A guide to choosing outdoor furniture for home
BY READERS DIGEST
25th Jul 2021 Property

A lot of people love to relax in their outdoor spaces, such as decks and patios, during the warm summer months. It is fun to relax in the outdoor spaces.
You and your loved ones can relax there. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right furniture for your outdoor space.
You need to consider the size, cost, materials, comfort, and functionality before choosing outdoor furniture. The process of purchasing garden furniture is the same as the process of purchasing indoor furniture. However, there are special considerations you must consider when purchasing outdoor furniture according to gardenfurniture.co.uk.
Here are the tips for purchasing outdoor furniture:
1. The Weather
It is important to consider the weather in your local area before choosing outdoor furniture. The climate can affect your outdoor furniture, reducing the lifespan of the furniture.
For instance, your wooden furniture can splinter and crack during hot and dry conditions. The wooden furniture can rot due to frequent moisture. Aluminum furniture can fly due to strong winds. Iron rusts due to the salty air. The worst of all is the sun. This is because the sun degrades synthetic materials, bleaches wood and fabrics, and discolors and dulls the paint.
Therefore, you must consider the inherent properties of the material to help you choose long-lasting outdoor furniture. Sunlight does not affect the metal. However, UV can damage rubber and plastic. So, do not just believe the claims of the manufacturer.
Wood furniture usually comes with a quality finish. The finish is weather-resistant. However, the finish wears and breaks down after some time. So, you will have to replace your wood furniture or refinish them after some time.
Think long-term when choosing your outdoor furniture. How will your outdoor furniture look ten and twenty years from now?
2. Measure Your Outdoor Space
You must consider the space and the measurement of the outdoor space you have. Some outdoor spaces are broad and wide decks or long and narrow balconies. Therefore, you need to measure the outdoor space before choosing outdoor furniture.
You can use the measurement to choose the right furniture for the outdoor space. Make sure your outdoor furniture can leave extra space for walking around your outdoor space. Selecting furniture for your outdoor space is just like selecting furniture for your family or living room.
It is much better to choose a bar table for your small outdoor spaces. Do not choose the regular dining set. Bar tables are suitable for small spaces since they do not take much room. Additionally, you can select bistro tables and chairs since they also do not take much space.
Therefore, measure the dimensions of the outdoor space before you begin shopping for outdoor furniture. Write down the measurements and take your tape measure the measurements to the local store. It is much better to write down the measurements since it is easy to forget them. Do not go to the local store without the measurements because you may end up choosing small or big outdoor furniture.
3. Where Will You Place Your Outdoor Furniture?
If your outdoor space does not have an overhead covering, you must choose the right material. The material should withstand the different elements.
Additionally, you need to consider the surface of the outdoor space.
It is important to consider the surroundings and environment before choosing outdoor furniture. If the outdoor furniture will rest on a grassy surface and you do not have an overhead covering, do not choose softwood furniture. The softwood furniture will rot quickly because of the moisture. Metal furniture can even corrode because of moisture.
4. Comfort
It is important to choose comfortable outdoor furniture since you will use your outdoor space to relax and unwind. If the lounges and chairs do not have cushions, you can purchase them separately. However, you need to choose high-quality fabric for your outdoor furniture. Make sure the fabric is mildew- and fade-resistant.
Remember, the furniture will last longer than the upholstery. Therefore, you will replace the pillows and cushions several times before you replace the furniture. You can increase the lifespan of the fabrics and upholstery. How? If you are not using them, store them. Once you finish using them, store them. It is even better to keep them away from the different elements.
Do not just purchase comfortable chairs. You can also purchase recliners, rockers, or chaise lounges for your outdoor space. But try out the furniture before purchasing them. Daybeds and hammocks are perfect for stretching out.
5. Storage
You will need to store your fabric items and even outdoor furniture during winter. Therefore, make sure you have enough room in your home for storing them. Do not just cover your outdoor furniture with furniture covers. They cannot protect the furniture throughout the winter. It is better to store your furniture indoors. However, if you do not have enough room in your home, you might want to purchase outdoor furniture that you can fold flat.
6. Budget
You will need to consider your budget before purchasing your outdoor furniture. It is better to purchase high-quality outdoor furniture within your budget.
Do not purchase the cheapest furniture since it will not last for a long time. If you are on a tight budget, you can look for the best options for your money.
It is better to shop for outdoor furniture in July and August. You are more likely to get discounts during these months.
You can choose cheap and durable materials, such as heavy-duty resin or aluminum. You can even look for the cheap woods.
Check out thrift stores and yard sales. You may find affordable, high-quality outdoor furniture. A lot of people usually sell their outdoor furniture since it is difficult to transport them. You can purchase them because it is easy to refinish or paint used outdoor furniture. You can even dress up your furniture with new pillows and cushions.
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