Buying Guide

Duraspell covers protect your valuable outdoor furnishings, parasols and appliances from any harm caused by exposure to the weather, sandblasting by dust, birds, pets, droppings and dirt which will shorten their lifespan.

Not all outdoor covers are created equal. Some covers are made from inferior material or may be difficult to fit and remove. Unless top-quality covers are supplied with the furniture, parasols or appliances, they may not fit properly. Even if covers are supplied with the furniture, it is often an afterthought or cheap addition, so it will not impact the price of the item you are purchasing. Buying outdoor covers from a specialist such as Clearspell ensures you get the best quality that also offers great value at an affordable price.

When choosing the best cover, there are several factors to consider to ensure longevity, best protection and ease of use.

 

1. Material:

Duraspell covers are manufactured from superior quality woven microfibre-polyester that is far superior to any nylon, plastic or cotton covers available.

• Is it fully waterproof to protect against water or moisture damage? Duraspell covers are 100% waterproof.
• Does it offer sufficient protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays? Duraspell covers have an amazing 50+ UV rating.
• Is it soft enough not to scuff the furniture? Duraspell covers are made from a soft microfibre woven polyester that does not scratch or scuff the furniture.
• Is it easy to fit and remove? Duraspell covers are super lightweight and soft, making it easy enough for one person to fit and remove the covers.
• Is it washable? Duraspell covers are fully washable and can be wiped down with a wet cloth.
• Is it suitable for winter protection? Duraspell covers offer full protection against snow, wind, and cold.
• Does it look attractive? Duraspell covers come in attractive Tungsten colour with a woven-fabric appearance that show off your garden furniture to the best effect, even when covered.

2. Durability.

Duraspell covers come with a market-leading 5-year guarantee, giving you the peace of mind that it will protect your valuable possessions and prolong their life for many years.

 

3. Securing the covers.

Unless the covers are properly secured, they might blow away, be ripped, flap about or scuff the furniture they are supposed to protect.

Duraspell covers are easily installed and secured by one person, using zip locks and rip-stop security ties.

4. Correct fit.

Some suppliers of outdoor furniture, parasols and appliances provide good quality bespoke covers you can purchase the time of buying the furniture, although these would be very expensive. Duraspell covers offer you the best alternative solution.

• Custom-fit Duraspell covers are available for the top-quality furniture and parasols, including Bramblecrest, Alexander Rose, Hartman, Kettler, Norfolk Leisure, Kettler, Lifestyle and Supremo.
• Duraspell covers are available in standard sizes for all makes of outdoor furniture, parasols and appliances.
• Duraspell covers are available for aluminium, rattan, metal and wooden furniture.
• Some covers are designed to protect round tables, single or stacked chairs, furniture sets, square or rectangular shapes and some for furniture grouped together.
• Duraspell has special covers for all patio and garden furniture, including parasols, canti-lever parasols, banana parasols, garden benches, garden sofas, egg-chairs, cocoon chairs, garden dining sets, garden lounge sets, garden corner sets, garden tables, garden chairs and garden day beds.
• You can contact us for assistance with specific covers that are not dealt with in this guide.

 

5. What to do if I can’t find custom-fit covers?

• Garden furniture can be covered individually, stacked, as a set, or clumped together to form a large rectangle or square.
• Chairs can be stacked and covered, or grouped together.
• Coffee tables can be positioned under larger tables or stacked to form a large rectangle/ square.
• Use a shedder frame to prevent water from pooling in the centre of the cover.

 

6. What is a shedder frame?

• Shedder frames will prevent water pooling in the centre of the cover when covering garden tables or dining sets. Duraspell can provide shedding frames, or advise you on how to make your own.
• Shedder frames can consist of a centre pole that goes through the hole of the parasol or that stands on a table or other furniture to elevate the centre of the cover and allows water to run off. Home-made shedder frames can be as simple as placing a bucket upside down on a table, or as elaborate as a special frame that fits over the furniture. It is important to ensure the shedder frame does not damage or scratch the furniture, particularly in windy conditions.

