detachable hardware in a labeled container with the assembly guide.

Where should patio cushions go for winter?

Put fully dry cushions in a dry indoor room, away from leaks and damp walls. Fabric that feels dry on top can still hold moisture in the filling, so allow enough drying time before packing.

Follow the care label for both the cover and the inner cushion. A removable cover doesn't automatically mean it can go in a washing machine.

Store cushions loosely on a shelf or another clean surface above the floor. Avoid heavy boxes on top, which can flatten the filling, and don't seal damp cushions in plastic.

A garage or shed works only if it stays dry. A storage box on an exposed patio needs extra attention because condensation or a small leak can leave moisture trapped inside.

Can you leave a patio set outside in winter?

Leave a patio set outside only when its care instructions permit it, with cushions removed and protection from standing water. Outdoor materials still need winter care, especially around joints, fasteners, and damaged finishes.

Choose a level, well-drained spot away from roof runoff and snow-clearing routes. Furniture under an eave can still get soaked by dripping meltwater.

For wood seating, see whether a wooden rocking chair can stay outside. Our guide to leaving Adirondack chairs outside in winter addresses that chair style.

How to choose a cover for storing a patio set

Choose a cover by measuring the furniture in its storage position, including the tallest chair back. Use the cover maker's sizing guidance instead of guessing from the number of seats.

Look for ventilation and a way to secure the cover against wind. A cover that fits loosely enough to billow can rub against finishes or shift off the furniture.

Arrange the cover so rain can run off rather than collect between chair backs. Use a support only if the cover instructions allow it, and keep vents and drainage paths clear.

How do you store aluminum patio furniture?

Clean and dry aluminum furniture, then place it in dry shelter or protect it as its care guide directs. Aluminum doesn't form iron rust, but coatings, joints, and other hardware still need attention.

Lift pieces rather than dragging them, and protect finished surfaces from rubbing together. Don't stack chairs unless they're designed for it.

The NUU GARDEN set suits 2-person patios with room to store separate pieces. Its cast aluminum frame has a black powder coating, and the gray cushions can come indoors while the furniture goes into shelter.

The table measures 24.02 inches across, and the chairs measure 20.48 x 21.06 x 34.84 inches. Use those chair dimensions when checking a doorway or storage corner, rather than relying on the table's small footprint.

Choose it if you want a bistro set with armrests and adjustable feet. Skip it if your winter plan depends on folding furniture or putting chairs beneath a table without measuring first.

Its care instructions call for wiping with a damp cloth. Clean around the feet before moving it, then dry the frame before covering.

How do you protect a wicker set during winter?

Clean both the weave and the frame, then move the set under dry shelter when possible. Wicker describes the woven surface, so the frame material also matters when planning care.

Use a soft brush to lift debris from gaps without pulling at the strands. Don't push boxes into the weave or place heavy objects on woven arms during storage.

The Shintenchi set suits households that want a conversation layout and have storage for a loveseat. It includes 2 single sofas, a loveseat, and a coffee table, with PE rattan over a powder-coated steel frame.

Skip it if your only storage space is a narrow closet or a small corner. The loveseat makes the moving route more important than it would be for a pair of separate chairs.

The tempered-glass tabletop is removable, so plan a protected spot for it before shifting the table. Follow the instructions for removal and protect the edges from knocks.

Shintenchi describes the PE rattan as waterproof and UV-resistant. That doesn't remove the need to dry the cushions or protect the steel frame during storage.

Should you take a patio set apart?

Disassemble furniture only when the instructions allow it and the space saved is useful. Repeatedly taking joints apart can add work and increase the chance of losing hardware.

Photograph approved connections before removal, and label parts by chair or table. Keep screws and washers together without sticking tape directly to finished surfaces.

Don't force stuck fasteners or assume a chair is stackable because another chair fits on top. Forcing pieces together can damage finishes and place weight on weak points.

If you're choosing new furniture, compare wicker versus aluminum patio furniture for material differences. The broader porch and patio seating guide can help you match the furniture type to your space.

What should you check during winter storage?

Inspect covered furniture after storms and during long wet spells. Look for shifted covers, trapped water, blocked vents, and damp cushions.

Remove snow and pooled water gently according to the cover instructions. Don't strike frozen fabric or glass, and keep deicing chemicals away from the furniture.

If you find moisture underneath, uncover the set when conditions allow and let it dry before replacing the cover. Tightening a wet cover around the furniture can make the problem worse.

Before spring use, inspect joints and feet, clean surfaces, and check hardware. Replace damaged parts as directed before anyone sits down.

Which patio set storage plan should you choose?

For how to store a patio set, let your available space decide the plan before you buy. A small table helps, but the chairs, cushions, and moving route determine whether the whole set fits.

Choose the NUU GARDEN set if you want cushioned bistro seating and can keep the cushions indoors. Choose the Shintenchi set if you need a loveseat layout and have room to shelter several seating pieces.

The C/G patio casa set suits a small porch where compact individual chairs matter. Its table measures 23.6 inches across, and each chair measures 17.32 x 17.32 x 33.07 inches.

Each chair has a 250 lb capacity, so skip this set if any user needs more. It also needs measured storage space for all 3 pieces rather than an assumed folding or nesting arrangement.

For an existing set, choose indoor shelter if it fits, covered outdoor storage if care instructions allow it, and separate indoor cushion storage in either case. If you're replacing furniture, compare the best patio furniture sets with your winter storage measurements beside you.

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave a patio set outside all winter?

Some patio sets can stay outside when their care instructions allow winter exposure; clean and dry the furniture, remove cushions, and use a secure cover with ventilation, keeping the set away from standing water and roof runoff. Choose indoor storage for any pieces that require it.

Should patio furniture cushions be stored indoors?

Yes, keep patio cushions in a dry indoor space after cleaning them according to their care labels and letting the filling dry fully; store them off damp floors without heavy items on top. A garage works only if it stays dry and doesn't expose cushions to leaks or condensation.

Do I need to cover patio furniture in winter?

Use a fitted, ventilated cover for furniture that stays outside if its care instructions allow outdoor winter storage; measure the arranged pieces before choosing a cover, and secure it as directed. Don't cover wet furniture or let the fabric sag into a pocket that holds rainwater.

How do I store a wicker patio set for winter?

Clean the weave and frame, dry both fully, and move the wicker furniture to dry shelter when possible; store cushions indoors and protect any removable glass separately if the instructions allow removal. For outdoor storage, use a ventilated cover and check beneath it after storms or long wet spells.