All About Patio Furniture

It’s getting warm which means it is almost time to enjoy your patio. You’ve already got the area sectioned off and the design placement for your dream space but now you have to buy the actual furniture. The question is, where do you start?

There’s a plethora of materials and styles to pick. So, how do you make sure you’re getting the right set? Here are three easy steps on how to pick your dream patio furniture!

Step One: Decide on a Material

This first step is crucial in making sure you purchase your ideal pieces of furniture. What materials you use will set the style of your design, so knowing what each has to offer is important. Here are some of the most used types of patio furniture.

• Wicker - This material is durable, lightweight, and can be used to create cozy or country style designs. It often comes in woven wood, synthetic, or other natural elements such as bamboo. Typically, wicker is easy to clean.

• Wood – A nice wood set of furniture can warm up a space while staying sturdy and casual. Woods like teak and cedar have often been used in patio spaces that are more natural in style. However, over time some wood pieces may need to be sealed to prevent moisture buildup and rot.

• Aluminum – Contemporary fans tend to like using this material in their designs because of its ability to match many different outdoor environments with ease. It is also lightweight, sturdy, and easy to clean. This material is wonderful for resisting corrosion so it may be your pick if you want something that can stay outside the longest without wear and tear.

• Wrought Iron – If you’re looking for a material that will make your design into a more formal or classic setting, this is the way to go. With the ability to look luxurious, this material may be ideal for those wanting to entertain a more grown up crowd. It also is sturdy and hard to move and may need some care to prevent corrosion or rust.

• Mixed Materials – Don’t feel like you have to stick to just one material when deciding on furniture. Mix and match pieces, depending on your personal style!

Step Two: Decide the Purpose

Picking a material (or several) is half of the battle. Now you need to figure out how you want to use your patio space once it’s finished. Will it be mainly for lounging with your family or an entertaining space for your parties? Will it be a poolside retreat or an outdoor eatery meant to act as a second kitchen and dining area? Whichever purpose you choose will help you pick out the pieces of furniture you’ll need.

Step Three: Decide on the Pieces

Like materials, there are several different types of outdoor furniture that can fit almost any need. It’s important to purchase the right amount of seating, table space, storage, and even decoration to make your planned patio design really work. Here are a few examples of meeting certain needs with the right pieces:

• Lounging – If your most important goal is to lay back and enjoy your outdoor space, purchasing chaise lounge chairs is a must.

• Entertaining – Plan on holding a fair amount of large gatherings? Consider buying a sectional with comfortable cushions so you’re guests have room to sit and talk the day and night away.

• Cooking – If a grill, outdoor kitchen, or bar is a part of your patio design, finding durable yet stylish storage for utensils and dishware can make the experience easier and even more enjoyable.

• Dining – Having a dining space is a must for many people who love being outdoors as much as possible during the warmer months. If that’s the case, then purchasing a sturdy, stylish, and easy to clean table and matching chairs will be something that definitely needs to be considered.

Creating an outdoor space that you can enjoy is an exciting and fulfilling process. You just have to decide on your furniture materials, intended purpose of the space, and which pieces of furniture will suit your wants and needs best. Then all you have to do next is enjoy!

Tyler Snell is a writer for CabanaCoast, a luxury patio furniture retailer in Mississauga.