Winter is coming, and your patio furniture is about to face its biggest test. You know that feeling when you peek outside after the first snowfall and see your outdoor setup looking like a frozen disaster? That’s when you realize not all patio furniture is created equal.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: a lot of so-called “outdoor” furniture will crack, warp, or fall apart faster than your New Year’s resolutions. The difference between furniture that survives winter and furniture that becomes expensive yard waste comes down to understanding what actually works.
Types of Patio Furniture That Can Be Left Outside in the Winter
Let’s be honest about what patio furniture that can be left outside in the winter actually looks like. It’s not the cheapest option at the big box store, and it’s probably not made of traditional wood.
- HDPE plastic furniture tops the list for a reason that might surprise you. High-density polyethylene is made from recycled milk jugs, which sounds unglamorous until you realize it’s practically indestructible. This material won’t absorb water, crack from freeze-thaw cycles, or splinter. Marine-grade stainless steel hardware means 20-plus years without maintenance.
- Aluminum furniture offers another winter-worthy option, especially pieces with powder-coated finishes. Aluminum doesn’t get brittle in extreme temperatures—important when temperatures drop below freezing for months.
- All-weather wicker made from polyethylene provides a lighter-weight alternative that still handles snow and ice. Unlike natural wicker that becomes a soggy mess, synthetic versions maintain their structure through freeze-thaw cycles.
The Best Outdoor Furniture for Snowy Climates
When you’re shopping for outdoor furniture for snowy climates, you’re essentially buying insurance against winter’s worst behavior. The best options share three characteristics: they’re heavy enough to stay put during storms, waterproof enough to handle melting snow, and strong enough to support accumulated ice.
- Poly lumber furniture represents the gold standard for snowy climates. Companies like Breezesta and Seaside Casual manufacture pieces specifically designed for extreme weather. These aren’t lightweight pieces that blow around—they stay put, season after season.
- Cast aluminum collections from manufacturers like Gensun offer another excellent choice. The casting process creates furniture dense enough to resist wind damage while maintaining aluminum’s natural corrosion resistance.
The key insight is that the best outdoor furniture for snowy climates costs more initially but eliminates the annual cycle of moving, storing, and replacing damaged pieces.
What Happens to Outdoor Furniture That Should Not Be Left Out in Winter?
Here’s what furniture stores won’t tell you: outdoor furniture that can be left out in winter experiences constant stress from temperature fluctuations, moisture exposure, and physical weight from snow.
- Traditional wood furniture absorbs moisture throughout warmer months. When winter arrives and that moisture freezes, it expands inside wood fibers, creating cracks and weakening joints. The freeze-thaw cycle repeats dozens of times each winter, destroying structural integrity.
- Cheap metal furniture faces oxidation and corrosion issues. Without proper protective coatings, metal furniture develops rust that weakens structure and creates unsightly patio stains.
- Low-quality plastic furniture becomes brittle in cold temperatures. What seems sturdy in summer can crack under snow weight or from normal cold-weather use.
How to Protect Outdoor Furniture in the Winter
Even the most durable furniture benefits from basic winter protection strategies. The goal isn’t to baby your furniture—it’s to maximize your investment’s lifespan.
- Drainage matters more than coverage. Before temperatures drop below freezing, drain accumulated water from tubular furniture sections. Standing water that freezes can crack even durable materials.
- Remove what doesn’t belong outside. Cushions and pillows not designed for winter weather should come inside. Even “outdoor” cushions can develop mold problems when exposed to months of snow and ice.
- Secure lightweight pieces. Stack lighter furniture or move it to protected areas to prevent wind damage.
- Use covers selectively. High-quality furniture often doesn’t need covers, but they can provide extra protection for pieces with intricate details.
The reality is that truly winter-proof patio furniture requires minimal protection. If you’re spending significant time protecting your outdoor furniture each winter, you probably need better furniture, not better protection strategies. Contact us at Fox Hollow Landscaping and Design, Inc. today to discuss patio design solutions that work year-round in your climate.