I’d treat this as a mix of smart materials, good covers, and a simple winter routine. Urban outdoor furniture takes a beating from snow, ice, freeze-thaw cycles, road salt, and plows, so prevention matters more than repair. If you’re buying new pieces, look for powder-coated aluminum, stainless steel, teak or cedar, and high-density polyethylene. These handle wet winters far better than cheap mild steel or untreated softwood.
For furniture that stays outside, use breathable, waterproof covers that fit properly and tie down. Avoid wrapping everything in plastic—it traps moisture and can make condensation worse. Bring cushions, throws, and small accessories indoors. Elevate table and chair legs slightly on blocks or rubber pads so they don’t sit in standing water or freeze to the pavement. Check drainage around the area, and clear snow before it turns into hard ice. Use a plastic shovel or broom, not a metal-edged tool, and never chip ice off with something sharp.
Salt is the quiet troublemaker. Rock salt can corrode metal and dry out wood, so use sand for traction near furniture and rinse off any salt spray when temperatures rise. If you need a de-icer, choose a gentler option such as calcium magnesium acetate and use it sparingly. Before winter, tighten bolts, touch up paint chips, oil wooden pieces, and lubricate moving parts. During freeze-thaw spells, make sure water can drain away instead of pooling under tables or planters.
If your city gets heavy snow or repeated ice storms, store lightweight chairs and small tables in a shed or basement. For pieces that must stay out, secure them against wind and keep covers from flapping. In spring, clean everything, inspect for rust or cracks, and dry it thoroughly before use. A little prep in late fall saves a lot of replacement money by February.