How to Buy the Best Patio Furniture
Now that spring is here and summer is well on its way, you might be thinking about re-vamping your outdoor space. Nothing makes such a remarkable difference as the addition of the perfect outdoor patio furniture. Not only can it make the space more inviting, but it will be the perfect accent to your home.
It may seem like an overwhelming process, but when you’ve followed the steps of visualizing what outdoor furniture you want and learning about your options, the rest can be quite simple. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that the experience of choosing patio tables and chairs will be a stress-free one that results in a great new space to relax and enjoy the beauty of your own back yard. The following tips will help keep you on track as you determine the best outdoor patio furniture options for your space.
1. Outdoor Patio Furniture and the Weather
One of the most important factors to consider before choosing your patio furniture is the weather. What kind of temperatures does your area typically experience? While all outdoor patio furniture items are typically created to be waterproof and durable in all types of weather, you’ll want to know what to expect in terms of maintenance. It seems that even the most durable patio furniture is susceptible to wear and tear caused by the elements.
Here are some important factors about outdoor patio furniture to remember when you are selecting material:
- Hot and dry temperatures can cause wood to splinter or crack.
- Strong winds will cause lightweight aluminum furniture to go flying.
- Wicker does not hold up well under constant exposure to rain and moisture.
2. Spacing and Decor
While it may seem like outdoor patio space is more relaxed than your indoor decor, you’ll want to apply the same spacing principles. In other words, be sure there is enough room for people to walk around the furniture comfortably. Is your patio relatively small? If so, you might consider a bar table set, as stools take up considerably less room than chairs. If this option doesn’t appeal to you, you should look at café or bistro tables and chairs that typically have a smaller profile.
On the other hand, if you have a large patio or porch space, you’re probably inclined to fill it with larger pieces. Consider looking into purchasing a furniture set, which typically includes multiple seating options, and a table or two. These sets help you create a cohesive and matching space. These options are also particularly great for families or households with more than a couple people.
3. Plan According to Your Patio Layout
Determining the layout for your patio furniture will help you decide factors such as what materials should be used. If your patio furniture will be consistently exposed to the elements, you’ll want to be sure to pick a more durable material. Alternatively, if you have a covered patio, you won’t have to worry as much about this.
Another factor to consider is the type of surface the furniture will be on. If you were thinking about buying furniture made from pine or another soft wood, you need to make sure it would be away from grassy surfaces, as these could cause moisture from the ground to eventually rot the wood. Keep in mind that exposure to moisture would also corrode some kinds of metals. These furniture materials would be better suited for covered areas set above ground. If you’re worried about over-exposure to sunshine, you can always think about patio umbrellas.
4. Picking the Right Material
Once you have considered the above factors, you can make more of an informed decision about what kind of material you’d prefer for your outdoor patio furniture. There are several options, and each comes with pros and cons.
Wood Furniture
Wood is an appealing option for those who prefer a natural looking style. The wood blends in beautifully with its outdoor setting and helps promote a warm and inviting feeling. Natural oils in some types of wood can protect your patio furniture from harsh weather and even rotting, and water-proof sprays are easy to come by.
Some of the more popular wood options for patio furniture include:
- Teak
- Eucalyptus
- Pine
- Cedar
- Oak
Wicker Furniture
Wicker is the option preferred by those seeking a cozy or rustic style. Wicker can be used both indoors and outdoors because it is made of a unique woven and versatile material. Wicker traditionally comes in neutral tones, but you can easily have it painted to whatever color you want. Some of the benefits of wicker include the fact that it is lightweight, easy to clean, and sturdy.
Keep in mind that “wicker” refers to this woven style and not necessary the material. Wicker patio furniture can be made of:
- Bamboo
- Rattan
- Cane
- Reed
- Willow
- Synthetic materials
Aluminum
If you’re looking for a contemporary look for your outdoor space, you might consider aluminum. This is one of the most popular choices for patio furniture, and it comes in a lot of styles and options. Aluminum is one of the most lightweight materials, though it is also very sturdy. Another benefit of aluminum is the fact that it can be easily maintained, resisting corrosion and even braving the elements.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is the preference of those seeking a formal and classic outdoor look. Patio furniture made from wrought iron is incredibly durable, and unlike aluminum, will not tip over easily. You might consider wrought iron if you live in windy conditions. You should keep in mind that wrought iron requires quite a bit of maintenance to prevent corrosion and rusting.
5. Protecting the Patio Furniture
Once you’ve chosen your material, you’ll also want to make sure you make the seating as comfortable as possible. Luckily, you’ll have plenty of options for cushions. If your chairs don’t already come with cushions, you can custom order them or even make them if you’re feeling especially handy.
It is important that you use high-quality fabric, otherwise your seat cushions will be prone to mildew. Another tip for preserving the life of cushions is bringing them in when the weather is cold and you aren’t using the patio area as much. It is also recommended that you use water-proofing fabric spray to prevent the cushions from retaining water.
Other options for comfort include chaise lounges, rocking chairs, hammocks, and recliners.
6. Patio Furniture Storage
Finally, once you have chosen your preferred patio furniture, it is important to make sure you have ample room to store it during the colder months. With materials like wicker, sometimes a simple covering won’t provide enough protection. Some furniture folds flat and is ideal for smaller storage spaces, so consider finding furniture pieces like this if you do not have a shed or garage to store larger items.
Finding the best patio furniture for your outdoor space can be an easy and rewarding process when you know what steps to follow. Don’t make the mistake of buying furniture that is too big, or a piece of furniture that won’t be able to stand up to your local weather conditions!