What about rusting and fading? I had a set a few years ago that was black and shiny when new, but faded badly after just a couple years in the sun and was showing signs of rust. It would have cost more to repaint than the value of it, so it was disposed of. I don't think I want anything else that is painted where the paint can fade or peel off with age and exposure to weather, What is on that patio furniture in the photo that gives it that dark color? I have seen some patio furniture in the outdoor seating area of a nearby restaurant looked as if it was made out of stainless steel and looked pretty nice, Their patio was pretty well shaded though. However, I have some stainless steel cookware that has been through the dishwasher a few hundred times and still looks great. If the material can handle the harsh dish washing detergent chemicals, I would think it should be able to handle sun and rain.

We use covers I got from Lowes, I don't recall the brand but tend to think it's the Garden Treasures line. Ours are a tan, canvas-like material, elastic sewn in at the bottom + rope ties. I have a glider and rocking chair with cushions. Every evening, or when not in use, we put the covers on and tuck the elastic under the legs of the glider to secure it down in case of wind. For the rocker we loop the rope to the legs to help hold it, the rocker cover is actually for a chair so the fit at the bottom is a little funky. Never had a cover blow off, never had soaked cushions. Sometimes cushions might feel damp due to humidity from rain and in that case exposing to air & sun (while still on the glider or rocker) gets rid of that really fast. I didn't pay a lot, I want to say around $25 for the larger glider cover, a little less for the chair cover. Well worth it, we've been using them for about six or seven years now. I saw in one review someone sprays scotch guard on theirs at the beginning of every season. A good idea that I might do this year simply due to age in order to help boost effectiveness. No rips or tears, even despite a giant pup who likes to sneak a nap on the covered rocker when he thinks no one is watching ;) Here is a link that might be useful: Furniture Covers

I've had a Plow and Hearth all weather wicker chase for years that has sat out under the privet arch in the summer time the entire season day and night, brought in around October. Never had any problems with it, condition is still great, maybe the very bottom of the legs get dirty now and then esp. if it has rained but no biggie. I see no signs of sun fading either, tho it does not sit in full sun. Perhaps that might be a factor. Plus this piece was expensive so it probably makes a difference in the quality of the resin wicker. I use an aluminum "wrought iron look" table and chairs outside, without cover, and it is probably 12yrs. old now. It also stays out all summer long until Fall. This however will get white patches all over the top and in the carvings, I think it's called "salts"(?). It will clean up using a plastic scratch pad tho. In recent years it has acquire a green cast, most likely because it sits in a half shade/half sunny area. That also will clean off but with more elbow grease but I'm lazy. Sort of makes it look antique! ha.

I looked at storage boxes but sometimes space and spending money on that may not work for everybody, and bringing them in and out was annoying on a daily basis... I bought a giant square cover that goes over the sectional couch and then the fire pit props out the empty corner - just throwing that over everything was the cheapest and easiest solution for me. I'll bring cushions in for the winter and use the same cover over the furniture frames, even if I have to buy a new cover every year or 2 it still made the most sense. Any recommendations for patio furniture that is comfortable WITHOUT cushion, please post! :)