If you’re like many Americans, your deck or patio may be one of the most important spaces of your house. It allows you to entertain, relax, and feel closer to nature. Decks also increase the value of your home.
Being such an important space means that you need to decorate your deck or patio with the best outdoor furniture. However, finding outdoor furniture that’s durable, stylish, and comfortable can be a challenge.
Keep reading for a guide that’ll help you buy outdoor furniture that’ll last.
Assess Your Needs
The first step in determining which outdoor furniture you should buy is to figure out what you need. Will you be creating a space to eat dinner on warm summer nights? Or will you be hosting birthday parties and other events?
Depending on what you plan on using your outdoor space for, you won’t need certain furniture pieces. For example, if you plan on creating a comfy reading nook, a huge bar with chairs and stools is unnecessary. Instead, add things such as outdoor couches, comfy chairs, and decorations to make the space comfortable.
Assessing your needs and having a plan beforehand can help you avoid wasting money on nonessential pieces down the road.
Try Furniture Out Before You Buy It
In most cases, you’ll use your outdoor furniture pieces often. Whether parties where people mingle around on them or you curl up on them each morning to read a book, the furniture needs to be durable to withstand high amounts of usage. You’ll also want them to be comfortable.
If you opt for getting uninviting pieces, you and any guests will be less inclined to use them. Try to find pieces that feature plush cushions. If you get wood or metal pieces, adding pillows and cushions, later on, can be a good idea.
Regardless of which fabric you choose, make sure that it can withstand sun and water damage.
Get Weather-Resistant Pieces
When you get outdoor furniture, you don’t want to spend your time worrying about maintenance and upkeep. Make sure that you purchase hardy and weather-resistant pieces to let you enjoy them for as long as possible.
For the most part, materials such as metal, cedar, and wicker will handle different types of weather without a problem. Occasional cleaning is all that they need to look their best.
If you add cushions or pillows to your furniture pieces, make sure that they come with removable covers. This will allow you to throw them into the washer and get them looking like new in no time.
Look for Storage Options
If you live in a place that experiences winter or a colder climate, it might be a good idea to store your furniture pieces somewhere during the off-season. This will help keep them safe.
Moving your furniture into your garage, basement, or shed may seem like a hassle, but it’ll help you enjoy it for longer. If you don’t have a lot of storage space to house large amounts of furniture, look into getting pieces that allow you to fold them or take them apart.
No matter the material, your furniture will last longer if you store it away during the coldest and most unforgiving months of the year.
Match Colors
Aside from getting durable furniture, you also want to get pieces that look nice as well. When choosing outdoor furniture, it’s important to understand that there are many colors and finishes to choose from. Don’t feel constrained to neutral or natural-looking styles.
If possible, try to match furniture to colors found in your landscaping. You can choose an accent color, then incorporate different pieces with that color. Try to limit bright colors to a few pieces, as these colors will fade the fastest.
If you can’t find a color you want in the store, don’t be afraid to take out a can of paint and give a piece of furniture a fresh coat.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Like with most things in life, you get what you pay for when it comes to patio furniture. This means that although cheaper furniture pieces may appeal to you more, it might be worth it to invest in quality pieces. These will require less maintenance and will last longer.
For example, plastic resin side tables look great in the store. However, after a few years of usage, they will start to look brittle.
Make sure that you do your research before selecting furniture. This means reading reviews, and if possible, talking to someone you know who may have purchased a similar piece.
Save Money With Dual-Purpose Furniture
To make the most of your space and to go easy on your budget, consider choosing different furniture pieces that can fill different roles.
For example, an ottoman can work as a stool, as well as a seating option for certain party guests. A bench can be a comfortable spot to relax and read a book, as well as an extra chair for eating. Sites such as teakandtable.com let you choose stylish yet functional furniture pieces.
Pay attention to function when shopping for patio furniture and you’ll be able to enjoy the full potential that your space offers.
Follow These Tips When Shopping for Outdoor Furniture
If you’re lucky enough to own a deck or patio, it can be hard to know how to choose quality outdoor patio furniture that’ll last. Yet by following this guide, you can be certain that you’ll find outdoor furniture pieces that you can enjoy for a long time.
Do you have any other advice on how to choose outdoor patio furniture that’ll last? Make sure to let us know in a comment down below.
If you enjoyed reading this article, don’t forget to check out some of our other blog posts for more helpful guides and tips.
