10 Essential Tips for Choosing Outdoor Furniture

Transforming part of your yard into an open-air family space for two or three seasons each year is an appealing concept. It's a more affordable alternative to expanding your home with another room. Who needs walls when you can embrace the outdoors? Living outdoors offers a 'green' touch, reconnecting you with nature that can be easily managed with a garden hose or bug spray.

Shifting to outdoor living does require some thoughtful investment. When creating your outdoor retreat, selecting comfortable and durable furniture could be the key difference between enjoying the fresh air on your patio or retreating indoors after a few moments in an uncomfortable, flimsy chair.

Patio décor should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also durable enough to brave the elements and offer value for your outdoor investment. Here are 10 key factors to keep in mind when choosing outdoor furniture.

10: Prioritize High Quality

From uneven welds to cracked wheels and poor paint jobs, a thorough inspection will reveal whether that so-called outdoor furniture deal is truly a bargain or simply a poor purchase that won’t last. Remember, outdoor furnishings may need to endure sunlight, wind, rain, and even rough use. It’s easy to underestimate their importance compared to indoor furniture, but they often require even more durability. Always inspect each item closely for defects, especially when the price seems too low to be true. In many cases, higher prices signify better quality.

9: Form Should Match Function

When choosing materials for your outdoor furniture, it's essential to think about how you’ll use the furniture and how much upkeep you're willing to do.

For example, a lightweight aluminum or plastic chair will be rust-resistant and easy to move if you plan to use it for events like the annual neighborhood block party or store it away in the shed by October. While it may not have the durability of a heavy iron or stainless steel chair, it could be stackable or foldable, allowing you to hang it on a wall when not in use.

In contrast, a cedar loveseat is sturdy and offers a more indoor-like feel. However, it requires more maintenance, such as reapplying sealant every few years, and moving it around to catch the right amount of shade or sun might be inconvenient.

8: Avoid Undersizing Your Selections

You’ve likely encountered those wire chairs that resemble slingshots. While they technically serve as chairs, you wouldn’t choose to sit in one if other options were available. One issue is size—some patio chairs are too small and uncomfortable, while others sit so low to the ground that getting up can be awkward, especially for older individuals. Loveseats and couches can be tricky as well, especially if they’re too deep, making sitting for long periods uncomfortable. When shopping for outdoor furniture, test the pieces in person. Comfort should be your priority when choosing.

7: Don’t Overlook the Shade

When the sun is at its peak, sitting outside can become uncomfortable if your furniture isn’t placed in the shade. What can you do if you don’t have a large tree nearby? The next best option is a shade cover. Whether it’s an umbrella you crank open, a motorized awning, or a permanent roof made of wood or fiberglass over your patio or deck, ensure you have a shaded area to stay cool and protected from the sun.

6: Embrace Flexibility

You know that cozy footstool in the living room that everyone fights over? It's a versatile and comfortable piece, and you want that same flexibility in your outdoor furniture. Here are some adaptable patio items to consider adding to your outdoor collection:

5: Keep an Eye on Sales

Everyone loves finding a great bargain, and seasonal outdoor furniture can fluctuate in price by as much as 40% depending on timing and location. Spring is generally not the best time to buy unless you can find deep discounts. The ideal time for purchasing is after July 5 (once the holiday is over) and through the end of the summer sales period in late August, especially in many regions.

If you make your purchase in August and store it until the next spring, you’ll still come out ahead. Large chain retailers with seasonal sections that need to clear inventory before restocking are often your best bet for unadvertised deals. If you spot something you like, don’t be afraid to ask the department manager for an extra discount—they might surprise you. It’s always worth asking.

4: Harmonize Your Furniture

While it’s tempting to turn your outdoor space into a peaceful retreat, remember that it’s part of your property and often visible to neighbors or passersby. That cheerful, bright orange lounge chair adorned with yellow smiley faces may seem charming, but it’s important to ensure it complements the look of your home’s exterior. Outdoor furniture should be fun and relaxed, but if you've just spent a fortune boosting your home's curb appeal, don’t ruin it with an out-of-place, seasonal decoration.

3: Cozy Comfort

Comfort is crucial -- really crucial. While steel or wood patio furniture offers strength and durability, it’s the comfort elements, like plush cushions, that will make your outdoor furniture truly enjoyable. Avoid flimsy, thin cushions that provide no support. Go for thick cushions that feel light in your hands. Look for cushions filled with polyester, as they dry quickly after moisture exposure. The lighter and more springy the filling, the better it resists mold and mildew, keeping it fresh and comfortable for longer.

2: Examine the Details

While a patio set may initially look great, it might have hidden flaws that become apparent after a few months of use. Here are some key details to check:

1: Prioritize the Fabrics

A pillow from your living room won't easily transition to the outdoors. Most outdoor textiles are crafted from all-weather fabrics designed to repel water or facilitate quick moisture evaporation by allowing the material to stay breathable.

Outdoor fabrics are typically designed to be fade-resistant and UV-protected. These fabrics maintain their look and softness for multiple seasons. When inspecting fabric for patio furniture, ensure that the seams are stitched with durable thread and show consistent, even stitching. Opt for cushions that have vents to promote airflow and quick drying.

Choose furniture with removable cushions that can be unzipped for airing, maintenance, or replacement. It's also wise to invest in cushions that are reversible, helping them keep their shape, dry faster, and fade more evenly. Materials like acrylic, polyester, treated canvas, and cotton duck are commonly used in outdoor furnishings and are ideal for cushions, pillows, upholstery, curtains, blinds, and umbrellas.