Patios, decks and other outdoor spaces are the perfect place to catch a bit of sun, spend time with friends or entertain. But choosing the right furniture for your space is a crucial step.
Just like indoor furniture, it needs to withstand the elements and be durable enough for daily use. The process is similar, but there are some additional considerations to keep in mind.
Material
When choosing furniture for your patio or yard, it’s important to consider the material it’s made of. This will determine how durable the piece is and whether it’s a good fit for your climate and lifestyle.
Luckily, you can choose from a variety of different materials that will work with your home’s style and budget. Here are some of the most popular options:
Metal is a popular choice for outdoor furniture because it’s lightweight, sturdy and doesn’t rust. It can also be easily shaped into a wide range of styles, making it easy to find the right fit for your space.
However, metal furniture can get hot in the sun, so you’ll need to cover it if you live in warmer regions. If you’re looking for a classic look, you might consider wrought iron or cast aluminum.
Another option is plastic, which is available in a variety of colors and textures that mimic wicker, wood, and more. These materials are low-maintenance and resist moisture, stains, mildew, and insects.
Polyethylene is one of the most common synthetic materials used for outdoor furniture, and it’s a great option if you’re looking for a lightweight yet durable option. It’s waterproof, mold and mildew resistant, fade-resistant, and easy to clean.
If you’re prone to harsh weather, choose heavy-duty furniture made from strong, natural materials that won’t tip over or blow away in strong winds. Concrete, for example, is becoming more prevalent in modern furniture designs.
Alternatively, you can opt for teak or other tropical hardwoods that will darken over time, but tend to be more expensive than plastic or resin options. Wrought iron and steel are time-honored garden furniture materials that can hold up well in your backyard or porch.
Style
When it comes to choosing outdoor furniture, there are many style options to choose from. Whether you are looking for modern or rustic, contemporary or traditional, there is something for everyone.
The type of material used in a piece of furniture will have an impact on its overall look and feel. Some materials are more durable than others, depending on the type of environment you live in.
For example, if you are living in a hurricane-prone area, you might want to invest in heavy-duty outdoor furnishings that are made from metal or concrete. These types of materials can withstand strong winds without compromising their shape or appearance.
Another important consideration is how you want to use your outdoor space. Do you want to have a place for relaxing with family or friends? Or are you more interested in creating a private retreat for reading or watching the sunset?
One way to unify your outdoor spaces is by using similar colors throughout. You can easily do this by choosing fabrics with the same hues or coordinating accents.
A great way to find a matching color is to request fabric swatches from the manufacturer. This will help you to visualize how the new furniture will look with your existing decor.
Alternatively, you can also shop online at sites like Wayfair and compare the color of the product to your home’s existing paint scheme. However, keep in mind that different computer screens display colors differently.
If you are looking for a natural-looking material that is extremely resistant to rot and mold, consider wood. Popular hardwoods include teak and shorea, which are known for their durability.
Comfort
Choosing outdoor furniture is a big decision, and comfort should be at the top of your list. After all, you’re going to be sitting on your new piece for hours — and maybe even days — on end. Fortunately, there are several different types of furniture on the market to choose from and each one offers a unique set of features to help you find the best fit for your space and budget.
The most comfortable outdoor furniture can be found in the upholstered variety. Fabrics made specifically for outdoors are often engineered to withstand a range of weather conditions, including UV rays and moisture. They come in a variety of textures, colors and patterns, making them a great choice for your home or garden.
When it comes to the ultimate outdoor seat of honor, it’s hard to beat an upholstered sofa in an elegant, all-weather, fade-resistant Sunbrella® fabric. It’s also a good idea to get a piece with adjustable armrests, so you can change your position for optimal viewing and relaxation.
For more information about the biggest outdoor furniture buzzwords, be sure to check out our handy guide to shopping for outdoor furniture or give us a call and speak with one of our experts. Our team is ready to help you make the right purchase for your home and family.
Durability
When choosing outdoor furniture, you need to be sure that it will be durable enough to last a long time. You should also consider how much maintenance it will require to keep it in good condition.
Besides the material itself, the durability of outdoor furniture also depends on how it was constructed and whether it can handle weather changes. For example, wood can swell and crack when it’s exposed to extreme heat or cold.
On the other hand, metal is resistant to changing temperatures and can maintain its shape for a long time. However, it can rust quickly if not properly cared for.
Other durable options for outdoor furniture include wicker, rattan and recycled plastic. All of these materials are extremely comfortable, but some have certain drawbacks that can affect their longevity.
For instance, if the weave on wicker is not properly done, it can unravel and cause damage to the furniture later on. And if the wicker is too lightweight, it may blow away in the wind or get damaged in other ways.
Another important feature to look for is water resistance. Especially in humid climates, you want to make sure that your furniture is made of a material that doesn’t retain water and won’t become moldy or mildewed.
Teak is one of the most popular outdoor woods because it has a unique natural oil content that repels water, making it a very durable choice for patio furniture. However, teak can be pricey and requires some yearly upkeep to ensure it stays beautiful for years to come.
Maintenance
Outdoor furniture is meant to withstand the elements, but it still needs regular upkeep. Dust, dirt, mold, insects, and animals can easily ruin it. In addition, it needs to be covered during inclement weather and the cold winter months when it’s not being used.
The type of material used for your outdoor furniture will determine the maintenance requirements. Woods, for example, resist decay and withstand the elements. However, some manufacturers recommend that you apply a sealant to the surface of your wood-based piece to protect it from mildew and other moisture-related issues.
Alternatively, you can choose a maintenance-free option such as aluminum, plastic, or plastic rattan. All of these materials require a simple wash with warm water and mild soap or a cleaning solution designed for outdoor use.
Another choice for outdoor furniture is teak, which combines the natural beauty of Asian wood with high durability. This type of material is highly resistant to termites and water damage, making it a popular choice for outdoor seating.
It’s important to read the care guidelines on teak furniture to learn what products are safe for it and how to clean it. You may also want to cover your teak pieces when you’re not using them.
In addition, it’s a good idea to regularly check for rust or other signs of corrosion on metal furniture. This can indicate that it’s time to replace the piece with a new one.
Outdoor furniture can be expensive, so it’s important to know what to expect in terms of the upkeep and maintenance required for it. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your furniture will last as long as possible.