Outdoor Furniture Buying Rules: How to Choose the Best Pieces?

Selecting furniture is a pleasurable activity, whether you choose it for the interior of your home or as a way to bring life to your patio or porch. However, if you are looking for furniture pieces for the outdoors, you need to take more considerations into account.

The best outdoor items need to have the right style and size and provide lots of comfort. But they must also be suitable for the exterior location and stand up to your region's climate. There are many reasons why people want to create a sitting area in their gardens, and the most common one is to enjoy fresh air in the company of their loved ones. Here are some considerations to keep in mind before you decide to buy your outdoor furniture.

Make a list of your needs

You can start this process by considering how you want your outdoor space to look. For instance, do you want a place to spend chilly outdoor nights or one to serve as a dining area? Or maybe you just want to create a peaceful reading nook that will let you relax as you should.

So, imagine what kind of space you would like to have to determine what type of patio will suit you the most. For example, if you only want an outdoor space to host casual evening cocktails, then you might not need a dining table. Instead, if you wish to have a place to spend hours with your family and friends, you might need several side tables, comfortable seating and a fire pit.

Choose the right material

The material is very important for outdoor furniture, and there are more factors to consider than when buying interior furniture. It can be tricky to choose a good material, as each has pros and cons. Still, some materials are very popular, including the following.

Rattan

Rattan is a good option as it comes in a variety of weaves, and styles with different quality. For example, PE rattan is a popular choice, as it is more durable than natural rattan and can also handle more unfriendly weather. Instead, if you opt for natural wicker rattan, you will need to keep your furniture inside during rain to increase its longevity.

Flat weave rattan may be the most popular option regarding the types of weaves, as it is cheap, easy to clean and not difficult to move around. Curved weave gives a more traditional appearance and looks more luxurious but needs more cleaning than the flat one.

Wood

Wood is also a classic choice for outdoor furniture, as it offers an elegant and traditional look. But to ensure the surface will resist plenty of years, you should opt for outdoor wood protection, which will provide a robust protective layer and enhance the aesthetic of wood.

The most popular type of wood in outdoor furniture is teak, which can withstand many climates as it is weather-resistant. But to ensure your wood material will look amazing, you should consider some wood treatments like those from rubiomonocoat.co.uk.

Metal

Steel and aluminum are widely used materials for outdoor furniture. Steel is very robust and can look fabulous in a minimalist setting; however, it is a ferrous metal and will rust eventually. This is why aluminum is a more popular alternative. And for those who prefer a more contemporary look, this material will look perfect. Aluminum brings several advantages, as it is rust-free, lightweight and easy to maintain.

Glass

Glass can also look amazing outside, but if you want to buy a glass table, you need to consider many aspects and choose a tough safety glass. To ensure the longevity of your glass, you should opt for an 8mm toughened safety glass.

Invest in quality patio furniture

For an outdoor space, it is always better to choose quality pieces to ensure they will resist over time. Plastic resin side tables and chairs might look good, but they can lose their vibrant coloring and become brittle because they are exposed to the sun. The same goes for some wicker pieces and wood products. So, you must shop carefully and check reviews and consumer reports to ensure you choose something high quality.

If you are on a budget, you need to invest the majority of the amount in the items you will use the most, like a durable dining table and comfortable patio seating. You can save money on other accessories, like accent tables and pillows.

Match colors

When buying patio furniture, you are not limited to neutral colors. Instead, you can opt for a wide variety of hues, as now you will find wood, wicker and metal pieces in various shades. Take into account the other elements of the outside and the colors found in the landscapes or the ones of your décor. If you can't find furniture pieces in the colors you have in mind, don't worry, as a little DIY paint can do a great job. You can reserve bolder tones for accent pieces and cushions, as the wear and tear might be less likely to be noticed, and you will not need to replace the items.

Opt for dual-purpose furniture

It will be good to opt for multiple-purpose pieces to save money and eliminate the need to purchase additional furniture. For instance, a garden stool or an ottoman can also be a patio seating for guests. Or a simple bench can be used with its main purpose or serve as an alfredo dining table. You need to buy patio furniture with function in mind to save some money and take advantage of the most used outdoor spaces.

Concluding thoughts

These days, our patios and gardens are becoming more than ever an extension of our homes, as they can be kitchens, living rooms and even home offices. So, it is very important to buy the best furniture so that you will use your outdoor space to its full potential.

Here are some other articles related to your search:

• The Top 3 Considerations For Buying Outdoor Furniture

• How to Create a Modern Oasis on Your Patio with Outdoor Furniture

• Tips For Creating an Outdoor Dining Area