The Best Outdoor Furniture

Buying Guide

Spending time outdoors is beneficial for your physical and mental health. Not only does it help give you an energy boost when you’re feeling low, it can also help you boost your immune system. If you want to gain all the benefits the outdoors has to offer, look into getting some comfortable and durable outdoor furniture. That way, you have an inviting place to relax on your patio, deck or porch.

When you’re buying outdoor furniture, the most important element you want to look at is the material the furniture is made out of. With outdoor furniture, you have to consider the weather and how it’s going to affect the material. Rain, hail, snow, wind and direct sunlight can damage certain materials, while others hold up to the elements better.

Opt for durable and sturdy materials that are weather-resistant, such as aluminum, teak or resin. They don’t require a lot of maintenance and can withstand any weather. Wrought iron is particularly good in heat and wet weather. Resin wicker is also a popular option for outdoor furniture because it holds up well in wet climates.

When selecting the material for your outdoor furniture, consider how much care is required to maintain it. For example, do you need to clean the furniture often, cover it during extreme weather or remove it from direct sunlight? The type of care that is needed will affect how you use the furniture as well. For example, if you always have to move a chair into the shed when it rains, you’re less likely to take it out and enjoy sitting in it.

• Carefully consider what kind of outdoor furniture you need as there are so many options available. For example, do you want to create an inviting seating area with a couple of couches and a coffee table, where you can entertain friends on a bright sunny day? Or do you want to get a dining table and chairs so you can have your meals outside? Or perhaps a lounge chair is what you’re looking for, so you can put your feet up and relax in the warm weather. For some people, a small tea table and elegant chairs are a good idea.
• Measure the space you have available outside so that you pic outdoor furniture of the right dimensions. If you have a small deck, for example, getting a large three-seater outdoor couch may not give you the usability you need. Similarly, a tiny table and chairs on a large porch may not work as well as a larger one.
• Consider how the outdoor elements affect the kind of furniture you need. If you live in a very wet climate, then wooden furniture isn’t the best choice as it can get damaged as a result of the moisture. If you love the look of wicker, keep in mind that natural wicker should be under a covered outdoor space as it doesn’t do well with moisture. Resin wicker is much better at holding up against the rain.
• Keep storage in mind, especially if you live in an extreme-weather climate. For example, if you get a lot of snow, you’ll want to store your outdoor furniture in a shed or cover it with a tarp during the winter months to protect it. This will help it last longer.
• In addition to storage, consider portability. How easy is the outdoor furniture to move? Can it be folded? This is specially important for chairs. If you want to be able to take outdoor furniture to a park or beach, for example, folding it down or disassembling it easily is key.