As the crisp air rolls in and snow starts to blanket patios and backyards across the country, many homeowners start to wonder about their outdoor furniture. One of the most common questions is: Do you need to cover POLYWOOD in winter? With its reputation for durability, POLYWOOD outdoor furniture has become a favorite across the U.S. But even the most weather-resistant materials deserve proper care to maintain their beauty and longevity.
In this detailed guide, we’ll answer your questions about winter care for POLYWOOD furniture and provide practical maintenance tips. Hence, your investment will look its best all year long!
What is POLYWOOD and Why It’s Popular for Outdoor Spaces
POLYWOOD is a high-quality outdoor furniture brand made from real HDPE lumber, a tough recycled plastic. Unlike conventional wood, it won’t rot, crack, or peel, making it perfect for tough outdoor environments. Homeowners love it for its eco-friendly construction, low-maintenance nature, and timeless appearance. Whether you own a POLYWOOD glider bench, Adirondack chairs, or a full patio set, you likely appreciate its sturdy design and resistance against common weather-related damage.
Still, winter can bring unique challenges, especially for those living in areas where freezing temperatures, snow, and ice are common. That’s why understanding how POLYWOOD performs in cold weather is essential.
Can POLYWOOD Stay Outside in Winter?
The short answer is yes: POLYWOOD is designed to withstand year-round outdoor exposure, including the winter months. Its durable composition resists moisture absorption, so unlike wood, it won’t swell, splinter, or degrade under snow or rain. The color is also UV-stabilized, helping prevent fading, even after months of winter sun exposure.
However, while POLYWOOD can stay outside in winter, there are still good reasons to consider protective measures. Heavy snow accumulation, debris, and constant freeze-thaw cycles can dirty your furniture or leave surface scratches. Regular care helps preserve its appearance and makes spring cleaning much easier.
Do You Need to Cover POLYWOOD in Winter?
Technically, you don’t need to cover POLYWOOD furniture in winter, but doing so offers added protection that can extend its lifespan and keep it looking newer for longer. High-quality furniture covers to shield your POLYWOOD pieces from excessive snow buildup, dirt, and debris carried by winter winds.
Covers also help prevent the furniture from becoming a frozen, slippery surface that’s hard to clean when temperatures rise. Plus, if your furniture has cushions or accessories, those should definitely be stored indoors or covered, as they aren’t built with the same all-weather materials as POLYWOOD.
In areas like Colorado, where winter storms can be intense, we recommend covering your POLYWOOD pieces when not in use, especially during prolonged periods of snow or ice.
POLYWOOD Furniture Winter Care Tips
Keeping your POLYWOOD furniture looking its best through winter doesn’t require complicated routines. Here are effective POLYWOOD winter maintenance tips to help protect your investment:
1. Clean Before Winter Arrives
Before the first snowflake falls, thoroughly clean your POLYWOOD outdoor furniture. Use mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth or brush to remove dirt, dust, or debris. Refrain from using harsh chemicals or abrasive pads that could diminish the finish. Rinse well and allow the furniture to dry completely before covering or leaving it exposed.
2. Use Protective Covers
Invest in well-fitted, breathable outdoor furniture covers. They prevent snow and ice buildup and help reduce exposure to winter grime. Make sure the covers are designed for POLYWOOD or similar materials to avoid trapping moisture, which can lead to mildew growth on covered surfaces.
3. Store Smaller Pieces Indoors
While POLYWOOD can handle winter weather, storing smaller or lightweight pieces, like side tables or folding chairs, inside a shed or garage during harsh storms helps keep them in pristine condition. Storing them also prevents them from being blown around by strong winter winds.
4. Keep Furniture Clear of Snow and Ice
After heavy snowfalls, brush off accumulated snow gently with a soft broom. Avoid using sharp tools or metal scrapers, as these can scratch the surface. If ice forms on your furniture, allow it to melt naturally rather than trying to chip it away, which could cause damage.
5. Inspect for Damage in Spring
After winter ends, check your furniture for signs of wear, loose parts, or dirt on the surface. Give everything a deep clean and tighten screws or bolts if needed. POLYWOOD’s durability means you’re unlikely to find significant damage, but routine checks help ensure your furniture lasts for years.
How to Maintain POLYWOOD in Cold Weather: Best Practices
When the temperatures drop, it’s all about simple, consistent maintenance. POLYWOOD’s resilience means it won’t crack or warp, even in freezing conditions. But keeping your furniture in good shape during winter involves a few extra considerations:
- Place your POLYWOOD bench or chairs on risers or pavers, keeping them slightly off the wet ground to reduce prolonged contact with melting snow or pooling water.
- If your POLYWOOD furniture includes cushions, store them indoors. Cushions aren’t designed for snow and can quickly become stained or damaged by moisture.
- Even during winter, if temperatures allow, wipe down surfaces occasionally. Removing dirt or salt helps prevent buildup that could cause staining or dullness.
These simple steps help keep your POLYWOOD pieces looking clean and ready for use the moment warm weather returns.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your POLYWOOD Furniture Winter-Ready
While POLYWOOD can be left outside during winter without significant risk of damage, proper care ensures it stays looking great season after season. Covering your furniture, cleaning it regularly, and storing accessories properly are small efforts that help preserve its beauty and functionality.
At Spas of Colorado, we’ve seen how POLYWOOD furniture holds up beautifully, even during Colorado’s unpredictable winters. Furniture here needs to be tough with frequent snow, strong winds, and dramatic temperature swings. POLYWOOD’s weather-resistant construction and minimal maintenance make it ideal for patios, decks, and backyards nationwide.
Investing in outdoor POLYWOOD furniture is a smart choice for those who value durability, low maintenance, and timeless design. With some winter care, your furniture will continue providing comfort and style, no matter how harsh the weather.