Tarp Outdoor Patio Furniture Cover- With Fused Tarp Seams by Melting With an Iron. Patio Furniture, BBQ, Bike, Etc.

Protect your patio furniture and keep it dry! Patio furniture is expensive, and no one wants to sit on wet pillows. Tarps are used for this project to keep costs low, AND for strength.

A particularly unique feature of this intractable is the fusing of tarp seams with an iron for waterproofing. No other instructions exist on how to make a fused tarp seam at this time. No sewing!

The author began this quest last fall when squirrels climbed on the furniture, ripped a small hole and dropped a peanut into the pillow area. The result looked like a crime scene. Replacing covers is expensive.. and futile. A new plan is needed = tarp power!

Techniques described here can be used on anything stored outside that needs covered. BBQ Barbecue. Bike. Bicycle. Car. RV. Boat. Fire Pit. Mower. Tarps make it drier!

Tarp, scissors, binder clips, parchment paper and iron. (Parchment paper is sometimes called "Baking Paper" but it is NOT the same as wax paper which will melt on your iron.)

Be sure to measure the size of your furniture carefully- left side + top + right side is one dimension; front + top + back is the other dimension. This establishes the minimum tarp size. Your local hardware or big box store will have a variety of sizes and colors. (Gray happens to be the medium duty at my local store.)

Usually the front edge is most important so it is the starting point. Raise the tarp just off the ground and begin hanging the rest of the tarp over the piece. You can just use the binder clips to gather up the material by folding the tarp (more obvious in table pictures). Or you can clip the tarp and use the clips as a way to guide the cuts. Leave 3-6 inches for seams. Important- if you don't want the seams to show, be sure to have the inside out.

If you have experience with sewing, you can use the old cover as a template. If you are making more than one cover, the first one can be a template. How it's done with fabric movie might offer a nice overview.

It IS important to keep the bottom open for air/ ventilation to reduce the possibility of mold. Also note if your tarp material has a different color at the edge; cut it off if you don't like it, or use the holes for tie downs. Optional- note where you might want the hole tie downs to be.

In this example, the extra material is gathered and folded with binder clips to hold.

PRACTICE WITH SCRAPS. Experiment with the iron temperature that works best with your tarp material. My iron is just between medium and hot. Protect bottom surface (cardboard is enough). Caution- melted plastic can smell and can burn your skin.

Arrange the two seams together on a flat surface. Unclip binders for one iron length (about 8 inches) and fold a piece of parchment paper around the seam.

Place hot iron on seam lengthwise. I like to think of the seam in three zones (about 2-3 inches wide).

1. Iron full seam for 3 seconds
2. Iron half seam for 2 seconds
3. Iron last quarter for 2 seconds

If my iron temperature is right, the first zone is almost fused, the second zone is fully fused, and the third zone has places which have almost melted beyond use. (practice on scraps!)

Repeat again on the next length of seam. Seal one iron length at a time. Don't unfasten a clip until the last moment.

Make sure to protect the surface you are ironing on. It will definitely get warm. Cardboard/newspaper is a strong option.

Optional- You might be able to make an even stronger seam by folding over the edge, and fuse 4 layers together. (after practice)

Iowa Public TV has a demonstration with other materials.

Because of the likelihood of some melting, I prefer a cut bottom- or a folded over and clipped look.

Tie down- On windy days, some sort of tie down is needed. If there is an available hole, adding some string/ rope to wrap around a leg is a quick easy fix. Another option, though less beautiful, is to wrap some string all the way around. There are tarp clips as yet another option. Bungee cords may also be used.

Pooling is still possible, and even more likely, with tarp. Avoid by raising one side up slightly for drainage.

I used to worry about my cushions getting damp- but not anymore! These covers keep the inside dry. Seattle rain tested! (In winter I will store cushions indoors.) Always ready to use! For just a little of your time, you too can have better and cheaper. (And no more squirrels ripping your covers.)

Be sure and post your picture when you make it!