Putting the Patio to Bed: A Simple Fall Checklist for Canadian Backyards

There's a Saturday every Canadian fall when you step onto the patio with your coffee, notice the frost on the chair cushions, and realize the season is officially over. The string lights are still up. A forgotten mug sits on the table. And somewhere in the garage, you know there's a cover that hasn't seen the light of day since last April.

Putting the patio to bed isn't the most exciting job on the list, but it's one of the most worthwhile. A little care now means your furniture comes out in spring looking fresh instead of weathered, and you won't be hunting for mildewed cushions in May. Here's a simple, no-stress way to do it, ideally on a dry weekend before the first real snowfall.

Start With a Good Clean

Dirt and moisture are what do the damage over winter, so give everything a wash before it's stored or covered. Mix warm water with a little mild dish soap and wipe down tables, chairs and side tables with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse well and let everything dry completely in the sun if you can catch some. Trapped dampness is the number one cause of mould and rust, so don't rush this part.

Different materials have different needs. Wood benefits from a quick check for rough spots or cracks, and a coat of outdoor sealant if it looks thirsty. Metal frames should be checked for chips in the paint, since bare spots rust fast once snow sits on them. Wicker and resin are the easiest, but they still appreciate a thorough rinse and a chance to dry out.

Cushions Come Inside

If you do only one thing on this list, make it this one. Outdoor cushions and pillows hold moisture like a sponge, and a winter of freezing and thawing will break down the foam and fabric quickly. Brush off the dirt, spot clean any stains, let them dry all the way through, and bring them indoors. A large deck box or storage bench is perfect for this, keeping everything dry and tidy, and giving you a handy spot to sit next summer. 🍁

If you don't have indoor space, a waterproof storage bag stashed in a closet or the basement works nicely. Toss in a couple of silica packets or a small container of baking soda to keep things smelling fresh.

Cover or Store the Furniture

Whenever you have room, the best option is to move furniture into a garage, shed or basement. Stackable chairs and folding tables make this easy. If everything is staying outside, invest in properly fitted covers. Look for ones that are waterproof but breathable, with vents and tie-downs, because a cover that traps humidity can do as much harm as no cover at all. Snug straps keep them from becoming sails in a November windstorm.

Lift covered furniture slightly off the ground if you can, using furniture feet or a few bricks, so snowmelt doesn't pool underneath. And please skip the plastic tarp from the hardware aisle; it traps moisture and tears in the wind.

Don't Forget the Extras

The patio is more than the table and chairs. Take a few minutes to handle the rest, and spring will be much easier.

Drain the hoses and store them indoors, since water left inside will freeze and split them. Empty ceramic and terracotta planters, as they crack when wet soil freezes. Turn off the outdoor water line if your house has a shut-off. Clean the barbecue, remove the propane tank and keep it in a ventilated outdoor spot, never inside the house. Take down umbrellas, fold them up and store them dry. If you have a fire bowl, brush out the ashes and cover it once it's completely cool.

Leave a Little Cozy Behind

Here's a tip we love: don't strip the patio completely bare. Keep one small corner for the cold months. A couple of weatherproof chairs, a lantern or two and a basket by the door with a few wool blankets turn a sunny deck into a snug spot for a hot chocolate on a crisp, bright January morning. Kids love it too, especially bundled up with a thermos after building a snowman.

It also keeps the yard feeling like part of your home, rather than something you shut the door on until April. A tidy, simple setup looks charming dusted with snow, and it reminds everyone that outdoor time doesn't have to disappear with the warm weather.

Make It a Family Job

If you have kids, put them to work. Little ones are surprisingly good at stacking cushions, carrying lightweight pots and counting how many chairs fit in the shed. Turn on some music, make it a game, and finish with a treat inside. It takes an ordinary chore and makes it a small ritual, the closing of the season that your family does together every year.

Then, when the first warm weekend arrives in spring, you'll pull the covers off, wipe down the table, and have your patio ready in minutes instead of an afternoon. That's a very good return on one Saturday in October.

Provisions Plus carries patio furniture covers, deck boxes, outdoor storage benches, weatherproof cushions and more to help you close out the season and welcome the next one, all with free shipping across Canada.