How To Cover Outdoor Furniture With Tarp

Knowing how to cover outdoor furniture with a tarp is an essential skill for any homeowner who wants to protect their furniture from the elements. When done correctly, tarping furniture can help to prevent damage from rain, snow, wind, and sun. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process of covering outdoor furniture with a tarp effectively.

Before we dive into the steps, let’s first understand the essential aspects of covering outdoor furniture with a tarp. These aspects include choosing the right tarp, preparing the furniture, securing the tarp, and maintaining the tarp over time. By considering each of these aspects, you can ensure that your furniture is well-protected and remains in good condition for years to come.

Essential Aspects of Covering Outdoor Furniture With Tarp

### Choosing the Right Tarp

The first step in covering outdoor furniture with a tarp is to choose the right tarp. Not all tarps are created equal, so it's important to select one that is appropriate for your needs.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a tarp:

Size: The tarp should be large enough to cover the entire piece of furniture. You don't want the tarp to be too small, or it won't provide adequate protection.
Material: Tarps are made from a variety of materials, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and canvas. Polyethylene tarps are the most affordable, but they are also the least durable. Polypropylene tarps are more durable than polyethylene tarps, but they are also more expensive. Canvas tarps are the most durable, but they are also the most expensive.
Weight: The weight of the tarp is another important factor to consider. Heavier tarps are more durable, but they are also more difficult to handle. Lighter tarps are easier to handle, but they may not be as durable.

### Preparing the Furniture

Before you cover the furniture with a tarp, it's important to prepare the furniture.

Here are a few things to do to prepare the furniture:

Clean the furniture: Remove any dirt or debris from the furniture. This will help to prevent the tarp from becoming dirty or damaged.
Dry the furniture: If the furniture is wet, allow it to dry completely before covering it with a tarp. Covering wet furniture with a tarp can trap moisture and cause the furniture to mold or mildew.
Remove cushions and pillows: Cushions and pillows can be damaged by moisture if they are covered with a tarp. Remove the cushions and pillows from the furniture before covering it with a tarp.

### Securing the Tarp

Once the furniture is prepared, it's time to secure the tarp.

Here are a few things to do to secure the tarp:

Spread the tarp over the furniture: Spread the tarp over the furniture so that it covers the entire piece of furniture. The tarp should be loose enough so that it can move with the furniture, but it should not be so loose that it can blow away in the wind.
Tie down the tarp: Tie down the tarp to the furniture using ropes, bungee cords, or other fasteners. Make sure the tarp is tied down securely so that it will not come loose in the wind.
Weigh down the tarp: Place heavy objects on the tarp to weigh it down. This will help to prevent the tarp from blowing away in the wind. You can use bricks, pavers, or other heavy objects to weigh down the tarp.

### Maintaining the Tarp

Once the tarp is secured, it's important to maintain it over time.

Here are a few things to do to maintain the tarp:

Inspect the tarp regularly: Inspect the tarp regularly for any tears or holes. If you find any damage, repair it immediately.
Clean the tarp: Clean the tarp regularly to remove any dirt or debris. This will help to prevent the tarp from becoming damaged.
Replace the tarp: Replace the tarp every few years. Even the most durable tarps will eventually need to be replaced.

### Conclusion

By following these steps, you can cover your outdoor furniture with a tarp effectively and protect it from the elements. Covering outdoor furniture with a tarp is a simple task, but it's important to do it correctly to ensure that your furniture is well-protected.