Nothing is better than spending time outside in your backyard, soaking up the sun, or taking in a cool breeze. Here in the south, we are fortunate to have pretty mild weather all year long, making backyard entertaining a regular activity. Spending time outdoors and in our backyards has increased since COVID-19. People want to enjoy their homes and want more space to relax, entertain, and spend time with their family and friends. People are also investing more money into their patios by building outdoor kitchens, installing outdoor TVs, and installing outdoor fireplaces. With those home improvements comes the need for more furniture. That is where Gracious Home Interiors come in! We are here to tell you what to know about outdoor patio furniture.

Selecting Patio Furniture 

We all know that spending time outside is good for your health. Since you spend more time outside, your outdoor space should reflect your personality and lifestyle. Your patio should be a beautifully designed space where you can enjoy it rain or shine. 

When designing a patio or an entertaining outdoor area, we start by learning what our clients want out of the space. Outdoor furniture is a significant investment, and our clients want to make sure they are making the right purchases. We compiled the top 5 questions that our clients have asked about buying outdoor furniture.  

Is it worth investing in outdoor furniture?

We all know outdoor furniture is an investment, and it should be. It lives outside and stands against natural elements. When you select patio furniture made with the best sun-resistant fabrics, materials, and weather-resistant coatings, you are buying something made to last and worth the investment. If you opt for purchasing furniture made from low-cost materials, they are sure to crack, fade, mildew, and break. Save yourself time, money, and frustration by picking out long-lasting furniture.

What type of outdoor furniture is the most durable?

When it comes to outdoor furniture, the one thing that holds more weight than the design is the furniture’s durability. Outdoor furniture endures direct sunlight, rain, and sometimes inclement weather. When looking for the most durability, you must consider the space first. If your area is primarily in direct sun, it’s best to avoid metal furniture that will get hot and dark-colored fabrics that tend to fade the fastest. Look for furniture constructed with sun-resistant fabrics and weather-resistant materials and treated with weather-resistant coatings.

What is the best weather-resistant material for outdoor furniture?

Weather-Resistant Fabrics –

The elements cause various reactions to outdoor furniture. For fabrics, rain and moisture cause the fabric to mold, mildew, and rot. Weather-resistant fabric prevents damage to the fabric by keeping the moisture out. Some of our favorite weather-resistant fabrics are Sunbrella and Thibaut’s Inside Out fabric. 

Metal furniture –

Metal furniture made from aluminum or steel prevents rust and corrosion and is a great choice. Furniture made from iron and steel tends to rust and discolors. If you are by the ocean with salt and water in the air, stay away from metal furniture because it will oxidize and deteriorate over time.

Wood furniture –

Wood is one of our favorites because it is timeless and weathers nicely over time. Look for wood types like cypress and eastern red cedar that will withstand humid and wet areas. Other wood types will need maintenance periodically with oil or stain. This may be a downside for some clients.

Wicker and Rattan furniture –

Synthetic wicker and rattan are frequently used in furniture design. The materials are fade resistant from sunlight exposure. There’s little needed to maintain it, and it can remain outside covered or uncovered during the winter.

What is the best time to buy patio furniture?

Fall is the best time to buy outdoor furniture because the rush from the beginning of the year has passed, and more is in stock. In the fall, vendors start planning on launching new products for the spring so that they may also have better pricing on collections. If you are working on an outdoor renovation project, we do not advise you to wait until the project is finished to buy furniture. Furniture that needs to be ordered can take 6-12 weeks to arrive, so you want it to be delivered when your project is complete.

What patio furniture can be left outside in the winter?

The great news for the south is that all-weather outdoor furniture can be left outside during the winter. If you live in other parts of the country, we would strongly advise you to plan to store your furniture inside. It is also essential to cover any outdoor furniture to prolong the life of the furniture.

Do Your Research

Many new materials on the market are high-performing and make for good alternatives to the more common outdoor materials. Resin furniture is an excellent alternative to plastic that tends to crack after sun exposure and temperature fluctuations. Look for products that will repel rain and moisture, and prevent sun damage and extreme temperatures.

How We Can Help

Buying outdoor furniture is exciting, and it’s incredible how you can create so many different entertaining spaces in your backyard. We advise you to invest in well-designed patio furniture that will add value and show off your home. Select outdoor furniture that withstands the elements and find products that speak to you and your lifestyle. Want some design help? Give Gracious Home Interiors a call. We will design a backyard with quality patio furniture to have you enjoying your home for years.

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Want some outdoor furniture ideas for your backyard space? Shop our outdoor collection.