You're shopping for a patio furniture cover and you see two options sitting side by side. One says "waterproof." The other says "water-resistant." They look almost identical. The price difference is small. So which one do you actually need?

The answer matters more than most people realize — especially if you live somewhere with heavy rain, snow, or harsh winters. In this guide, we break down the real difference between waterproof and water-resistant covers, what those terms actually mean, and how to choose the right protection for your outdoor furniture.

Already know what you need? Browse our full range of patio furniture covers — available in sizes for chairs, sofas, dining sets, and full sectional sets.

What Does "Water-Resistant" Actually Mean?

Water-resistant means a cover can handle light moisture — a brief drizzle, morning dew, or light splashing — without soaking through immediately. The fabric slows down water absorption, but it does not stop it completely.

Water-resistant covers are typically made from tightly woven fabrics with a basic surface treatment. Over time, especially under heavy or prolonged rain, water will eventually work its way through.

Best for:

• Mild climates with occasional light rain
• Covered patios where the furniture isn't fully exposed to the elements
• Short-term or seasonal use

Not suitable for:

• Heavy rain, storms, or snow
• Leaving furniture uncovered for weeks at a time in wet weather
• Areas with high humidity or frequent precipitation

What Does "Waterproof" Actually Mean?

Waterproof means water cannot penetrate the cover under normal outdoor conditions — regardless of how long or how hard it rains. A truly waterproof cover uses a combination of tightly woven fabric, a PU (polyurethane) coating on the inner surface, and double-stitched seams to prevent water from seeping through at any point.

Key things to look for in a genuinely waterproof cover:

• PU-coated inner lining — this is the actual barrier that stops water
• Double-stitched seams — seams are the most common leak point
• Waterproof rating — 1500mm+ hydrostatic head rating is considered waterproof

Best for:

• Rainy or snowy climates
• Furniture left outdoors year-round
• Expensive or hard-to-replace patio sets
• Areas prone to storms or high winds combined with rain

Side-by-Side Comparison

The Most Common Mistake Buyers Make

Most people assume any outdoor furniture cover will keep their furniture dry. They buy the cheapest option available, leave their cushions and frames exposed to a full season of rain and snow, and then wonder why their furniture is rusting, fading, or growing mildew by spring.

The problem is almost always the same: they bought a water-resistant cover thinking it was waterproof.

Here's a simple test: after a heavy rain, lift the corner of your cover. If the fabric underneath is damp — or worse, if water has pooled inside — your cover is water-resistant, not waterproof.

Not sure which size to get? Check out our patio furniture cover guide to find the right fit before you buy.

What About Breathability?

This is where waterproof covers have a trade-off worth knowing about. Because they are designed to block water completely, they are also less breathable than water-resistant options. In humid climates, this can occasionally trap condensation underneath the cover.

The solution is simple: look for covers with built-in air vents. Quality waterproof patio furniture covers include small vented panels that allow air to circulate and moisture to escape from underneath, preventing mildew buildup while still blocking rain from above.

All Faircovers patio furniture covers include side air vents specifically designed to solve this problem. Browse our outdoor furniture covers collection to find the right fit for your setup.

Other Features That Matter Just as Much

UV Resistance

Sun damage is just as destructive as rain over time. UV rays fade fabric, warp plastic components, and dry out wooden furniture. Look for covers with a UV-resistant outer coating or a silver inner lining that reflects heat and blocks UV radiation.

Material Weight and Durability

Cover weight is measured in denier (D). Higher denier = thicker, more durable fabric.

Faircovers patio furniture covers are made from 420D Oxford fabric — the sweet spot between durability and value for most residential use cases.

Fastening System

A cover that blows off in the first storm is useless regardless of its waterproof rating. Look for:

• Adjustable drawstrings or hem cords
• Buckle straps that secure under the furniture
• Wind-resistant design with snug fit around legs and arms

Fit and Coverage

A cover that gaps at the bottom or pulls tight across corners will let water in regardless of the material. Always measure your furniture carefully — just like you would when measuring for a pool cover — and match it to a cover designed for that specific size and shape.

Which Type of Cover Does Faircovers Make?

All Faircovers patio furniture covers are fully waterproof, not just water-resistant. Here's what that means in practice:

• 420D Oxford fabric with PU waterproof inner coating
• Double-stitched seams on all edges
• UV-resistant outer layer to protect against sun fading
• Built-in air vents to prevent condensation buildup
• Adjustable buckle straps to stay secure in wind

Shop by furniture type:

• Single Chair Covers
• Two-Seater Chair Covers
• L-Shaped Sofa Covers
• Recliner Covers
• All Patio Furniture Covers

How to Choose: A Simple Decision Guide

Choose a waterproof cover if:

✅ You live somewhere with regular rain or snow

✅ Your furniture is fully exposed (not under a covered patio)

✅ You plan to leave the cover on for weeks or months at a time

✅ Your furniture is expensive or difficult to replace

✅ You want peace of mind without checking the weather forecast

A water-resistant cover may be enough if:

• Your furniture is under a covered patio that blocks most direct rain
• You only need protection from dust and light dew
• You bring cushions inside during bad weather

For most outdoor furniture owners in most US climates, waterproof is the right choice.

Also preparing your pool for the season? Read our Complete Above Ground Pool Cover Buying Guide — the same principles of waterproofing and sizing apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oxford fabric waterproof or water-resistant?Oxford fabric on its own is water-resistant. It becomes waterproof when it has a PU coating applied to the inner surface. Always check whether a cover specifies a PU-coated lining. Browse our waterproof furniture covers to see which options include PU coating.

How do I know if my current cover is actually waterproof?Pour a cup of water on the surface. Waterproof covers will bead the water up and let it run off. Water-resistant covers will initially repel it but will absorb or allow seeping through after a few minutes.

Do waterproof covers cause mold under the furniture?They can if there are no vents. Quality waterproof covers include air vents to allow moisture to escape from underneath. If your cover doesn't have vents, lift it briefly on dry days to air out the furniture underneath.

Can I leave a waterproof cover on all winter?Yes. That's exactly what waterproof covers are designed for. Just make sure the furniture is clean and dry before covering for the season, and that the cover is properly secured against wind.

Are more expensive covers always more waterproof?Not necessarily. The key specs to check are: PU coating, seam construction, denier rating, and whether vents are included — not just the price tag.

The Bottom Line

Water-resistant and waterproof covers look similar on the shelf, but they perform completely differently when it matters. If your furniture is exposed to real outdoor weather — rain, wind, snow, or intense sun — a waterproof cover is not a luxury. It's the only option that will actually protect your investment.

Ready to find the right cover for your patio furniture? Browse our full range of waterproof patio furniture covers — available in sizes for every outdoor furniture configuration.

Also on the Faircovers blog:

The Complete Above Ground Pool Cover Buying Guide

How to Choose Patio Furniture Covers: What Actually Matters

How to Winterize Your Above Ground Pool