Protect Garden Furniture & BBQs Before Winter Hits — as the evenings draw in and the scent of bonfires lingers in the air, it’s time to turn attention from summer gatherings to seasonal upkeep. The once-bustling patio now stands quiet; deck chairs appear neglected, and the barbecue, once the star of weekend feasts, sits idle under the first chill drizzle of autumn.
Before the full force of a British winter sets in, this is the ideal moment to protect your garden furniture and BBQ equipment. Whether your setup features classic teak, durable metal, contemporary rattan, or a budget-friendly mix from last year’s sale, a bit of preparation now can save considerable effort and expense come spring. After all, nothing dampens the joy of warmer days quite like finding a rusted grill or mould-streaked cushions. So, wrap up warm, make yourself a cuppa, and let’s ensure your outdoor space weathers the winter in top condition.
Why Protecting Your Garden Furniture & BBQs Matters?
We all know that British weather is anything but predictable, mild and misty one moment, then delivering a sleety downpour and gusts strong enough to send a parasol tumbling into the neighbour’s garden the next. While most garden furniture and barbecues are designed to endure a touch of rough weather, months of moisture, frost, and grime can cause lasting harm.
Unprotected furniture is at risk of fading, cracking, or warping; metals may rust, wooden surfaces can split, and even durable plastics become brittle in freezing temperatures. As for your barbecue, prolonged exposure can lead to clogged burners, corroded grates, and damp ignition systems — hardly the ideal start to next summer’s first cookout. Taking the time to protect your outdoor setup now is a worthwhile investment, saving both money and frustration later.
And beyond practicality, there’s a quiet satisfaction in knowing that when spring arrives, your garden will be ready to welcome it — tidy, intact, and far from resembling a scrapyard after a storm.
Step One: Give Everything a Good Clean
Before you cover or store anything, a thorough clean is essential. Covering dirt and grime only traps moisture and speeds up the damage. Think of it as sending your garden furniture off for its winter hibernation in freshly pressed pyjamas.
For Wooden Furniture
- Use a soft brush to remove loose dirt, cobwebs, and leaves.
- Mix a mild detergent with warm water and gently scrub the surface.
- Rinse thoroughly with a hose, avoid pressure washers unless your furniture’s particularly sturdy.
- Let it dry completely before applying a suitable protective oil or sealant.
Hardwood furniture (like teak) benefits from a coat of teak oil or sealant once a year, while softwoods such as pine may need extra weatherproofing to prevent rot.
For Metal Furniture
- Start by washing with warm, soapy water.
- Dry thoroughly to avoid trapping moisture.
- Inspect for rust spots — small ones can be sanded down and treated with rust converter or metal primer.
- A quick touch-up with outdoor metal paint will keep everything looking fresh and rust-free.
For Rattan and Plastic Furniture
- Rattan (natural or synthetic) can be cleaned with a soft cloth or brush and mild soapy water.
- For stubborn grime in crevices, use an old toothbrush.
- Plastic furniture can be revived with a gentle scrub and a bit of bicarbonate of soda — it helps lift stains without scratching.
Once clean, leave all pieces to air dry fully before moving on to the next step.
Step Two: Check, Repair & Restore
Before you store your furniture away, check for damage. Loose screws, cracked slats, and wobbly legs have a funny way of worsening over the winter months.
Tighten all fasteners, replace missing bolts, and repair any minor cracks before the cold sets in. For wooden sets, consider applying a weatherproof varnish or wood protector to help them withstand temperature fluctuations.
Cushions and fabrics deserve a look too. If your seat covers are removable, wash them according to label instructions and make sure they’re dry before storing. Moisture is the enemy; even a slightly damp cushion can lead to mould growth by February.
If you have outdoor rugs or parasols, give them a shake and a wipe down, and store them in a dry indoor space such as a shed or garage.
Step Three: Cover Up
If you can’t store everything indoors, high-quality covers are your next best defence. And we’re not talking about a random old bedsheet or a tarpaulin flapping in the wind like a sailboat in a gale. Invest in well-fitting, waterproof, and breathable covers specifically designed for outdoor furniture and barbecues.
