Patio Furniture Buyer's Guide

Transforming your backyard into an ultimate entertainment haven is achievable with quality and well-suited patio furniture. It enables family and friends to unwind and relish the outdoor atmosphere. However, diving into patio furniture shopping can feel daunting. With countless choices and various purchasing options—be it online, through mass merchants, designers, or specialty retailers—the question remains: How does a patio shopper begin?

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To simplify your shopping experience, consider these straightforward steps:

Where will you place the patio furniture?

What is the available space for your patio?

What activities do you envision for your family and friends while using the patio furniture?

How long do you anticipate the furniture lasting?

Addressing these queries will allow you to refine your search for specific types and styles of patio furniture.

Where is the patio furniture going?

Typically, patio furniture is positioned in a covered area right behind the house, where it faces less exposure to the elements. The usual setup includes a loveseat paired with two lounge chairs or a sofa with matching chairs. As a rule of thumb, you ought to have about 8 x 10 feet of space available for standard patio furniture arrangements. If your furniture is oriented towards a fireplace, consider options like curved loveseats or sofas for a cozier vibe. For larger gatherings, sectional sofas are a fantastic choice.

The second most common placement is poolside, where furniture must endure more exposure without any cover. Ensure the furniture is designed to withstand the elements, including sun exposure and water from swimmers. When browsing poolside options, ponder these crucial questions: Does the furniture dry quickly? Is it resistant to fading from sunlight? Does it become unbearably hot? Can it endure chlorine or saltwater from the pool?

You might also consider placements around fire pits, balconies, or outdoor kitchen areas. Comfy lounge chairs are preferred for fire-pit seating. Patio lounge chairs come in many styles, including stationary, swivel, rocking, or gliding options. For balconies, look for counter-height tables and barstools that allow for a great view. Outdoor kitchen settings often feature barstools adjacent to the bar along with dining sets for casual meals.

By defining your patio furniture area early, you can quickly determine the right configuration you need.

How much space do I need for patio furniture?

Nowadays, patio furniture is designed for maximum comfort and enjoyment, often making outdoor lounging and entertaining more pleasant than traditional indoor living spaces.

Before heading out to shop, make sure to take precise measurements to save yourself unnecessary trouble. Here are some common sizes for patio furniture:

Sofa: 7 ft.

Loveseat: 5 ft.

Chairs: 2 ft to 3 ft.

Dining Tables: 48” round, 54” round, 84” oval, or rectangular. While smaller and larger variants exist, these dimensions are the most commonly sought after.

Fire-pits have surged in popularity and serve wonderfully as coffee table alternatives in both covered and uncovered spaces. Available in various heights—coffee table, chat, or dining—they can take on round, square, or rectangular shapes.

Patio Furniture Material

Patio furniture is crafted from a variety of materials, each offering unique benefits and drawbacks to consider.

The most favored materials include:

Woven or Wicker

Modern woven furniture utilizes HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) as a material. Originally, wicker or rattan was used, but HDPE is far more durable and low-maintenance. The longevity of woven furniture greatly depends on the quality of its frame. Higher-end woven furniture typically boasts aluminum frames, while more budget-friendly options may use steel. The intricacy and size of the weave directly influence the cost, with more luxurious woven pieces featuring fully woven designs, deep cushions, and larger weaves for a contemporary look.

Cast Aluminum

Being one of the heavier materials, cast aluminum’s main benefits include its rust resistance and ornamental style possibilities. This material is crafted through cast or sand molding techniques, allowing for intricate back designs and embellishments. Cast aluminum can be derived from recycled or virgin-grade aluminum, with the latter being pricier yet more durable. The style of cast aluminum can lean traditional or modern, depending upon the finish and fabric choices.

Extruded Aluminum

Extruded aluminum is another rust-free option, although it's lighter compared to cast aluminum. Generally tubular, it’s currently a popular choice for its clean and straightforward design lines. Extruded aluminum can also be made from either recycled or virgin-grade material, affecting its price and durability.

