Can you store patio furniture in an unheated garage or shed during winter?

The big advantage of the high-grade cast aluminium we use to make our patio furniture is that it can be left outside in the sun, rain, and snow.

Our collection is rust and weather-resistant and we apply a durable powder-coated finish that not only makes it look beautiful but also further protects it from the elements.

However, there are two big issues where we think we all still need to exercise caution.

The first problem is that if you leave it on your patio during the winter, then it is going to get very dirty.

The second is high winds. Whilst aluminium is robust, it could still be damaged if we see amber weather warnings with wind speeds of between 50-70 mph in an exposed outside area.

In terms of dirt, yes it is easy to clean with just warm soapy water and, with storms, if your garden is sheltered or you stack the furniture in a safe spot, then it will probably be OK.

Garden furniture is expensive though, so no matter what material it is made from, and what we manufacturers say about our products, it pays to be proactive and look after it as best we can.

By storing it in a garage or shed during the off-season, then you can keep it clean and remove the risk of potential storm damage. 

That just leaves the question, can you just store your patio furniture in an unheated garage or shed and it will be OK?

In this article, we want to answer that question, look at how you can store it safely and, if you don’t have the option, touch on what you can do to keep it protected this winter.

Is it safe to store patio furniture in an unheated shed or garage?

First things first, yes, you can certainly store all different types of patio furniture in an unheated garage or shed. However, we would still advise a few basic precautionary steps to ensure it remains safe from damage, moisture, or pests.

It is certainly a good idea to store garden furniture made from materials such as wood and plastic, which when exposed to harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, and frost, can be damaged (such as warping, fading, etc).

Much of the patio furniture sold in the UK will be perfectly fine if left outside. Even materials like wood, if properly protected, maintained, and stored indoors or covered, will stand up to the elements.

Proper storage in winter will help keep your furniture looking like new for longer and maintain its appearance. You can minimise the need for regular cleaning and time-consuming repairs.

If you don't have the space to store it indoors, then consider investing in some protective covers designed for outdoor furniture. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to pick up from places like Amazon or local home and garden stores.

How to protect different types of garden furniture when stored for winter

The mistake many make is thinking that they can just pop it in an unheated shed or garage and shut the door till spring.

They can still get cold and damp, which can lead to problems, especially with wooden garden furniture that's out of sight and out of mind.

To protect when storing over winter, we would recommend the following steps:

1. Metal
   Our cast aluminium will stand up to cold and damp. However, before you put it away, clean and dry it to prevent moisture damage. Apply a protective coat of car wax to provide a little extra protection. Cover the furniture with breathable to keep dust and moisture off. The biggest risk is chipping or scratching the painted finish, so use blankets to protect it if need be. If the worst should happen, then you can easily touch up with our paint kits.

2. Wood
   Winter temperatures fluctuate and high moisture levels can cause wood to crack, warp, or rot. As with metal, give it a clean and apply a fresh coat of sealant or a suitable wood oil before you put it away to nourish. Raise it off the ground to prevent moisture ingress from the floor. Cover it with breathable furniture covers to prevent mould or mildew growth and keep your garage or shed well-ventilated to reduce humidity.

3. Rattan
   Natural rattan wicker furniture can dry out and crack in cold temperatures or absorb moisture and mould in humid conditions so is only really suitable for indoor use such as in a summer room or conservatory. Poly-rattans are the more popular type of outdoor wicker furniture in the UK, and they can be stored in a shed or garage. However, before you put them away you still need to clean thoroughly to remove any dirt. Apply a protective plastic furniture wax or oil to help seal and keep the plastic weave supple. Store in a dry area and cover it with a breathable fabric cover to keep it clean and prevent trapping moisture. Avoid placing the furniture directly on a cold floor by elevating it.

4. Plastic/Resin
   Cold temperatures can make plastics brittle, leading to cracking or warping. So as with the poly-rattans, clean the furniture and ensure it’s completely dry before you store it. If space is limited, stack the furniture to reduce its footprint, but avoid over-stacking or placing heavy items on top as that could create pressure cracks. Use a plastic-friendly furniture cover to protect against dust.

