No matter if it’s morning coffee by the pool, a family dinner under the stars, or romantic date nights under the stars: the appropriate patio furniture can add extra charm and enhance these precious moments. Make sure to select durable materials which stand up over time.
Shop in March and April when retailers launch preseason sales; that is when you will find the latest trends and colors to bring into your space.
Size
Your patio size and seating requirements have a direct effect on how comfortable it is to lounge, dine and entertain on it. Too many pieces may make the space feel cramped while too few may cause it to seem cavernous. To ensure you find the ideal combination for you outdoor area’s length and width measurements before using painter’s tape or chalk to draw a layout that helps narrow down which furniture selections work in it.
Once you know how much space is available to you, take some time to explore different styles of patio furniture to determine what appeals most. When you find something you like, make a note of its dimensions so you can check online if necessary to ensure it will fit into your space properly. Also if purchasing replacement cushions it would be advisable to measure existing chairs or sofas to determine what size cushion to order.
One common misperception about outdoor furniture is that all designs are the same size; this is far from true! Some designs can be more compact than others and therefore better suit smaller spaces, like condo decks or apartment balconies. 3pc patio dining sets feature two chairs and table, ideal for condo decks or apartment balconies; other options such as corner chairs or sectionals may face each other for conversation or wedge into corners to create cozy corners for cozy settings.
As part of your planning for patio furniture, it is important to factor in whether or not a fire pit or grill will be part of the layout, along with any pathways or walkways you wish to create. When setting aside space for the furniture you should also leave room for any walkways that you plan to create as part of this layout.
When purchasing patio furniture for your home, be aware of when stores offer discounts. Some retailers hold spring sales to mark the beginning of summer; others hold President’s Day promotions in order to clear out old stock in anticipation of new arrivals. By waiting a bit, you may often find new trends at reduced prices.
Material
Material choice when it comes to furniture design is just as essential as size and style considerations. It will affect its lifespan, durability, appearance and even its price point – different materials have different strengths and weaknesses so finding something that best matches your lifestyle and climate conditions is key. Some common materials for patio and outdoor furniture include metal, wood, wicker, plastic and aluminum.
Metal patio furniture is an attractive choice as it resists weather damage like rain and snow well. Additionally, its corrosion-free surface keeps it looking new for an extended period. However, humid environments may necessitate additional measures as moisture builds up beneath its surface causing corrosion – so in these instances galvanized or rustproof metals may be better options to add outdoor seating options to your outdoor patio space.
Wood furniture can also be an excellent option for outdoor space furnishing, specifically teak. Teak is an all-weather wood that produces its own oils that protect it against water, stains and mold; plus its beauty adds an elegant grained finish. Unfortunately though, wooden items tend to be quite pricey so if budget constraints apply it would likely be wiser to opt for high quality teak instead.
Wrought iron and aluminum patio furniture are popular choices for patio furniture, offering affordable yet easy care and durability in outdoor use. Both come complete with zinc coating to prevent corrosion while most come in various colors to perfectly complement the decor in any given home.
Plastic resins (poly) furniture is an economical and resilient choice for outdoor furniture. Resistant to all the weather factors discussed above and recyclable, poly resin furniture comes with UV or fade-resistant chemicals applied that help ensure it won’t bleach out under direct sunlight. Unfortunately, poly furniture can sometimes be stiff and inflexible which may require cushions for extra comfort if choosing this option. Also it may not have the same visual appeal as wood or wrought iron sets.
Style
Beautiful patio furniture transforms any backyard into an inviting retreat for days poolside and nights spent by the fire pit. While quality all-weather pieces can withstand an abundance of heat, moisture, and grime for extended periods, over time they may begin showing signs of wear which will necessitate their replacement.
To increase the lifespan of your outdoor furniture, invest in high-end pieces with modern touches like those offered by Minneapolis-based Blu Dot, who specialize in stylish outdoor sofas that pair seamlessly with contemporary indoor furnishings.
Extend the life of your outdoor furniture by repairing any imperfections that arise over time. If your wood furniture has chipped or scratched surfaces, restore its appearance by sanding and repainting with weatherproof stain; though this process can take time and patience. Doing this could extend its lifespan significantly over time.
If you want to add an elegant touch to your patio, consider purchasing wrought iron or cast aluminum furniture. Both materials offer excellent corrosion and rust protection while creating an eye-catching appearance in the backyard. Wrought iron and cast aluminum pieces are especially suitable if your location experiences frequent inclement weather or strong winds, providing years of reliable use.
Wicker furniture is an ideal way to extend the lifespan of outdoor furniture. Unlike some other forms, wicker can easily be repainted – when signs of ageing appear on your chair or table you can give it a fresh coat in no time using spray paint to reach all corners and crevices of its weave design and create a look that complements any interior decor theme.
If you are willing to invest in new patio furniture, the end-of-season clearance sales from August through October provide great deals. Here you can purchase chairs or tables no longer in season but still provide great use value.
Budget
Setting a budget prior to shopping for patio furniture is essential. Doing this will prevent you from falling in love with pieces that exceed your price range and end up costing more in the long run due to needing replacing sooner than anticipated. Also be sure to shop around and compare prices before making a final purchase decision.
Finding the appropriate material for your patio furniture is another key aspect to take into account when designing an outdoor space. Options range from wood, wrought iron, steel, and synthetic wicker with each offering different advantages – rustic charm might prefer rustic iron while durability might favor steel as your go-to option.
While choosing the appropriate material for patio furniture is key, it’s equally essential to take into account how you plan to use your space. For example, if you enjoy entertaining regularly on your patio space, purchasing a set that features chairs and tables for dining may make seating large groups easier.
Final consideration should include your environment. For instance, if you live somewhere with extreme summers, patio furniture that can withstand both sunlight and rainfall is necessary; lightweight pieces might not stand up well against winds.
Life Hacker reports that now is the ideal time to purchase patio furniture because there are sales. Stores need to clear out their old stock so they can make room for new styles and models; plus manufacturers offer new designs so you have many choices available to you!
Furthermore, you should try searching for discounts during May or near Memorial Day as stores look to clear space for summer sales, leading them to offer further discounts on old inventory.