Wrought Iron

As the heaviest option, wrought iron furniture is constructed from steel, particularly suited for sturdy traditional designs. It can withstand harsh winds prevalent in regions like Oklahoma and Arkansas. Although a great option for some locations, wrought iron does have a tendency to rust, so premium manufacturers often apply a durable powder coating to enhance longevity.

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Polymer or High Density Polyethylene

Adirondack furniture, which transitioned from wood to polymer, has gained immense popularity. Polymer is durable, rust-proof, and virtually maintenance-free, lacking fabric or cushions. Though not as cozy as cushioned options, polymer remains a reliable choice for uncovered spaces, fire pits, and porches. Dining sets crafted from polymer are also available on the market.

Teak

Teak furniture epitomizes elegance and is commonly associated with coastal aesthetics. Though it is a sturdy wood, maintenance is vital; without proper care, its rich brown hue can fade to a dull gray. Regular oiling can help maintain its original look. Alternatives to teak include aluminum finishes resembling wood grains that deliver a similar aesthetic without the upkeep concerns.

Patio Furniture Fabrics

100% Solution Dyed Acrylic

The durability of patio cushions largely hinges on their fabric material. The top-tier option is 100% Solution Dyed Acrylic, known for its fade, mildew, and water resistance. Renowned brands such as Sunbrella dominate this market. While acrylic can withstand uncovered applications for 5 to 10 years, many manufacturers offer warranties up to five years, especially in shaded settings.

Polyester

On the lower end of the spectrum lies polyester, which is commonly used in cheaper outdoor furniture. Its lifespan ranges from 1 to 3 years, necessitating more frequent replacement. Consider opting for cushionless seating options like wrought iron or polymer if durability is a concern.

The cushion design significantly impacts comfort and longevity. Standard cushion thickness can range from 3 inches to 10 inches, where thicker models generally offer added comfort. Premium cushions may incorporate water vapor barriers and drainage holes to expedite drying. Elite manufacturers often use HR foam to retain cushion shape while preventing sagging over time.

Olefin

Olefin is an affordable alternative known for its resistance to fading and mildew, suitable for covered applications. Expect cushions containing olefin to require replacement within 2 to 5 years, available widely in mass retailers.

Sling

Sling fabrics, constructed with PVC, dry quickly and are easy to maintain. Their lightweight, low-maintenance design is especially popular for chaise lounges and dining chairs. Sling fabric can be made using 100% Solution Dyed Acrylic or olefin.

Reticulated Foam

This innovative foam merges the comfort of cushions with the practicality of sling designs, making it easy to clean off. It has been successfully applied to woven furniture and offers value for uncovered environments, lake houses, and rental properties.

Patio Furniture Construction

The final crucial aspect of quality patio furniture lies in its construction. Furniture can be sold as ready-to-assemble or fully welded. Ready-to-assemble items require at-home assembly, while welded pieces arrive pre-assembled, providing greater stability and longevity. Welded constructions often come with warranties extending from 7 to 20 years, while ready-to-assemble varieties are generally less robust and may break more easily.

Another construction consideration is the mechanism for rocking chairs: options include fiberglass plate or C spring construction. While fiberglass plates are commonly found, quality between different brands can vary, so testing is vital. C spring designs are recognized for their strength and durability.

Finish quality is another important construction component. For metal pieces, finishes can be painted or powder-coated. Powder-coating stands out for its durability, offering protection against rust and oxidation. A good powder-coat finish can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years, though their quality varies. Innovative manufacturers now include both hand-rubbed finishes and protective topcoats to preserve the item’s aesthetic appeal.

In terms of polymer furniture, materials can differ significantly in quality. Tenjin plastic ranks as the most premium and expensive, akin to composite decking, while budget options might have rougher finishes and visible screws.

Teak, sourced from Southeast Asia, comes in different grades—A, B, or C—with respective differences in durability, strength, and wood richness.

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