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 covers at a glance:
• Best cover for stacking chairs: AWNIC Stacking Garden Chair Cover - View on Amazon UK
• Best folding garden chair cover: Dokon Garden Folding Reclining Chair Cover - View on Amazon UK
• Best garden chair cover for a 2-seater: Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Loveseat Cover - View on Amazon UK
• Best 3-seater garden chair cover: AmazonBasics Griffen 3-Seater Sofa Cover - View on Amazon UK
Whether you're looking for a cover for a bench, stacking chairs, sun lounger or L-shaped corner 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 covers
Best cover for stacking chairs
AWNIC Even your standard plastic chairs could do with some protection. Save yourself from the task of spring cleaning your chairs each year by investing in a cover. This tear-resistant AlicanTex garden chair cover for stacking chairs has received positive reviews on Amazon.
The AWNIC Stacking Garden Chair Cover is available in a range of sizes from 65 by 75 by 120cm to 120 by 65 by 75cm. This cover is verified by reviewers as heavy-duty enough to withstand all seasons.
Pros
- Made from durable Oxford fabric
- Comes in a range of sizes to suit most chairs
Cons
- Fasteners are loops, not clip-style
| Dimensions: | H75 x W120 x D65cm |
| Material: | Oxford fabric |
- Windproof
- Waterproof
- Fade Resistant
- UV Resistant
Best folding garden chair cover
Dokon You don't need to know the Beaufort Scale to know that the British Isles is a windy place at times. The Dokon Garden Folding Reclining Chair Cover allows you to protect and store your sunbed or patio lounger.
Described by reviewers as truly durable, these are made from rip-resistant PVC-lined Oxford fabric, this cover is extra durable. An adjustable hem cord allows for a custom fit; essential in windy conditions. Additionally, the click-close straps make it super easy to fasten.
Pros
- Made from high-quality, heavy-duty fabric
- Comes with a handy storage bag
Cons
- Slimline - not suitable for chunkier chairs
| Dimensions: | L96 x W84cm |
| Material: | 600D PVC-lined Oxford fabric |
- Waterproof
- UV-resistant
- Tear-resistant
- Fade-resistant
- PVC lining complies with EU Environmental 7P Standard
Best garden chair cover for a 2-seater
DuckNo need to duck for cover when it's blowing up a hooley, this mocha cappuccino-colour cover gives all-around protection. Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Loveseat Cover is made from high-strength polyester, so whether you're getting a blast from the Humber or fair winds from FitzRoy, your two-seater sofa is covered.
These have a lining for durability. The click-close buckles and an adjustable cord lock secure the cover firmly in place. Reviewers report that the water beads up and runs off these covers even in heavy rain.
Pros
- Effective protection with click-close buckles
- Available in a range of sizes to suit your needs
Cons
- Only available in one shade of brown
| Dimensions: | W79" x D37" x H35" |
| Material: | Polyester Non-woven Olefin |
- Protects from dust, dirt, sun, rain, and heavy snow
- High-strength polyester
- Multi-layer side panels help reduce condensation
Best 3-seater garden chair cover
AmazonWhen there's a light icing on your decking, you need the AmazonBasics Griffen 3-Seater Sofa Cover to protect your centrepiece sofa. This cover has a protective splash-guard base which is ideal for protecting against puddles or creeping frost.
Click-close straps snap around furniture, and interlocking seams add strength. This cover is a bit more elegant than a heavy black cover and it's proving very popular on Amazon with reviewers especially pleased with the elegant cream colour.
Pros
- Splash-guard protection in base
- Matching furniture covers available
Cons
- Cream colour will show dirt
| Dimensions: | L204.5 x D86.4 x H 73.7cm |
| Material: | Polyester |
- Protects patio furniture against rain, snow and other outdoor elements
Best garden chair cover set
KovshuiweWith a gale force imminent, invest in the Kovshuiwe Patio Furniture Covers, a great value four-piece set. This value-for-money set protects against wind, rain, frost UV rays, dirt, dust, tree sap, bird droppings and more.
This set of covers is waterproof, as well as being wear-resistant and heat-resistant, so you won't feel high pressure knowing your garden furniture is protected. Reviewers say these covers have stayed put even on the wettest and wildest days.
Pros
- Covers an entire garden furniture suite
- These are lined for extra protection
Cons
- Measure your garden furniture carefully before buying to avoid disappointment
| Dimensions: | Sofa: L142 x W77 x H79 (back) H60cm (front); Armchair L82 x H80 (back) H60cm (front); Coffee table cover L113 x W62 x H34cm |
| Material: | 420D Oxford fabric |
- Inner Layer has PU Coating
- Super-breathable
- Buckle straps
- Drawstring hem
- Air vent
Best egg chair cover
Landrip For when the wind's becoming cyclonic, and you're about to lose your egg… the Landrip Egg Chair Cover will provide protection from the elements. It has a waterproof zip for easy fastening and removal.
Nobody wants a veering wind to buffet their egg, so invest in a cover that's made of durable Oxford fabric. Reviewers praise the zip closure that makes it easy to get the cover on and off. There are two different sizes available.
Pros
- Leakproof and has a handy zip closure
- Specifically designed to fit an egg chair
Cons
- Some reviews have commented that it's a little flimsy
| Dimensions: | 190 x 115cm (also available 230 x 200cm) |
| Material: | Oxford fabric |
- Elastic hem and cord lock gives a tight, custom fit
- Tape sealed seams to prevent leaking
Best budget garden chair cover
ADEPTNAProtect patio chairs from grime with the ADEPTNA Heavy Duty Patio Stacking Chair Cover. This cover is ridiculously good value for money and a worthwhile investment for when smooth weather becomes invariably rough.
Made from rip-resistant plastic, the cover fastens with a drawstring close and offers UV protection as well as some protection from rain and snow. One reviewer warns to check not just the size of your chairs, but the size when they are stacked.
Pros
- Easy to clean with a damp cloth
- UV-resistant so can protect from strong sun
Cons
- Measure your chairs first to ensure they will fit
| Dimensions: | L64 x W120 x H64cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
- Drawstring fastening
- Rip resistant
- UV-protection so it won't crack in the sun
Best cover for an L-shaped sofa
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
With pre-made folds, the Argos Home Heavy Duty L-Shaped Corner Cover is easy to fit onto your L-shaped sofa. Made from easy-to-clean polyethylene, keeping your precious corner piece perfect is a doddle.
It comes with a storage bag so you can put the cover neatly away - it's the ace of shades for value and practicality. As a reminder to double check dimensions, one reviewer states this fits their garden furniture like a glove and is completely waterproof.
Pros
- Comes complete with a storage bag
- Made from easy-to-clean polyethylene
Cons
- Could be a two-person job to fit it properly
| Dimensions: | H70 x D75cm |
| Material: | Polyethylene |
- Frost resistant
- Waterproof
- Comes with a storage bag
- 1 year guarantee
How we chose the best garden chair covers
All of these garden chair covers have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the design, ease of use, and suitability for different types of furniture in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching all types of chair covers to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
What to look for in a garden chair 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. Some covers will need straps to secure them to the garden chair.
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.