A patio or deck is a worthy investment if you want to increase the value and living space of your home while making it more inviting and relaxing as well. Carefully selecting the best outdoor patio furniture for your patio or deck is a vital step in creating the perfect outdoor arrangement.
Not all outdoor furniture is created equal. You’ll need to keep this in mind when you’re deciding which pieces are right for your space.
If you aim to create an outdoor area that will delight you and your guests for years to come, we can help you get started. Read on for great tips on choosing the best outdoor patio furniture for your needs.
1. Choose Only High-Quality Furniture
Think of your patio furniture set as a true investment. You’ll want to buy a set that will give you many years of beauty and still look and function well, even after weather exposure and heavy use.
It may be tempting to go with a cheaper set, but it’s best to avoid bargains when it comes to outdoor furniture. Buying a set based on price alone could leave you with a set that looks aged and falls apart far too quickly.
Quality Over Bargain Prices
Outdoor furniture is exposed to many conditions that indoor furniture is not. Variations in temperature, wind, ice, heavy snow buildup, direct sunlight, and rain can all take their toll on patio furniture over time. This is why it’s essential to choose a set that is made from durable materials that can withstand the sun and daily weather changes.
It’s helpful to find all the quality furniture varieties and accessories you’ll need for outdoor living in one place. Luckily, you’ve got great options:
- Home improvement chain stores
- Outdoor living specialty stores, such as Watson Brothers Patio and Hearth
- Local garden and outdoor stores
Remember, quality is your top priority when buying long-lasting outdoor furniture.
2. Choose Furniture that is Appropriate for Your Climate
While it’s clear that quality is key, you’ll still need to consider your climate when choosing the best outdoor patio furniture for your space.
Patio furniture sets are made from a variety of materials, some of which are better suited for certain environments than others. Some climate factors to consider are:
- The amount of rain your area receives
- Strength of the direct sunlight in your region
- Wind speed and frequency
- Frequent heavy snowfall
- Extremely high or low humidity
All of these factors will have a huge impact on the lifespan of your patio furniture. You’ll need to choose sets made of materials that are appropriate for your typical weather conditions.
Selecting What Works for Your Region
You wouldn’t want to choose a lightweight plastic or aluminum set in a windy region, as it is likely to blow over frequently. A wrought iron set in an area that receives a lot of rain would quickly rust.
Material choice is crucial for durability in specific climates. Synthetic resin, teak, and stainless steel will work for most areas, hitting the mark on appropriate weight, weather resistance, and moisture resistance.
3. Consider Care Requirements
Outdoor furniture requires maintenance, a fact that is often overlooked. Leaving the furniture without care and maintenance will ensure that it ages much sooner than it should.
When picking the best outdoor patio furniture for your space, consider how much time and effort you’re able to devote to furniture maintenance. Some materials will require more work on your part to stay in good shape.
Furniture with Cushions
Cushions will require a bit of extra work. The fabric should be colorfast and water-repellent. They’ll need to be wiped clean frequently and put away in wet and cold months.
Teakwood
Teakwood furniture is a popular choice for its natural durability. However, if not wiped clean and oiled properly, its rich color will fade to a silvery gray.
Proper maintenance of teakwood will help maintain the mildew resistant properties and beautiful appearance.
Metal Furniture
Metal furniture must be maintained to avoid rusting in areas with a lot of rain or humidity. Common maintenance activities for metal sets include:
- Wiping off excess water
- Treating the metal with a rust-resistant coating spray
- Covering the furniture when moisture is high
Some metals will be less likely to rust than others. Preventative measures should still be taken to minimize rusting and extend the life of your furniture.
Proper care of your set will make a big difference in how long it lasts and how good it looks. Choose a material that you’ve got the time to maintain.
4. Choosing the Right Pieces for Your Lifestyle
If you want to make sure you pick the best outdoor patio furniture, consider your lifestyle. How you will use the furniture is important in deciding what pieces and accessories you’ll need.
Some good questions to consider are:
- During what season will you use the furniture?
- Will you plan parties to be held on your patio or deck frequently?
- Will the furniture be stationary or moved around?
All of these factors should be considered when picking the right pieces for your outdoor patio set. You want to be certain you’ll get the most enjoyment possible from your selection.
Selecting the Accessories and Pieces You’ll Love
Lifestyle consideration helps you pick the right accessories and pieces. Depending on your activities, you may need a fabric-covered pergola setup, extra chairs or tables, accent tables, footrests, umbrellas, or chaise lounges, to name a few.
Maybe you’re the type that likes to bask in the sun on some beautiful loungers all summer, or perhaps you love to entertain with a great cookout. There are sets for every lifestyle. Select the best outdoor patio furniture for your unique needs.
Choosing the Best Outdoor Patio Furniture
It’s worth your time to carefully select patio furniture that will give you years of style and comfort in your outdoor living area. You’ll spend many enjoyable hours in an outdoor space that is well-planned and furnished for every season and occasion.
For more great lifestyle tips and inspiration, feel free to explore our other helpful posts today.