Are you looking for a thorough outdoor furniture buyer’s guide? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! The yard is your go-to paradise when you need to enjoy some quality outside time. So you need to make sure that it’s properly equipped with the best furniture!
This guide will walk you through all of the decisions that go into ensuring that your money is put toward furniture that you’ll truly enjoy.
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Take Location into Consideration
Climate and weather play an important role in your choice of outdoor furniture. It’s constantly exposed to the elements so you need to make sure the furniture is built with a resistant material. For instance, you wouldn’t want to buy aluminum furniture if you live in an area exposed to heavy winds because it would fly all over the place. You could choose iron but if you live near the ocean, the salty air would cause it to rust.
In general, metal is usually the best choice since it’s unaffected by sunlight, but you have to maintain it properly to avoid rust. Wooden furniture doesn’t rust but the finish applied by the manufacturer will eventually wear off, exposing it to moisture and potential mold/rot.
Your environment dictates the best furniture and the maintenance it will require to improve its longevity.
Understand Durability of Outdoor Furniture Materials
Durability comes down to three factors – material, environment, and care. When buying outdoor furniture, you have to take all three of those factors into account.
Metal is highly durable and with the proper care, probably has the longest lifespan of all outdoor furniture types. There are also a lot of different metals to choose from, so you can likely find something that matches your environment.
Aluminum is generally the go to metal since it is designed to prevent rusting. Iron and stainless steel are also both great choices too. It depends on the location of the furniture layout. Iron is generally the best choice for locations exposed to high wind, but it wouldn’t be optimal in humid conditions since it’s vulnerable to rust.
Metal furniture requires tricky maintenance though. Pre-coat coating is a must since it protects from rusting. It must also be inspected regularly to ensure there are no scratches or dents.
Wood is another common choice, but it requires a lot more maintenance than other types of furniture. Teak wood is generally the most resilient to the elements but it also fetches a higher price.
Wooden outdoor furniture must be cleaned and oiled frequently to expand its lifespan, so be prepared to put in the work.
Another option is plastic, commonly known as Polywood. This is a great choice in many climates because it is heavy (won’t get blown around) and it will not rust.
Determine How Much Space is Available
Measure the available space to determine what type of furniture is a good fit. IIt’s a good idea to draw up a simple diagram and plan the space appropriately before you go shopping. That way, you know exactly what you’re looking for.
It’s also important to take note of the shape and layout of the area so that you know what groupings are a good fit. For instance, bar tables, bistro tables, and bistro chairs work well in smaller spaces since they are narrow.
Decide on Furniture Placement
Next, you need to determine how much exposure to the elements your furniture will receive. Is it directly exposed to the elements, or is your outdoor space set up on a patio or somewhere that offers partial protection?
This information helps you decide on the type of material that works best for the situation. For instance, you wouldn’t place wooden furniture directly on the ground because it will eventually age and rot.
Find Furniture that Fits your Budget
At the end of the day, budget will be the biggest factor in determining what outdoor furniture to buy. High quality furniture is more expensive, but it tends to have a longer lifespan as long as it’s not exposed to the wrong elements. It is understandable if you are looking to save money, so here are a few tips for finding affordable outdoor furniture:
· Shop around the end of summer when shops have large inventory and demand is dying. This tip only works best with local furniture shops since they need the inventory space to make room for fall and winter stuff.
· Look for cheaper materials that still work in your unique setup. For instance, aluminum might be a good alternative to wrought iron furniture as long as you don’t live in an area exposed to high winds.
· Yard sales and local thrift stores are a gold mine for finding discounted outdoor furniture.
Hopefully, this outdoor furniture buyer’s guide will help you invest in the right furniture for your unique layout. Enjoy!
