Outdoor Furniture That Can Survive Winter

Winter in Upstate New York can be frigid and snowy. Average winter temperatures range from 15 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and sometimes negative temperatures are experienced. In addition to fluctuations in temperature, residents can face significant snowfall throughout the season.

That kind of winter weather requires durable outdoor furniture materials designed to withstand the elements.

After all, this type of outdoor furniture is an investment and needs to withstand the harsh winter weather. To help ensure its longevity, it helps to understand how to protect your investment.

Additionally, it might be wise to consider buying outdoor furniture that can be left outside during the winter months for easy maintenance and year-round enjoyment.

Challenges Faced by Outdoor Furniture Left Outside in the Winter

Average temperatures in Albany, NY, and throughout the upstate region typically hover at or below freezing for most of the season. The significant amount of fluctuation in freeze-and-thaw conditions can wreak havoc on untreated wood and some metals.

Additional challenges outdoor patio furniture may face include:

• Moisture: Snow, ice, and rain create ideal conditions for mold and mildew on wood and many types of cushions.
• Wind: Strong storms and windy winter days could blow lightweight furniture around, potentially turning it into a hazard that could damage people, homes, and buildings.
• Wildlife: Some wildlife are more active in winter, which makes it essential to choose pieces that animals will find unappealing for their nest, and won’t damage.

What to Look for in Patio Furniture That Can Be Left Outside in Winter

Despite the challenging conditions that winter weather creates, homes and businesses can choose from a wide range of winter-friendly patio furniture. The key is to choose pieces that offer form, function, and three specific qualities: moisture-resistance, pest-resistance, and durability.

Best Winter-Worthy Materials

One key element needed for outdoor furniture to survive winter weather is durable construction from materials that stand up to the conditions found in NY.

Certain woods, such as teak, for example, can withstand winter weather, but if it must be regularly treated with oil to maintain weather resistance. A few of the best winter-resistant materials include:

• HDPE Plastic: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) outdoor furniture offers the look and feel of natural wood without the required maintenance. It’s impervious to moisture, offers pest-resistance, doesn’t rot, and has a high-strength-to-density ratio that keeps it stable, even in windy conditions.
• Aluminum: This metal doesn’t get brittle, even in extreme temperatures. It’s also resistant to rust, moisture damage, and pests. Many outdoor furniture pieces made of aluminum also feature powder-coated finishes, which add extra durability and fade-resistant color.
• Wicker: All-weather wicker, particularly when made from polyethylene, offers durability, color retention, and moisture resistance. It won’t get brittle in cold weather, and it cleans up quickly and easily for a low-maintenance season.
• Steel: Powder-coated, stainless, hot-dip galvanized, and reinforced steel are all-winter-friendly options that won’t oxidize or weaken in winter weather.

Brands That Make Winter-Safe Patio Furniture

Shopping for outdoor furniture to leave outside all winter is much easier when consumers understand the qualities the furniture should possess.

Like materials, there are brands better suited to withstand winters in NY, including Telescope Casual, Breezesta, and Seaside Casual.

Telescope Casual

Marine-grade polymer (MGP) is a type of HDPE that offers excellent four-season performance and comes in various finishes. Telescope Casual’s aluminum pieces sport high-performing powder coatings with increased weather resistance of more than 500% compared to traditional powder coatings.

The Bazza Patio Furniture collection is a prime example of four-season durability.

Breezesta

Breezesta’s HDPE lumber, featured in lines like the Avanti Outdoor Patio Furniture Collection, offers sturdy construction and ample weight to prevent furniture from tipping or blowing away during windy winter weather.

It also offers highly saturated pigments for quality, fade-resistant color that is guaranteed for three years.

Lloyd Flanders

Lloyd Flanders furniture boasts high-quality craftsmanship and durable construction that can withstand the elements. For example, the All Seasons Wicker Furniture Collection can be left outside for the winter. It is advised to store the cushions inside to avoid potential damage.

Seaside Casual

Seaside Casual’s furniture, including its Portsmouth Collection, can be safely left outdoors in any season. Made of Envirowood, a high-performance polymer, these pieces offer easy maintenance, lasting construction, and the ability to resist moisture and the effects of extreme temperatures.

How to Protect Outdoor Furniture in the Winter

Proper protection can extend the life of outdoor furniture. Whether it’s for residential or commercial use, most patio furniture can be easily protected by following a few simple steps, including the following:

• Drain any accumulated liquid from tubular extensions and other areas before temperatures drop below freezing.
• Remove cushions and pillows that aren’t winter weather appropriate to store indoors.
• Secure lightweight items indoors or stack them to prevent wind damage.
• Add winter covers to any pieces that need extra protection from the elements.

Various manufacturers create outdoor furniture that can be left outside with proper protection. This includes furniture from leading outdoor brands like Gensun.

Gensun

Gensun is renowned for its durability and attention to detail. High-quality materials like the cast aluminum used for the Bel Air Cushion Collection and Sunbrella fabrics used for the Amari Cushion Patio Collection can hold up under extreme conditions.

The company recommends using protective covers during winter for maximum longevity.

Shop Best Fire Hearth & Patio for Patio Furniture That Can Be Left Outside in the Winter

Many of the products sold at Best Fire offer the ideal combination of style, form, and function needed to complete the look of any outdoor space. Even better, many are winter-safe and rugged enough to withstand many Upstate NY winters — without taking away from comfort or appeal.

Visit our showroom conveniently located in Albany, NY to browse in-stock outdoor patio furniture options or browse through catalogs with special order or customization options. Alternatively, call (518) 616-9871 and speak with a friendly staff member who can help answer questions.