June 24, 2019

8 Things to Consider When Shopping for Outdoor Furniture

bring your outdoor patio to the next level

Spring signals the welcome return of outdoor living. As the weather beckons, and you prepare to make a new patio purchase this season, here are some key points to consider:

 

USE

Would you like to have dinner outside, host evening cocktails, or create a reading nook? Make a list of activities and let it help determine the type of furniture you’ll choose.

 

SIZE

Whether balcony or backyard, it’s always a great idea to measure and better understand your space before hitting the store.

 

COMFORT

Seating will not long be used by you or your guests if it’s uncomfortable, so be sure to test the furniture and cushions out to determine what feels just right.

 

TEXTILES

All-weather materials that repel water or encourage evaporation are usually also resistant to fading, which means they’ll look good for several seasons or well beyond. We highly recommend covering or storing while not in use to maintain that visual freshness.

 

SHADE

If shade is a must-have but won’t be provided by trees or other structures, consider umbrellas or cantilevers that will delightfully do the trick on demand – and test the mechanisms in-store to ensure they meet your personal expectations for ease of use.

 

MAINTENANCE

All-weather pieces that are made to handle Mother Nature help keep your focus on enjoyment and minimize time and energy spent on upkeep. Be sure to ask what the furniture is designed to withstand and what you may want to do to reinforce or extend its life and, thus, enjoyment of your new investment, over time.

 

STORAGE

Do you expect to store your furniture in a protected location during the offseason? If not, consider investing in outdoor furniture covers.

 

QUALITY

It’s often the finer, rather “unseen” details that really do make all the difference. For example, aluminum-framed furniture will not rust over time (steel will!), and unsegmented, fully welded pieces will last much longer than fragmented, assembled pieces. Get to know the true features and benefits, the design and construction of the set you’re eyeing, before finalizing your selection.

outdoor furniture we offer