Choosing the Right Outdoor Furniture

For some homeowners outdoor living spaces are extensions of their homes and the way they live.  People who do a lot of entertaining indoors move parties and social gatherings outdoors when weather permits.  Those who prefer the solitude of a comfortable easy chair and a quiet afternoon watching sporting events like private outdoor spaces.  In short, we all use our outdoor living spaces in different ways, and the furniture we select should support the functions of the outdoor space.

If you have frequent backyard parties you’re going to want to invest in higher quality, more comfortable furniture which can withstand heavier use and last longer.  Outdoor furniture is constructed of wrought iron, aluminum, wood, or plastic resin.

Wrought iron lasts the longest, but is the heaviest and the most expensive.  Its weight makes it a poor choice for use in grassy areas, as it has a tendency to sink into the soil.  It also has the advantage of being low maintenance, requiring only an occasional washing with soap and water.  In addition, touch up painting will keep rust from developing on the furniture.

Aluminum is much lighter making it easier to move and suitable for both grass and patio block or stone surfaces, but it won’t last as long as wrought iron.  It is less expensive and also low maintenance.

Wood furniture is extremely attractive and provides a natural, rustic look but it can be high maintenance.  Tropical woods will last years but as the wood weathers sections can become rough and require a light sanding and refinishing with a preservative coating.

Resin furniture is the least expensive and comes in a wide variety of styles, including attractive resin wicker.  The cheapest are the resin stackable chairs which have few advantages beyond price and ease of storage.  Most are so light they will blow away easily in windy conditions and can collapse if sat in by a heavier than normal guest.

With a material in mind suitable for the way you will make use of your outdoor space, you’re ready to consider the kinds of furniture pieces you will need.  Again, how you use your outdoor space comes into play.  For example, if you eat meals outdoors, you’re going to need outdoor dining tables instead of end tables suitable for holding beverages and snacks.

If your patio is in an area exposed to the sun for a good part of the day, you may wish to include outdoor umbrellas with your dining table.  Also consider the overall size of the main patio area.  Dining tables and chairs take up a lot of space and you don’t want to overcrowd your area.

If you use your outdoor living space as a place for peaceful relaxation, you’re going to want to consider patio swings and gliders and perhaps even a hammock.  There is nothing more relaxing than an afternoon nap in a gently swinging hammock on a warm summer day.

Finally, consider your own time and the effort you are willing to put into maintaining the investment you make in outdoor furniture.  Before you buy furniture with padded cushions, ask yourself if you have both the time and the space to store them during inclement weather.