How to Choose Outdoor Furniture That'll Stand the Test of Time
As we head into spring and start feeling warmer weather around the corner, we want to get our outdoor spaces ready for use. The better you design your outdoor space, the more you’ll be able to enjoy it.
When it comes to choosing outdoor furniture, it can be hard to know what will work best. Do you go for that metal bistro set or wooden dining table and chairs? What are the strongest materials? Or what will be easiest to clean?
You have questions, but don’t worry we’ve got answers!
Whether you have a balcony, patio, deck, or yard — no matter the size of your outdoor space, we’ve got you covered with our outdoor furniture guide.
Assess Your Outdoor Needs
First, figure out how you want to use the space. Do you want an area for dining and entertaining? Lounging and relaxing? Or how about both?
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Once you know how you want to use your outdoor space, you can then think about how to best determine the layout and design to fit your needs.
When planning for multifunctionality, think about creating zones so that each space has a designated purpose. You can zone a space with furniture layout, rugs, and plant placement.
Consider Your Climate
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Not only will the amount of space you have determine what type of furniture you’ll buy, but also what type of climate you live in. You’ll want to select materials that’ll withstand the elements and avoid those that aren’t suited to your environment.
For example, hot dry weather can make wood crack and splinter, while very wet climates can cause wood rot. If you live near the beach, you’ll want to avoid iron which is affected by salty air.
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We’ll get into different materials and options in more detail below.
Plan for Comfort
When looking for furniture, you’ll also want to consider comfort. If you buy stylish but not so comfortable lounge chairs, then you won’t get as much use out of them.
You’ll want to think of comfort in terms of the materials of your seating, but also the shape of them too. Curved shapes that are flexible and conform to your body may be more comfortable than pieces with straight hard lines.
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Consider if you want cushions or not. They can make a chair, sofa, or bench much more comfortable, but they require a bit more care and maintenance. For an alternative route, you can go with seating that’s woven or has mesh.
Also, think about the outdoor temperature and if you need to incorporate shade to make the space more comfortable on warm sunny days, or heating for cooler evenings.
Consider Outdoor Furniture Covers or Storage
If you want your outdoor furnishings to last longer, think about investing in furniture covers or storage.
Even if your furniture is meant to last outside year-round, you can extend its life by taking these precautions.
Folding furniture or stackable pieces are easier to store if you have a shed or garage. Also, if you go with cushions, consider storing them for added protection.
This may seem like a hassle but it’s worth it. You don’t need to cover or store everything every time they’re not in use, just for the cooler months or when you’re out of town.
Invest in Quality Outdoor Furniture
When it comes to buying outdoor furniture you’ll want to invest in quality and longevity. You may find yourself spending a little more, but in this case, you get what you pay for. So it’s worth the extra cost.
As mentioned above, what you buy will depend on where you live and what kind of outdoor environment you have. Let’s run through the different types of outdoor materials, so you can decide what will work best for you.
In general, you’ll want to focus on materials that are durable, weather-resistant, and easy to clean.
Aluminum is lightweight, durable, and usually a more affordable option. It can withstand heat and rain and is also rust-resistant. However, because it’s light it can get blown over in very winy conditions if not secured in place.
Wood is solid, durable, and beautiful. Teak, cedar, and mahogany are good options as they are weather and insect-resistant. Natural wood will get a beautifully worn surface over time.
Rattan and wicker are lightweight and classic options. However, they will need to be treated for weatherproofing.
Steel and iron are both very sturdy and durable. They will also need to be treated to prevent rust.
Plastic is a lightweight, rustproof, easy to clean, and lower-cost option. You’ll want to look for plastics that have been UV treated to prevent fading.
If you’re looking for brands you can trust, we recommend Sunbrella and Perennials. They make beautiful durable, weatherproof, and fade-resistant outdoor furnishings.
Carefully Plan the Flow of Your Outdoor Space
Think of your outdoor environment as an extension of your indoor space. The style should flow seamlessly.
When planning your furniture layout you’ll want to be sure you measure the space carefully and consider what will fit best. You don’t want to select pieces that are the wrong size and disproportionate. But you also don’t want it to feel too cramped that people can’t move around comfortably.
You’ll not only want to think about the width and depth of pieces but the height as well, so people can sit and stand comfortably.
If you want to test the layout of the space before you buy anything you can use painter's tape to create furniture blocks to ensure they’re the right size.
Include Accents to Complete Your Outdoor Space
Don’t forget that it’s finishing touches that make a space feel polished and finished. Some accents pieces you may want to include are:
Umbrellas — For shade and to add vertical design elements.
Lighting — From string lights to path lights, pendant lights, and sconces there are plenty of outdoor lighting options to consider.
Fire pits — to create a warm and cozy outdoor space you can use well into the evening.
Rugs — to add comfort, visual interest and can help zone spaces.
Pillows — to complement seating and add comfort.
Plants — add life and energy to a space.
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