Finding outdoor deck furniture that combines durability, design and comfort can be tricky – but not impossible!
Consider who will use the furniture and why. Knowing your purpose for having a deck will help narrow down options and select pieces which can easily be moved around to suit different seating arrangements.
Materials
Outdoor furniture comes in a wide variety of materials to meet the aesthetic, lifestyle and budget requirements. Options may include woods, resins, plastics or metals – with some manufacturers even using concrete, high pressure laminate (HPL) and tempered glass to increase design capabilities and protect furniture against water, chemical exposure and weather elements.
Wood furniture such as chairs, tables and sofas are timeless classics when it comes to deck decorating. Not only is it durable and adaptable to many different styles but its easy maintenance makes it the go-to option in saltwater locations. Unfortunately, however, its drawbacks include being heavy and needing regular upkeep as well as being susceptible to water and mildew damage that requires ongoing care and repair.
Plastic and resin furniture offers low-cost, lightweight furniture that looks similar to wood without the maintenance. Plastics and resins can often be combined with wood or rattan for style and durability, with higher-end versions indistinguishable from natural wood thanks to resistance against fading, moisture, mold growth, salt air exposure, fraying or cracking under pressure compared to more inexpensive PVC resins that may fray and crack over time. When purchasing cheap resins such as PVC you should proceed with caution!
Wrought iron and aluminum are strong metals that withstand exposure to the elements without warping or rusting, creating a classic aesthetic suitable for many styles and environments. Both can also be coated with paint or powder-coat for an added protective barrier.
Acacia wood is an attractive, long-term and water resistant material that’s becoming more and more popular for outdoor furniture applications. Acacia can last 30+ years with minimal upkeep requirements while its warm hue makes it a good addition to most color palettes.
Metal is strong and versatile, enabling designers to craft elaborate frames for chairs, tables and more using it. Stainless steel, galvanized steel and aluminum are durable yet easy to maintain; while some grades of stainless steel may rust over time. Cast aluminum weighs more than tubular aluminum but lighter than wrought iron or steel making it easier for rearrangement or storage purposes. Metal can even be formed into ornate designs to add modern or industrial charm to patio environments.
Styles
Outdoor furniture comes in all styles and designs to provide seating and lounging options on a deck or patio. Chairs, sofas and ottomans can help make guests comfortable without creating an unorganized or disorganized atmosphere; pillows, throws and plants add color.
Durability, weather resistance and functionality are essential when purchasing outdoor patio furniture sets; however, this doesn’t have to mean sacrificing aesthetics in the process! No matter your preferred aesthetic – whether modern or rustic wood – there is sure to be something suitable that fits with the decor of your home.
If you prefer traditional furniture pieces, opt for those made of wicker or rattan that prioritize comfort and elegance. Wicker and rattan pieces also work well with beachy or bohemian themes due to their natural textures that pair beautifully with seafoam green or soft neutral tones.
For contemporary outdoor furniture, look for sleek lines and angles as well as geometric-shaped furniture with light or dark tones to achieve an industrial or contemporary design. If you want something a bit more playful in your backyard lounge area, search out colorful furniture sets full of vibrant hues like pink or yellow; otherwise if the colors seem too elementary choose those with subtler tones such as light medium dark to create more mature looks.
Make the most of your deck furniture by mixing styles to achieve an eclectic aesthetic. For instance, mixing upright wooden chairs with partially reclined lounging chairs could maximize seating capacity while adding visual interest in your backyard. By placing pillows or blankets of matching or contrasting hues strategically around the room, guests will feel at home wherever they choose to sit.
If you’re feeling particularly creative, why not experiment with something truly unorthodox? Combining recycled furniture materials and organic or vintage accents can add an eclectic yet youthful vibe – such as using an upcycled pallet as the basis of your backyard coffee table before pairing it with a bohemian chaise lounge to impress all your Instagram followers!
Comfort
Outdoor deck furniture offers various levels of comfort depending on its style and materials used, with some chairs featuring high backs providing extra support to promote healthy posture. Others, like reclining patio chairs designed with lumbar support to relieve pressure points on the body. Ergonomic seating solutions may also be beneficial to people suffering from back pain or other ailments that cause discomfort while sitting for long periods.
Durability is another element that contributes to outdoor furniture comfort levels. A high quality set of outdoor sofas, for instance, would feature weatherproof fabrics that withstand wear and tear from weather elements; these materials could then be combined with foam cushions for an incredibly supportive and comfy seating arrangement.
Selecting durable wood for outdoor furniture can also enhance comfort and durability, with teak wood being one of the more popular choices among designers. Teak’s unique look fits well into all design styles while its natural moisture resistance means it won’t warp or rot under exposure to weather elements. Though, this premium option typically comes at a higher cost due to requiring higher levels of skill and labor to manufacture it.
An outdoor furniture set that stands the test of quality can serve as the centerpiece of your patio or balcony, whether for dining, lounging, or both. A good quality set will enable you to create both dining areas and conversation areas; or separate them into distinct seating zones on an expansive deck.
An elegant dining chairs and table will provide the ideal setting for family meals or entertaining guests, and may even come equipped with a durable coffee table to provide additional seating or display decorative accents. Patio tables come in various sizes; therefore it is essential that you select one which best fits into your space.
Maintenance
Outdoor furniture may be designed to withstand the elements, but regular cleaning is still required in order to keep its good looks and comfort levels. A broom or vacuum will eliminate dust and debris while more serious measures must be taken to eliminate mildew and dirt build-up. By adhering to maintenance requirements regularly it will make refreshing your deck easier while keeping its appearance looking brand new for summer!
If your deck is made from wood, deck stains and sealants provide essential protection from weather-induced stains that could otherwise lead to splitting or rotting over time. A high quality stain should last two years or longer without needing reapplying; for sealants follow their manufacturer’s recommendations on application.
Plastic lumber is Schleis’s recommended furniture material as it stands up well to all climates and typically offers longer warranties than either wood or metal. Plastic lumber also resists corrosion caused by chemicals, oil, fuels, insects, fungus and salt spray spray – and all that wear-and-tear can only be reduced through sun exposure which causes color fade or discoloration.
Fabrics should be regularly cleaned using a mixture of water and soap, followed by rinsing with a garden hose. Chlorine bleach may lighten and weaken fabric fibers; for non-washable fabrics you can purchase commercial odor eliminators sprays to combat smells. Metal furniture feet should also be covered with rubber tips to prevent rust formation and protect deck surfaces.
At least annually, inspect your decking for soft or splintered spots, loose nails or attachments and split or rotted planks that need replacing. Promptly address anything that poses a health or safety hazard and make repairs before performing an annual deep-clean. If using a pressure washer to do this task, set its pressure low while staying away from delicate furniture joints; alternatively you can wash your deck furniture by hand using bucket, sponge and hose instead.