Things to Consider When Buying Outdoor Furniture Is the furniture appropriately scaled to the outdoor area where it will be used? A small patio or deck can be dwarfed by large furniture groupings. Conversely, a spacious deck looks best with a larger grouping. Will the furniture seat the required number of people? Consider who typically uses the furniture. Do you plan on entertaining large groups? Stackable metal or resin chairs store in a small space, ready for that garden party or family reunion. Do the styles and colors of the furniture blend with your home? Treat your deck or patio as you would any other room in your home when decorating. Outdoor furniture is available in many styles, from rustic to modern. Choose from cushions with colors as vivid or subdued as you like. Aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant. Durable and tough, aluminum can withstand wear and tear. Finishes adhere well to aluminum, which is important when you consider your outdoor furniture may be exposed to moisture and harsh weather.
There are plenty of color and finish options, including woodgrain. Steel is heavier and stronger than aluminum but not as heavy as iron. Steel-framed furniture is quite durable. Iron is the strongest and heaviest of all metal furniture and certainly won’t blow away. Iron chair frames require cushions for comfort. Since wrought iron is rust-resistant rather than rust-free, it may need occasional paint touchups. Wicker is suitable for indoor or outdoor use, making it a great choice for sunrooms, porches, decks or patios. Wicker works best with cushions. Wood is a natural alternative to metal or plastic. Wood furniture will typically require more maintenance in order to protect it from the elements. Cedar and teak are excellent choices since they naturally resist rot and insects.Plastic (or resin) is inexpensive, lightweight, easy to clean and durable. Resin chairs are molded into shape and can be used with or without cushions. Bistro sets are ideal for small spaces such as a balcony, apartment patio or breakfast nook and are available in most all materials.
Go with a wrought iron set for a classic look or a cushioned set for added comfort. Bistro sets come in standard and balcony-height and can be dressed up with decorative seat cushions. Dining sets are the way to go for enjoying meals alfresco. Anything from five- to nine-piece sets are available to accommodate friends and family. If you only need a large table every now and then, look for an extendable dining table. Upholstered or wood chairs give the same comfort as dining indoors. Conversation sets provide the comfort of your living room outdoors. A pair of conversation chairs with ottomans and an accent table adds a nice sitting area to a front or back porch. If you have a large family look for a loveseat and coffee table set so everyone has room to spread out. Modular sets can be grouped into different configurations depending on the occasion, making them great for entertaining. Cushion and sling-style chairs are two of the main seating choices, and can do double duty as dining chairs.
Caned and woven seat options are comfortable as-is or with a cushion, and work great in pairs with a small accent table. If you want extra support or just a pop of color, decorative seat cushions are available for all chair types. Chairs are available with high, mid or low backs and many seats come in children’s sizes too. Accessory pieces have gone beyond the traditional chaise lounges to include benches, gliders, swings and garden stools. Collections offer conversation chairs with matching ottomans, loveseats and sofas, providing all the comforts of indoor furniture outdoors. For the ultimate in relaxation, treat yourself to a hammock. Cushions and Other Accessories Cushions allow you to change the look of your furniture without replacing the entire piece. Look for cushions that are waterproof, washable, and mildew- and fade-resistant. Materials range from cotton-blend fabric to polyester or PVC-coated fabric. Make sure you match the proper cushion size and style to the chair.
Canopies, pergolas and gazebos create a dynamic look and give you a break from the heat while still enjoying the outdoors. Pair coordinating tables and umbrellas to round out your patio or deck ensemble. Tables come with glass, tile, wood or metal tabletop options so you can pick the surface that best meets your needs. Don’t forget rugs, outdoor heating and the unlimited variety of outdoor décor accessories to give you the ultimate outdoor living space. Shop Patio Cushions and Pillows7 Sources for Budget Outdoor Furniture So you want to create a little outdoor oasis but you're a little strapped for cash. Don't worry — it doesn't always take a lot of money to look like a million bucks. Here are seven sources for budget outdoor furniture to help you get started. IKEA: Any time we do a budget furniture roundup, IKEA is bound to appear. Their furniture may not last a lifetime but it'll definitely get you through a few summers. Shown: BROMMÖ Chaise lounge; Wayfair: While there's certainly a share of higher end and mid-range outdoor furniture here, you can also find a generous amount of budget options.
Wayfair also offers free shipping, which will help keep costs down. Shown: Crosley Gracie Retro Spring Arm Chair; Pier 1: Whether in-store or online, this is a great source for traditional wicker outdoor furniture. If shopping online, they offer free shipping on orders over $75. $139.95, currently on sale for $97.96. World Market: The great thing about World Market is that their furniture ranges from traditional to more modern. Their pieces are already pretty affordable — and they frequently offer discounts. Shown: Cadiz Stacking Chair; $79.98 for a set of 2. CB2: Their furniture may be a little on the the higher side of budget shopping, but their modern designs are worth a little extra. Plus, if you keep an eye out, CB2 runs sales and discounts on select items. Shown: Rex Dining Chair; Overstock: Bargain shoppers are no doubt already familiar with Overstock. Their outdoor offerings are quite vast, ranging in both style and price. Shown: Indoor/Outdoor Zig Zag Bean Bag Chair Lounger;