Choosing the Right Tarp
When it comes to making an outdoor furniture cover with a tarp, selecting the right type of tarp is crucial. Not all tarps are created equal, and using the wrong material could result in a less effective and durable cover. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the right tarp for your outdoor furniture.
Waterproof: One of the primary purposes of a furniture cover is to protect your outdoor pieces from rain and moisture. Therefore, it is essential to select a tarp that is waterproof. Look for a tarp that is made from materials such as PVC or polyethylene, which have excellent water-resistant properties.
UV Resistant: Another important feature to consider is UV resistance. The sun’s rays can be damaging to outdoor furniture, causing colors to fade and materials to deteriorate over time. Opt for a tarp that has UV resistant properties to ensure long-lasting protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
Durable: Your furniture cover will be subjected to various weather conditions, from high winds to heavy rain and even snow. Therefore, it is essential to choose a tarp that is durable and can withstand the elements. Look for a tarp that is tear-resistant and designed for outdoor use.
Size: Ensure that the tarp you choose is large enough to fully cover your outdoor furniture. Take accurate measurements of your furniture to determine the appropriate size of the tarp. It is better to have a larger tarp that can be securely tucked or tied down rather than one that is too small and leaves your furniture exposed.
Color: While the color of the tarp may seem like a minor consideration, it can have an impact on the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space. Choose a color that complements your outdoor decor or opt for a neutral shade that blends in seamlessly with the surroundings.
Budget: Finally, consider your budget when selecting a tarp. Prices can vary based on the material, durability, and size of the tarp. Set a budget range and look for options that fit within your financial means while still meeting the necessary requirements for an effective furniture cover.
By carefully considering these factors and selecting the right tarp, you can ensure that your outdoor furniture remains protected and in excellent condition for years to come.
Measuring Your Furniture
Before you start making your outdoor furniture cover, it’s important to accurately measure your furniture to ensure a proper fit. Taking precise measurements will help you determine the dimensions of the tarp you need to cut and create a cover that fits snugly over your furniture. Here’s how to measure your furniture:
Length: Measure the longest side of your furniture, from one end to the other. This will give you the length measurement needed for your tarp. Use a measuring tape and ensure that it is pulled taut for accurate results.
Width: Measure the widest part of your furniture from side to side. This will give you the width measurement needed for your tarp. Make sure to measure any protruding parts or handles as well to ensure that the cover will fit properly.
Height: Measure the height of your furniture from the ground to the highest point. This will determine the height measurement needed for your tarp. Take into consideration any additional elements such as cushions or decorative details that might affect the height of the cover.
Additional Measurements: Depending on the shape and design of your furniture, you may need to take additional measurements. For example, if you have a rounded or irregularly shaped piece, measure its widest and longest dimensions to ensure a proper fit.
When measuring your furniture, it’s always a good idea to add a few inches to each measurement to allow for a bit of extra room. This will ensure that the cover can easily slide over the furniture and provide full coverage. Additionally, consider any special features such as armrests, headrests, or built-in tables and measure them accordingly to create tailored sections in your cover.
Once you have taken accurate measurements of your furniture, you will have the necessary dimensions to cut your tarp and create a snug-fitting cover. Remember, proper measurements are essential to ensure that your furniture cover provides optimal protection and stays securely in place, even during inclement weather.
Cutting the Tarp to Size
With your furniture measurements in hand, it’s time to cut the tarp to the appropriate size for your outdoor furniture cover. Cutting the tarp accurately will ensure that it fits snugly and provides optimal coverage and protection. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cutting the tarp to size:
Gather your materials: You will need your tarp, measuring tape, a marker, and sharp scissors or a utility knife for cutting.
Mark the cutting lines: Lay the tarp flat on a clean and even surface. Use your measuring tape to measure and mark the dimensions of your furniture on the tarp. Double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy.
Draw the cutting lines: Once you have marked the measurements, use a marker to draw straight lines across the tarp, connecting your marked points. This will serve as your cutting guide.
Cut along the lines: Using your sharp scissors or utility knife, carefully cut along the marked lines to create the desired shape and size for your furniture cover. Take your time and make precise cuts to ensure clean edges.
Double-check the fit: Once you have cut the tarp, place it over your furniture to check the fit. It should snugly cover your furniture, allowing for a little extra room. Adjustments may be needed if the tarp is too loose or too tight.
