To ensure those tables, chairs, loungers and umbrellas are protected while in hibernation, it’s important to store them properly. After all, summer is only nine months away.

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The second saddest seasonal take-down, after the Christmas tree, is packing away the patio furniture. It slaps you with the cold, clear reality that summer is over and winter weather is just around the corner.

But you’ll be even sadder next summer if you discover your outdoor furniture didn’t survive the elements. To ensure those tables, chairs, loungers and umbrellas are protected while in hibernation, it’s important to store them properly. After all, summer is only nine months away.

Rain, snow, ice and freezing temperatures — and the inevitable freeze-thaw cycles — can wreak havoc on your precious patio set, causing wood to crack, metal to rust, plastic to warp and fabrics to stiffen. So before nighttime temps dip below freezing, have a plan to safeguard your set from the worst-case scenarios.

Jerry Schmidt, owner of Vancouver Sofa & Patio in Richmond, says some outdoor furniture can withstand cold, rain and snow better than others, especially if they’re on a covered deck or porch. Those include items that are made with recycled plastic, such as from Canadian manufacturer CR Plastic Products. “It’s the same plastic used for outdoor playground slides, which stay out all year long and doesn’t break down,” he says.

Powder coated aluminum, such as the Vienna or Milano collection from Ratana, will also hold up well outside and won’t rust, he says. “If you do get rust on your set, lightly sand it down and use an enamel paint (spray paint) to cover the rusted areas.” Some experts suggest applying a coating of wax for extra protection.

Other materials that can withstand rain and snow include high-density polyethylene, high-quality synthetic resin wicker with aluminum frames, and treated teak, although it’s ideal to use covers or bring it inside to extend its lifespan.

Steel and wrought iron are highly durable but susceptible to corrosion, so it’s advisable to keep them well covered if leaving them outside in cold weather.

Schmidt advises brushing any accumulated snow off cushioned furniture because the weight may cause the seat to sag, depending on the material. In fact, some experts recommend placing a bucket or something similar under a cover or tarp to create a peak so water or snow can slide off. Avoid laying plastic tarps directly on furniture, though, since it traps moisture which can lead to mold. It’s also a good idea to leave a couple of inches of space between the bottom of the cover and the ground to allow for airflow and prevent moisture build-up.

Furniture that should be brought in from the cold include anything upholstered, as well as rugs, umbrellas, pillows and cushions. “If you have the (indoor) space, they will last longer and be in better shape,” says Schmidt. “Outside, you risk rodents getting in there and making quite the mess of your beautiful set.”

Schmidt recommends bringing your cushions inside to keep them completely dry. He says a high-quality fabric, such as Sunbrella, will help prevent mold and mildew. You may still want to store pillows and cushions separately in breathable bags or plastic bins with lids.

Other items worth storing inside include natural wicker, which absorbs moisture; stone and glass tabletops, which can crack; wooden furniture, which can absorb moisture and is vulnerable to fluctuating temperatures causing it to crack and split; and glass fiber reinforced concrete, which is porous and can crack.

Stuart Ilott, president of Patio Gurus and Wizard Screens & Shades in Burnaby, recommends storing outdoor umbrellas indoors. “Make sure the canopy is completely dry before closing it, remove the umbrella from its base and, if possible, store it somewhere dry and protected. Avoid storing it while damp, as moisture left between the folded layers can lead to mildew and fabric deterioration.”

Ideal storage spaces include a clean shed, basement or heated storage unit (especially for wood, wicker and fabrics) to protect against freezing temperatures. Weatherproof deck boxes, made of plastic, resin or suitable wood, are also good for storing accessories like small cushions or pillows. Try to keep your boxes under overhead shelters like eaves or roof overhangs for extra protection against driving rain, heavy snow, and ice.

Schmidt says if you don’t have the indoor space, “Get a good set of weather covers and the furniture should be fine.” A good set, he says, includes Ecoloom by Ratana, as well as Duck covers, which hold up well in B.C.’s wet climate.

Ilott says, “When choosing a furniture cover, look for one that is water-resistant, breathable and properly fitted. The goal is to keep rain and moisture off while still allowing air to circulate. A cover that traps condensation underneath can create its own problems over the winter. It’s also a good idea to check on covered furniture occasionally and remove the cover on a dry day to allow everything to air out.”

Also, look for tie-downs, elastic hems or buckles to avoid it being blown away in the wind.

And don’t forget your grill and fire pit, which will also benefit from custom covers.

Before covering or storing your deck set, make sure it’s clean and completely dry. “If dirt, pet hair or other organic material is in the frame or cushions, that’s where mold and mildew will grow,” says Schmidt. “Even if your set is resistant to this, the dirt will allow it to start growing.”

Most experts recommend a soft cloth and simple solution of mild dish soap and water to clean metal and plastic frames, a brush to reach crevices on wicker, vacuum and/or soft bristled brush to remove dirt, debris and leaves from fabric and cushions. Rinse soap residue and dry thoroughly.

“For wood furniture, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and treatment, as different types of wood require different care,” says Ilott.

Schmidt also advises you periodically check your stored outdoor furniture for any signs of mold or pest infestation. “The earlier you discover a problem, the quicker you can deal with it and save your furniture.”

Some experts recommend you store your outdoor furniture raised on blocks, especially on concrete floors, which can draw moisture up, damaging legs and frames, particularly wood.

If leaving it outside covered, keep your furniture right side up, since storing tables and chairs upside down can allow water to seep into drain holes and freeze, which can damage aluminum.

And be careful stacking aluminum so it doesn’t scratch.

Before you stash everything away, this is also a good time to tighten any loose bolts or screws, sand and repaint any rusted areas, and apply sealant to wood furniture to prevent moisture seeping in.

“The general rule is simple: clean it, dry it and protect it before the wet weather arrives,” says Ilott. “A little preparation in the fall can go a long way toward keeping outdoor furniture looking good and ready to use when spring arrives.”