Your backyard is an oasis. It’s a perfect escape for basking in the sun on your glamorous oyster shell pool float, or adding new cocktail mixer to your outdoor bar cart. The key element to enjoying your outdoor space, however, is through the furniture. (What’s a backyard without a great space to recline!?) From finding the best fabric for your outdoor sofa to sleuthing out a perfect cabana, we know outdoor furniture is an investment that takes serious consideration and focus. There’s so much to know about creating your own personal slice of outdoor heaven, whether you love to host fabulous dinner parties or crave a self-care day from the comfort of your home.
What Are Durable Materials for Outdoor Furniture?
To make sure your outdoor furniture is strong enough to weather actual storms and stand the test of time, looking into the quality of the is key.
Metal is of the most durable materials you can choose for outdoor furniture. It’s strong, obviously, and can be easily manipulated to shape elaborate and intricate designs. Manufacturers can work with a lot of different metals, creating thin frames or sturdy beams for a pergola. Whether you opt for stainless steel (to prevent rusting), iron, or aluminum (as it’s affordable and is coated in furniture-saving protective paint or powder).
When considering how to deck out your space, wood is another classic choice to consider. If cared for properly, teak wood specifically will be resistant to rotting due to its high level of natural oils. It also prevents sneaky insects and warping. A fashionable option is rattan furniture, but if you’re concerned about weak you might opt for hardier all-resin wicker.
- Wood furniture requires a lot of TLC. “Wood provides a ‘natural look,’ but requires much more maintenance than steel or aluminum,” Solomon explains. “Many types of wood materials require sealing every three to six months or they will dry and start to crack. Natural wood such as teak will also age and turn gray after a few months of sun exposure.” And if you want it to look new again? Get out your sander.
- Most metals need a protective coating. “Iron is typically heavier than aluminum and is more suitable for high-wind and rooftop installations. However, steel and iron will rust in humid or wet conditions. A quality pre-coat treatment can delay the rusting,” says Solomon. He recommends tending to scratches and dents in the finish of the material as s00n as possible or the rust will continue to spread underneath. And do not place either iron or aluminum furniture in either chlorine or salt water pools, as it will damage the finish. (On the upside, cleaning metal with soap or a mild detergent is all that is required in terms of upkeep. A fine automotive wax may be applied to maintain the appearance of a gloss finish.)
- Powder-coated aluminum is the most worry-free option. This lightweight metal can be moved around in your backyard and easily cleaned. Solomon advises, “In coastal and high salt areas, salt from the air should be wiped off with a damp cloth regularly making sure the underside of the surfaces are cleaned as well or the finish will oxidize causing blistering. In most regions, only cleaning with soap or a mild detergent is required.”
- Resin wicker lasts longer than plant-based wicker. Though it suits a wide range of aesthetics, plant-based (i.e., “real”) wicker can fade over time due to sun exposure and rain. It’s better to keep these pieces indoors and covered when the weather is stormy—so at the very least, on a covered porch if outdoors. On the flip side, high-quality synthetic resin wicker is resistant to bad weather and UV rays, and is super easy to clean.
When Should You Replace Your Outdoor Furniture?
While outdoor entertaining allows for countless summers (and falls, and springs—at least!) of fun, your furniture can’t be the life of the party forever. Outdoor furniture doesn’t have an “expiration date,” per se, but when signs of wear and tear, or, worse, odors, cling to your daybed, it’s time to let the good times go. According to Solomon, the lifespan of any piece of outdoor furniture is based on its:
- Quality
- Maintenance
- Environment
- Performance
How to Care for Outdoor Fabrics Year-Round
Outdoor and performance fabrics (there’s a difference!) are available in countless textures, patterns, and colorways. The goal is to find the ones that won’t fade or wear in your climate. You will know when you struck gold with a performance fabric if it features three superstar components: UV-resistance, water-repellent qualities, and overall durability.
How to Budget for Outdoor Furniture
Before buying or commissioning any pieces, it’s important to take inventory on what you have, what you need, and the amount of space you’re working with. Then spend where it counts.
When buying expensive pieces, pay close attention to ensure they are designed with quality materials that will withstand weather elements. (For example, teak is pretty expensive but will weather nicely and stand the test of time, if you care for it, so you can have those pieces for many seasons to come.) Save on smaller items such as side tables, decorative accessories, and throw pillows that can be brought indoors or placed in an outdoor storage trunk. If you leave one throw pillow out and it gets moldy, it’s not a huge deal to replace it. Choosing some smaller-price-point items gives you the flexibility to swap them out seasonally, annually, or whenever you’d like to freshen up your outdoor space!
Where to Begin
Preparing to build your dream outdoor experience? When it comes to finding the best outdoor furniture, begin the process by mapping out the amount of space you have. Before getting whisked away in the joy of entertaining guests outside, though, Gienger suggests starting your search with the table and chairs. “A dining table setup is the best place to start when outfitting your backyard space—and arguably the most important [component]—because it serves as a multi-functional space for eating, hosting, and gathering. From there, you can look to bring in lounge furniture for additional seating, and gathering spaces in your backyard,” she says.
Post time: Jan-21-2022
