Shopping for outdoor furniture can be just as exciting as buying a house with a lawn. But before you rush to the store, take out time to analyze the best outdoor furniture that would suit your porch, deck or patio. Here are some common mistakes committed by novice shoppers, that will help you avoid getting underwhelming furniture.
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Cheap furniture can cost more
While shopping around for outdoor furniture, you are bound to notice that the range in prices is huge. There may be some stores or websites offering a single lounge chair for $1,000 while other sites will offer whole sectionals in the same price. Although it can be tempting, do not go for the cheapest price you can avail of outdoor furniture.
Low price more often means low quality. If the price sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. Instead, if you want outdoor furniture that is on the more affordable side, wicker furniture with aluminum frames is a great option. Synthetic wicker can last long and is lightweight enough to be moved around your garden easily.
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Skinny legs get stuck or break
Ensure the legs of the furniture you buy are not too thin. Skinny furniture legs can get stuck between the gaps on the wooden planks on your deck or sink into the gravel. It can really take the fun and spontaneity out of your outdoor time.
Depending on where you are going to place your outdoor furniture, ensure table and chair legs have enough width and sturdiness to get balanced and even sitting.
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Few outdoor materials can be unsuitable for your space
Typically, outdoor furniture is created from the following materials
- Synthetic resin
- Wicker
- Wrought iron
- Aluminum
- Stainless steel
- Eucalyptus
- Teak
Each material has its own pros and cons which make it ideal for particular climatic conditions only. For instance, aluminum furniture is lightweight and is not suitable for areas that experience high winds. Similarly, stainless steel is low maintenance and heavy, however, it can become really hot in the sun, so it is not suitable for sunny areas.
Depending on the type of climate and how you intend to use it, you can decide the material of the best outdoor furniture. You can also enhance the furniture’s comfort level by adding fade-proof cushions and throws.
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Plan for rainy days
Normally, many outdoor furniture sets come with the promise of being water-repellent. However, this does not make them waterproof. While the furniture itself may be able to withstand some degree of moisture, the cushions may not. Even though some cushions come with easy-drying, moisture-repellent benefits, leaving them out in heavy rains uncovered can build up mildew and mold.
Ensure you protect your cushions during a downpour. Get them indoors or move them to a covered storage area during rain. It is also a good practice to cover your furniture with tarpal or plastic to prevent them from getting wet.
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Watch out for droppings
While placing your furniture under a tree can give you natural shade and cool temperature, you may want to look out for bird droppings. Furthermore, if the tree is fruit-bearing, be prepared for fruit patches that are hard to come off the fabric with a regular wash.
One good way of preventing this is to set up furniture away from the tree. Prefer spaces where the shadow of trees falls without being under them. Also, getting your own shaded space with an umbrella or a roof set up is a great way to keep your furniture clean from any kind of dropping.