5. Fabrics
   You can store outdoor fabrics in a shed or garage too if it is clean and dry. Before you put them away, wipe them clean and leave them to completely dry before you store them. Preferably indoors. Store outdoor cushions in a garden cushion storage bag that will protect them from moisture and pests but is breathable to prevent mould and mildew from forming. Check for any signs of pests in the storage area and consider using pest deterrents like cedar blocks or mothballs if need be.

6. Glass
   If your garden table has a glass top then correct and safe storage is essential. Sudden temperature changes can cause glass to crack and any impact could shatter it. Clean the glass and wrap it with a moving blanket or bubble wrap. Store the glass vertically to avoid pressure that could lead to cracks. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of it or placing it where it could tip over.

Basic steps to take before you put your outdoor furniture away for the winter

To protect your patio furniture during winter when storing it in a shed or garage, you'll you might want to take a few additional steps to shield it from moisture, cold, and/or pests.

Here are a few reasons why and the tips and tricks we’ve picked up for fully winterising and protecting different types of patio furniture whether they’re stored indoors or left outside when the weather turns:

1. Clean
   Even though you’re probably not going to use it, autumn is the perfect time to give it a good end-of-season clean. Remove any dirt and debris by giving it a good wash with warm soapy water. Car shampoo is our preference for our range. Washing up liquid is great on plastics but for wood, we would recommend a specialist wood cleaner.

2. Dry
   Never put any garden furniture material away or under a cover wet. It's OK to leave it to air dry outside uncovered but under a cover or in a shed or garage, you could encourage mould, mildew, or worse. The same with outdoor fabrics, always make sure they are fully dry, as put away even slightly damp, and mould and mildew could form.

3. Protect
   For our range of cast aluminium garden furniture, we like to apply a light coat of car wax. It just helps to give the powder coating a nice finish and keeps it clean for longer. For steel or iron pieces, you might need to apply a rust-inhibitor but check with the manufacturer. Wood Furniture will need a weatherproof sealant, varnish, or protective oil (like teak or Danish oil depending on the type of wood) applied to help preserve and protect it from cracking or warping. For plastic or resin furniture, you should apply a UV protector to prevent any brittleness that can be caused by fluctuating temperatures.

4. Cover
   It might sound a bit silly covering it in a shed or garage but if nothing else it will just help to keep it clean and protected. Things can still get scratched too. Use high-quality, waterproof patio furniture covers that are also breathable to prevent moisture from getting trapped. Breathable covers reduce the risk of mould and mildew, especially on wooden furniture. If leaving on the patio and covering, then make sure the covers fit tightly and secure them with ties or straps so they don’t blow off. Avoid any plastic sheets/tarpaulin as they can trap moisture and lead to condensation and that will do more harm than good.

5. Elevate
   It is also a good idea, especially with wooden furniture, to lift it off the ground. This will prevent moisture ingress from seeping up the chair and table legs (a common weak spot as the grain is often open). You could store your furniture on old blankets, a pallet, or any type of raised platform to keep it off the cold, damp floor. This will reduce the risk of moisture rising from the ground and causing damage. Not an issue with our collection as we supply screw-in feet pads with all our tables and chairs. If you need any, you’ll find replacement packs in our spare parts shop.

6. Disassemble
   If space is an issue, then you could look at disassembling your patio furniture into smaller parts if possible. For example, with our larger tables, you could remove the top carefully to save space and make it easier to cover and protect each piece. If you do this, it is important you also carefully store screws, bolts, and small components in labelled bags to avoid losing them and make reassembling easier come the spring.

7. Control
   If your garage or shed has a problem with moisture or humidity, then a dehumidifier will keep things dry and humidity levels down. This is particularly helpful for wood and unpainted/treated steel and iron patio furniture that could be prone to rust or rot. You can also place silica gel packets or moisture-absorbing desiccants around stored furniture to keep the environment dry. They will also help to prevent mould from forming, especially in enclosed spaces such as small sheds.

