Understanding how to measure for patio furniture covers is a crucial step when purchasing the product. You should treat it as important as measuring up for a fridge or bed.
Even though more durable materials are covered by warranties that allow the return of covers, it’d be better to try to avoid having to return anything in the first place.
One easy way to avoid having to return anything is to measure correctly, and today, we’ll run through a few simple steps about what to do.
Key Takeaways On Measuring Patio Furniture Covers
Ensure you measure all dimensions - depth, width, and height.
The measuring tape is your best friend! Take multiple measurements to check you’re getting it right.
Don’t be scared to get a second opinion from family or friends.
Why Is It Important To Get The Right Measurements?
If you get the measurements of your outdoor furniture covers even slightly wrong, this can have a knock-on effect that can accelerate issues with the furniture itself.
For instance, if the cover for your chaise lounge is too small, this could result in the furniture getting damaged during bad weather conditions.
Similarly, if your outdoor patio furniture cover doesn’t have a snug fit over furniture like a BBQ grill or round table, this can cause rust which can cause serious damage in the long run.
If your furniture begins to feel the elements and the cover isn’t doing its job, this will accelerate the rate at which it declines and how quickly you will need to replace it. Ultimately, this means you’ll have to fork out extra cash if you don’t get the measurements right. This can also go the other way.
So, if your cover is too big, it could blow off completely during extremely windy weather. A flappy cover could also let other elements of damp, wet, or heat in and ultimately cause further problems. Get the measurements right, and you won’t have to worry about this.
What Tools Do You Need To Accurately Measure For Patio Furniture Covers?
You can’t go wrong with a humble tape measure. However, if you have friends who have the same patio furniture who themselves have either purchased covers or know how to measure for outdoor furniture covers, then we imagine that they will be able to assist you, too.
If you're a technology buff, there are laser measuring devices you can utilize to accurately measure the dimensions of your unit or furniture. So, you do have a handful of options available, but we'd recommend a good old tape measure.
Mistakes To Avoid When Measuring
While you don’t always have to seek a second opinion, getting somebody on board who can help you measure your patio doesn't hurt.
If you don’t feel comfortable with your ability to get the right measurements like inches, millimeters, or centimeters, or you need help measuring a particularly lengthy piece of patio furniture, such as hot tub covers, then don’t make the mistake of trying to do it all by yourself.
Awkwardly shaped pieces of furniture are far easier to measure with another person. If you’re prone to mixing up different metrics, getting somebody else on board who is more adept at using tools and measuring will help you. Don’t make the mistake of trying to do it on your own, sending back the covers, and then getting a second opinion anyway.
How To Measure For Patio Furniture Covers: Step-By-Step Guide
A lot of knowing about how to measure patio furniture covers involves following a logical approach.
First, know which dimensions to measure. So, if you have a BBQ cover, be sure to measure the height, width, and depth.
Be sure to take several measurements of each side to make sure they match.
Get a second opinion if you’re still not sure.
It’s important to know how to use your tape measure accurately and ensure you perform at least three measurements to ensure the figures you end up with aren’t too dissimilar.
Tables
Measuring your table is all about following the shape. A square table is self-explanatory—make sure you cover the width, length, and height. Apply the same math to oval coffee tables or round table covers as well. If you’re after an outdoor table and chair combo, you can measure both and combine your purchase, potentially saving money and covering them as part of the same warranty.
Chairs
Outdoor seat covers come in many colors and sizes. However, as we mentioned in our last section, it’s all about understanding the math. As long as the size cover you choose encompasses the height, length, and depth of your chair, it shouldn’t stray too far from the fitting.
BBQ Grills
Who doesn’t love a good cookout from time to time? Well, if your BBQ grill is one of the pride and joys of your outdoor garden aesthetic, then ensuring your cover fits should be an additional priority that you don’t overlook.
Of all the items we’ve touched on today, BBQ grills can be a potential banana skin. Due to the different shapes, sizes, and dimensions of BBQ grills, it’s crucial to get them right. If you have gas in your BBQ grill, then ensuring you keep the accessory out of extreme heat and other dangerous weather elements is vital.
Again, it’s just a case of paying attention, understanding your measurements, and gaining a second opinion if possible. As long as you do all the groundwork properly, you will know how to measure for patio furniture covers of all shapes and sizes—even curveballs like the classic BBQ grill!
Air Conditioner Units
Air conditioner units are more straightforward - follow the same steps, accurately record the width, length, and height, and you’ll be able to find covers and materials that will protect your outdoor cooling system all year round. This applies irrespective of whether it is a square cover or a round one.
How To Measure Irregularly Shaped Patio Furniture
Patio furniture shapes that fall outside of the standard chair, table, or BBQ grill shape might be slightly more challenging. For instance, if you’re eyeing up firewood log rack covers, you’ll need to measure the height, width, and depth. If you have a hot tub cover, you’ll want to measure the height, width and length, too.
Measuring the dimensions of any patio furniture should help you get the perfect fit. Even if you have unconventionally shaped furniture, it’s simply a case of getting the length, width, and height correct. Once you have this information, you can instruct a company to design a cover based on your measurements or find what you need in stories like our own here at PatioCover.com.
Get Help Measuring Your Patio Furniture
Help can come in many shapes and sizes - don’t be afraid of asking friends or family to help on how to measure for patio furniture covers. A second opinion might seem like a hindrance, but believe me, it’ll save you a lot of time and hassle moving forward.
There’s plenty of help online, too. If you don’t want to bother family or friends, speaking to customer service agents who specialize in selling these covers may also give you a better indicator of how to get advice on measuring and ensure your measurements are not too far off the mark.
Why not call our free helpline or chat with our agents via our live chat now? We’re open 24 hours a day and can help you with ordering patio covers and getting your measurements right.
Learn More About Patio Covers
Speak to specialist helpdesk agents if you’re unsure about specifics related to your furniture.
Jan Craig
Writer
PatioCover.com