Creating a functional and livable patio or outdoor space is like adding an extra room to your house. Whether you’re going for an outdoor dining room, a lounge area, or even a workspace, the right patio furniture makes all the difference.
But simply buying whatever’s on sale is a surefire way to end up with furniture that doesn’t match. Or with bulky pieces of patio furniture that don’t fit well in your outdoor space.
So, before you buy, use this patio furniture guide to help you decide what to go for. This way, you’ll create an aesthetically pleasing and practical outside area.
Be Sure to Measure Your Outdoor Space
The first thing to do before choosing patio furniture is to measure the height, width, and depth of your outdoor space.
To get an accurate sense of how much furniture your space can fit, use empty boxes or tape to create an outline on the floor where you want the furniture to go. This way, you can make sure there’s enough room for each item—and for you to move through the space comfortably.
Take these measurements with you to the store or online marketplace, and double-check the dimensions of each piece before you buy them.
Research Patio Furniture Materials Before You Buy
Buying the right furniture for your patio means learning a bit about materials. You may prefer the look of natural wicker, but know you’ll be better off with the durability of resin wicker.
Knowing how heavy each material is, how easy it is to clean, and how much it typically costs will help you choose a material that fits your home decor and your budget.
Also, take into account the elements present in your outdoor space. How will they affect certain furniture materials? For example, wood probably isn’t a great choice for pool furniture because of possible warping. Lightweight metal chairs may be a better fit for poolside furniture.
Keep An Eye on the Weather
Another thing to take into account when buying patio furniture is where you’re located. What weather conditions your furniture will be exposed to?
If you live by the ocean, think twice about items that will rust in salty, humid air. If you live in the desert, avoid patio furniture that will fade in the sun or absorb too much heat.
An outdoor couch with soft cushions may be comfortable, but you may get tired of covering it up or bringing the cushions inside every time it rains. You can always look into an umbrella or canopy to help protect your new furniture and make sure it all stays dry enough to sit in.
Have a Plan For Storing Your Patio Furniture
Unless you live somewhere that’s sunny year-round, chances are you’ll use your patio furniture primarily in the summer. And this means you’re going to have to store it somewhere when not in use.
Choose furniture that’s easy to fold up and tuck away. If space is at a premium, you can purchase protective covers or storage chests instead.
Look for items that you can use both indoors and out to help you get the most value out of your furniture without taking up all of your storage space.
Before You Commit to Patio Furniture, Try it Out
Finally, don’t forget to try out the patio furniture before you buy it. Go to a store where you can take a seat to check for back support and leg room.
Of course, this isn’t an option when buying online, but you can always read reviews to make sure that you’re getting something stylish and durable.
High-quality patio furniture will last as long as your indoor furniture, so don’t rush into buying something that won’t withstand extended use. Shopping for price and appearance alone are easy mistakes to avoid when buying outdoor furniture.
If you’re worried about protecting your investment, find out if your homeowners insurance policy covers outdoor furniture. If it doesn’t, you can always buy a separate furniture protection plan.