Make additional cuts if necessary: Depending on the design and features of your furniture, you may need to make additional cuts or adjustments to the tarp. For example, if your furniture has rounded corners or special sections, you can carefully cut and shape the tarp to accommodate those features.
Cutting the tarp to the proper size is a crucial step in creating an effective outdoor furniture cover. Take your time, follow the measurements and cutting guide, and double-check the fit to ensure that your tarp fits accurately and provides complete coverage for your furniture.
Adding Reinforcements
When making an outdoor furniture cover with a tarp, adding reinforcements is an important step to ensure the longevity and durability of the cover. Reinforcements help strengthen areas that are prone to wear and tear, such as corners and edges, and provide extra protection against harsh weather conditions. Here’s how you can reinforce your tarp:
1. Double-Layer the Corners: Cut small squares or rectangular pieces from your tarp material and place them on the corners of your cover. Fold the corners of the tarp over the reinforcement piece and secure them together using a strong adhesive or by sewing them together. This will reinforce the corners and prevent them from tearing easily.
2. Reinforce the Edges: Run a strip of sturdy fabric along the edges of your tarp cover. You can use nylon webbing or another durable material and stitch or glue it in place. This will strengthen the edges of the cover, preventing fraying and providing added stability.
3. Add Grommets: Grommets are small metal rings that can be inserted into the tarp fabric. They provide a reinforced opening through which you can thread ropes or bungee cords to secure the cover tightly. Place grommets along the edges or corners of the tarp, ensuring they are evenly spaced for maximum support.
4. Reinforce Stress Points: Identify areas on your furniture cover that may be subjected to more stress, such as where the cover may come into contact with sharp edges or protrusions. Cut additional pieces of tarp fabric and reinforce these stress points by sewing or gluing the extra fabric onto the primary cover.
5. Use Binding Tape: Binding tape can be applied over the edge of the tarp to reinforce and protect it from fraying. This tape is typically made of strong polyester or nylon and can be sewn or glued onto the tarp’s edges, providing an extra layer of reinforcement.
By adding reinforcements to your tarp cover, you can ensure that it withstands the elements and remains sturdy over time. These simple yet effective techniques will help prevent tears, fraying, and other common issues, prolonging the lifespan of your outdoor furniture cover.
Sewing the Tarp
Once you have cut the tarp to the desired size and added reinforcements, the next step in making your outdoor furniture cover is sewing the tarp. Sewing the various pieces of the tarp together will provide a secure and durable cover that will effectively protect your furniture. Here’s a step-by-step guide to sewing the tarp:
Gather your materials: You will need a sewing machine with a heavy-duty needle, strong polyester or nylon thread, pins, and scissors.
Prepare your tarp pieces: Lay out the tarp pieces in the correct position for sewing. Make sure they are aligned properly and any reinforcements or additional fabric pieces are in place.
Pin the pieces together: Use straight pins to hold the tarp pieces together along the edges you will be sewing. This will prevent the fabric from shifting and ensure a clean and straight seam.
Set up your sewing machine: Thread your sewing machine with the appropriate thread and select a stitch pattern suitable for heavy-duty fabrics. Adjust the machine’s tension and stitch length according to the tarp material and personal preference.
Start sewing: Begin sewing along the pinned edges, removing the pins as you go. Use a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch for added strength. Sew slowly and steadily, backstitching at the beginning and end of each seam to secure the stitches.
Continue sewing: Work your way around the tarp, joining the pieces together as needed. Take your time, ensuring that the seams are straight and secure. Sew any additional features or openings required for your furniture, such as zippers or flaps.
Trim excess threads: Once you have finished sewing, trim any excess threads and remove any loose fabric or reinforcements that may have been caught during the sewing process.
Sewing the tarp together requires some basic sewing skills, but with a little practice, you can create a professional-looking outdoor furniture cover. The sturdy seams will ensure that the cover holds up well against the elements, providing long-lasting protection for your furniture.
Creating the Openings
When making an outdoor furniture cover, it’s important to create openings that allow for easy access and ventilation. These openings serve various purposes, such as accommodating handles or allowing airflow to prevent the build-up of moisture. Here’s how you can create the necessary openings in your tarp cover:
1. Handles and Straps: If your furniture has handles or straps that need to be accessed even when the cover is on, cut small slits or X-shaped openings in the appropriate areas of the tarp. Reinforce these openings with binding tape to prevent fraying.
