Breathable vs PVC Garden Furniture Covers – Which Is Best for Your Outdoor Set?
When choosing a garden furniture cover, you will often encounter two different materials: breathable fabric and PVC. Both are designed to protect your garden furniture from rain, dirt, sunlight and UV radiation, but they work in completely different ways.
A breathable cover allows air to circulate underneath, preventing condensation, moisture build-up and mould. This type of cover keeps your furniture dry and in good condition for longer – even when temperatures fluctuate.
A PVC cover, on the other hand, is completely waterproof and sealed. While that might seem ideal at first, the lack of ventilation can actually lead to moisture build-up, mould and unpleasant odours underneath the cover.
In this article, you’ll discover the key differences between breathable and PVC covers. This will help you determine which material best suits your garden, usage and furniture type, and how to keep your garden set well protected throughout the year.
What is a breathable fabric cover?
A breathable garden furniture cover is typically made from high-quality polyester with a PU (polyurethane) coating or a breathable membrane. This layer allows moisture and condensation to escape from the inside while keeping rain, dirt and dust out.
The PU coating blocks external water while allowing a small amount of vapour to pass through – just enough to reduce condensation and mould beneath the cover. Since no material can be both completely waterproof and fully breathable, ventilation openings (air vents) are essential.
Raffles Covers feature strategically placed ventilation panels that promote air circulation and actively prevent condensation – something most PVC covers lack. As a result, your garden furniture stays dry, fresh and mould-free, even with fluctuating temperatures.
In addition, breathable covers from Raffles Covers are known for their long lifespan, light weight and flexible material. They are easy to fit tightly around your garden or lounge set, and thanks to solution-dyed polyester, they retain their colour even after long exposure to sunlight.
Because the fabric remains supple and flexible even in cold weather, these covers are ideal for use in every season. A breathable cover from Raffles Covers is therefore the best choice for anyone who wants to protect their garden set, lounge set or barbecue in a durable and effective way.
What is a PVC cover?
A PVC cover is made from a fully waterproof synthetic material that completely blocks out rain, dirt and moisture. Thanks to its strong, sealed surface, PVC seems at first glance to be a practical solution for protecting garden furniture. For that reason, it is often used for cheaper or temporary covers.
The main advantage of PVC is its complete waterproofness – your garden furniture is instantly protected against rainfall. However, this type of cover has some clear downsides. Because PVC is not breathable, condensation can build up underneath, especially when there are temperature differences between day and night. This creates a damp environment where mould and musty odours can develop quickly, especially if the cover is left on for long periods.
Furthermore, PVC becomes hard and brittle in cold weather, which means the material can tear or crack over time. This significantly shortens its lifespan – in practice, a PVC cover often lasts only two to three seasons.
Compared with modern, breathable polyester covers with PU coating, PVC offers less long-term protection and comfort.
Main differences between breathable fabric and PVC
Although both breathable covers and PVC covers protect your garden furniture from rain, dirt and sunlight, there are clear differences in their performance, durability and ease of use.
The table below shows at a glance which material is best suited to your needs.
| Property | Breathable fabric (polyester with PU) | PVC cover |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing | Waterproof and breathable – prevents condensation | Fully waterproof, but no moisture release |
| Ventilation | Air vents prevent moisture and mould | No ventilation – risk of mould build-up |
| Weight & flexibility | Lightweight, flexible and easy to handle | Heavy, stiff and difficult to fold |
| Cold-weather flexibility | Remains flexible, does not tear in low temperatures | Becomes hard and brittle – risk of cracking |
| Lifespan | 3–4 years (Raffles Covers) | 2–3 years on average |
| Environmental impact | Free from harmful plasticisers, more recyclable | Contains plasticisers (phthalates), poorly recyclable |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean with lukewarm water | Harder to clean due to stiff surface |
| Price | Mid- to high-range segment | Budget-friendly entry option |
With a breathable cover, you choose long-term, durable protection that keeps your garden furniture dry and fresh – without condensation or mould.
A PVC cover is mainly suitable as a temporary or budget-friendly solution, but offers less comfort, lifespan and ventilation in the long run.
Which cover suits your garden furniture best?
The ideal garden furniture cover depends on how and when you want to protect your furniture. Below, we explain which type of cover fits your situation best:
- Breathable cover (e.g. Raffles Covers): The best option if your garden furniture stays outside all year round. The breathable PU-coated fabric allows moisture to escape, preventing condensation and mould. Your furniture stays dry, fresh and in perfect condition. These covers are also strong, colourfast and durable – offering reliable protection season after season.
- PVC cover: A PVC cover is suitable as a temporary or budget-friendly solution, for example when you only cover your furniture for short periods or store it in a sheltered place. However, since PVC doesn’t breathe, moisture and mould can develop under the cover, reducing the lifespan of both your cover and your furniture.
Our advice: If you want to protect your garden set, lounge set or barbecue as effectively as possible and keep it looking great for years, choose a breathable Raffles Covers cover. These covers combine waterproof performance, breathability and durability, keeping your furniture protected in every season – free from mould, moisture and wear.
Why a breathable Raffles Covers cover is the best choice
A good garden furniture cover does more than protect against rain – it keeps your furniture dry, clean and in top condition all year round. With a breathable Raffles Covers cover, you choose the perfect balance between waterproof protection and ventilation. The premium PU coating keeps rain out, while the breathable fabric lets condensation escape, preventing mould, odours and early wear.
Raffles Covers are also durable, colourfast and easy to use – they stay flexible in cold weather and retain their shape year after year.
In short: if you want to protect your garden furniture for the long term, a breathable Raffles Covers cover is the best investment for a dry, tidy and worry-free garden.
Discover our full range of Raffles Covers and find the cover that best fits your garden furniture.