As you shop for lawn and patio furniture, keep the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space in mind. Bold patterns may add energy and zest, while muted tones offer an air of peace and serenity.
If your furniture will be used on grassy areas, consider placing an absorbent outdoor rug that won’t harm the turf. Pavers also make an attractive and useful surface that adds value and can serve as smooth surfaces for chairs and tables while simultaneously adding to value of your home.
Materials
Material choices play a huge part in determining the quality, durability and price of outdoor furniture. While some materials only last a few seasons before needing replacing altogether, others can withstand more wear-and-tear than expected while still looking brand new – personal preference and budget will all come into play during decision-making processes.
Metal patio furniture options like aluminum, stainless steel and wrought iron are popular due to their strength, ease of cleaning and resistance to weather damage. Galvanized or rust-resistant steel may even withstand being left outdoors without fear of corrosion; while aluminum is the less expensive choice but may warp when exposed to extremes in temperature or cold.
Synthetic resins and plastics offer durable yet inexpensive furniture solutions, offering an array of color and texture choices. When purchasing outdoor furniture made of synthetics such as HDPE wicker rather than cheaper PVC synthetics, as it will less likely crack or fade over time. Furthermore, their lightweight properties allow extra features like LED lighting to be integrated seamlessly.
Wood outdoor furniture exudes classic warmth, and there is a range of colors, finishes and styles available to complement any backyard decor. However, when selecting wood species such as eastern red cedar or cypress for this furniture you must ensure it can withstand moisture fluctuations as well as changing temperatures – and may also need regular oiling maintenance in order to preserve its beauty and keep looking its best!
Concrete is another long-term material commonly used for outdoor furniture, and Houzz writer Marianne Lipanovich recommends it. Though not quite as sculptural in appearance as some alternatives, its durability will ensure it outlasts other options while remaining crack- and rot-proof for life. Plus, its lightness makes moving this type of piece much simpler during cleaning or relocation tasks.
Design
Furniture design plays a large part in how we experience and utilize our gardens and yards. Select sofas, benches, and chairs in sizes and shapes suitable to your garden space before positioning furniture near doors, garden paths, or features that you frequent frequently to maximize usage of your space. Avoid blocking sunrays or views with your selection.
Lawn and patio furniture sets the scene for your garden ideas. A stone dining table makes an elegant addition to a country gravel patio design while wood seating fits well with natural or traditional backyard designs. If your outdoor space is limited, look for pieces with wheels so you can reconfigure its layout throughout the season as needed.
Modern outdoor furniture requires lightweight but strong materials like metal or plastic that can withstand wear and tear in various weather conditions, like metal or plastic furniture, which has natural weatherproofing finishes to protect its surfaces from rot. Cushions should feature all-weather fabric which dries quickly in sunlight without fading, is resistant to chlorinated seawater staining and will withstand chlorinated seawater staining as well. Wood furniture should feature aromatic red cedar due to its naturally weatherproof finish which protects it against rotting.
While it is certainly possible to coordinate patio and garden furniture colors, adding some contrast is also recommended. A vibrantly-hued cushion can bring out neutral hues while an eye-catching accent chair can draw the eye away from rich hues in a flower bed.
If your lawn serves as a relaxation space, choose lounge furniture in soft tones such as blue, gray or green for maximum relaxation. These colors will complement the subtle tones found in hard landscaping materials like pavers, garden fences and walls as well as soft landscaping materials like pavers. If planning a minimalist patio design, echo its crisp lines by selecting chairs and armchairs of similar hues in order to arrange them symmetrically rather than casually.
Maintenance
Maintaining clean lawn furniture reduces mildew and dirt buildup, lengthening its life. Conduct a deep-clean at least twice annually: once before using regularly in spring and again before storing for winter. In between, hose down your furniture weekly or monthly depending on dust or pollen buildup. Missouri Table & Chair has noted that solution-dyed fabrics tend to fade less easily than printed or piece-dyed fabrics when exposed to sunlight or moisture exposure.
Wooden lawn and patio furniture requires regular care in order to maintain its beauty and strength. Sand and refinish as necessary to remove scratches, dings, or restore its finish; paint touch-ups may also be needed on occasion; covering outdoor furniture when not in use protects it from moisture damage caused by rain and snowfall.
Metal furniture requires periodic scrubbing to remove rust spots, which are easily visible. Use a soft bristled brush with mild soap-and-water solution and scrub gently, before rinsing and drying thoroughly afterwards.
Plastic mesh furniture can become stained by food, drinks and other liquids quickly; however, cleaning it is typically easier than some other outdoor furniture types. Vacuum with the brush attachment, use soft bristle brush scrubber or soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub until clean, rinse with clean cloth then air-dry as soon as possible if permanent stain occurs; for permanent spots use an oxygen bleach mixture equal parts chlorine bleach and water for treatment.
Check a furniture’s label for cleaning instructions, and follow them strictly. For cushions with removable canvas covers, either hose them down outdoors or use your washing machine on its gentle cycle (if permitted). When washing fabric covers attached directly to furniture pieces, spread a plastic tarp beforehand in order to create a clean work area and protect your yard from splashes of detergent. Similarly for fabric cushion covers attached directly onto furniture: remove them before pretreating any stains with heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent using a soft-bristled brush; for wicker furniture look for breathable covers that can cover their cushions during summer heat waves!
Storage
Lawn and patio furniture, outdoor cushion storage solutions, grilling supplies, gardening tools and pool accessories – among other essential backyard necessities – can easily be stashed away out of sight when not being used, protecting these items from the elements and preserving them over time while making room for other activities or keeping them accessible when required. A deck box or shed provide ideal solutions, while there may also be creative and effective methods of storing lawn furniture in the yard.
One solution is to install a hidden trap door panel in the side of the deck, which will lead to a hidden storage area beneath. Another is to build an outdoor storage center using built-in structures with roofs to protect from rain and snow – these structures can even match the style and architecture of your home for an effortless addition to the landscape.
One alternative way of storing lawn furniture is placing it directly on the ground when not in use, giving the grass underneath space to breathe and receive nutrients from sunlight. If this is your choice, be sure to regularly move your furniture so all areas receive ample sun and the soil remains healthy; some people even make this a regular practice to keep lawn grass healthy and avoid dead brown yards come summer.
Deck boxes are an efficient and convenient way to stow lawn furniture and supplies out of sight when not being used, with various sizes and designs to meet various storage needs. Some look like simple trunks with lids to protect their contents from rain or wind while others resemble vertical cabinets that stand against walls. A deck box may even fit enough cushions for full sets while extra large boxes provide ample room for gardening equipment or other garden supplies.