Patio furniture that looks great and stands up to the elements
Get ready for backyard party season with new outdoor furniture.
When shopping for outdoor furniture, there are many variables to consider such as style, comfort, and durability. Some pieces may be priced to sell and look great, but they’re not necessarily worth the savings if they break down or rust after a single season of use.
We researched variables you should worry about when shopping to help you understand what goes into a quality piece of furniture, then shopped this season’s best offerings to help you narrow down the search.
What to consider when shopping for patio furniture
The first thing you’ll want to consider is the material used to create the furniture. These tend to fall into one of several categories including wood, metal, or wicker.
For wood, you’ll want something durable with a decently high Janka hardness rating, moisture-wicking properties, and resistance to decay and pests. Sources such as AuthenTEAK’s blog and WOCA Denmark cite teak, cedar, acacia, and eucalyptus are fantastic options that will stand up to the elements and look great while doing so.
Metal is another great option, particularly those that can withstand the weather without corrosion. Patio Living’s informative buying guide notes the types of metal commonly used to create outdoor furniture include aluminum, iron and stainless steel.
Aluminum is lightweight, durable and easy to stack when storing for winter, plus it tends to be more affordable. It can become problematic in windy areas, though, so go for a heavier material such as stainless steel or wrought iron which are also less prone to rust.
Natural fibers are a sustainable shopper’s dream, and rattan is a common one to use in wicker (which is a weaving style) furniture making. According to Wayfair’s material guide, rattan is flexible with a solid, sturdy core that contrasts with the related bamboo, allowing craftsmen to achieve beautiful and highly-functional pieces.
You should also consider cushions, i.e. are they included in the cost of the piece or set you’re buying? Are they water-resistant or weather-proofed in any way? Do they come with removable covers and if not, how can you clean them? It’s important to determine what level of commitment you’re willing to take on as some pieces might have stunning fabric elements included but – as is the case with one of our picks below – the cushions aren’t made to withstand harsh weather.
And of course, style and size is of utmost importance. Consider what you’ll use this furniture for, whether that be for you and a loved one to spend relaxing evenings outside or hosting dinner parties for parties of 8 or more. Style is, of course, totally personal and comes down to what catches your eye, but it can be smart to consider your outdoor furniture an extension of your home and choose a style that complements it accordingly.
How can I protect my patio furniture?
While most outdoor pieces use weather-proofed or water/moisture-resistant fabrics and building materials, there are steps you can take to eke out some extra years with your furniture.
Invest in covers so when winter arrives, you can prevent water, debris and other harmful substances and/or conditions from taking an excessive toll. Even if you're storing these in a garage or shed, covers can help keep cushions looking newer longer thanks to preventing environmental damage. Many companies offer custom sizes sold separately, but we've also recommended a few general suggestions here.
Various protective sprays can also provide valuable defense against UV rays, water, pests and other elements that might reduce the lifespan of your outdoor furniture. We've included options below to consider when buying your new furniture, but always make sure to check the manufacturer's cleaning and storage recommendations to optimize your pieces' longevity.
Keeping all of this in mind, we selected some of the top options you can shop now. Scroll on to find your next patio set!
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