Winter weather can be tough on outdoor spaces—and even tougher on site furnishings. Snow, ice and salt accelerate wear and tear, while high winds and freezing temperatures create safety and maintenance challenges. Preparing early keeps your site looking professional, protects your investment and ensures customers stay safe and comfortable through the cold months.

Follow these key steps to keep your property protected and presentable all winter long.

1. Inspect & replace before winter hits

Before temperatures drop, give all site furnishings a thorough inspection. Check benches, planters and receptacles for cracks, corrosion or missing components. Damaged lids, warped liners or faded decals can compromise both safety and appearance. Replacing worn units now prevents more costly issues later. Read our receptacle maintenance guide for practical tips for identifying early wear and maximizing product lifespan.

2. Clean thoroughly to prevent buildup

Salt, sand and debris can degrade finishes and make surfaces slippery. A deep cleaning before winter helps prevent stains and corrosion while ensuring site furnishings maintain their visual appeal. Use mild detergent and non-abrasive tools to remove grime and rinse thoroughly to keep polyethylene and stainless-steel finishes looking new. It’s also a good time to empty and sanitize liners to avoid odors once temperatures fluctuate.

3. Add anchors & security features

Winter storms can bring powerful gusts that send unsecured bins or lids flying. Anchoring furnishings and adding security cables prevent movement and damage while maintaining a clean, orderly appearance. Commercial Zone’s PolyTec™ and Avante™ Series receptacles have optional (sold separately) Bolt-Down Anchor Hardware Kits and Base-to-Lid Security Cables designed for high-traffic, high-wind conditions. For open parking lots or exposed forecourts, these upgrades protect both property and guests.

4. Add new amenities for customer comfort

Cold weather presents an opportunity to enhance the customer experience with helpful outdoor features. Installing windshield service centers stocked with towels, squeegees and washer fluid gives drivers a convenient way to clear salt and grime, improving safety on the road. For ideas, see our guide for c-stores and gas stations on preventing winter vehicle damage. These small touches build loyalty by showing attention to customer needs when conditions are harshest.

5. Define boundaries & prevent hazards

Snowbanks and icy patches can obscure curbs and traffic flow. Upgrade your old, chipped, hard-to-see bollards with Post Guard® Series Bollard Covers. Bollard covers not only enhance appearance but also establish perimeters around fuel pumps, entrances and pedestrian areas. High visibility bollard covers can signal safe pathways for both drivers and pedestrians. For additional site-wide safety tips, check out our guide Simple Ways to Prep Your Store for Winter Weather.

Investing time in pre-season maintenance can help reduce costly repairs and replacements later. Durable, well-maintained site furnishings from Commercial Zone signal professionalism, improve safety and reinforce a positive customer impression year-round. From anchored receptacles to upgraded amenities, proactive winter preparation helps businesses protect their investment while creating a safer, more welcoming environment—no matter what the weather brings.