How to Protect Your Outdoor Furniture During Melbourne’s Winter

Melbourne’s winters are unpredictable. One week brings cold, damp southerly winds and persistent rain. The next brings a sharp frost overnight followed by 18 degrees and sunshine. For anyone who has invested in quality outdoor furniture, this stop-start climate creates a real challenge — how do you protect what you’ve spent good money on without having to drag everything inside every time the forecast turns grey? 

At Robcousens, we’ve been helping Melbourne homeowners furnish their outdoor spaces for over 20 years. The most common questions we hear after a purchase are about winter care. Here’s exactly what you need to know. 

Why Melbourne Winters Are Hard on Outdoor Furniture 

The biggest threats to outdoor furniture in Melbourne during the cooler months are not cold temperatures alone — it’s the combination of moisture, UV exposure on mild winter days, salt air in coastal suburbs, and extended periods of dampness when furniture isn’t being used regularly. 

Moisture is the primary culprit. Even furniture designed for outdoor use can be damaged by prolonged exposure to pooled water, which works its way into frame joints, under cushion covers, and into timber grain. Without proper protection, frames can corrode and timber can warp, crack, or develop mould. 

UV damage continues throughout winter, particularly on Melbourne’s bright winter days. Without covers or shade, fading and surface degradation continue year-round — not just in summer. 

Good news: All furniture in the Robcousens range — including our aluminium, teak, wicker, and sling collections — is designed for year-round outdoor use in Australian conditions. With the right care routine, your furniture will look great for a decade or more. 

The Right Outdoor Furniture Covers — What to Look For 

Using quality outdoor furniture covers in Melbourne is the single most effective thing you can do to extend the life of your investment during winter. Not all covers are created equal, though. Cheap covers trap moisture underneath and can do more damage than no cover at all. 

When selecting outdoor furniture covers, look for: 

• Breathable fabric — covers that allow air circulation underneath prevent mould and mildew build-up 

• Waterproof outer layer — the exterior must repel rain and dew effectively 

• Secure fit — covers that flap in the wind create friction damage on frames and surfaces; look for elastic hems or tie-down straps 

• UV resistance — a cover that degrades in sunlight in one season is not worth buying 

Robcousens stocks purpose-designed outdoor protection products including outdoor table covers sized to fit our dining and extension table ranges. Getting a cover that fits your specific table — rather than a generic size — means no gaps where water can pool and no excess fabric that traps moisture.

Caring for Outdoor Cushions Through Winter 

Cushions are the most vulnerable part of any outdoor setting in winter. Even UV-stabilised, water-resistant fabrics are not designed for sustained moisture exposure over weeks or months. 

The Best Approach for Melbourne Winters 

If you use your outdoor space regularly through winter — which many Melbourne families do, particularly in the alfresco or undercover area — keep your cushions out but bring them inside or store them under cover during heavy rain or extended wet periods. 

If your furniture will be largely unused from April to August, the best practice is to remove cushions entirely, wash them at the end of the season, allow them to dry completely, and store them indoors in breathable bags or boxes. This is particularly important for outdoor bench seat cushions and seat pad cushions, which sit flat and can hold water when left exposed. 

Robcousens tip: All cushions in our range — including outdoor cushions, bench seat cushions, chair pads, and scatter cushions — feature removable covers for easy washing. Remove covers, machine wash on gentle, and allow to fully dry before reattaching. Do this at the start and end of winter for best results. 

Storing Bench Cushions and Seat Pads 

Long bench cushions — particularly those from the Portland Collection — should be stored flat or on their side, never folded, to prevent permanent creasing of the foam core. Outdoor bench cushions stored folded will lose their shape and the covers can develop permanent stress marks at the fold line. 

For outdoor chair cushions and chair pads, stack them in a breathable storage bag away from direct sunlight. Avoid plastic bags — these seal in any residual moisture and create mould conditions. 

Winter Care by Furniture Material 

Aluminium Frames 

Rust-free powder-coated aluminium is the most resilient material in our range. It requires minimal winter maintenance. Wipe down frames at the end of the season with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove salt, bird droppings, and grime that can slowly work into the powder coat over time. Do not use abrasive cleaners. 

Teak and Timber 

Teak naturally contains oils that make it highly weather-resistant, but prolonged winter exposure can cause surface greying. If you want to preserve the original warm honey tone, apply a quality teak oil at the start of winter. Our Teak Collection is FSC-certified teak — one of the most durable timber choices available for outdoor furniture in Melbourne’s climate. 

PE Resin Wicker 

All wicker furniture in the Robcousens Woven Collection uses UV-stabilised polyethylene resin wicker — not natural rattan. This synthetic wicker is specifically designed to withstand outdoor conditions including Melbourne winters. It won’t crack, fade, or absorb moisture like natural alternatives. A simple rinse with a garden hose and mild soap is all the winter maintenance it needs. 

A Simple Winter Checklist for Your Outdoor Furniture 

• Wipe down all frames with mild detergent — remove grime before covering 

• Remove and wash all cushion covers — dry thoroughly before storage 

• Apply teak oil to timber components if applicable 

• Fit outdoor furniture covers to all tables, sofas, and chairs 

• Fit outdoor table covers to dining and extension tables first — these have the largest horizontal surface area for water pooling 

• Store all cushions, seat pads, and bench cushions indoors if furniture won’t be used regularly 

Spring tip: When you bring furniture back out in September, give it a full clean before first use. Wipe down frames, re-oil teak if needed, and check all joints and hardware. This is also the right time to replace any cushions or covers that didn’t survive the winter. 

Taking care of your outdoor furniture through winter doesn’t require a lot of time or money — just the right products and a consistent routine. A good set of covers and proper cushion storage will add years to the life of any outdoor setting. 

Need Covers, Cushions, or Replacement Parts? Robcousens stocks outdoor furniture covers, table covers, replacement cushions, seat pads, and bench cushions — all designed for our furniture range. Shop Covers & Protection Shop Cushions