Garden fans say winter furniture covers are a 'great design' and 'easy to fit'

Retiring the garden furniture for the winter months can be a faff if you're concerned about keeping everything shipshape. Wooden furniture needs regular treatment to prevent being eaten down by the wet weather, frames need protection from rusting, while fabrics and weaved designs are prone to becoming mould farms. Even if your furniture survives the elements, avian airstrikes often mean the start to your summer involves scrubbing their leavings off your once-immaculate tables and chairs.

Rather than wrestling your furniture in a garage or shed, the easiest option for protecting your garden furniture through the winter is simple: a big waterproof cover. is a standout pick, and it's currently £28.89 down from £33.99 at Amazon.

This 200x200x90cm cover will easily slip over most garden furniture sets, and its waterproof top layer will easily endure the winter rains without leakage. A vent has been added to aid airflow, preventing internal damp buildup, and its stitching has been sealed with waterproof tape to cover all bases.

The handy hook and loop straps ensure you can easily tie the cover down to prevent it getting lost in a high wind, and the tightening straps help close any gaps where a gust of wind might slip underneath. All that, and the fabric is tear-resistant and won't be weakened over prolonged sun exposure.

It's a well-regarded product, with an average rating of "It is strong and I like the added end straps to pull the cover tighter," said one five-star review. "Looks like it will last the winter and protect our furniture."

"These covers are made to size so fit perfectly," added another. "Great design with nylon straps and clip toggles. Easy to fit and look great when fixed. The materials are high quality. Good price and thoroughly recommended."

A third added: "We live at the top of a hill so it is quite windy but the cover so far has withstood everything the Cornish weather can throw at it. It has adjustable straps and velcro ties to keep it in place. So far so good."

However, some customers were less impressed. One wrote in their review: "The photos make it look like it is made out of a woven material as my BBQ cover is but when it arrived it is just PVC like so not as heavy duty as it appeared." Another warned: "There are odd sizes but this was the closest fit. It is still massive so takes ages to put on."

For a strong alternative, the is £25 from Wickes. There's also this