Choosing Outdoor Furniture

Choosing outdoor furniture is a key decision, as the right pieces will transform your deck or patio into a stylish space for lounging, dining or entertaining.

First, decide how you plan to use your space and what size pieces will be best for it. Next, consider weather conditions and material qualities for durability.

Weather Resistant

When it comes to choosing outdoor furniture, it’s important to consider how the pieces will be used and whether they can withstand weather exposure. It’s also a good idea to think about how much maintenance you’ll want to undertake over the life of the piece.

There are a wide range of materials that you can choose from, from softwoods such as wicker and pine to hard woods like teak, cedar and eucalyptus, as well as stainless steel, aluminum and wrought iron. These are each suitable for different climates and situations, but it’s worth doing your research to find the best material for your specific needs.

Hardwoods such as teak, eucalyptus and cedar are often the most durable choices when it comes to outdoor furniture. They’re able to withstand harsher weather conditions than softwoods and they have a higher durability rating than synthetics, so you can feel confident that your patio table and chairs will last a lifetime.

In addition to a durable and natural aesthetic, hardwoods are usually eco-friendly and low maintenance, which is particularly important for outdoor use. They also have a lower thermal conductivity than softwoods, so they don’t get too hot in the sun or too cold in the cold.

Synthetic fabrics, such as acrylic, are another common choice for outdoor dining furniture and rugs because they’re resistant to rain and mold and mildew and they can be easily cleaned with soap and water. They’re also solution-dyed, meaning that the threads are dyed before they’re woven, which helps them hold their color longer and resist damage from UV rays.

Woven wicker is another great option for outdoor dining tables and chairs, offering the natural look of rattan but with a bit more durability. It’s a good choice for apartments and small balconies that may not have enough space to store a full-sized set of patio furniture.

Wrought iron is another long-lasting metal that’s ideal for many homes, as it’s durable against all weather. However, this heavy-duty metal is not very breathable and can be uncomfortable to sit on without a cushion or seat pad to support the backrests and arms.

Durability

When you’re shopping for outdoor furniture, durability is one of the biggest factors to consider. Whether you want to lounge on the patio in your backyard or enjoy dinner al fresco with friends and family, your furniture will need to stand up to rain, humidity, extreme temperatures, and more.

There are several different types of materials available for outdoor patio furniture, including metals, wood, wicker and synthetic resins. Each material has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to know your climate and what type of use you plan to have for your furniture before making a decision.

Weather-resistant fabrics are also a great choice. This type of fabric protects your furniture from the sun’s harmful UV rays and will prevent it from warping or rotting.

A material’s ability to resist the sun is especially important if you live in an area that receives a lot of sunny weather. Many outdoor furniture materials have a waterproof coating or are made from weather-resistant materials, like polyurethane.

Another key consideration is how much rain you receive in your region. Those who live in areas with more rain than sun may want to invest in furniture that will resist water.

If you’re able to purchase furniture that is specifically designed for your climate, you will save money on the long run by avoiding repairs and replacements. It’s also a good idea to buy a piece of furniture that has been treated with a sealant, such as teak or eucalyptus, which will keep it from cracking or warping.

You can also select furniture that is resistant to rust. Stainless steel is a popular choice for outdoor furniture because it’s durable, lightweight and doesn’t rust easily. However, it can oxidize in salt air environments, so you should select 316 marine-grade stainless steel.

Durable materials can last for years under ideal conditions. But they may need to be replaced more frequently when exposed to harsher conditions.

If you’re a busy parent with small children, it’s a good idea to choose furniture that is made from durable material. This will make your outdoor space easier to maintain and keep looking beautiful.

Comfort

Comfort is a top priority when it comes to choosing outdoor furniture, and there are many ways to go about making your purchase as enjoyable as possible. The right materials, cushion sizes, and construction methods can help you avoid the aches and pains that come from sitting on uncomfortable furniture and provide you with an overall more comfortable experience outside.

Thankfully, there are many quality outdoor furniture manufacturers out there to choose from. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites to help you find the perfect combination of style and function to suit your needs and budget.

One of the more impressive aspects of a great piece of outdoor furniture is its ability to withstand the elements over time. For instance, our Portofino Comfort Collection uses fade-resistant Sunbrella(r) fabric to keep your cushions looking great for years to come.

The best way to ensure that your new outdoor furniture is built to last is to shop at a quality brand with a good return policy. Also, look for retailers with white glove delivery options. This option is usually included in the cost of the furniture, and involves trained company employees taking the time to deliver and assemble your new pieces right in front of you.

The right outdoor furniture is a worthwhile investment that will pay for itself in the form of more enjoyable and relaxing times outdoors. The most important thing to remember is that it will serve you well for a long time to come, so take your time when selecting the best pieces of outdoor furniture for your space and budget.

Style

Outdoor furniture is a great way to create a fun and welcoming space for you and your family. There are many different types of furniture available, so it’s important to choose the right style for your home and lifestyle.

Classic:

If you want to add a timeless look to your patio, classic styles are a great choice. This type of furniture is often made of traditional materials such as wood, wrought iron and metal. They are also very sturdy and can last a long time.

You can choose from a wide range of designs and colors for this type of outdoor furniture. There are also a variety of fabrics to choose from. These can vary from white or pale colors to bold geometric or paisley prints. You can even tie the look together with an outdoor rug to keep the area looking bright and vibrant.

Woven:

The woven style of outdoor furniture is very popular and offers a casual feel to your space. They can be crafted from natural plant fibers, or can be manufactured from plastic or paper-wrapped wires.

It can be a great way to give your patio a rustic and organic vibe, but it’s not for everyone. The wicker material can be susceptible to wilting, especially in humid climates.

If you love the look of traditional rattan but want something that’s a little more modern, you can choose furniture made from a synthetic material called polypropylene. This is a durable, lightweight and weather-resistant alternative to traditional rattan.

Alternatively, you can opt for teak or acacia which is a more expensive wood that’s also highly durable and resistant to water. Acacia is a good option because it will not fade as quickly as teak and can even last decades.

For a contemporary take on the classic rattan, you can choose pieces from brands like Tupelo Goods and Neighbor. Both of these brands have a minimalist style and are known for their durable, weather-resistant outdoor pieces that don’t skimp on style.

The best part is that they are super affordable and can be easily matched to the rest of your décor, so it’s easy to make a cohesive look for your backyard.