When purchasing outdoor furniture, there are various factors to keep in mind. From type of furniture to fabric type and texture, there are various details which could determine a successful purchase.
Low-quality furniture made of cheap materials will quickly deteriorate from exposure to harsh weather and exposure to the elements, detracting from its overall look in your client’s home and potentially devaluing its overall appearance.
Material
Material selection for outdoor furniture can be an important criterion when shopping, not only because it must withstand weather elements but also because it must look attractive and be comfortable for sitting outdoors. Quality outdoor furniture typically comprises materials like aluminum and teak wood that are easy to care for such as aluminum frames with teak wood veneer. More durable synthetic alternatives like all-weather wicker can look just as desirable while being much simpler to manage than natural materials like these.
When it comes to the actual construction of outdoor furniture, top brands take no shortcuts. A piece that has not been properly constructed will quickly break down under daily use if not assembled correctly; so investing in furniture expertly designed by experienced manufacturers may be worth paying extra for.
Before purchasing materials such as rattan furniture that requires regular weatherproofing, consider their maintenance needs and requirements before making your purchase decision. Other materials, such as wrought iron and concrete can actually require very minimal upkeep when properly treated and maintained.
Consider your local climate when purchasing outdoor furniture. High temperatures can cause wood to crack while humidity and rain can corrode aluminum pieces. If possible, store your pieces under cover during harsher seasons in order to safeguard them from the elements.
Cushions
Cushions that rest atop outdoor furniture can add both comfort and style. In addition, they protect its frames from elements like rain and sun. Many outdoor furniture sets include removable cushions for easy cleaning; others even include liners; for those without removable cushions, cleaning your cushions is as simple as wiping them down with damp rag and mild soap mixture solution.
When buying new cushions for outdoor furniture, it is important to pay special attention to fabric type and density as well as size considerations. Product descriptions should contain dimensions that indicate this. Some cushions offer single seat and back pillows while others can feature separate ones with corner ties attached separately for easy arranging.
Selecting high-quality foams when selecting outdoor cushions is also vitally important. Open-cell foams offer more protection against moisture intrusion, which could potentially lead to mold and mildew growth compared to closed-cell versions; closed cells tend to trap water inside of their cells and allow it to seep through easily, keeping the interior dry.
Maintaining clean cushions requires shaking them out regularly and cleaning them at least every other week or two, to help avoid compacted and saggy cushions. Storing cushions in a cool and dry area when not in use helps shield them from elements like rain and sun, as well as pests like rodents and insects that might get into them.
Fabrics
Material selection plays a pivotal role in outdoor furniture performance and longevity. Fabric should be water- and UV-resistant for easy care and stain-resistance; mildew- and mold-resistant options should also be chosen to help keep furniture in good condition while protecting it from potential pet or child damages.
Sunbrella and Olefin fabrics are popular choices for high-end outdoor furniture due to their ability to withstand inclement weather while still looking great – however, these high-end options tend to be more costly than others. If budget is an issue, polyester fabric might be more cost effective; while less resilient than Sunbrella it still holds up against UV rays, stains, mold, etc.
Another key factor when choosing fabric dyeing techniques is piece-dying; cheaper fabrics like nylon and polyester may use piece-dyeing, where individual fibers are painted instead of all of it, meaning its colour fades easily under direct sunlight. Materials dyed using solution dyeing provide better resistance against harsh weather conditions and chlorine bleach without losing their hue.
Choose colors that complement both your home and surrounding area when selecting outdoor furniture colors. Don’t let it blend in too seamlessly – instead make it stand out so it can be seen by passersby! For assistance visualizing how it will look use a free online tool such as Phifer’s Outdoor Fabric Visualizer for assistance.
Design
Materials used in outdoor furniture have an enormous effect on how it looks and feels, yet design also plays an essential role. An eye-catching chaise lounge with soft rounded edges or minimalist table with subtle wood grain are among the many pieces of outdoor furniture available that can transform an outdoor room into an idyllic retreat.
Apart from design, how outdoor furniture is constructed can have a dramatic impact on its longevity. If the fabric on a sofa is untreated for moisture resistance, rain and humidity could cause it to discolor over time, leading to discoloration or worse. To avoid this happening, choose pieces constructed using hard materials like teak wood.
If you’re hosting an outdoor gathering on your patio, add some fun extras to keep guests amused and engaged. A ping pong table or an acrylic cornhole set are surefire ways to break up any downtime and give guests something memorable to do during any downtime.
Before selecting the type of furniture to buy, carefully consider your intended use for the space and whether you intend on lounging or dining there. If lounging is what draws you most to sundecks or patios, lounge chairs with comfortable cushions make for ideal seating arrangements; for entertaining purposes a large outdoor sectional or modular piece that enables configuration may be necessary.
Style
No matter the size or scope of your outdoor space, choosing furniture that reflects both its intended use and your personal taste is of vital importance. Your selection can set the scene for all that follows in terms of atmosphere and personal expression – choose furniture that echoes this as much as possible!
Wicker, teak, and metal furniture are among the most popular outdoor styles, each boasting its own distinct look that can be defined by color and material choices. Neutral hues like gray can create an understated and timeless vibe while bold colors such as red or yellow add energy and excitement to outdoor decor. Texture plays an integral part in setting off pieces – coarse weaves like rope or rattan give casual appeal while smooth surfaces such as glass and metal lend more contemporary style.
Synthetic options provide more reliable protection from the elements than their wooden counterparts and are also more cost-effective. These materials can be formed into various styles from Adirondack chairs to futuristic lounges in various hues for added customization.
Investing in functional outdoor furniture that can adapt to different scenarios on a tight budget is always wise, such as modular sofa sets or bistro tables.
Maintenance
No one wants to spend thousands of dollars on outdoor furniture only for it to quickly degrade after just a season or two of use. That is why it is crucial that when selecting outdoor pieces it be carefully considered in terms of its materials, construction and upkeep.
Take into consideration both your location and climate when making decisions for your home. For example, in humid environments it may be beneficial to purchase mold- and mildew-resistant fabrics and woods; pool owners should look into chlorine-resistant plastics or powder-coated metal furniture; while residents living near frequent storms might benefit from investing in furniture made of weather-proof materials like teak.
If you want your outdoor furniture to stay looking new, be sure to promptly clean any spills and wash the fabric using water and laundry detergent. Also remember to store cushions inside during winter to prevent mold and mildew growth, inspect for signs of wear such as scuffs and scratches on furniture, secure hardware components as necessary, store under an awning or covered area during harsh weather such as tropical storms or hurricanes, protect it from rainwater which can ruin finishes while keeping insects away.
