Patio Furniture Buying Guide

How much patio furniture do I need?

You can make the most of your outdoor living space with sturdy, comfortable and attractive patio furniture. Your options in patio furniture vary widely in styles and materials, but your budget is the place to start.  Stackable resin chairs can be found for under $10 each, while intricate wrought-iron dining sets can cost thousands of dollars. 

The first thing to consider is what kind of patio furniture you need. How much space do you have? How many people will be using it, and how will they use it? A café height table with two stools is enough if you are furnishing a small balcony. If you have a larger deck, patio or porch, a full-sized dining table with four to six chairs gives family and friends a place to eat or gather.   

Patio furniture options include lounge chairs, side tables, gliders and benches to provide seating, storage and versatility. You can have a full-sized outdoor bar with its own canopy or a sofa, loveseat and armchairs that rival any indoor living-room set. 

Start by determining what pieces of patio furniture you absolutely must have and then, what you’d like to have. Measure and map out the area you are furnishing. Then, using the general dimensions of the pieces of patio furniture you’re considering, try out some different arrangements on paper. A good rule of thumb is to leave one foot of space between pieces to avoid a crowded look; two feet of space between pieces where traffic will flow. 

Metal patio furniture

Patio furniture is commonly made of one of four materials: metal, wicker, wood or plastic. Each type of patio furniture has advantages and drawbacks, but when you consider your environment, price range and personal style, it will become clear which materials are best for you. 

Wrought iron is the most expensive type of patio furniture and its ornate design imparts the feeling of a European bistro to your backyard. Wrought iron patio furniture is extremely heavy and durable, and it requires only a bit of care to keep it looking its best.  Manufacturers recommend that you wash wrought iron patio furniture occasionally and coat it with liquid car wax twice a year. If the paint gets scratched, you can prevent rust by scrubbing off the loose paint with a wire brush and repainting it. Wrought iron patio furniture needs to be covered or stored indoors during snowy or rainy winters. Cast iron patio furniture costs less and isn’t quite as pretty as wrought iron, but it is equally heavy and durable.  Aluminum patio furniture is lightweight and does not rust, but it’s also a little less durable.   

Wood patio furniture can be made of teak, oak, or cedar. Teak is the priciest of wood patio furniture, and with good reason.  The high natural oil content of teak makes it incredibly long-lasting. Teak is used in shipbuilding, and there are some teak benches in public parks that are more than 100 years old and still in fine condition. Teak patio furniture resists rot, warping, shrinking and swelling and is beautiful in its natural color.  Oak and cedar patio furniture is a bit less expensive, but you’ll need to clean it and treat it with wood sealant on a regular basis to keep it in good condition. Patio furniture made from wood should be stored indoors or covered during extended periods of rain, snow and cold. 

Other materials

Wicker, or woven, patio furniture can be made of natural materials like rattan or of synthetic resin fibers. Natural rattan is beautiful, but susceptible to weather damage: the sun’s heat and damp nights shorten its lifespan. Woven resin patio furniture convincingly mimics the look of rattan and stands up to the elements. 

Plastic patio furniture is generally the least expensive option, and it appeals to many people because it’s available in many sizes and styles, doesn’t need assembly and only requires an occasional hosing down for maintenance. Most plastic patio furniture is lightweight and stacks for storage. Pay attention to weight capacity when comparing plastic tables and chairs, so you don’t overload them. 

Weather and warranties

Where you live—that is, your geographic location as well as your home itself—will play a part in the kind of patio furniture you buy. If you live in a warmer climate where patio furniture will be used all year round, you may be concerned about wind.  This is where heavy patio furniture made from wrought iron, cast iron or teak is often preferred.  Consider vinyl covers for your patio furniture that stay in place with ties when heavy rain is in the forecast. 

If you live in a colder part of the country with a true winter, you will most likely need to bring your patio furniture inside for the season, both for safety and to keep your furniture in good condition. Consider how much storage space you have for your patio furniture and whether it needs to be taken apart and reassembled for storage. 

Patio furniture can be an investment. If you’re buying for the long term, look for a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty at a minimum and be sure that replacement parts and hardware will be readily available in the future.  If you are building your patio furniture set a few pieces at a time, find out if the manufacturer plans to continue the particular line you like.

Need to know more?

• Cleaning Patio Furniture
  http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_sco/episode/0,2046,DIY_14334_26489,00.html
• Outdoor Room Ideas
  http://web.hgtv.com/hgtv/web/portfolioSearchResults?searchType=Portfolio&Room=DP%20OUTDOORS
• Outdoor Furniture Materials
  http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jsp?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/nameyourmaterial_03142002.xml