Your patio must be one of your favorite outdoor spots for relaxing, watching the sunset, or enjoying a drink with friends during the pleasant summer months. It is often an airy extension of your indoor living space where you can spend quality time with your dear ones and enjoy the fresh air.

So, equipping your patio with the right furniture is important to lend a comfortable, aesthetically appealing, and inviting look. If you’re planning to buy patio furniture, here’s how to make the right choice.

Purpose of patio furniture
An outdoor living area or patio is as important as an indoor space, so choosing the right furniture for your patio requires the same amount of attention as choosing furniture for your bedroom or indoor living area. Having comfortable and eye-catching furniture on the patio means you can entertain guests, spend quality time with your loved ones, and dine outside whenever you feel like. That being said, choosing furniture for the patio requires research about the furniture material and design to ensure maximum comfort, aesthetic value, and durability.

Types of patio furniture material
When looking for outdoor furniture, you will come across plenty of options in the market. Patio furniture is available in different materials, styles, and sizes to suit different weather conditions, aesthetic requirements, and functionality. Some common types of patio furniture material you can choose from are:

  • Synthetic resin: This is one of the best materials for modern patio furniture if you want an aesthetically pleasing, lightweight, and low-maintenance setting. This type of patio furniture can withstand different weather conditions and is extremely durable. While the traditional ones are woven like wicker, they’re not like the natural wicker that fades and starts looking old when exposed to sunlight for long. The common types of materials used for making synthetic resin wicker furniture are nylon, PVC, and polyethylene.
  • Wood: Woods like teak, acacia, cedar, and eucalyptus are some of the best options for patio furniture. Teak is the most popular choice as it can withstand harsh weather conditions, has a warm tone, and is aesthetically pleasing. Teak can also resist insect attacks and is impermeable to water. On the other hand, eucalyptus offers major cost savings as compared to teak and is insect-, weather-, and rot-resistant. Acacia furniture is hardy, durable, and ideal for different weather conditions, while cedar is a lightweight and suitable option for outdoor furniture. Cedar is sturdy and resistant to insects and rot, but it retains moisture and is susceptible to cracks and dents. Cypress is a better option than cedar, as it can resist rot, insects, moisture, scratches, and dents.
  • Metals: Furniture made of aluminum, steel, wrought iron, and other metals is durable and ideal for outdoor spaces. Aluminum furniture is lightweight, sturdy, rust-resistant, and durable, while steel is heavier and harder than aluminum and can resist dents and withstand strong winds. While plain steel can rust easily, stainless and galvanized steel are suitable options for patio furniture. Wrought iron is the heaviest material and perfect for harsh winds. While iron can rust, furniture made with powder-coated wrought iron promises better water- and rust-resistance.
  • Rattan: Natural rattan fiber strips are tightly woven to make durable and aesthetically-pleasing patio furniture. This type of furniture is lightweight, classic in appearance, flexible, and comfortable, but it cannot resist moisture and can fade in sunlight. So, it should be covered or brought inside when it’s sunny or raining outside. Rattan fibers may also loosen over time.
  • Fabric: Upholstered patio furniture is the most comfortable option for outdoor lounging. The types of fabric used for outdoor furniture include water-resistant options like polyester, vinyl, and acrylic. These materials are breathable and can resist moisture and outdoor damage, but ensure that you choose upholstered furniture with the right fill material to prevent mold and mildew issues. Also, upholstered furniture cannot be left unprotected during winters.

Tips for choosing patio furniture
If you like spending quality time on the patio, ensure that you select comfortable and durable patio furniture. Keep these tips in mind while out shopping:

  • Measure the space: Before selecting any furniture for your patio, measure the outdoor space and consider the shape to understand whether it is long and narrow or broad and spacious. The shape and space of the patio are important to determine the furniture size. Also, there should be enough space to walk around the furniture comfortably. If the patio space is small, a bar table set with stools or café and bistro tables and chairs with a smaller profile are good choices.
  • Keep the weather in mind: Before choosing any outdoor furniture, consider the weather to keep the furniture in top condition for long. While hot and dry conditions can cause certain types of wood to crack and splinter, strong winds and thunderstorms can send lightweight aluminum furniture flying. Also, wicker furniture cannot withstand continuous exposure to moisture, so consider these factors before picking the type of furniture you want to buy.
  • Decide where you will keep the furniture: This is yet another important factor to consider while buying patio furniture. You need to consider whether the patio has an overhead covering or is exposed to environmental elements. Also, keep in mind whether the furniture will rest on soft grass or a hard surface. These factors will help you choose the material and aesthetics of the patio furniture that match well with the environment and surroundings. For instance, furniture made from softwood like pine is not suitable for an exposed area and a grassy surface, as moisture from the ground can rot and damage the wood. Some metals may also corrode because of moisture.
  • Choose weatherproof and durable material: If you’re wondering which material to choose for your patio furniture, you should consider factors like the weather, maintenance, aesthetics, and durability. A material that can stand up to different weather conditions in your region is an ideal pick. Also, choose a material that does not require much maintenance and care. For instance, aluminum, teak, and resin furniture are easy to maintain, while wrought-iron furniture can withstand heat and moisture and is quite durable. On the other hand, resin furniture made from high-density polyethylene is perfect for damp environments.
  • Choose comfortable options: Patio or outdoor furniture is mostly used for relaxing in the evenings, so keep comfort in mind while choosing the furniture, in addition to aesthetics and durability. You can also have cushions or pillows for the chairs if you want a cozy setting. Additionally, ensure that you choose a premium quality fabric that can resist mildew and will not fade. You can also store the pillows or cushions inside when not in use, especially during the winter months. Rockers and recliners are perfect options for relaxing outdoors.
  • Quality is the key: When buying patio furniture, choose premium quality and durable ones to ensure that they last long. While plastic resin chairs and tables look attractive, they may lose their color and become brittle when exposed to different weather conditions. You may face similar problems with wood and wicker furniture, so do some research and check customer reviews online before making a purchase.
  • Budget: Before you go shopping for patio furniture, fix a budget and make purchases accordingly. While it is important to buy the best furniture for comfort and durability, you can also get premium-quality ones at a lesser cost. Shop during the sale period or choose inexpensive materials that are fairly durable.
  • Storage space: You may have to store the outdoor furniture during winters, so choose furniture for which you have enough storage space inside your house. If you do not have any storage space, purchase chairs and tables that you can use indoors during winter months or whenever the need arises. Foldable furniture is also a good option if storage is an issue.

