Your garden is a space to relax and unwind in and choosing your outdoor furniture can make that a reality. When choosing furniture for your garden you’ll want to consider your space, materials, functionality, storage, and style. Thoughtful planning will help transform your deck, patio, or porch into comfortable and functional spaces made for everyone to enjoy.
The Space
To start off with, it’s a great idea to make a list of how you want your space to work for you. Do you like to eat outside? Do you entertain often? How many people are typically in the space? The answers to these questions will help you decide whether a dining set or more of a conversation or fire pit area will work better for you. You’ll also want to consider how big your space is. If you have a smaller space, that may limit what kind of furniture you look for. Things like Adirondack chairs are trendy and comfy, but they can take up more space than expected due to their shape. Other pieces that you’ll want to factor in that will often occupy the same outdoor spaces include grills, hot tubs, counters, and pots/planters,
Functionality
Once you have an idea of how you want to use your space you can look for pieces that fit into that. One of the best ways to maximize your space is to find dynamic and dual use pieces. A fire pit can take up a lot of room when not in use but if you’re able to add a lid, then you’ve created a secondary use perfect for drinks or snacks. Side and end tables are perfect in between or next to a set of chairs but if you can find tables with storage under the lid, now you’re able to store coasters, matches, or a small blanket out of site until they’re needed. If you have a space that needs to be used for different things at different times, looking into moveable, stackable, or foldable furniture may be a good option. Modular furniture sets are another great option for this as they’re easy to move around and rearrange as necessary for the space or event.
Materials
Material choice can be a combination of maintenance, functionality, and aesthetic preference. The frames that you choose for your outdoor furniture pieces may be the most important part. The three materials you’ll typically find in outdoor furniture are metal, wood, and plastic.
- Metal
Most metal framed furniture is made of aluminum and can be powder coated in a range of colors. Powder coated aluminum is rust resistant which means it can withstand the elements if taken care of properly. It’s good to know that if the finish does get chipped or scratch, it can start to rust in those areas so it’s important to take care when moving furniture pieces, etc. Stainless steel or wrought iron are good options if you live in an area with frequent winds or strong storms and you need heavier pieces that won’t move easily. Because they both can get quite hot in the sun, it’s a good idea to use cushions on these types of seating surfaces.
- Wood
Wood furniture pieces can be made from many types of wood but the most common are teak, acacia, and cedar. Teak is a hardwood that resists cracking, warping, insects, water, and rot but tends be more on the expensive end and is heavy. Softer woods like cedar develop their own character when exposed to the elements but require more protection via stain, oil, or paint. Acacia is an affordable alternative to teak, but it doesn’t have as strong of a resistance to water, cracking, etc. No matter what kind of wood you choose, it will require some care and protection to keep it from weathering too far and compromising the stability of the pieces.
- Plastic
Plastic pieces come in a range of colors, styles, and price points. You can also find recycled plastic pieces making it better for the environment. They’re easy to wash off and rinse clean as well. Some of the lower grade plastic can fade or yellow in the sunlight. They can also crack if left in the elements so if you frequently entertain guests, some plastic furniture may not be as durable as you’d like. Many plastic furniture pieces come in stackable or foldable options though so they can work well for more dynamic spaces.
- Wicker & Ratan
If you’re looking for a wicker look you can find resin wicker that looks like natural wicker but is more durable and weather resistant and doesn’t crack or become brittle as easily. Ratan is another type of furniture that provides a natural, cozy feel and is lightweight. While the day-to-day maintenance is easy, once it does break it can be difficult to repair due to the woven structure and may require a professional.
- Concrete
For a more modern and sleeker look, there is glass fiber reinforced concrete that is created to be more lightweight than regular concrete but with similar durability. You’ll typically find this material used for side and end tables along with coffee tables and benches and dining tabletops. It works well for angular pieces but can also be molded into softer shapes. Due to the neutral palette of these pieces, they are suited for indoor uses as well.
- Tabletops
As a surface that will get used for various things, care will be a top priority. Materials like glass and plastic are easy to wipe clean with water or typical household cleaners while wood and metal may require special cleaners but do stand up to the elements well. If you live in a wooded area or where you get frequent strong winds, glass tabletops will be more prone to breakage.
- Cushions
Some seating like Adirondack chairs or wood framed seats don’t require cushions to be comfortable but others like aluminum or wrought iron or wicker will be more comfortable with cushioning. You will want to choose fabrics that are water, UV, and mold/mildew resistant. Removeable and washable cushion covers make maintenance easy if you have kids or if your seating area is located under messy trees. Sunbrella is a commonly used brand that specializes in outdoor fabric and cushions. Although outdoor fabrics are made to withstand the elements, it’s also important to have a dedicated storage area for any cushions for when the weather takes a turn for the worse and in the winter months.
Storage
While any cushions should be stored away from moisture during inclement weather, you should also have a plan for storage during windstorms and the wetter months of the year for tables and seating frames. If your pieces are made to fold up, you can line them up under an eave easily. Some chairs may be able to be stacked which also conserves storage space. For cushions, you’ll want to make sure that you ensure they’re fully dry before storing so mold and mildew doesn’t grow. While you want your furniture covered, you’ll also want to make sure they have some breathing room and aren’t completely sealed off. If it’s not possible to relocate your furniture to a covered storage area, buying furniture covers may be the best option. Make sure your covers are waterproof and UV resistant and if you can find ones that cover the entire frame of the furniture piece, even better. If you get heavy snow, it will be a good idea to knock off snow build up, so it doesn’t get too heavy throughout the season. Draining pooling water will also help with the longevity of your furniture covers as well.
Where to Look
Now is a great time to look for furniture as many places are starting to clear out their outdoor pieces as summer winds down. Most home furniture companies have clearance and discount events happening starting around Labor Day weekend and is a good time to get sets or individual pieces for better prices. If you’re looking to add, change out, or update your outdoor furniture, these are a few places you can start your search at. Restoration Hardware, Summer House Patio, Polywood, Ikea, Costco, Crate & Barrel, Wayfair, Room & Board, Loll Designs, and most home improvement stores.
Care & Maintenance
These furniture pieces can be an investment especially if you’re buying full sets so it’s wise to investigate what warranties they offer and what they entail. While warranties can be a bit trickier with outdoor furniture, it’s great to have in case something breaks outside of normal wear and tear. It’s important to note that some warranties can be voided by not following the manufacturers maintenance guidelines provided. Each manufacturer will provide care & maintenance guidelines that should be followed to protect your furniture throughout each season.
~Colleen
