Outdoor furniture allows your indoor rooms to expand outside and brings the comforts of home to your deck or patio. It also helps create an inviting, relaxing place to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.
Regardless of whether you’re looking for weather-resistant dining tables, cozy rockers or comfortable Adirondack chairs, there are many options out there to fit any style and budget. To help you find the best pieces for your space, here are some tips to consider before buying:
Teak
Teak outdoor furniture is made with the highest quality of materials and will last a long time if properly maintained. It is a durable wood that resists rot, termites, and moisture. This wood can be molded into different shapes, and is easily paired with other materials to give your patio or garden a unique look.
The natural oils in teak wood help it to repel water and insects, and keep them out of the wood itself. This makes it perfect for use as furniture in the outdoors, and it is also used in shipbuilding and other construction projects that require unmatched durability and beauty.
This natural oil content also gives teak furniture its distinctive fragrance. It is a pleasant, earthy scent that most people will instantly recognize as being real teak, although you can also buy faux teak that has been treated to mimic this smell.
While real teak wood can be a bit heavy, it is also very durable and will stand up to many years of use without cracking or breaking down. If you want to be sure you are buying high-quality teak, make sure that the table is not splintering or cracked. If you can, try dribbling some water on it and see if it soaks into the wood or sits on the surface.
Another benefit of teak is that it does not corrode or rust, like some other metals may. This is important for people who like to entertain outdoors and do not want their outdoor furniture to be affected by rusty metals.
Lastly, teak is naturally resistant to mildew, which makes it a great choice for areas with high humidity or dusty climates. Unlike woods that are more susceptible to mildew growth, such as cedar or pine, teak can be left outside year-round without risk of mildew building up.
While teak outdoor furniture requires little maintenance, you should clean it from time to time to remove any dirt or debris that has settled on the surfaces of the pieces. This can be done using a simple solution of soap and water or a mild cleaner that will leave your teak furniture looking like new.
Metal
Metal furniture is a durable and cost-effective option for your patio, porch or deck. It is also easy to maintain, with little need for frequent cleaning or painting. You can simply wipe down your metal outdoor furniture with a cloth dipped in soapy water or a quick spray of cleaning solution.
Stainless steel is a good choice for high-end modern outdoor patio furniture, as it resists corrosion and wear. It has a sleek silvery metallic finish that offers a chic contemporary look.
A heavy-duty alternative to steel, wrought iron is a sturdy metal that can stand up to windy conditions and knocks. However, wrought iron is much less water-resistant than aluminum and can rust if it is not treated properly. You can protect wrought iron pieces by applying a rust protector to prevent oxidation.
If you don’t need the weight of a wrought iron piece, aluminum is an ideal material for lightweight outdoor furniture. Tubular aluminum sets, often found in folding chairs and tables, are lightweight and inexpensive, while cast-aluminum styles have a more solid construction and can withstand the weather.
Another option for budget-friendly patio furniture is plastic. These low-maintenance materials are available in a wide variety of colors and textures, and they are incredibly durable. Some plastic styles are even made to mimic wicker or wood.
The downside to plastic garden furniture is that it can be vulnerable to moisture. It is best to keep these items covered during wet weather, as rust could build up on their surface.
It is important to note that metal patio furniture can get hot, so you should add seating covers or cushions to help prevent burns. If you are going to be using the furniture in a very hot climate, consider adding a few extra layers of clothing to keep warm.
Wrought iron is a great option for dining rooms and other stationary items that don’t move around often, because it won’t sway or rust easily. The only disadvantage is that rust can occur without protection, so you’ll need to clean it with mild soap and water on a regular basis.
Hardwood
Outdoor furniture is an important investment, but if you want it to last, it needs to be built from hardy materials. This is especially true if you live in an area that experiences seasonal climate shifts. These changes can cause woods to crack, warp or split.
The type of wood you choose can make a huge difference in the durability and life span of your patio furniture. It can also determine how much maintenance you need to do.
Hardwoods like oak, mahogany and teak are ideal for furniture making because they resist damage from moisture, sunlight, cold and heat. In addition, they tend to be denser than softwoods.
These characteristics make them perfect for outdoor furniture. These types of woods are also naturally durable and will last for years, especially if they’re properly treated.
Ipe: This Brazilian rainforest hardwood is becoming more popular for outdoor furniture, because it is very resistant to weather and pests. It can be stained or left natural, but it will need regular oiling to keep its beautiful look.
Redwood: This hardy wood has a lovely reddish-brown color, which will add a great look to your backyard. However, it can rot if not treated regularly.
Shorea: This hardy Asian hardwood is another great option for outdoor furniture, because it’s one of the hardest woods on Earth. It’s also easy to refinish.
White oak: This American-native wood is also a great choice for patio furniture. It’s sturdy and durable, and it comes in a variety of colors to match your decor.
The color of your outdoor wood furniture can vary a lot from one piece to the next, and you can choose a color that matches your patio’s decor or one that will complement your home’s interior. It’s important to note, though, that outdoor wood pieces can fade in color over time.
In addition, hardwoods are typically more expensive than softwoods, and they often require more frequent maintenance to keep them looking good. This includes coatings of a stain or sealant, which will add to your annual expenses and can take a lot of your time.
Synthetic
Outdoor furniture plays a big part in the look and feel of your garden. The material from which it is made determines how well it will stand up to the elements, so you want to choose furniture that will withstand wear and tear over the years.
Synthetic outdoor furniture is a popular option for those looking to furnish their outdoor spaces, as it can be made in a variety of styles and colors. It is also easy to maintain and clean, so it can last for a long time.
One of the main advantages of synthetic outdoor furniture is that it is often more affordable than natural wicker. It is also more durable and will withstand the wear and tear of everyday use much better than natural wicker.
Another advantage is that it can be easily arranged and moved around the patio or garden. This is especially useful if you like to change the look of your garden on a regular basis, and can save you money by not having to purchase new pieces each year.
Finally, it is also more lightweight compared to natural rattan. This means it is easier to move and reposition, making it a great choice for anyone with limited space.
While synthetic rattan can be more expensive than wooden furniture, it is still cheaper than most other types of outdoor furniture. It can be used in both residential and commercial applications, so it is an ideal choice if you need furniture that will stand up to the elements for years.
There are a number of different kinds of synthetic outdoor furniture available on the market, but some of the most common ones include resin wicker and polyethylene. Both of these materials are lightweight and durable, and they can be cleaned easily using mild dish soap and a soft cloth.
Another type of synthetic wicker is Viro(r), which has been developed in Italy to mimic the appearance and feel of natural fibers. It has a natural give and flex that makes it very comfortable to sit on, as well as a range of colors and textures that are designed to imitate natural wicker.