2. Ventilation: To prevent the accumulation of moisture and condensation, it’s essential to create openings for ventilation. This can be achieved by cutting small holes or slots near the top or sides of the cover. If desired, cover these openings with mesh fabric to allow airflow while still providing protection.
3. Zippers or Flaps: For larger furniture pieces or covers that require complete removal, consider incorporating zippers or flaps. Zippers allow for easy opening and closing of the cover, while flaps can be secured with Velcro or snaps to provide accessibility and protection.
4. Tie-Downs: If you’d like to secure the cover tightly to your furniture, create tie-down openings by cutting small slits or grommet holes along the edges or corners of the tarp. These openings will allow you to fasten ropes or bungee cords to keep the cover securely in place.
5. Cinching Openings: If you prefer a snug fit, consider creating cinching openings using drawstrings or elastic cords. To do this, cut small slits in the desired areas and insert the drawstring or elastic cord, securing it in place. This will allow you to tighten the cover around your furniture for added protection.
When creating the openings, it’s important to strike a balance between accessibility and maintaining the integrity of the cover. Be mindful of the placement and size of the openings to ensure that they serve their intended purpose without compromising the overall functionality and effectiveness of the cover.
Adding Drawstrings or Velcro
When making an outdoor furniture cover, adding drawstrings or Velcro closures can help ensure a snug and secure fit. These closures provide an extra layer of protection and prevent the cover from shifting or blowing off during strong winds. Here’s how you can add drawstrings or Velcro to your tarp cover:
Drawstrings:
1. Measure and cut two long pieces of sturdy cord or nylon rope. These will serve as the drawstrings for your cover.
2. Create small openings or grommet holes along the edges or corners of the tarp, allowing enough space to insert the drawstrings.
3. Thread one end of the drawstring through the first opening, going all the way around the cover until the ends meet. Repeat this process for the second drawstring on the opposite side of the cover.
4. Once the drawstrings are threaded through the openings, pull the ends to tighten the cover around the furniture. Tie knots at the end of each drawstring to secure them in place.
5. If desired, you can also add cord stoppers or toggle locks to the drawstrings, allowing for easy adjustments and secure fastening of the cover.
Velcro:
1. Measure and cut strips of Velcro that are long enough to cover the desired opening on your tarp cover. Trim the Velcro to the appropriate width if needed.
2. Attach one side of the Velcro strip to the tarp cover, using strong adhesive or sewing it securely in place. Ensure that it aligns properly with the corresponding strip.
3. Attach the second side of the Velcro strip to the opposite side of the opening or to the furniture itself. Make sure it aligns properly with the first strip for a secure closure.
4. Repeat this process for any additional openings or closures you want to incorporate into the cover.
Adding drawstrings or Velcro closures to your outdoor furniture cover provides versatility and ease of use. These closures allow you to adjust the fit of the cover, ensuring that it stays in place and provides optimal protection for your furniture. Choose the closure option that best suits your preference and the specific requirements of your tarp cover.
Attaching the Cover to the Furniture
Once you’ve made your outdoor furniture cover, it’s important to attach it securely to your furniture to ensure it stays in place, even during strong winds or storms. Proper attachment will prevent the cover from blowing off and protect your furniture from the elements. Here are a few methods you can use to attach the cover to your furniture:
1. Tie-Downs: Use ropes or bungee cords to secure the cover tightly to the furniture. Wrap the cords around the furniture and the cover, ensuring they are pulled taut. Tie knots or use hooks to secure the cords in place.
2. Elastic Bands: If your furniture allows, use elastic bands or straps to hold the cover securely in place. Wrap the bands around the furniture and the cover, stretching them to create tension. Position the bands at multiple points to distribute the pressure evenly.
3. Clamps or Clips: Use clamps or clips to hold the cover onto the furniture. There are various types available, such as alligator clips or spring clamps, which can be attached to the edges or corners of the cover and hooked or clamped onto the furniture’s frame.
4. Velcro Straps: Attach Velcro straps to the cover and furniture for a secure closure. Position the straps at multiple points, ensuring they are tightly fastened to keep the cover in place.
5. Weighted Objects: If your furniture is in a particularly windy area, consider placing weighted objects on top of the cover to keep it anchored. This can be in the form of sandbags, heavy stones, or even DIY weights made from PVC pipes filled with sand or gravel.
