Guide To Choosing Outdoor Furniture
As the weather warms up, it's time to unpack the patio furniture, get the cushions out of storage and get the burgers ready to grill. Sometimes, however, once last season's furniture makes its debut, it no longer looks in shape for guests, requiring wannabe entertainers to explore new outdoor seating options. They soon discover that there are plenty of options! The same goes for first time outdoor furniture buyers, who are often overwhelmed by the materials, styles and options available. If you are in the market for new seating and dining options for your outdoor living space, read on for tips to help navigate through the sea of considerations.
Outstanding outdoor furniture brings comfort and functionality to your deck or patio; it allows you to move your indoor room outside. For example, a weatherproof table and chairs bring your dining room outside, a relaxing rocking chair or Adirondack chairs create a living room with a ceiling covered in blue sky. The first step in determining the right furniture is to consider how you want to use your outdoor space. Do you want to dine on the deck or relax by the fire on the patio? Will you be entertaining large groups of people or hosting smaller, more intimate gatherings? The answers to these questions will point you in the right direction for your purchase.
Sofa Chair
Choosing materials
When you're buying furniture, choose materials and components that are easy to care for to complement the look of your landscape and home. There are many options.
Natural wood is strong and comfortable, but requires regular maintenance and preservative treatment to protect it from the elements and UV rays. Choose weather-resistant woods that require less maintenance, such as redwood, teak, cedar and cypress.
Rattan and wicker. Natural materials such as rattan and wicker provide a casual, comfortable look to your deck, but they need protection from the elements every few years. Synthetic rattan and wicker have a resin finish that lasts longer.
Steel and cooked iron. Both of these materials are very strong but need cushioning to be comfortable. They are ideal for outdoor use but will need regular painting or weatherproofing to prevent rusting.
Aluminium, plastic and PVC. these materials are rust-proof, lightweight, inexpensive and easy to maintain with a little soap and water. However, due to their lightweight construction, they may need to be secured in strong winds and storms.
Furniture made from these materials is durable. However, regardless of the weather resistance of the furniture, you will need to store it over the winter to prolong its life. Consider your storage space before you buy. Also, try it out before you buy - sit on a chair and try swinging the umbrella up and down once or twice. Make sure you like the comfort and usability.
Ensure good quality
When shopping, don't assume that price is the best indicator of quality. So how do you recognise the appearance of good quality furniture?
Finish consistency. Wood should be sanded smooth and free of imperfections, even in hidden areas such as the underside of table tops. Painted metal should have an even finish. Wicker should not come apart or be loosely wrapped around the frame.
Tight and well-fitting joints. Metal welds should be fairly smooth. Make sure there are no bare, unpainted areas of metal or, worse, no rust spots.
Make sure the chair doesn't wobble or bend too much (some flexibility is possible, especially on tubular metal chairs designed to be flexible). Do the same thing to the table once it's assembled.
Retailer's return and exchange policy. Just in case, on delivery or collection, your item is damaged or poorly finished.
Accessorising
Outdoor living spaces, like indoor spaces, are greatly enhanced by a variety of colours, textures and accessories. Cushions and pillows provide excellent comfort for lounging around and encouraging guests to linger. Buy products made specifically for outdoor use so that they stand up well to the elements. Two popular material choices are virgin dyed acrylic and spun polyester as they are moisture, mildew and stain resistant. Most fabrics designed for outdoor use will also not fade.
Mats with vents will dry more quickly after spring and summer showers. You can add a rug designed for outdoor use to create an exceptionally comfortable place to relax. When choosing colours, personal style and preference reign supreme. Bright, colourful patterns will complement Mediterranean-themed landscapes and add vibrancy to evenings on the patio, while neutral, muted tones will create a relaxed, clean look.
