Furniture Files

With spring here and summer right on its heels, it’s the perfect time to think about outdoor and patio furniture. An emerging trend is turning a patio or yard into an extension of the home, creating a stylish outdoor living space for entertaining or family time. Today’s times have also seen Americans rediscovering the simpler things in life, like neighborhood potlucks around a picnic table or catching some R&R on a back porch lounge chair. Many families will be enjoying the great outdoors right in their own backyards this year instead of hitting the road. Outdoor furniture can play a big part in making these summer memories. Here are some tips for purchasing just the right furniture for your outdoor living space, neighborhood gathering or “staycation”:

1. Shop Smart, and Watch Out for Seasonal Pricing

Just like swimsuits and pool supplies, it might seem like the best time to get a great deal on outdoor furniture is at an end-of-season closeout sale. With some smart shopping, though, it’s possible to find budget-friendly prices on outdoor and patio furniture at the start of summer, when you need it. Many retailers roll out promotional offers to spark buyer interest, so keep an eye out for special deals and discounts. By the same token, keep a watchful eye for inflated seasonal pricing. Comparison shop to make sure that the price tag reflects the quality of product you’re getting.

2. Shop for Value, Not Just Price

Lightweight, inexpensive plastic patio furniture does have its purposes, for occasional use or for parties. If you’re wanting outdoor furniture to use year-round or for many years, though, you’ll definitely want to purchase something more lasting. Well-constructed, top quality outdoor furniture is built for the long haul and can be a real investment for your home. The best outdoor furniture can last for decades, and some brands have long-term guarantees or warranties to back up the claim. While quality outdoor furniture and patio furniture might be more expensive in the beginning (and sometimes not, compared to high seasonal priced items), you can save in the long run by not having to replace your outdoor furniture every few years.

3. Explore Different Styles

The only outdoor furniture pieces that many people see are the patio sets sitting outside the retail stores in

summer or in the home improvement store. The truth is, though, that there is a much wider world of outdoor furniture out there. You can find outdoor furniture in styles, colors and materials to suit any taste and environment. This is where online shopping really comes in handy. Online stores can carry a greater selection than the average retail store, because they aren’t limited by floor space. Whether you want a classic Adirondack chair or snazzy contemporary patio table, it’s out there waiting for you.

4. Choose Furniture that is Made for the Outdoors

Not every metal table or wicker chair does well outdoors. Even in temperate climates, the elements are tough on furniture. Water damage, rot and insects can all take their toll. That’s why you need to choose furniture that is specifically designed to stand up to an outdoor environment. Consider whether the furniture will be out in the open in the yard or deck, or in a more sheltered area like a covered patio. Look for sturdy materials such as kiln-dried and treated solid woods, and welded, rust-resistant metal. Fabrics should be designated as

“outdoor” and be resistant to mildew. There has also been a strong movement towards natural, eco-friendly

materials like rattan, seagrass and bamboo in furniture construction. Outdoor furniture crafted from these materials does very well for a patio, porch or sun room. Though these pieces often appear more delicate than than their wood or metal counterparts, they are rugged and durable as well.

5. Consider the Maintenance Involved

Last but not least, you’ll want to consider the level of maintenance your outdoor furniture will require. Do you want outdoor furniture that can just be left out in all seasons for years, or are you willing to put in some extra TLC? Some patio furniture will need to be covered to help protect it against the elements. Some wooden outdoor furniture requires an annual application of a stain or sealer (much like you would do with a wooden deck) while some can be left to weather naturally if you prefer. Any upholstery should be easy to clean, since it doesn’t take long for outdoor fabrics to become soiled. Look for products with removable cushions or covers, or upholstery that can be wiped clean.

Put these outdoor furniture buying tips into action, and be you’ll be ready for all your restful afternoons, neighborhood parties and family adventures this summer!

Tags: adirondack, casual furniture, furniture, outdoor furniture, patio chairs, patio furniture

This entry was posted on Friday, May 29th, 2009 at 3:32 pm and is filed under outdoor furniture. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.