Before attaching the cover, make sure the furniture is clean and dry to prevent any moisture or debris from being trapped underneath. Properly securing the cover to your furniture will not only protect it from the elements but also extend its lifespan, ensuring that it remains in pristine condition for years to come.
Adding Extra Features
While a basic tarp cover can provide adequate protection for your outdoor furniture, adding extra features can enhance its functionality and convenience. Consider incorporating these additional elements to make your cover even more effective:
1. Pockets or Storage Compartments: Sewing or attaching pockets to your furniture cover can provide convenient storage for small outdoor accessories like cushions, covers, or cleaning supplies. This keeps everything organized and easily accessible when needed.
2. Clear Vinyl Windows: If you want to keep an eye on your furniture without removing the cover, consider incorporating clear vinyl windows. Attach a piece of transparent vinyl to the cover, allowing you to see through and check on the condition of your furniture without exposing it to the elements.
3. Air Vents or Mesh Panels: Enhance ventilation and prevent the build-up of moisture by adding air vents or mesh panels to your cover. This promotes airflow, reducing the risk of mold or mildew formation and keeping your furniture dry and fresh.
4. Drawstring Closure at the Bottom: To ensure a snug fit and optimal protection, consider adding a drawstring closure at the bottom of the cover. This allows you to tighten the cover securely around the furniture, preventing any drafts or debris from getting in.
5. Reflective Strips: If you live in an area with low visibility or want to accentuate safety, sew reflective strips onto your cover. These strips will reflect light, making your furniture more visible at night and reducing the risk of accidental collisions.
6. Customized Designs or Logos: Personalize your outdoor furniture cover by adding custom designs or logos. This can be a fun way to showcase your style or add a touch of uniqueness to your cover while still providing the necessary protection.
7. Reinforced Handles: Attach sturdy handles to your cover to make it easier to remove and put back on. Reinforced handles allow for a secure grip and reduce the risk of them tearing or breaking when handling the cover.
Adding these extra features to your outdoor furniture cover can enhance its functionality, convenience, and visual appeal. Consider the specific needs of your furniture and outdoor space to determine which features will be most beneficial and incorporate them accordingly.
Tips for Maintaining Your Outdoor Furniture Cover
Maintaining your outdoor furniture cover is essential to ensure its longevity and effectiveness in protecting your furniture. Proper care and maintenance can help extend its lifespan and keep it in excellent condition. Here are some tips to help you maintain your outdoor furniture cover:
1. Clean Regularly: Regularly clean your cover to remove dirt, debris, and stains. Use a soft brush or sponge, mild soap, and water to gently scrub the surface. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to air dry before storing or reapplying it to your furniture.
2. Remove Stains Promptly: If you notice any stains or spills on your cover, act quickly to remove them. Blot the stain with a clean cloth or sponge and a mild detergent mixed with water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach that may damage the fabric.
3. Store Properly: When not in use, store your cover in a dry and well-ventilated area. Make sure it is clean and completely dry to prevent mold or mildew growth. Fold it neatly or use a storage bag to protect it from dust and pests.
4. Avoid Sharp Objects: Be mindful of sharp objects near your furniture cover, as they can cause tears or punctures. Keep sharp gardening tools, pet claws, or other potentially damaging objects away from the cover to maintain its integrity.
5. Reapply Waterproofing: Over time, the water-resistant properties of your cover may wear off. Reapply a waterproofing spray specifically designed for the fabric of your cover to restore its protective qualities. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
6. Inspect for Damage: Regularly inspect your cover for any signs of wear, tear, or damage. Check the seams, reinforcements, and closures to ensure they are intact and functioning properly. Repair any small damages promptly to prevent them from worsening.
7. Remove Snow and Debris: During the winter months or heavy snowfall, remove accumulated snow and debris from your cover. Use a broom or a soft brush to gently sweep it off. This will prevent excess weight, moisture, and potential damage to the cover and furniture.
8. Replace When Necessary: Despite proper care and maintenance, outdoor furniture covers will eventually wear out. Pay attention to signs of irreversible damage, such as extensive tears, fading, or weakened materials. When necessary, replace the cover to ensure continued protection for your outdoor furniture.
By following these maintenance tips, you can prolong the lifespan of your outdoor furniture cover and keep it in optimal condition. Regular care and attention will help your cover serve its purpose effectively and provide long-lasting protection for your valuable outdoor furniture.
