How do I store patio furniture during Ottawa's winter?

Proper winter storage is essential for protecting your patio furniture investment through Ottawa's five-plus months of harsh conditions. From November through April, your outdoor pieces face sustained temperatures below -20°C, heavy snow loads, ice accumulation, freeze-thaw moisture cycling, and road salt carried by wind from nearby streets. Furniture left exposed without protection will deteriorate far faster than the same pieces in a milder climate.

The ideal storage location is indoors — a garage, basement, or shed where furniture stays dry and above freezing. If you have the space, this is always the best option. Before moving anything inside, clean each piece thoroughly. Wash with warm soapy water, rinse completely, and let everything dry for at least a full day. Storing damp furniture in an enclosed space leads to mould and mildew growth over the winter months, which can be worse than the weather damage you are trying to prevent.

For metal furniture — aluminum, wrought iron, or steel — apply a light coat of car wax or a metal-specific protectant before storage. Ottawa's winter humidity, even indoors, can trigger oxidation on exposed metal surfaces. Check for any scratches or chips in the finish and touch them up with matching spray paint, as bare metal will rust quickly once spring moisture arrives. Wrought iron is particularly vulnerable and should always be stored indoors if possible.

Wicker and rattan furniture, whether natural or synthetic, should never be left outdoors through an Ottawa winter. Natural wicker will crack and split as moisture penetrates the fibres and freezes. Even synthetic resin wicker becomes brittle at sustained low temperatures and can crack under snow load. Store these pieces in a heated or at least insulated space.

Wooden furniture — teak, cedar, or pressure-treated pine — is more resilient but still benefits from indoor storage. If you must leave wood pieces outside, elevate them off the ground on blocks to prevent moisture wicking from pooling snowmelt, and cover them with breathable furniture covers. Avoid plastic tarps, as they trap condensation underneath and accelerate wood rot. Teak specifically should be treated with teak oil before storage to prevent the deep drying that Ottawa's cold, low-humidity winter air causes.

Cushions and fabric elements absolutely must come inside. Store them in a dry location, ideally in breathable storage bags rather than sealed plastic bins. Ottawa basements can be humid, so adding silica gel packets or a small dehumidifier nearby prevents mould on stored fabrics. Clean and fully dry all cushions before packing them away — any residual moisture will turn into mildew by spring.

For homeowners who lack indoor storage space, high-quality outdoor furniture covers rated for Canadian winters are the next best option. Look for covers with reinforced seams, adjustable drawstrings, and ventilation panels. Secure them firmly — Ottawa's winter wind gusts regularly exceed 60 kilometres per hour and will shred or blow away loose covers. Weighting the cover edges with sandbags or bungee-cording them to the furniture legs helps.

Bring your furniture out again only after the last frost risk has passed, typically mid-May in Ottawa. Unpacking too early means exposing freshly stored pieces to late-season freeze-thaw and spring ice storms that can undo all your careful preparation.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• 613Bins
• JC Carpentry
• Elie The Carpet Guy Inc.
• 613 Interlock
• ARTEXPRO Tile & Finishes