No matter whether you plan to host friends and family or simply relax by yourself in your backyard, selecting suitable outdoor furniture can transform it into an idyllic retreat. But before choosing what’s best for your budget and space, take time to research available options carefully.
Now, stylish designs and long-lasting materials are readily available to fit the style and size of any backyard.
Material
Material selection plays an integral role in determining the durability and long-term usability of outdoor furniture. You get what you pay for here; cheap plastic resins will fade rapidly in sunlight exposure; while wicker or wood products could eventually decay from being exposed to both moisture and sunlight over time.
Selecting the ideal material for patio furniture ultimately comes down to personal choice and how you intend on using your set. If you want a relaxing natural atmosphere with your set, teak wood may be just what’s needed; its properties include rot and termite resistance as well as being easy to work with and maintain. Another excellent option would be tropical hardwood ipe, which has similar density qualities as teak but with even higher water repellency ratings than its teak cousin.
Synthetic materials are also popular choices for outdoor furniture. PVC, polyethylene and fiberglass are highly durable materials suitable for all climates that can be made with recycled ingredients – making them eco-friendly. Molding synthetics into almost any design allows you to customize it perfectly to the space or climate where you live; while quick dry foam has more resistance against heat, moisture, mildew than traditional fabric.
Stainless steel furniture offers sleek, contemporary style in spades. Its weight ensures it will not be easily dislodged in strong winds and its silvery hue complements any decor style. Bare metal can rust with prolonged exposure to moisture; for longer-term protection look for pieces coated in an antirust layer.
Aluminum and wrought iron furniture can also be great choices for outdoor furniture. Aluminum is both more cost-effective and rustproof, as well as scratch-resistant; while wrought iron has classic, timeless appeal but is difficult to maintain and can be costly to purchase and keep looking its best. When choosing pieces made of wrought iron make sure they have been galvanized and coated in protective finishes for best results.
Design
Your choice of outdoor furniture sets the tone for your backyard living space, whether dining or relaxing – and should reflect this intention.
Style choices depend on your home’s aesthetic, formality and shade needs of its space, as well as how much sun or shade comes through during the day. There is outdoor furniture suitable for almost every taste and budget! As long as you know where to find them, you can even score huge deals on used outdoor patio furniture.
For a classic outdoor patio furniture set, choose wood. Wood features natural beauty and lasting charm when weathered to its rich patina finish, or choose lightweight metal chairs and tables that can easily move about while remaining sturdy enough to stay put.
If you want to make an impressionful statement with your outdoor furniture selections, choose vibrant hues in vibrant yellows, azure blues and vibrant oranges that pop against green foliage and can instantly brighten a patio space. Or go neutral with gray outdoor furniture ideas for sophisticated yet contemporary styles that blend in seamlessly into most yard landscapes.
Consider how many guests or family members you usually entertain when selecting outdoor seating options. If entertaining often is on the cards, then invest in a conversation set with extra chairs to accommodate guests or family members. Or go modular by opting for an adjustable sofa that can adapt to fit the layout of your backyard.
Make outdoor seating even more relaxing with furniture featuring cushions in an array of colors and sizes. The most durable cushions feature quick-dry foam, outdoor fabrics designed for fast drying time in sunlight and resistance against chlorinated water staining as well as quick dry foam construction for fast dry times and resistance against seawater staining.
Add softness and warmth to your outdoor furniture by layering on some soft throws, especially if temperatures in your area can drop during winter. Rugs also provide the opportunity to tie everything together, adding color and warmth beneath your feet.
Comfort
Your patio should provide the ideal setting for relaxation, entertainment and dining alike – make sure the furniture is comfy! Look for pieces with high backs and lumbar support to prevent long periods of sitting without experiencing discomfort, as well as seats featuring reclining features and adjustable armrests that enable you to find an ergonomic position that best supports your back.
Comfort levels depend on how long you intend to sit in a piece, with outdoor sectionals and sofas offering soft cushions paired with thicker pillows being ideal options. Furthermore, modular seating sets allow you to add ottomans with additional storage or tops that open for additional seat cushions for optimal results.
Outdoor furniture should be intended to remain outdoors, exposed to both sun and rain, so when selecting it you must keep these elements in mind as well as local climate. You should also think about whether pets or children could damage your piece and durable materials such as aluminum or resin may be more appropriate, while woods such as teak and wicker require regular upkeep in order to prevent warping or cracking.
Before purchasing a patio set, it’s wise to try several types. Online product photos may be misleading as they’re typically taken indoors and displayed with backlighting that makes colors seem brighter than they actually are. If possible, request fabric, wood and metal samples so you can better assess their colors and weights. Once you have several options to consider, take your favorite home to see how well it complements your decor as well as being comfortable to sit on – then confidently make your purchase decision.
Maintenance
As with anything, outdoor furniture requires regular care to withstand the elements and daily use. Maintenance should typically occur twice each year: once in spring before heavy use begins and once again before storage for winter.
Many of the same cleaners and protectants used on interior furniture can also be applied to patio pieces. Before using any new cleaner on outdoor patio pieces, always test in a small area first to make sure there will be no damage or discoloration caused by it.
If your furniture features fabric cushions, they should be regularly washed to prevent mildew and mold growth. Most outdoor fabric has been treated to resist sun damage, moisture damage and stains; solution-dyed fabric offers superior fade resistance thanks to pigment-infused fibers; this type of cloth can tolerate more vigorous cleaners than printed or piece-dyed cloth.
Wood patio furniture requires regular care to stay rust-free and in top condition, and applying a high-quality rust inhibitor before placing outside can be helpful. Furthermore, covering or storing it during winter can prevent any deterioration or moisture damage to prevent moisture damage to its wood fibers and the overall integrity of its construction.
Metal furniture can be cleaned using either a damp cloth or cleaner designed specifically to clean stainless steel or aluminum surfaces. For heavy-use environments, applying a protective coat such as wax or car polish to help preserve its sheen can also help.
Plastics and synthetic materials have become an increasingly popular choice for outdoor furniture due to their durability, cost effectiveness and ease of maintenance. Plastics and synthetics tend to be fade-resistant without needing painting or sealing processes and come in an assortment of colors for easy selection.
Hardwoods such as eucalyptus are popular choices for outdoor furniture due to their warm natural hue and rustic charm, but they require regular care in order to retain their structural integrity. When placing eucalyptus furniture outside, avoid direct sunlight and areas with trees dropping leaves/branches which expose it to weather elements that may degrade wood fiber over time. Also it would be prudent for any tables or chairs made of this wood to be protected with an outdoor furniture cover when not being used – these covers should have air circulation so air can flow between them!