Inherent qualities to consider
Extrinsic usage and location factors are important to establish what your patio furniture has to accommodate. Now it’s time to look at the intrinsic product attributes that allow them to accomplish that. This section of our guide highlights characteristics to consider when evaluating different products.
Material Qualities – What materials are best for your needs and environment?
Based on your use, location and weather, some materials are better than others for frames, upholstery and tabletops. Extreme heat can cause untreated wood to splinter while plastic can become brittle and crack in the cold. Rain and salt air can cause uncoated metal to rust and humidity plays havoc with natural wicker. Lightweight aluminum or acrylic furniture may blow over in high winds and many fabrics will fade under harsh sun. Our Outdoor Furniture Materials Guide provides an in-depth look at many materials and their ability to withstand various conditions. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, but you must understand the tradeoffs from the outset.
Helpful Article
We suggest reading our Outdoor Furniture Materials Guide for an in-depth look at materials used for patio furniture.
Maintenance & Care – How much effort will you put into your patio furniture?
The type and amount of care required are closely related to the material and finishing used on each piece. Depending on where you live and how often you use outdoor furnishings, you’re going to have to clean and protect items more or less frequently. Cleaning may range from a scrub brush with soap and water to specialized cleansers and soft cloths. Some tabletops and frames may be scratch-resistant, while others require fillers and buffing to eliminate nicks and gouges. Similarly, some woods are impervious to warping or water damage, but lose color over time without oiling. Construction also affects cleaning and maintenance. Many zippered cushion covers can be taken off and are machine-washable. Some furniture is designed with removable parts that can be replaced should something wear out or get damaged. It’s a lot more cost-effective to swap out a single part than buy a whole new piece.
Comfort Level – What type of outdoor furniture is most comfortable?
You had limited choices in the not-too-distant past. There were hard wooden or metal seats that you could cover with cushions tied around the frame. Then there were those heavy crisscrossing plastic straps that made a squeaky sound when you scooted across them. If you’re a guy, you may remember catching hair from the back of your leg in these follicle torture devices. Later, thickly upholstered seating was water-resistant but had a texture like dull sandpaper.
Now, there is a myriad of excellent choices from which to choose. Lightweight synthetic weaves make up fabric slings and webbings. They stretch and conform to your body contours – providing a high level of supportive comfort. There are also plush quick-drying foam cushions of varying densities that pull water from damp clothes and allow you to sink into more relaxing positions. Patio furniture has evolved with the emergence of ergonomic design and high-performance fabrics and manufacturing techniques. Sun loungers and sofas are now designed with body posture, spinal alignment and pressure points in mind. If you plan to sit for a long time, evaluate the comfort level of each piece you’re considering.
Quality – Are you looking for long-lasting luxury or a replaceable low-cost option?
Once you’ve determined what pieces you need, the right materials and comfort level, you have to ask yourself a serious question – how much can or do you want to invest in your outdoor furniture set? High-end patio furniture is expensive, but you generally get what you pay for. Patio furniture can command a higher price tag than similar indoor pieces because it has to withstand the elements and accommodate rougher usage. Typically, the materials are stronger, more fade-resistant and better able to repel water than less expensive alternatives. Additionally, the warranties on materials and construction are often longer and more inclusive.
On the other hand, there’s something to be said about inexpensive immediate gratification. If you want some fun lounge chairs and end tables, there’s nothing wrong with buying a low-cost set. Just know they will probably fade or break down after a Summer or two. You might save money initially, but replacement costs add up over time and you could spend more in the long run.
Personal Style – What look do you want – sleek and chic or bright and fun?
There are plenty of vital functional factors to keep in mind when choosing patio furniture, but it’s important to remember that enjoying time outdoors relies on appealing to the aesthetic sense too. Hanging out by the pool or barbecuing on the deck is fun and the furniture you decide on should reflect your sense of style. If you have a hacienda-style home, you might consider an elegant wrought iron dining furniture set with a bold ceramic tile tabletop. Perhaps your minimalist modern patio calls for a sculpted set of chaise lounges with a sophisticated stainless steel cocktail table. Whatever the architectural style of your home, find outdoor furniture that speaks to you. If you want to create a very different vibe than indoors, change the style but maybe keep continuity in the color palette to make it an easy transition.
Flexibility & Ease – Do you want to rearrange or use outdoor furniture differently?
If you have limited outdoor space, there may not be many product or arrangement options. If that is the case, you must try to find pieces that have storage capacity and are multi-functional. Ottomans with compartments beneath the seat are perfect for small spaces like balconies. There are even dynamic coffee tables that can elevate to form convenient work tables. Items that can fold up, stack or collapse also give you the flexibility to change out pieces without monopolizing storage areas. Modular sectional sofas give you the creativity to adapt seating to your surroundings and changing needs. Wheeled tables and carts are great for serving and are easy to move if the weather turns bad or you want a little more room.
Quick Patio Furniture Tips for Small Outdoor Spaces
Just because you don’t have a big backyard, wrap-around deck or spacious patio doesn’t mean you can’t have an enjoyable outdoor setting. Urban rooftops, balconies, porches and row home gardens can all accommodate patio furniture if you’re smart about what you choose. In addition to the obvious recommendation of smaller pieces, here are a few pointers to help you get the most out of your undersized spot.
- Dual-Purpose – Look for pieces that can be used in multiple ways. Many footstools can double as a table or seat. Fire pit tables provide heat and a usable surface. Some adjustable coffee tables raise their tops to double as work desks.
- Built-In Storage – Ottomans, benches and sofas often come with storage compartments for pillows, blanks and other small items. This enables you to pull them out when you need them and quickly hide them away when you don’t.
- Collapsible, Stackable or Nestable – Umbrellas, tables and chairs that fold up, stack or nest are easier to store when not in use and take up less space. This is important to maintain enough room for moving about.
- Portable – Whether you want to rearrange furniture for different events or remove a piece altogether, it’s helpful to have tables and chairs that can easily be moved. Small, lightweight and wheeled items are helpful.
- Utilize Vertical Space – Many people forget to take advantage of vertical space. Tall shelving provides ample room for storing and displaying functional or decorative items without using up scarce horizontal real estate. Planter wall racks also create an attractive backdrop for entertaining al fresco.
- Add Accents – A small space can have limited visual appeal once your furnishings have been laid out. Introduce hanging wind chimes or elegant ceiling-mounted art. You can also add an arbor above your entryway for a fantastic visual punch.
Don’t rush your decision
Oka, you have plenty of information and know what to look for when evaluating patio furniture. You’re raring to start comparing and selecting products. Before making your final decisions and investing your hard-earned money, take a moment to breathe. There are still a few pitfalls previous shoppers have made that you can avoid if you’re aware. The next section of our guide reviews some of the biggest mistakes people make when buying luxury outdoor furniture.
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