There are a number of reasons why outdoor furniture covers can be considered as good investment pieces for your patio or deck furniture. You would like nothing more than to preserve the condition of your outdoor wicker chairs or rattan tables to make sure that they last a very long time, and furniture covers are great ways to do that. Furniture coverings also save you the time and the effort of tidying up for those instances when unexpected guests arrive.The primary goal of purchasing outdoor furniture covers is to protect your patio or deck furniture from dust, grit, and sand. If you live in an area where the weather is usually dry and sunny dust tends to accumulate on everything within reach. These tiny particles can also settle on the crevices of your outdoor furniture and eventually cause the buildup of mold that can destroy the look of the furniture and affect its lifespan. Having a good set of covers will definitely keep out these potentially harmful particles and preserve your patio or deck furniture.Pets are also another reason why you should purchase furniture coverings for your outdoor tables and chairs. Pets can lounge around in your outdoor furniture and leave behind dead fleas and hair without you knowing it, and so it is important that you place covers over chairs, loungers, and tables if you want to keep them in excellent condition.There are a lot of manufacturing companies that produce excellent outdoor furniture covers, and it would be best that you shop around to get the best deals and bargains. Some of these companies can also customize your furniture covers for you should you wish for a snugger fit for your furniture.The type of material used in the furniture coverings is one thing that you should keep in mind, as this will determine how long your outdoor furniture lasts. Fabric and plastic covers are the popular choices, although you may want to look for other more durable materials.It is also important to consider whether to go for the slip-on outdoor furniture covers or the ones that fit close to the furniture and come with strings to tie around the furniture’s legs or armrests. Slip-on covers wholly protect the furniture, while close-fitting ones can protect the cushions, armrests, and the back of the patio or deck furniture.As a general rule, you should buy furnishing covers from manufacturers that specialize in such items. This is to make sure that you get the best quality and material, instead of the ones found in wholesale stores sold in bulk. Have the covers customized according to your tastes to make sure that you get excellent craftsmanship.Having a set of beautiful outdoor furniture adds elegance and comfort to your patio or deck area, and you would want to keep it that way for a very long time. Outdoor furniture covers can help you prolong the life of your outdoor furniture, making you enjoy them for a good several years.