One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing outdoor furniture. These days a wide range of patio furniture is available to suit every need. Choices include comfy outdoor sofas and chairs, large sectionals, love seats, conversation sets, chaise lounges, spacious dining tables, intimate bistro sets, patio bar furniture, side tables, ottomans, coffee tables, hammocks, swings, and benches.

In addition, you may want to consider stackable metal or resin chairs that can be easily stored in a small space ready for those large evening parties or family reunions. Don’t overlook the outdoor-living opportunities on balconies and in pocket gardens. When complemented with the right patio furniture, these petite garden getaways will beckon you outside time and again. Make sure the furniture is appropriately scaled to your outdoor space. A small patio or deck can be dwarfed by large furniture groupings. On the other hand, an expansive outdoor space will look odd with just a few small pieces of furniture. Also, keep in mind that comfortable outdoor furniture will be used more than stunning but uncomfortable pieces.

Determine the Function of Your Outdoor Space

Before purchasing furniture, ask yourself how you intend to use your patio or deck. Do you plan to host large outdoor parties or do you prefer small barbecues with just your family? Do you like to lounge in the sun or does your heart desire a cozy, peaceful reading nook in the shade? Make a list of how you want to utilize your space and then use it as a guide to determine what type of furniture is necessary. Make sure the furniture will seat the required number of people you plan on entertaining.

Select the Right Material

The style of your home’s architecture, landscaping, and overall décor will play a part in choosing the right material for your patio furniture. For example, a traditional, English-garden style outdoor space will require different aesthetics than a modern, contemporary outdoor room. You’ll also want to consider maintenance requirements and durability.

Wood

Wood furniture is a natural alternative to metal or plastic. Cedar, teak, and redwood are excellent choices since they naturally resist decay, warping, and insects. Keep in mind that wood, although beautiful, requires occasional maintenance such as painting or treating as years go by. Unfinished teak will weather to a silvery grey, but if you want to preserve its rich, golden-brown colour, you’ll have to sand the furniture and apply teak oil annually.

Metal

Metal furniture is often used to achieve a sleek contemporary style. Aluminum is lightweight, durable, rust-resistant, low-maintenance, and can withstand wear and tear. A wide array of color and finishing options are available including wood grain. Steel-framed furniture is heavier and stronger than aluminum but not as heavy as iron. Sturdy, ornate, and elegant, wrought iron is a popular choice that never goes out of style but can be more expensive. Metal furniture may need occasional paint touchups to preserve its appearance. Consider powder coated metal furniture which can last for years without scratching or fading.

Traditional Wicker

Traditional wicker or bamboo patio furniture now comes in a variety of weights, colours and pricing tiers. Wicker is suitable for indoor or outdoor use, making it a great choice for sunrooms, porches, decks or patios. Lightweight, this furniture is easy to move around when necessary. However, wicker is less durable than wood and metal.

Plastic & Resin

Plastic (or resin) is inexpensive, lightweight, easy to clean and durable. Resin chairs are moulded into shape and can be used with or without cushions.

Once you decide which material you’d like for your outdoor furniture and are ready to start shopping, you may want to check out some of the popular manufacturers that offer a wide range of quality furniture such as Woodard’s, Broyhill’s line of outdoor furniture, PolyWood, Telescope Casual, Lloyd Flanders, and Erwin and Sons (links).

Protecting Your Furniture

To protect your expensive outdoor furniture, you can store it in a shed or a garage when not in use–especially during the harsh winter months. If this is not possible, furniture covers offer some protection from the weather. Better yet, consider installing retractable shades which shelters furniture from the harsh sun, rain, and fading. As an added benefit, retractable shades provide shade and UV protection for you and your guests and protect indoor furniture that may be normally exposed to the sun’s bleaching effects through windows and doors.

Use these tips and you’ll be able to choose the perfect patio furniture to make your outdoor space a comfortable and welcoming gathering spot for your friends and family. If you’d like to learn more about what’s new this season, my next article, Fabulous Furniture Trends, will share some of the latest trends.