As the weather heats up, patios and outdoor spaces become increasingly appealing. Not only do they deliver more living space, but they give you a way to relax, enjoy yourself, and even entertain guests. When you’re purchasing outdoor furniture, you’ll want to go through the same process you would go through if you were buying furniture for indoor use. However, there are a few other aspects you’ll need to consider.
Look At Your Climate
Do you live in an area with a dry climate? Are you in an area that gets a lot of rain? You need to ask yourself these kinds of questions before you pick out your outdoor furnishings.
Why is that? When the weather is hot and dry some types of wood furniture could crack and splinter. If you’re in an area that gets a lot of wind, you may not be able to keep lightweight aluminium furniture in place. If you get a lot of rain, wicker furniture isn’t the best option.
Figure Out How Much Space You Have
Take the time to measure your outdoor living space. When you do this, you should look at the shape of this space. Do you have a wide deck or a narrow balcony? You should look at the space you have when determining how large or small your outdoor furniture should be. You should ensure that there’s room for you to walk around. You should always think about traffic flow, just like you would if you were buying furniture for indoor use.
If your space is on the smaller side, you may find that a bar table is a better choice than a standard dining set. This is because stools don’t take up as much space as chairs do, and most bar tables tend to be narrow. It’s also a good idea to look at cafe-style tables and chairs. You’ll find that they tend to be on the smaller side.
Furniture Placement
Do you have an overhead covering on your outdoor living space, or is it completely exposed? Is your furniture going to be on a harder surface, like a wood deck, or will it be going on the grass? Taking these things into consideration will allow you to select materials that will work in that environment.
Softer woods, like pine, should never be placed on the grass or in an area that’s exposed to the rain. This is because moisture can rot these woods. In addition, moisture can be corrosive to certain types of metals.
If you get excessive sunlight, patio umbrellas are a great way to get shade.
Choose the Right Material
How can you find the best material for your outdoor furnishings? There are three main factors you’ll want to look at when making a decision: the appearance, the required upkeep, and weather conditions. As stated previously, your climate can determine whether or not a particular material will work for you. Naturally, you won’t want to select a material that isn’t appropriate for your weather conditions.
You’ll also want to consider how much upkeep a material needs. Many outdoor materials, like teak, resin, and aluminium, require very little maintenance. Wrought iron is another excellent option. It’s long-lasting, and it can hold up well even when it’s exposed to moisture and heat.
Resin is incredibly durable, and you can find it in a variety of styles.
Comfort Is Key
You should be able to relax when you enjoy your outdoor living space. Read these Grandin Road furniture reviews. That’s why you should search for comfortable furnishings. Of course, you can always make a hard chair more comfortable by adding a cushion or a pillow. However, you should make sure that the fabric is designed for outdoor use and is resistant to mildew and fading. You’ll be able to preserve the appearance of your pillows if you store them during colder months when they won’t be used.
If you really want to relax while you’re outside, rockers, chaise lounges, and recliners are all excellent options. Daybeds and hammocks will also give you the opportunity to stretch out. When possible, you should test out your furniture before purchasing it.
Make Sure You Have Room For Storage
It’s best to store outdoor furnishings during the winter months. While it’s possible to cover your furniture, it won’t always give you the protection you need, particularly if the pieces are made from a more delicate material like wicker. If you don’t have a lot of storage space, you may want to look for pieces that can fold flat. You should also consider pieces that can be used indoors when it’s cold outside.
Have A Budget
When it comes down to it, your budget will determine what your options area. Ideally, you should be purchasing the best furniture that’s affordable for you. If you’re working with a tight budget, there are still a number of things you can do that will allow you to get more bang for your buck.
Timing is key. You can get great patio furniture for an affordable price if you buy near the end of the summer season.
More affordable materials, like resin and aluminium, are also a good option. There are also some woods that are on the cheaper side.
Keep an eye out on thrift stores and yard sales. If a piece of furniture is properly cleaned, it might look new again. Switching out pillows is also a great way to give furniture an update. Remember, always buy the best furniture available.