Tips for maintaining patio furniture
Outdoor furniture is exposed to various external conditions and may develop rust marks, scratches, mildew, and cracks over time. Here are some tips to keep patio furniture as good as new for years:

  • Clean the furniture regularly: This is important to ensure that your outdoor furniture lasts longer, but follow the right techniques to clean different types of furniture. If you have aluminum, plastic, or vinyl furniture, use hot soapy water to get rid of the dirt and then rinse it with plain water. On the other hand, use only plain water on wooden furniture and a clean sponge to get rid of the debris.
  • Waterproof the furniture: If you do not have weather-resistant furniture, applying some wax to the frame is a smart way to keep it shiny and protected from moisture. For wooden furniture, use wood-friendly protective waxes and pastes, and use waterproof covers for heavy metal outdoor furniture to protect them from rain and moisture. For upholstered outdoor furniture made of synthetic and waterproof fabrics, you can use a damp cloth to remove the dirt and dust and then use a soapy solution to clean them.
  • Store the furniture during the off-season: Store wooden furniture indoors during winter, especially cedar and teak furniture. The same applies to cushions and fabric furniture as well. One of the best ways to extend the life of your patio furniture is to store it indoors when not in use.
  • Check for rust and mildew: If you notice any signs of rust, mold, or mildew, remove it immediately. Ensure that you check the furniture regularly and get rid of the problems at the earliest to prevent further damage. Also, fix minor cracks without any delay.

Top patio furniture brands you can check out
If you’re looking to buy patio furniture, here are some brands you can trust:

  • Brown Jordan: This is one of the best brands in the country that makes luxurious all-weather outdoor furniture in different materials and designs. It has more than 30 unique collections, and every piece of furniture is sure to meet your expectations of luxurious comfort.
  • Harmonia Living: Harmonia Living specializes in high-density polyethylene wicker furniture, and you can find some of the finest wicker furniture options with this brand. This eco-friendly material can resist scratches and stay as good as new for a long time. It is also infused with UV inhibitors and does not fade. So, if you’re looking for quality furniture at reasonable rates, this brand is an ideal option for you.
  • Forever Patio: Whether you’re looking for regular patio furniture or stylish daybeds and bar tables, you will find some of the best ones with Forever Patio. It offers furniture with tasteful designs and detailed styling, and the furnishings are highly durable and can withstand different weather conditions. This mid-range outdoor furniture brand combines quality, impressive functionality, and comfort at economical rates.
  • Sunset West: This renowned brand offers a range of impressive and durable furniture with deep-seated designs. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, the family-owned business is known for exceptional outdoor furnishings that combine style, comfort, and quality.
  • Woodard: The brand has been around for over 150 years and uses state-of-the-art equipment and modern technology to manufacture contemporary, eye-catching, and exotic patio furniture. If you’re looking for durable and weather-resistant furniture, Woodard has many options for you.
  • Tropitone: This brand is quite popular in the outdoor furniture industry and offers a range of premium-quality furniture that adds a hint of elegance to any patio and makes outdoor seating comfortable and enjoyable. The brand has furniture for home patios as well as motels, exotic resorts, and clubs.
  • Zuo Modern: This brand provides some of the most remarkable weather-resistant outdoor furniture in designs that can transform any space. Its creative, eye-catching, and luxurious outdoor furniture is not only popular in our country but also in many others.

Whether you use your patio for family dinners, friendly gatherings, relaxation, or entertainment, ensure that you choose the right patio furniture for the space and maintain them well. It’s best to opt for high-quality and durable furniture, even if it means shelling out some extra dollars, as it will benefit you in the long run.