Finding The Perfect Patio Furniture For Your Outdoor Patio

The winter days will soon be over, and warmer weather will soon be upon us all. Are you one of those people who suffer from spring fever just thinking of the days you’ll be spending outside? Before you start thinking of all the relaxation, gardening, and parties you’re going to be doing in your patio, think of redecorating, including the ones in your New Year’s resolutions. 

While you’re at it, give your outdoor furniture a real soundcheck if it matches your patio. If you’re planning to buy new furniture, listed below are some tips for finding the perfect furniture fit for your open-air settings.

Check your Weather

Do you get scorching and dry summers? Does it often rain? Is your location prone to strong winds? Considering the weather when you go shopping is a crucial part of your furniture selection process.

Certain types of wood cannot withstand hot and humid conditions and likely splinter and crack over time. While aluminum furniture is light and durable, it can easily be blown away by strong winds. Some metal furniture will rust once exposed to moisture.

Select the right material that can withstand Mother’s Natures wrath. Teak wood, for example, is a weather-resistant wood. Stainless steels, wrought irons, won’t rust, and synthetic resin furniture can substitute for real wicker furniture.

How much time will you spend outdoors?

In addition to this, a follow-up question would be, what activities are you planning to do on your patio? Is it mainly for relaxation? Will, you regularly hold parties, or will you have a pool on your patio?

If you rarely spend outdoors, you don’t need to splurge on expensive items. If you want it to be a peaceful and calming retreat, choose furniture that’s comfortable such as daybeds or cushioned outdoor bench gliders. If you’re going to have guests often, invest in durable furniture pieces that can withstand the tests of nature and the heavy wear and tear from being regularly used.

Check and Measure your Space

Consider the shape of your space. Rectangular or square-shaped plans are easier to plan out. The size of your patio will determine the size of your furniture. There should also be appropriate clearances between furniture for people to move in and out freely. Don’t crowd your space and make it easy to navigate for everyone.

Determine the furniture you will put in. Separate a wider space into divisions, one for lounging, one for dining, and one for entertaining. If space is limited, you can choose a bar counter and stools that take up little space compared to a dining set.

You can also combine the lounge and dining area. Look for inspiration from cafes that can manage to fit in seats and tables for their customers without compromising the space to walk around.

Where will you place the furniture?

Will you put it where there is no shade? Will the furniture legs be resting on top of a wooden floor or a grass lawn? Will you need patio umbrellas to cover your furniture? Just like knowing the climate, understanding the environment your patio furniture will be placed in will help you choose the right type of furniture.

Check for comfort

These are furniture that you, your family, and your friends will be used to relax, so comfort is crucial. You can buy cushions and pillows separately if your furniture isn’t upholstered. Suppose you choose to buy upholstered furniture, select outdoor fabrics like Sunbrella.

If you plan on lounging out on your patio, full daybeds, lounge chairs, and rockers make a great stylish choice. Hammocks and swinging chairs will also help achieve that relaxing retreat you’re aiming for your alfresco sanctuary.

Research on Material

When you know the environment and climate you have in your area, you’ll be able to figure out which kind of furniture is suitable for you. Aluminum will withstand corrosion and is lightweight, making it easy to move around. Its malleable property makes it prone to dents and isn’t ideal for places with strong winds.

Synthetic resin mimics the look of wicker or rattan furniture and is better suited for the outside use, easy to clean, and can be washed with a hose. Sunbrella is an acrylic-based fabric made to withstand UV rays, resist mold and mildew, and, most of the time, 100% waterproof making it ideal for coastal environments. Teak wood is one of the most beautiful outdoor furniture material. It’s sturdy, and its natural oil makes it water and termite resistant. The only disadvantage of teak is that it’s quite an investment because of its price, and over time, it turns into a silvery gray color. It isn’t a con if you love the weathered look.

Stainless steel is contemporary and sleek but is prone to scratches and also expensive. Wrought iron, like aluminum, is corrosion-resistant and comes in a variety of styles and designs. You can also scour the flea market for affordable vintage finds that you won’t mind putting outside.

Check on How to Clean and Care for your Furniture

If you’re planning to use patio furniture for a lot of parties or have pets and kids who will regularly hang out on your patio, choose a piece of easy-to-care furniture that won’t take up much time to clean. Come winter, make an effort to check and store your furniture to make it last longer. Most outdoor furniture is built for the elements, but prolonging its life by properly taking care of it will make your investment go a long way.

Don’t Forget Your Budget

Outdoor furniture may be just as expensive or just as cheap as any other furniture. Because it can withstand different types of weather, it may even be more costly than regular furniture. Go for yard sales and flea markets and choose to shop during July or August and the –ber months when the weather is about to get cold. Be practical and choose quality over aesthetics. Choose pieces that serve more than one purpose, so you get two products for the price of one.