Bungee Cords for Tarping Outdoor Furniture

Bungee cords are elastic cords made of elastic or silicone that can stretch but retain their shape. This elasticity allows them to tightly wrap around strangely shaped objects without cutting into or damaging the materials like rope or twine may do. Their flexibility also guarantees a tight and secure fit even as tarps shrink and release over time due to weathering.

Why Use Bungee Cords for Tarping Furniture?

Bungees adapt to odd shapes: Tarpaulins often should be secured over strangely shaped or irregular outdoor furniture pieces. Bungee Cords are extremely flexible and elastic, allowing them to tightly wrap around bended edges, braces, and other unusual shapes that might be difficult for rope, twine, or straps to conform to.

Won't damage surfaces: Because of their elasticity, bungee cords distribute securing pressure uniformly along their entire length rather than concentrating it in tight knots or tie points. This prevents bungees from cutting sections or leaving marks on delicate outdoor furniture surfaces like wicker, wood, or metal that ties or straps may cause over time.

Retain tension over years: Unlike knots or ties that can gradually relax with weather openness, bungee cords maintain their elasticity and retaining their securing power for several seasons. Indeed, even as tarps shrink and materials age, bungees will continue gripping tightly without requisition. Studies show some bungee brands last 3-5 years with appropriate storage.

Secure hooks don't slip: The finishes of bungee cords contain durable plastic or metal hooks that connect with a satisfying click but won't spontaneously come undone. Ties and ropes depend on knots that can potentially come untied in the wind, exposing furniture or cargo. Bungee hooks guarantee a connection that lasts.

Withstand weathering: While sun and rain will degrade rope fibers or weaken cable ties, top-grade bungee cords are constructed from weather-resistant synthetic materials like elastic and latex that maintain flexibility even after prolonged UV openness, heat cycles, or soakings. They serve reliably a large number of seasons.

What Types and Sizes of Bungee Cords Are Best?

While choosing bungee cords for tarping outdoor furniture, it's important to select the legitimate type and size for your necessities. Here is an overview of normal bungee cord options:

light duty bungees - These feature smaller 1/8" diameter Bungee Cords that are suitable for lighter lifting and tying tasks. Light duties can handle furniture under 50 lbs and taraulinss up to around 8' x 10' in size. They're a respectable basic option for beginners.

Medium duty bungees - Moving up to 1/4" diameter cords, medium duties can handle weights from 50-100 lbs. They're appropriate for average sized furniture and up to 12' x 16' tarps. Medium duties strike a great balance of solidarity and value.

Heavy duty bungees - Featuring extra thick 1/4" or 5/16" cords, heavy duties are necessary for lifting or securing loads over 100 lbs. Search for UV-resistant synthetic materials to withstand prolonged sunlight. Heavy duties are required for large wicker/resin pieces or tarps 12' x 20' and up.

Storing Tarps and Bungee Cords Between Uses

The following are a couple of tips for appropriately storing tarps and bungee cords between uses:

Overlap tarps for compact storage. Lay tarps flat and overlap them neatly along natural crease lines. This forestalls unnecessary wrinkling or creasing in the materials. Overlap size should allow tarps to compactly fit the intended storage space.

Rolling is an alternative. For exceptionally large tarps, delicately rolling them may create a more compact shape compared to folding. Begin toward one side and tightly roll towards the other.

Remove bungees before folding. It's ideal to detach all Bungee Cords before folding tarps so the cords don't get squashed or tangled during the cycle.

Organize bungee cords. Free bungee cords can be approximately coiled into rings and stacked or wrapped around a vacant spool for neat vertical storage. Coiling forestalls overabundance tangling and makes the cords easy to grab.

Consider cushion covers. Use tarps to cover cushion sets and outdoor furniture pads, bundling them tightly with cords for protection from dirt and moisture during slow time of year periods.

Pick a dry storage location. A waterproof plastic container, tall storage bin, or covered area like a shed or garage. Avoid subjecting slow time of year items to rain, snow, or UV light degradation.

FAQs

How do I attach a tarp without grommets?

You can add grommets or hoard rings to reinforce openings in the tarp material. Alternately, bungee cords can be tied directly to solid furniture components like rails or feet instead of the tarp itself.

How long will bungee cords last outdoors?

High quality bungee cords made of latex or synthetic elastic can maintain elasticity for 3-5 seasons with legitimate storage between uses. Lower quality or cheaply made silicone bungees may only a brief time frame before replacing.

Will bungees damage surfaces over time?

As long as cords are not overtightened, bungees disperse pressure equally and shouldn't damage or leave marks on surfaces. You can also add fabric tape or padding under bungee snares for extra protection on delicate materials.

Are there alternatives to bungee cords?

Rope, twine or ties could work however are inclined to loosening, hitches coming untied, or marring surfaces. Ratchet straps are an option for heavy loads however less practical for furniture. Bungees provide the best balance of securement and safety.

Final Thought

Bungee cords provide an effective and reliable technique for securing tarps to outdoor furniture. Their flexible and elastic nature allows them to grip lopsided surfaces tightly without risk of damage. Bungees maintain tension over multiple seasons as materials age and weather, keeping tarps safely fastened through wind, rain and sun. With appropriate cord sizing selection and best practice installation techniques, outdoor furnishings can be confidently covered many seasons.