How to Choose the Right Outdoor Furniture for You

Your Guide to buying the best outdoor furniture

Overview

This outdoor furniture buying guide is designed to help you make informed decisions when purchasing furniture for your outdoor areas. It covers the different types of materials available, how to choose the right size, color, and style for your needs, and provides helpful tips for maintaining and caring for your furniture. With this guide, you'll be able to find the perfect outdoor furniture for your home, garden, or patio.

Key features

  1. Type of Furniture – Consider what type of outdoor furniture you need; such as a patio set, table, chairs, lounge chairs, hammocks, etc.
  2. Material – Consider the material of the furniture. Is it made of wood, metal, plastic, or a combination?
  3. Durability – Consider how durable the furniture is and how it will hold up to extreme weather conditions and regular use.
  4. Size and Shape – Consider the size and shape of the furniture in relation to the available space you have.
  5. Maintenance – Consider how much maintenance the furniture will need; such as cleaning, repainting, waterproofing, etc.
  6. Price – Consider how much you’re willing to spend on outdoor furniture and whether the quality is worth the cost.

See the most popular outdoor furniture on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Weather Resistant: Outdoor furniture is designed to withstand the elements and is generally more durable and weather resistant than indoor furniture.
  • Low Maintenance: Outdoor furniture often requires very little maintenance and is typically designed to be easy to clean and care for.
  • Flexible Placement: Outdoor furniture can be placed in numerous locations in and around the home, allowing for greater flexibility in decorating and design.
  • Styles & Colors: Outdoor furniture is offered in a wide variety of styles and colors to fit a variety of tastes and budgets.
  • Low Cost: Outdoor furniture is generally less expensive than indoor furniture, making it a more budget-friendly option for furnishing an outdoor space.
  • Comfort: Outdoor furniture is often designed with comfort in mind, making it a great option for relaxing and entertaining outdoors.

Cons

  • Durability: Outdoor furniture is typically exposed to the elements, and may require special care or additional protection to prevent fading, warping, or other damage.
  • Cost: Outdoor furniture can range considerably in cost, depending on the materials and features.
  • Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required to keep outdoor furniture looking its best and ensure it lasts for years to come.
  • Size/Weight: Outdoor furniture can be bulky and heavy, making it difficult to move or store.
  • Fashion: Outdoor furniture may come in trendy, fashionable designs, but can also be more difficult to coordinate with existing patio décor.

Best alternatives

  1. Gazebo - A large tent-like structure with a roof, used for shade and shelter
  2. Hammock - A lightweight, portable bed made of cloth or rope, hung in the air between two trees or poles
  3. Umbrella - A shade device that attaches to a pole or stand and is supported by ribs
  4. Awning - An outdoor structure attached to a building, which is designed to provide shade and protection from the elements
  5. Outdoor Rug - A rug designed for outdoor use, usually made of polypropylene or other water-resistant material
  6. Outdoor Heater - An appliance that heats the air in outdoor areas, such as a patio or deck
  7. Outdoor Fire Pit - A metal or stone structure designed to contain a fire outdoors
  8. Outdoor Lighting - Lights designed to provide illumination outdoors, such as lights for pathways or to highlight landscaping
  9. Outdoor Seating - Chairs, benches, and other seating designed for outdoor use, typically made of weather-resistant materials

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Outdoor Covers/Umbrellas - Protective covers and umbrellas to shield outdoor furniture from harsh weather conditions.
  • Cushions/Pillows - Soft, outdoor-safe cushions or pillows to add comfort and style.
  • Table Cloths/Tableware - Table cloths and outdoor-safe tableware to help set the stage for outdoor meals.
  • Outdoor Rugs/Carpets - Outdoor-safe rugs and carpets to add decorative elements to your outdoor space.
  • Outdoor Lighting - Lights and lamps to help light up your outdoor space.
  • Outdoor Decor - Wall art, sculptures, and other decorative features to help make your outdoor space unique.
  • Outdoor Storage - Benches, shelves, and other storage solutions to help keep your outdoor area organized.

Common questions

  1. What types of outdoor furniture are available? Outdoor furniture can include chairs, tables, benches, loungers, hammocks, swings, and more.
  2. What types of materials are used to make outdoor furniture? Outdoor furniture is typically made from materials like wicker, metal, wood, plastic, and stone.
  3. How do I decide which type of outdoor furniture to buy? Consider factors like your budget, the size of the space, the climate, the furniture's purpose, and the existing decor.
  4. What should I look for when shopping for outdoor furniture? Look for furniture that is weather-resistant, durable, easy to clean, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing.
  5. What are the benefits of buying outdoor furniture? Benefits include increased enjoyment of outdoor spaces, improved home value, and creating pleasant areas for gathering with friends and family.

Trivia

The use of outdoor furniture dates back to the Greek and Roman Empires, as well as Ancient Egypt. Archaeological evidence suggests that Ancient Egyptians used furniture made of wood and metal for their outdoor spaces. The use of outdoor furniture has evolved throughout the centuries, from the ornate furniture of the aristocracy to the more practical furniture for everyday households. In modern times, innovative materials and technology have enabled outdoor furniture to be lightweight and weather-resistant, making it a great option for outdoor spaces. Source: Wikipedia.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.