Irish winters are brutal on garden furniture. Rain, frost, wind, and constant damp can destroy timber furniture, rust metal pieces, crack plastic, and ruin cushions in a single season. If you want your patio set to survive until next summer, proper winter storage is essential.
What Happens to Garden Furniture in Irish Winters
- Wood: Absorbs moisture, warps, cracks, develops algae growth
- Metal: Rusts and corrodes, especially at joints and welds
- Wicker/rattan: Absorbs water, becomes brittle, develops mould
- Plastic: Becomes brittle in cold, cracks, discolours
- Cushions/fabric: Go mouldy within weeks if left out
Preparing Furniture for Storage
- Clean thoroughly — remove dirt, leaves, and bird droppings
- Let everything dry completely before storing (crucial)
- Apply wood treatment or oil to timber pieces
- Fold down or disassemble where possible to save space
- Store cushions separately in vacuum bags or plastic containers
Best Storage for Garden Furniture
A dry garage or large shed is ideal — the furniture doesn't need indoor conditions, just protection from direct weather. On Packhood, a garage for winter garden furniture storage costs €40–€100/month (October through April = €240–€600 total).
The Alternative: Covers
If you can't afford storage, at minimum invest in quality waterproof covers and raise furniture off the ground. But stored furniture will always last longer and look better than covered furniture exposed to 6 months of Irish weather.
For more seasonal storage advice, read our summer storage tips for when the weather turns warm again. Find winter storage for your garden furniture on Packhood and extend its life by years.