Few tips:
- Look for covers with ventilation flaps to reduce condensation and prevent mildew.
- Choose covers with elasticated edges or drawstrings for a snug fit; the last thing you want is your protective cover blowing off during a December storm.
- Ensure the cover allows rain to run off rather than pool on top; angled or dome-shaped covers are best.
Don’t forget to elevate furniture slightly off the ground (a couple of bricks or rubber feet will do) to avoid moisture build-up from below.
Step Four: Storage Solutions That Actually Work
If you have the luxury of space, bringing your furniture indoors — into a shed, garage, or even under a covered patio- is ideal. But let’s be realistic: not all of us have a spare room to store a six-seater dining set next to the Christmas decorations.
Here’s how to make the most of what you’ve got:
- Stack it smartly: Stack chairs and fold tables to save space.
- Use pallets: Raise items off cold concrete floors with pallets or planks.
- Invest in storage boxes: Large outdoor storage boxes can house cushions, smaller chairs, or BBQ accessories safely.
- Try a pop-up shelter: If you’re short on indoor space, a waterproof garden storage tent can be surprisingly effective.
Just remember — wherever you store things, airflow is key. Trapped moisture equals mould, mildew, and misery come spring.
Step Five: Show Your BBQ Some Love
Your barbecue deserves just as much TLC as your furniture. Whether it’s gas, charcoal, or hybrid, winter neglect can lead to blocked burners, rusted grates, and more grease than a chip shop on a Friday night.
For Charcoal BBQs:
- Empty all ash and leftover charcoal. Ash absorbs moisture and corrodes metal.
- Clean the grill grates with warm, soapy water or a BBQ brush.
- Wipe the inside with a damp cloth — no harsh chemicals needed.
- Oil the grates lightly to prevent rusting.
- Store with a cover or in a shed if possible.
For Gas BBQs:
- Disconnect the gas bottle– store it upright in a dry, ventilated area.
- Remove grease trays and wash them thoroughly.
- Clean burners and check for blockages or corrosion.
- Polish the exterior with a stainless-steel cleaner if applicable.
- Cover securely to keep moisture out.
A little maintenance now means less faff when the first sunny day of spring inevitably sends you running for the tongs and lighter fluid.
Step Six: Don’t Forget the Extras
Outdoor heaters, planters, and decorative accessories often get overlooked. But they, too, need protection from frost and damp.
- Heaters: Check for gas leaks, wipe clean, and store under cover.
- Planters: Move delicate pots to sheltered spots, and if you can, raise them off the ground to stop roots freezing.
- Lighting: Remove solar lights and store them indoors to preserve battery life.
- Fire pits: Empty ash and debris, oil metal surfaces to prevent rust, and keep covered when not in use.
Timing Is Everything
The ideal time to begin preparing your garden furniture and barbecue for winter is early to mid-autumn, before frost begins to settle. However, if you are already waking up to icy mornings, there is no need for an alarm — it is never too late to start. A crisp weekend afternoon, a thermos of tea, and a few hours of well-spent effort can make all the difference.
And look at it this way: the sooner your outdoor essentials are safely packed away, the sooner you can retreat indoors with a clear conscience — free to indulge in a well-earned afternoon of winter television without the lingering thought that your barbecue is freezing its burners off outside.
Final Thoughts!
Protecting your garden furniture and barbecues before winter arrives is about far more than keeping things tidy; it is about preserving their condition and saving yourself time, money, and unnecessary stress when summer returns. With a little cleaning, a well-fitted cover, and some thoughtful storage, your outdoor sanctuary can remain in excellent shape throughout the colder months.
Do not wait until the first frost makes an appearance — act now. Your future self, standing proudly beside a spotless barbecue in May, will be quietly grateful.
And for more seasonal reminders, practical advice, and a touch of inspiration for every corner of your home, follow The Household Daily. We will be here, kettle at the ready, to help you make the most of every season — whether it is protecting your patio or rescuing your radiators.
