Biggest mistakes to avoid when buying patio furniture
A new hardwood deck or wraparound patio is a wonderful addition to any home. Furnishing the space with outdoor furniture can complete the setting and provide years of enjoyment for entertaining family and friends. However, many first-time homeowners are overwhelmed by many choices and decisions. This section of our guide reviews a few of the most glaring errors they make. Don’t repeat these if you want to save time and money.
Failing to measure the space
You don’t want to get your outdoor furniture in your backyard only to find the pieces are too large. Or maybe they fit, but the space is cramped and you cannot move around. It’s paramount to measure the overall square footage of your space. Map various arrangements that allow enough room for foot traffic, plants and small accents.
Ignoring the environment
Not all outdoor settings are equal. Each climate and surrounding habitat has characteristics that make it more or less hospitable to different materials. If you ignore which material is right for your situation, you may experience issues. Your metal frames may rust in the salt air. Wooden tabletops may crack during drastic temperature shifts or dripping tree sap may seep into your wicker sofas. Be sure to research the advantages and disadvantages of various materials where you live before you buy.
Favoring style (or price) over substance
It’s easy for patio furniture to seem amazing in photos. The weather is perfect, the frames and cushions are new and the models seem relaxed and comfortable. In reality, outdoor furnishings have to stand up to the elements. Their appearance and performance can degrade over time. Cool-looking designs may not be built to last, especially if constructed using inferior materials or finishes. That leaves the pieces vulnerable to moisture, sunlight or everyday stress. Fortunately, consumers are on the ball – 68% prioritize durability over style. A low price point may make an alfresco dining set seem like a bargain. However, if you replace it after a year or contend with torn seats and corroded frames, it loses its appeal. High-quality and durable outdoor furnishings don’t have to be expensive. Although, they are often pricier than flashy sets found at big-box retailers.
Forgetting to research product features
When shopping for outdoor furniture, many pieces may look and feel almost identical but the devil is in the details. Is the upholstery fabric heat-resistant and colorfast? Two lounge chairs may seem the same in the Spring, but not by the end of the Summer. One may be faded and too hot to use on sweltering days under the sun. Similarly, some metal frames are painted versus powder-coated or lack finishing treatment. These coatings protect the surface from corrosion – critical for coastal settings. Patio umbrellas vary greatly in their ability to withstand high winds even if they appear alike to laymen. How embarrassing (and potentially dangerous) would it be for your shade to tip over on guests? If you bought an umbrella table, ensure the lift or tilt mechanism is above the tabletop otherwise it won’t work.
Assuming comfort is a given
More people are buying deck furniture online these days. However, the convenience comes with an unforeseen cost – no sit test. You might guess the comfort level of wooden or metal chairs and sofas that use standard seat cushions. Knowing how upholstered seating will feel is a different story. Fabric texture, foam insert density and drainage, and sitting area dimensions are key for comfort. Even knowing the details doesn’t necessarily mean you can accurately gauge the comfort without actually sitting in it. Low seating or reclined cushions may be difficult to get up from. This makes it difficult for taller or older people. In the end, it’s still just a guess if you’re purchasing from a website. Check reviews from people who have already experienced the seating in person.
Losing sight of color
Another challenge of online shopping is color-matching. Viewing fabric swatches on a digital screen can be deceiving. Images are backlit on screens with different calibrations. Usually, colors seem brighter on a mobile phone, tablet or laptop computer. Additionally, this makes it harder to coordinate a new piece of outdoor furniture with existing decor. Don’t aim for an exact match of a specific tone. It’s easier to go with complementary color palettes. They can work even if they vary slightly from what you see online. Or you can request fabric swatches to compare actual colors side by side.
Foregoing protection & storage considerations
If you carefully research and take your time evaluating patio furniture options, you should still not forget to protect it. Even if you buy the highest quality furnishings, exposure to the elements can degrade them and shorten their lifespan. Invest in protective covers (ideally custom-fitted). Keep outdoor furniture safe from inclement weather or when it’s not in use during the off-season. If you have a shed, garage or simply an overhanging eave, you might favor folding tables and chairs that store easily. Smaller-sized pieces that you can quickly move are good too.
Outdoor furniture is just part of a perfect al fresco setting
Once you outfit your deck or patio with lounge and dining furniture, you’re ready to accessorize. This goes beyond a few accent pillows and throw rugs. Outdoor spaces are an extension of your indoor living and deserve the same attention to detail. The next section of our guide suggests several items to enhance your time in the great outdoors.
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