Choosing Outdoor Furniture

When you’re choosing outdoor furniture, there are a few factors to consider. They include aesthetics, functionality and maintenance.

When buying online, it’s important to request fabric, wood and metal samples so you can see them in person and compare color and quality. Also, make sure to check product photos against real-life pictures, which are often displayed on backlit screens and can make colors appear brighter than they actually are.

Aesthetics

When you’re choosing outdoor furniture, it’s important to consider its aesthetics. You want to choose something that will complement your home’s style and look good on your property. This will help ensure that you get the most out of your investment and that it looks great for many years to come.

The aesthetics of your outdoor space will have a huge impact on how it looks and functions, so it’s crucial to make sure that you select the right pieces. It’s also a good idea to think about where you’ll be using your new pieces, as well as the amount of maintenance they will need.

Some people choose to use natural wood and neutral-colored tones when buying outdoor furniture. This is a classic approach and can be very effective for a traditional garden or patio. However, if you want to give your outdoor space a more modern and quirky feel, you can also opt for metal, wicker or other types of materials.

You should also consider the material of your outdoor furniture as this will have a big impact on how durable it is. Lighter materials can easily be blown over by strong winds, while heavier pieces will stay in place and need less upkeep.

If you’re unsure about what type of material you want for your outdoor furniture, it’s best to speak to a specialist retailer. They will be able to advise you on which options are best for your outdoor space and which ones will last the longest.

While it’s possible to choose outdoor furniture that is made from synthetic materials, they tend to be more expensive than their natural counterparts and are not as easy to clean. This is especially true if you have children, as they can quickly stain or damage the surface of your piece.

Another factor to consider is the climate of your area. If you live in an area where it’s frequently raining, a more waterproof design is a better option. The same goes for areas where the weather is very warm or sunny, as you’ll want to avoid pieces that are susceptible to fading or becoming damaged by UV rays.

Functionality

Whether you’re furnishing a new deck, patio or lanai, the functionality of the furniture you choose is critical. Depending on the function of the space, you’ll need a specific set of chairs or tables that are large enough for entertaining, and comfortable enough for lounging.

You’ll also need to consider the size and shape of your space, and the potential groupings of furniture you could create to maximize your use. Much like furnishing a living room or family room, start by measuring the area and determining the possible shape of your outdoor furniture so that it fits your space properly.

One of the most important things to consider when choosing furniture is the material it’s made from. Different materials have different pros and cons. Some, such as aluminum, are lightweight and ideal for hot or dry climates. Others, such as wrought iron, are heavier and more difficult to move around.

Another factor to consider is how easy it is to clean your outdoor furniture. Some, such as plastic, require little to no maintenance. For other items, such as synthetic rattan, you’ll need to brush them off from time to time to prevent rot or mold growth.

Some designs come equipped with removable cushions that you can pop in the washing machine for a freshen-up or replace when they’re worn out. These features can save you a lot of hassle and help make your furniture last longer.

Lastly, it’s important to consider the weather conditions that your furniture will face. Will it be exposed to rain, snow or direct sunlight?

If you live in a sunny climate, your furniture might need to be able to resist UV damage from the sun and extreme fluctuations of temperature. Some materials fade, crack or become brittle when they are exposed to these changes.

For example, metal frames can rust and become damaged when exposed to saltwater. Similarly, wood furniture can be susceptible to rot or warping when it’s exposed to moisture and humidity.

Many brands offer eco-friendly options, such as those made from wood harvested from certified forests. Likewise, a number of manufacturers also make furniture that is fully recyclable or biodegradable.

Maintenance

Outdoor furniture is designed to withstand the elements, but it won’t survive without proper care and maintenance. Dust, dirt, pollen, rain, mold and animal droppings can all affect how long your pieces last if left untreated.

The type of material your furniture is made from will also impact the maintenance it requires. Metal, wood and plastic are all common options for outdoor patio and deck furnishings.

Metal patio furniture is typically crafted from wrought iron or stainless steel and can be cleaned with mild dish soap mixed in water (or in the case of stainless steel, a mild metal cleaner). Wipe with a cloth to remove dirt and grime, then rinse thoroughly.

If your outdoor furniture is made from hardwood, you will probably want to sand it down and apply a protective coating of stain or oil to prevent stains and keep its color fresh. This is best done every year or two to preserve the natural patina of wood.

Wood is the most popular choice for garden furniture because it has a natural sheen and resistance to rot. Wooden garden tables and chairs can be cleaned regularly with a damp cloth and a light cleaning solution.

For a deeper clean to remove bird droppings, mildew or rust stains, mix hot water with powdered oxygen bleach and scrub. Rinse well and let the piece dry completely.

Alternatively, you can apply a water-repellent fabric protector to protect the surface from stains and make cleaning easier. For wicker and resin furniture, spray a water-repellent preservative on the entire surface before each use to minimize sun damage, expansion and drying out.

Finally, if you own commercial outdoor furniture like picnic tables or benches for restaurants and lounges, it’s important to keep them clean and free of stains as they often come into contact with food, water and other materials that can cause stains. This can lead to mold growth and other issues if not treated quickly.

It’s also a good idea to cover your furniture when it’s not in use during inclement weather or winter months, and to store it away in well-ventilated areas. This will help to prevent mildew and mold growth from forming.

Climate

If you want your patio furniture to last, you need to pick the right material. Wood is a good choice as it won’t absorb the sun’s heat and can even deflect some of it. Wrought iron and cast aluminum are other great choices that can withstand the glare of the sun.

The climate is another important consideration when selecting the right outdoor furniture. You need to consider things like wind, rain, sun, and snow. This is because each of these elements can impact the look and feel of your outdoor space.

One of the most useful things to remember is that your outdoor environment may change a few times during a single year. For example, the weather may change radically during the fall and winter in some parts of the country. You’ll need to think ahead and purchase materials that are more resistant to changes in temperature, humidity, or precipitation.

Finally, be sure to select the material that best fits your budget. This will help you avoid spending too much on a flimsy item that will break and degrade in no time at all.

If you are on a tight budget, the most effective way to save money is by buying a quality piece of furniture that will outlast its predecessors. It’s also a good idea to shop around and compare prices at different retailers before making your final decision. The right selection will pay for itself over time as you enjoy your new outdoor oasis. You may also want to consider adding accent pieces to your space, such as a fire pit or a poolside bar.