 

7. How do I measure my furniture for the right cover?

It seems obvious, but it is important to correctly measure the outdoor furniture, parasol or appliance to know exactly what size cover you need. Here are some pointers to help you:

• It is better to buy a cover that is slightly bigger to make it easy to fit and remove it easily and to provide space for additional items like chairs or tables tucked in. If it is too large though, the excess material will look untidy and may flap in the wind, or be less effective to keep moisture and dirt out. A larger cover must also be tied down tightly around the furniture or parasol.
• The shapes and sizes of different types of furniture, parasols and appliances vary a great deal and each requires a different approach to measure the size of the cover.
• Steps to follow in measuring:

Grouped Furniture or appliances

• Decide if you want to cover each piece individually, group them, stack them, etc and measure accordingly.
• If necessary, re-arrange the configuration to obtain the optimal shape and provide you with different options.
• If chairs are tucked in under the table, measure the entire outside perimeter, not only the table.
• If chairs are tucked in and the backrests are higher than the table, measure the height of the chair back.
• If it is a rectangular or square shape, measure the overall height (allowing for a shedder frame if necessary) width and length.
• For a round table or circular grouping of furniture, measure the diameter and height.
• For an oval shape, measure the longest and shortest parts and height.
• For benches, sofas, chairs, etc, take into account the back and possible armrests. Measure the height of the back, front, seat and armrests. Measure the length and width.

 

Chairs:

• Check the width of the footprint of the legs at the widest points. This will also impact on whether the chairs can be stacked or tucked under the table before covering.
• Height: From the ground to the top back of the seat. If it has a curved back, take this into account.
• Length: From the back to the front of the arms (or whichever point of the chair “sticks out” the most)
• Width: From left to right across the front at the arms, or the widest point

 

Benches, sofas, chaise longues

• Height: A straight line from the ground to the top back of the seat. If it has a curved back, take this into account.
• Length: A straight line from the back to the end of the leg rest
• Width: A straight line from left to right across the front at the arms, or the widest point
• Depth: A straight line from the back to the front of the arms (or whichever point sticks out furthest.)

 

Garden day beds

• These could be round, oval or rectangular, sometimes with a folding canopy.
• Unless you find a Duraspell cover made specifically for the shape, it might be best to select a rectangular cover that is pulled in tightly.
• A rectangular cover will be the easiest way to also cover the canopy.
• Follow the instructions for benches and sofas for taking the measurements of rectangular garden day beds.
• Follow the instructions for round and oval tables if the garden day bed is not rectangular.

 

Rectangular or square tables:

• Width and length: Straight line at the widest and longest point.
• Height: Straight line from the floor to the top edge.

 

Round table:

• Diameter: Straight line across the centre of the table
• Height: Straight line from the floor to the top edge.

 

Garden Parasol:

• Parasol covers fit over the fabric and down to, or slightly past, the crank handle or mechanism if they have one.
• It does not matter if the garden parasol is square or round, the cover is based on the height of the frame when the parasol is closed.
• Close the garden parasol tightly and measure from the top to just below the crank handle.
• The diameter for all covers is usually the same, so only the height needs to be measured. For instance, for a 3m parasol, this length will be to cover the canopy just and plus another 15cm to cover the crank handle. If it is an unusual size or made from thicker than usual fabric, also measure the diameter at the widest point when folded and the ribs tied together.
• If the parasol is not left in place, separate the sectioned poles and allow extra space inside the parasol cover for the poles.

 

Canti-lever parasols

• Canti-lever parasol covers fit over the fabric and down to, or slightly past, the crank handle or mechanism directly above or below the straight arm of the canti-lever.
• It doesn’t matter if the parasol is square or round, the cover is based on the height of the frame when the parasol is collapsed to ideally below the crank mechanism to ensure that is protected from the weather.
• Duraspell canti-lever parasol covers come with a sectioned pole that can be easily assembled and slotted into the parasol cover to offer some rigidity so it can easily be put on and taken off. This can remain inside the cover while in use.
• Close the canti-lever parasol tightly and measure from the top to just below the crank handle.
• The diameter can vary if you have larger spokes and a heavier fabric, so also consider the diameter of the canti-lever parasol covers as well as the height.
• If the canti-lever parasol is not left in place, remove from the centre pole and store separately, or select a cover that will accommodate the parasol, pole and base.