8. Pests
   Pests can be a problem, especially in sheds and detached garages. Seal any gaps, cracks, or openings where pests could get in. Seal them with sealants, caulk or weather strips. If you think you have pests, then use natural pest repellents such as cedar blocks, mothballs, or peppermint oil around the stored furniture to deter rodents and insects from nesting.

9. Stack
   When storing patio furniture, stack or place items so that heavier, sturdier pieces are on the bottom and lighter or more delicate items (like glass tabletops or cushions) are on top. Remove any glass tops and store them vertically, rather than flat, to reduce the risk of breakage. As we recommended above, wrap them in bubble wrap or moving blankets for additional protection.

10. Check
    Periodically inspect your stored garden furniture during the winter to ensure covers are secure, there’s no moisture buildup, and no pests have made a nice little home for themselves. If you notice slipped covers or loose straps, adjust or pop them back over to ensure full protection.

By following these steps, your patio furniture should be well-protected from the winters here in the UK, ensuring it stays in good condition and is ready to pull out and use immediately when the warmer weather returns.

How to keep your shed and garage safe and protected in winter

It is not just about the furniture though. Keeping your shed and garage safe and protected during winter is essential to prevent damage to everything you store in there, from lawnmowers to BBQ grills, that could be caused by cold temperatures, moisture, and pests.

Here are several simple steps you can take now to get your shed and garage winter-ready:

1. Inspect
   Start by inspecting the roof, walls, and foundation for cracks or holes where moisture or cold air could get in. Repair any gaps and make sure the roof is free of leaks and can handle the wind, rain, and snow. Check windows and doors for drafts or damage and repair if need be.

2. Seal
   Mice and insects often seek shelter in garages and sheds during the winter, so check for small gaps, especially around doors, windows, and vents. Add door sweeps to the bottom of the garage or shed doors to block cold drafts and keep pests out.

3. Insulate
   Consider insulating the walls and ceiling to help maintain a moderate temperature. Insulation will help prevent freezing and keep moisture levels down to protect any stored furniture, tools and garden equipment. You can purchase garage and shed insulation kits or add take simple steps like adding a window film to reduce drafts and prevent heat loss.

4. Moisture
   If your shed or garage is prone to dampness, a small dehumidifier will help reduce moisture and prevent mould and mildew. This is especially important if you store tools, vehicles, or furniture prone to rust or rot. Ensure the space is well-ventilated, particularly if you store items sensitive to humidity, like wood or fabric. Vents can help maintain airflow and a waterproofing sealant to concrete or wood floors to protect from moisture ingress.

5. Temperature
   For garages, you can install a space heater if you plan to use it during winter. Make sure it's properly rated for enclosed spaces and has safety features like automatic shut-off in case of overheating. If you need to prevent freezing in a shed (for sensitive items or plumbing), use a frost protection heater or heat lamp. Make sure it’s safe for enclosed, unventilated areas and set on a timer.

6. Protect
   Store items off the floor on shelves or pallets. Cover sensitive items like metal tools, lawn equipment, or patio furniture with protective breathable covers. Store fabrics, paper, and other sensitive materials in moisture-proof containers to prevent damage. If storing outdoor equipment like lawnmowers or power tools, drain fuel and oil to prevent degradation or engine damage over the winter months. If water pools around the base of your shed or garage door then add gravel or mulch or a Hexdrain-style channel to improve drainage and help keep the foundations dry.

7. Prepare
   If your garage or shed has plumbing, then drain pipes and turn off the water supply to prevent frozen pipes, which can burst when water expands. If you need to keep the water on, wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation or heat tape and protect outdoor taps with a jacket or tap protector to prevent freezing.

By following these steps, you can ensure your garden furniture is stored correctly and that your shed and garage remain safe, dry, and protected throughout the winter months.

If you have any photos of our patio furniture in your garden or even showing how you’ve stored them in your garage or shed this winter, then we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign.

You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.