Ideal outdoor patio furniture adds comfort and style to any home, while being sturdy enough to withstand rain, humidity, and sun exposure.
New outdoor furniture shoppers may feel overwhelmed by all of the choices in materials, styles and configurations for outdoor seating furniture. Here is a checklist to help them quickly locate what they require.
Durability
Durability should always be top of mind when selecting outdoor furniture for your space. By investing in quality pieces, you will save both money and hassle over the long term. Wood outdoor furniture is both stylish and eco-friendly – however it may be more costly than less costly materials like aluminum or rattan.
Other factors to keep in mind for durability include your climate, the amount of sun you receive and how often your furniture will be used. For instance, in windy areas metal sets may become vulnerable to corrosion. It is also wise to select weather-resistant fabrics and finishes to keep it looking its best even after prolonged exposure to elements.
Aluminum patio furniture is a top choice among homeowners searching for furniture with both beauty and durability. Aluminum is one of the few metals resistant to rusting, making it perfect for use around salt water environments or high humidity environments. Aluminum can even be welded or powder coated for even more customization options that fit seamlessly with any backyard decor theme.
Recycled plastic (also called resin) and polyethylene are ideal materials for durable outdoor furniture, offering many color and texture choices, and even being made to appear like wicker, rattan or wood. Plus they resist moisture, mildew and insects for low-maintenance pieces that are lightweight and affordable!
Eucalyptus furniture offers another eco-friendly choice for outdoor furniture that’s both beautiful and easy to care for, adding tropical charm to your backyard oasis. Not only is eucalyptus beautiful and sustainable; it is rot-proof. Plus it fits right in with vintage vacation themes!
Comfort
The ideal patio furniture features cushions made of quick-dry foam and outdoor fabric designed to withstand UV light, providing ergonomic support for the back, neck and arms while offering comfort when sitting down. Ergonomic seating also promotes proper posture – essential for health and wellbeing.
People often favor outdoor furniture that exudes natural elements, like rattan or wicker pieces. These natural-looking materials offer rustic yet casual appeal and come in various color choices; plus you can accessorize them further with large pillows or add decorative elements like colorful rugs for an inviting and cohesive appearance.
Other people opt for more modern looks with aluminum metal furniture. While durable and sturdy, aluminum pieces can still look stylish when accessorized correctly; lightweight and rust-resistant construction also make these ideal choices for those who like to move around their patio frequently.
Considerations must also be given when purchasing outdoor furniture regarding its exposure to climate conditions, particularly hot temperatures and moisture content – this could cause cracking of wood surfaces while moisture may lead to rotting and eventual decay over time. In coastal regions it’s also essential that salt air corrosion be considered.
As it can often be quite windy in certain areas, it’s wise to assess how windy the area is before purchasing furniture for your patio. If it tends to get quite windy, heavy-duty pieces could help ensure they won’t blow away in strong gusts of wind; alternatively, weather-proof curtains could protect furniture from elements while adding privacy and extra shade from harsh sunlight rays.
Style
Many homeowners can become overwhelmed by the abundance of patio furniture options. This is particularly true for first-time buyers who may lack knowledge on evaluating materials, styles and sizes to select the ideal piece for their homes. A good place to begin when making this selection process is by considering your seating preferences – options range from lounge chairs and sofas all the way through multi-piece outdoor sectional sets.
There is also an array of tables available, from side and dining to coffee and side tables made of durable materials like teak, wrought iron, recycled plastic and metal.
Decorator lounge furniture can make an eye-catching statement in any room. Flexiform’s Eddy Collection of low-profile lounge units covered in hand-woven polypropylene fiber offers sophisticated colors to match their fade- and mildew-resistant fabrics; for more traditional looks Frontgate’s Maison and Fiore powder coated cast aluminum collections offer turned legs and c-curve back splats for an elegant touch.
If you frequently entertain, consider purchasing a dining set with an expandable table to accommodate larger groups. Add some flair to your patio by including games such as ping pong and acrylic cornhole sets that will ensure the party continues beyond dinner time!
Many homeowners appreciate the coziness and classic appeal of wood patio furniture. Not only is it beautiful, but its wide array of colors and finishes can match the decor in your home perfectly. Unfortunately, wood furniture can be pricey to maintain. To extend its life expectancy it must also receive regular care to keep looking its best.
Sunbrella Fabric
Fabrics used on outdoor furniture endure considerable abuse from both harsh sunlight and sudden downpours, being touched by skin and roughed up by kids and pets alike. That’s why the best outdoor furniture features fabric that is durable yet easy to maintain and resistant to fading, staining and mildew build-up.
Sunbrella fabrics offer soft yet resilient textile solutions designed to withstand all weather conditions, perfect for drapes, chairs and even an awning line. Constructed of 100% solution-dyed acrylic fibers, these resilient materials resist stain and mildew growth while remaining fade-resistant over time. Choose from an array of sheer lines, sling lines and an awning line.
Sunbrella fabrics’ fade-resistant design enables you to pick any color of fabric you desire for outdoor furniture without fear of its fading in direct sunlight.
Sunbrella outdoor fabrics offer another advantage over other outdoor fabrics in that they’re bleach-cleanable, making it easier to maintain high hygienic standards in high traffic areas like hotels and healthcare facilities. Easy cleaning fabrics such as Sunbrella are key in these environments because they need to withstand repeated exposure to harsh chemicals and washing agents without becoming faded or damaged; Sunbrella fabrics can easily be cleaned using mild detergent, soap and water solutions; for stubborn stains you could combine a 1:1 water:laundry detergent solution using bristle brush action on it’s bristle brush bristle brush!
Teak
Teak furniture is an ideal way to bring outdoor living spaces to life all year long. Crafted from hardwood that naturally protects itself against water, bugs and rot; teak’s buttery-gold color comes to life under sunlight; maintenance requirements are minimal – simply a light cleaning and occasional application of teak oil will keep it looking brand new!
Teak furniture made of slow-growth, kiln dried teak is ideal. Crafted using mortise and tenon joints, its highest-grade pieces will outlive most other types of patio furniture in terms of both longevity and investment value. You may be able to pass down these timeless pieces for generations of use! Teak can also be combined with materials like metal or wicker to form unique styles of outdoor seating furniture.
When shopping for teak patio furniture, several important questions must be asked of yourself before making your selections. First and foremost is what purpose will the furniture serve? Knowing this will allow you to narrow your search to find a dining set or lounge chair which best meets your needs; for instance if entertaining frequently requires seating up to eight guests then an expansive table should do. However if poolside relaxation is more your style then perhaps a modern chaise might appeal more.
Once you have decided on the function for your teak furniture, consider its shape and design. When buying solid teak dining tables, ensure they meet grade A or higher to get the highest-quality wood. When purchasing FSC-certified sofas or loveseats, check if their manufacturer uses FSC certified teak as well. To test whether outdoor furniture is genuine teak simply sprinkle some water onto it – high-grade pieces will remain intact without soaking into their wood grain!