 

Banana Parasols:

• Close the banana parasol tightly and measure from the top to just past the crank handle.
• The banana garden or patio parasol cover is tapered to accommodate the curve in the frame.
• The diameter for all banana parasol covers is usually the same, so only the height needs to be measured.
• It is important to close the banana parasol correctly, without bending the arm at the back.
• Some banana parasols have an elbow that needs to be folded before pulling in the banana parasol arm and fitting the cover.
• Banana parasol covers fit over the fabric and down to, or slightly below, the crank handle or mechanism directly above or below the straight arm of the centre pole or canti-lever pole.
• It doesn’t matter if the parasol is square or round, the cover is based on the height of the frame when the parasol is collapsed to ideally just below the crank mechanism to ensure that is protected from the weather.
• Duraspell banana parasol covers come with a sectioned pole that can be easily assembled and slotted into the parasol cover to offer some rigidity so it can easily be put on and taken off. This can remain inside the cover while in use.
• If the banana parasol is not left in place during covering, remove from the centre pole and store separately, or select a cover that will accommodate the parasol, pole and base.

 

8. Does my cover need to go all the way to the floor?

No, as long as it is secure so the wind doesn’t pick up the cover, then by allowing the cover to be a little short will ensure that there is air flowing through your furniture preventing moisture remaining on the furniture.

 

9. Which types of garden furniture need to be protected by a Duraspell cover?

Rattan

• Rattan is highly weather-resistant, but dirt or moisture build-up will damage the weave eventually.
• Ultraviolet rays will shorten the life of rattan furniture if not covered by a good quality cover, such as Duraspell.
• Covers are needed to keep rattan furniture clean and prevent dirt clogging up the weave.
• Covers protect rattan furniture from bird droppings.
• A Duraspell cover also offers protection against impact damage and scratches and from the “sandblasting” effect in windy conditions.
• The cushions need to be kept dry and protected from the elements. During prolonged storage, also protect them from rats and mice.

 

Timber (soft- and hardwood)

• Although wood is naturally resistant to the elements, the wood will be damaged by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays, frost, extremes of temperatures and rain or moisture.
• Certain types of wood are more hardwearing than others, but all will benefit by being protected.
• The coating or varnish will last much longer if covered.
• A Duraspell cover also offers protection against impact damage, scratches and the “sandblasting” effect in heavy winds.
• Ensure airflow across table top if covered for prolonged periods, by using a shedder frame.
• Covering wooden outdoor furniture keeps them clean and looking pristine.
• Covers protect wooden furniture from sap, bird droppings.
• Cushions have to be covered. During prolonged storage, also protect them from rats and mice.

 

Aluminium

• Aluminium is corrosion resistant and weathers well, but especially in winter, its lifespan and appearance will be prolonged by good quality cover such as Duraspell.
• Covers protect the aluminium furniture from impact damage, scratches and the “sandblasting” effect of dust or sand being blown against it by winds.
• Covers will keep the aluminium frame clean and prevent deposits.
• Covers protect aluminium furniture from sap and bird droppings.
• If aluminium garden or patio furniture is not stored indoors, it is best to cover them.
• Cushions definitely need to be covered to protect them from sun, moisture, cold, frost and dust or dirt. During prolonged storage, also protect them from rats and mice.

 

Metal

• Even if painted, metal is prone to rust and by covering them the maintenance on metal outdoor furniture will be significantly reduced.
• Duraspell covers keep the metal furniture dry, protects the paint from the sun’s ultraviolet rays and keep them clean.
• Covers protect the paint or protective layer on metal furniture from impact damage, scratches and the “sandblasting” effect of dust or sand being blown against it by winds.
• Covers protect metal furniture from frost, sap and bird droppings.
• Cushions have to be covered or stored in a safe place.

 

10. Should garden or patio parasols be covered when closed?

• The lifespan of garden and patio parasols will be prolonged by many years if covered with a Duraspell cover.
• Duraspell covers will prevent fading, especially darker colours.
• Even if the parasols are made from the best quality materials, they will fade unevenly if not covered.
• The ribs and frame of the parasols have to be protected to keep them in good condition for many years.
• Duraspell covers are 100% waterproof, but breathable to prevent mildew.

 

11. Do you leave your cushions on and cover for the winter?

• Think about what might happen under the covers for prolonged periods of time:
• Mice, rats or other pests? Keep the cushions and parasols protected from vermin too.
• Make sure everything under the cover is dry before leaving it for long periods.
• Make sure there is air movement under the covers.
• Weigh down outdoor furniture or parasols with ballast or secure with guy ropes to make sure the wind can’t blow it over.

 

12. Care and Cleaning of Duraspell covers

Duraspell covers are fully washable, but can also be wiped down with a wet or damp cloth, or dust and dirt can be brushed off with a soft brush.

The microfibre polyester weave is incredibly hard-wearing, but not indestructible. Keep it clean and dry before storing.