Choosing Outdoor Furniture

Choosing outdoor furniture is an important step in creating a relaxing and functional space for your backyard or porch. The material, style, comfort and durability of the pieces you select are all factors to consider.

Wood is one of the most common materials for outdoor furniture. Its natural, solid appearance complements any home design and develops a beautiful patina over time.

Material

When choosing outdoor furniture, it’s important to consider the material. This will affect the style, comfort and durability of your furniture.

Wood, wicker, concrete and metal are popular materials to use in patio furniture. Each has its pros and cons, so you’ll want to carefully weigh them before making a decision.

Affordability, ease of care and aesthetics are also key considerations when selecting furniture for your home’s outdoor space. Choosing durable materials is the best way to ensure your furniture lasts for years to come.

Teak, cypress and eastern red cedar are some of the most popular wood species for patio furniture. These woods are naturally resistant to pest damage and will thrive in your backyard for many years if you keep them well-maintained.

If you’re looking for a more rustic or eclectic design, wrought iron is another great choice. This metal is sturdy and long-lasting, and it can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Rattan and wicker are also popular outdoor furniture materials because they look fantastic and require little maintenance. These materials can be treated with a resin finish to protect them from the elements.

Aluminum is another popular option because it’s lightweight and durable. This material is available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, and it’s very easy to clean with mild soap and water.

Polypropylene is a very popular material for outdoor furniture because it’s easy to manufacture and it’s resistant to moisture, mildew and fading. It’s also recyclable, which makes it a good choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

When choosing outdoor furniture, it’s important for you to keep your personal style and preferences in mind. It’s also important to make sure your furniture complements the existing design of your home, so that it looks cohesive and harmonious.

Style

The style of outdoor furniture you choose will determine the look and feel of your patio. Whether you’re planning for summer socializing or a more relaxed, family-oriented space, a wide range of styles is available.

If you’re interested in a classic, vintage-inspired aesthetic, wrought iron benches and chairs are a great choice. These are often available in ornate scrollwork designs and can be paired with colorful cushions to add a touch of modern flair.

Wrought-iron pieces are also stronger than aluminum and won’t rust, making them perfect for homeowners who want a traditional, rustic look. Alternatively, you can also opt for sleek, contemporary pieces made from powder-coated aluminum.

Similarly, wood furniture has its advantages as well. Teak wood is naturally rot-resistant and will stand up to the elements for years. However, it does require regular maintenance to keep it in good condition.

It’s important to buy outdoor furniture that is made from quality materials. Ensure that the joints are secure, the welding is clean and free of gaps and that any metal welds match in design.

Additionally, be sure to check the cushion material. Many fabrics are synthetic and won’t fade in the sun or get damaged from rain.

Some fabrics are also breathable, which is a must for people who live in humid climates. Those with high humidity can find that their wicker and plastic furniture can wilt quickly.

If you want to be able to take your outdoor furniture apart for cleaning or repairs, opt for fabrics that are breathable. Acrylics, polyester and treated canvas are all comfortable and durable.

If you’re planning on entertaining, multi-functional pieces are a great way to save space. For example, some brands offer fire pits that serve multiple functions, including putting out heat and playing music through Bluetooth connections.

Comfort

When choosing outdoor furniture, you want to be sure to consider what will be the most comfortable for you and your family. Comfort isn’t just about the cushions on your seating, it’s also about the design of your space and the materials used in its construction.

For example, there’s nothing worse than sitting on an uncomfortable chair. The best way to avoid this is by taking the time to consider what you need and want from your outdoor space before you start shopping.

Using the proper materials is key to ensuring the furniture you buy will be around for many years to come. For example, aluminum is the sturdiest of all the metals and can withstand the elements well enough to last for a long time. It also makes for the most stylish outdoor pieces.

The materials that are most comfortable to the touch should be high on your priority list, including foam, fiber and polyester. Likewise, you’ll want to choose a material with good breathability as your furniture will see lots of wear and tear from the weather.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the design features and innovations that make your outdoor furniture as fun to use as it is to look at. For example, a well-designed chaise lounge is a must for anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors without feeling too cramped.

Durability

The durability of outdoor furniture varies depending on the materials used, the area where it’s placed and how often it’s exposed to harsh weather elements. It’s important to choose the best type of material for your needs and budget so that your patio or deck looks its best for years to come.

Wood is a popular choice for outdoor furniture because it’s natural, eco-friendly and durable. It also looks great outdoors and is available in many colors and styles. However, wood is susceptible to moisture and changes in temperature that can cause it to rot or warp. It should be treated or painted every few years to keep it looking its best.

Aluminum is another popular metal that’s lightweight and highly durable against rain, snow and sunlight. It’s also rust-resistant, making it an ideal choice for use in areas where salt water is common.

Steel is another popular metal that’s often used for patio furniture because of its strength and corrosion-resistant properties. It’s also affordable and easy to maintain, especially if it’s powder coated or treated with an anti-corrosion coating.

PE rattan or synthetic wicker is more durable than natural wicker, but it still requires maintenance to keep it looking good. You can even cover it (without cushions) to help protect it from the weather.

Plastic is another popular material for outdoor furniture because it’s lightweight, reusable and easy to clean. It’s more durable than natural wicker, but some types of plastic are not suitable for prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays.

Some materials, like glass, are resistant to both high temperatures and UV rays, but they can fade or crack over time. Other materials, such as open-cell foam, can absorb humidity and become moldy when they dry.

Maintenance

If you’ve made the decision to invest in outdoor furniture, then it’s important to learn how to care for it. Keeping it clean and well-maintained will help it last longer and keep your home looking good.

Generally speaking, your outdoor furniture should be cleaned and maintained once every three months. However, this frequency will vary depending on the climate and if the furniture is sheltered from the elements.

Wood patio furniture is particularly susceptible to environmental damage, so it needs regular staining and painting to keep it looking newer. You can also coat it with a waterproof sealant to prevent moisture and dirt from getting into the wood.

A few other tips for maintaining your outdoor furniture include cleaning the furniture on a regular basis and removing any spills as soon as they happen. You can use soap and water to wash it, or you can apply a non-abrasive cleaner with a cloth.

You can also treat the wood with a coating of varnish, shellac or polyurethane to make it harder and more resistant to the elements. This can extend the life of the furniture by a few years, and it will keep the wood’s color and natural look intact.

For aluminum furniture, wipe down with a mild solution of vinegar and water at least once a year (even if you haven’t noticed any signs of oxidation). You can use a spray-type silicone lubricant to maintain glider parts and umbrella mechanisms.

You can also use a maintenance management platform like SafetyCulture to ensure that your equipment stays in tip-top condition and reduce downtime. It will help you automate spare part inventory, track asset activity, assign work orders and monitor maintenance operations in real-time.