Your outdoor furniture sets the scene for relaxation and rejuvenation. Choose chairs and tables that complement your home’s design as well as essential accessories like rugs and umbrellas to complete the picture.
Purchase durable outdoor furniture pieces that can withstand the elements year after season from Pottery Barn’s selection of patio chairs, lounge pieces and more for the perfect finishing touches to your exterior spaces.
Budget
Designing outdoor furniture requires much thought. After all, these pieces should enhance the aesthetics of any given space and require high-quality materials and labor intensive finishing touches to complete them. As these factors add cost, establishing a budget before purchasing these items is vital in order to prevent overspending or purchasing furniture that does not suit your needs.
As you create a budget for your outdoor space, think carefully about its intended use. For instance, if you plan to host parties and/or entertain guests, purchasing patio dining sets and chaise lounges could create an inviting and relaxing space where people can socialize – the price will depend on material quality, design style, size etc.
Consider your preferred level of maintenance before making your selection. Some materials require regular cleaning, sealing, and protective treatments in order to maintain their durability; others may need less attention; nonetheless they may still lose their color or shape over time. For low-maintenance solutions consider wood or wicker furniture options.
Outdoor furniture prices vary with each season due to increased demand during certain times of the year, making it essential that shoppers visit during optimal shopping periods in order to secure the best possible deals.
Used outdoor furniture can save money. Just make sure to inspect it carefully for scratches and stains before purchasing, and read up on their return/exchange policies to manage expectations and avoid any miscommunication in the future.
Many furniture brands provide collections designed around a specific style, providing ideas and making it easier to select pieces to coordinate. Furthermore, you may wish to explore outdoor design magazines or websites for ideas; there may also be manufacturers offering reliable warranties to safeguard your investment.
Style
Style of furniture for outdoor spaces is key when selecting pieces to fill outdoor spaces, and choosing something that complements the aesthetic or architectural design of their property is also vital. Durability should always be prioritized over appearance when purchasing outdoor pieces, with fade-resistant and waterproof fabrics often preferred as these will keep their newness for an extended period. Cushions should also contain high-grade foam to ensure long term use; all stitched with heavy duty thread to guarantee lasting resilience.
Unique and original furniture will help your clients stand out from the competition. Many budget-friendly brands mass produce their furniture, so your client may run into multiple friends who own the same dining chairs or ottomans as themselves. By contrast, luxury brands produce smaller amounts with more options in terms of styles and fabrics available to them.
An additional advantage of investing in quality outdoor furniture is its ability to increase property values. You can show your clients that if they decide to sell in the future, luxury pieces should provide a decent return compared with inferior pieces which might become liabilities – which buyers might regard as burdens that need removing immediately.
New outdoor furniture can boost client and guest satisfaction while simultaneously adding to the aesthetic appeal of hotels and restaurants. Visibly old or damaged pieces convey that this space is neglected, which may deter potential visitors. Conversely, newly purchased pieces show that owners take pride in maintaining clean and welcoming environments for guests.
When purchasing outdoor furniture, always pay close attention to a company’s returns and exchange policy. Reputable retailers will clearly outline these policies on their website and are open to answering any concerns that you might have. In addition, always read reviews and see if a company responds positively or constructively to negative feedback.
Materials
Material choice when creating outdoor furniture can have a tremendous effect on its final quality. Wood offers classic aesthetics but requires regular upkeep for longevity and strength; metal offers durable design suitable for modern or traditional settings; plastic provides cost-effective alternatives but lacks sturdiness due to environmental considerations; however, plastic should only ever be chosen as an affordable alternative with careful consideration given to needs, personal style preferences, budget restrictions and commitment for maintenance needs. Ultimately, choosing what material best meets these criteria depends upon considerations including space availability, personal style preferences as well as available budget and commitments made towards maintenance commitment.
Synthetic materials make a good choice for weatherproof furniture that requires little more than occasional light cleaning with mild soap and water. To ensure maximum longevity and low maintenance requirements, however, only purchase pieces made of high-grade synthetic resins like HDPE (high-density polyethylene). Low grade PVC will unravel over time leaving only brittle edges. When shopping be sure to read labels for “HDPE” (high-density polyethylene).
Resins offer the best of both worlds; their appearance resembles natural materials while withstanding harsh weather conditions. Unfortunately, resins don’t breathe as easily as other materials so may feel warm in hot climates.
All-weather wicker furniture made of rattan is an attractive, resilient option. The tightly woven weave prevents cracking or warping over time, and all-weather wicker resists moisture damage as well as sunlight damage. However, due to fading risks it’s essential that these pieces be placed under shade to shield against sunlight and checked regularly for potential issues.
Metal furniture can provide long-term durability, especially if constructed of wrought iron or aluminum. Unfortunately, its heavy weight may make it cumbersome to move around your yard and may need special treatment against rust. Furthermore, metal conducts heat easily and may become hot or cold to the touch which may make for uncomfortable seating options.
Sustainable outdoor furniture should be made from recyclable or renewable materials such as wood certified by Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), for instance, which is both renewable and biodegradable. Aluminum requires considerable energy extraction during manufacturing but remains infinitely recyclable.
Maintenance
Weather can have an enormous effect on outdoor furniture’s lifespan. Rain, sun, extreme temperatures and salty air all pose unique threats that must be considered when purchasing outdoor pieces, along with maintenance tips to properly care for them. When making this important purchase decision it is also vital that you understand how best to care for these new purchases in terms of how best to maintain and preserve them over time.
First step to keeping outdoor furniture looking its best year after year? Make sure you have access to adequate cleaning and care supplies! From unexpected sangria spills to unexpected thunderstorms, having these supplies in your arsenal will keep your furniture in top condition year after year.
Light stains can generally be removed with mild detergent and water before rinsing and drying, while more stubborn stains such as mildew may require the application of an outdoor cleaner and protectant product.
No matter if your outdoor furniture is composed of plastic, resin, wood or wicker – regular maintenance is key to keeping it looking new and beautiful. Dirt, sand and dust buildup on surfaces quickly. A garden hose or pressure washer may help remove this residue; alternatively consider purchasing cleaner that’s compatible with your material type for an efficient cleanup solution.
Wood outdoor furniture requires special care. This may involve painting and staining as necessary, and sealing to provide added protection from the elements. When applying these methods on your furniture, make sure to read and follow all manufacturer instructions closely.
Synthetic outdoor furniture such as plastic and resin is a favorite choice among many homeowners, as its versatility makes it ideal for personalizing any look or lifestyle. Lightweight yet compact enough to move around easily, lightweight plastic furniture comes in various colors, patterns and decor styles that complement any space beautifully.
Purchase of outdoor furniture can be an expensive undertaking, and selecting quality pieces should always be your top priority. By taking into consideration budget and style considerations as well as maintenance needs for each piece, it will ensure you find pieces that perfectly suit both your lifestyle and home decor.
