Choosing outdoor furniture is an important part of making the most of your backyard or terrace. It can transform your space into a comfortable spot for entertaining and relaxing.
Whether you want a traditional dining set or a few lounge chairs, there are plenty of options to choose from. But before you shop, consider a few things:
Size
When buying furniture for an outdoor space, you need to be aware of size and layout. ‘Outdoor furniture should be the same in size as the area it’s destined for, like a patio or terrace,’ says interior designer Artem Kropovinsky of Arsight.
This includes allowing enough room to move around, particularly on chairs that recline or have a slanted back. Also consider how comfortable the pieces are, especially in the longer term.
If your goal is to have a seating group that’s large enough to accommodate a lot of people, look for a set that offers a good amount of legroom. For example, a picnic-style table with 72 inches or more of length will comfortably seat six adults, as well as a few kids.
To save space, look for tables that are oval or rectangular and have rounded edges. This makes it easier to walk around them, says Justin Aulakh of Classic Patio Furniture in Redwood City, California.
Another helpful tip is to choose furniture that’s made from materials that will stand up to harsh weather. This means that wood or metal products are a better choice than softwood items, which will rot or rust quickly.
You’ll find that you can easily outfit your outdoor space without breaking the bank if you take these tips into account. You can easily shop online for great deals and brands, or visit your local furniture store to see and try out different options before you commit.
Comfort
When you’re putting together your dream outdoor space, it’s important to choose furniture that’s comfortable enough for you to spend time in it. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there to suit your needs and taste.
First, consider your budget and the size of your outdoor space. This will help you to narrow down your search. Ideally, you’ll want to find furniture that’s big enough for the whole family to use, but not so big that it looks out of place in your yard.
Another thing to keep in mind is the weather and how it affects your furniture. Hot, dry weather can make wood splinter and break down, while frequent rain can promote rot.
Choosing outdoor furniture that’s made from materials that stand up to the elements will also ensure that your investment lasts. Some of the most durable and stylish materials include aluminum, plastic and wicker.
If you’re looking for a piece of furniture that will give you the most comfort, look for items with extra-deep seating and cushions that are thick and supportive. Those features are particularly useful in chairs and lounges that are intended for extended lounging. A few extra pillows are a great way to add extra comfort to any chair.
Style
Choosing outdoor furniture should be a fun, thoughtful process. It needs to be stylish and functional, but it also needs to work with your yard’s landscape and architectural elements.
Fortunately, there are plenty of great options to choose from! Some popular brands offer a mix of budget-friendly styles, while others focus on high-end design and materials.
For example, Joss & Main has an excellent collection of outdoor lounge sets and dining sets that range from teak investment pieces to less expensive acacia wood or resin options. The company also offers wicker patio furniture that’s made for durability and style.
Some of these pieces feature unique features, like ottomans that expand and collapse as needed to create extra seating space or save room for other furniture. Similarly, some coffee tables come in fun, innovative designs that can elevate and collapse to form convenient work areas or storage spaces.
Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for outdoor furniture is color. Most online photos are back-lit and displayed on a computer screen, which can make colors appear brighter than they really are. You’ll want to request fabric swatches and wood and metal samples so you can get an accurate gauge of the actual hues.
Material
Choosing outdoor furniture is a process that involves more than aesthetics. You want your furniture to be durable and functional, while also complementing the rest of your home’s decor.
Outdoor furniture can be made from a variety of materials. While metal is generally the strongest and most durable, synthetic materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can be a good option as well.
Another popular choice for patio chairs and tables is natural rattan. Its fibers are similar to those of a palm tree. However, true rattan does not do well outdoors and can break or weaken quickly.
Wood is a classic material that can last a long time when cared for properly. Some hardwoods, including teak and Shorea, are extremely hard and have excellent resistance to rot and decay.
If you choose to use wood, make sure you choose a high-quality, sustainable species that is harvested in a way that promotes reforestation. Other common woods used for patio furniture include cypress, eastern red cedar and pressure-treated pine.
Some types of furniture have folding or collapsible designs that let you easily store them when not in use. These items are especially useful if you live in an area with frequent storms that can cause furniture to tip over or blow away.
Many synthetic fabrics are fade-resistant and are also resistant to mold, mildew and sun damage. Solution-dyed acrylic is a great option because it’s highly durable and won’t fade.
Durability
Durability is one of the most important things to consider when choosing outdoor furniture. Not only will it need to withstand the elements and weather, but it also needs to be comfortable enough to enjoy for years to come.
Wood, for example, is a very durable material and will last for many years if it’s properly cared for. This makes it an excellent choice for patio dining sets and other items that get used a lot.
Another durable option is metal. Some types of metals, like steel and wrought iron, are incredibly strong and will hold up well under the pressures of everyday use.
Stainless steel and aluminum are also excellent options for outdoor furniture. They’re affordable and rust-resistant, making them great choices for areas that are susceptible to salt water or other corrosive substances.
While wood is a very popular material for outdoor furniture, it can be susceptible to cracking and swelling when exposed to changing temperatures. This can cause the furniture to become uncomfortable for those who use it frequently.
Concrete is another material that is popular for patio furniture. It’s extremely strong and durable, but it is porous and can be susceptible to stains from rain or other liquids.
Weather
The weather conditions you experience in your area can play a significant role in how long your outdoor furniture lasts and how much it costs to maintain. Regardless of where you live, you’ll need to make sure that your furniture can withstand the sun, rain, and extreme temperatures in order to get the most out of it.
If you’re looking for an easy, low-maintenance material that can withstand all the elements, aluminum is a great choice. According to Hayneedle, this material is lightweight, yet strong and durable. It’s also not susceptible to rust or corrosion and is easy to clean.
For a more natural, environmentally friendly material, teak is another excellent option for patio furniture. It’s durable, water-resistant, and incredibly beautiful.
However, if you’re located in an area that has frequent storms, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, then you should look for heavier materials that will not blow away easily during high winds. This will make it easier to store away your furniture when a storm is forecast.
Metal, concrete, and glass are all popular choices for a variety of outdoor furniture options. These materials are extremely durable, but they can be expensive to purchase and may need some maintenance in the future.