Buying Outdoor Furniture

Don’t know what type of outdoor furniture to buy? With all the different styles of outdoor furniture available, the average homeowner is sure to be overwhelmed. By looking at the furniture in your home, you should be able to get a good idea of what styles you like, and what you do not like. For example, if your current dÃ?©cor is rustic, you might like Adirondack style furniture. If you are traditional, look at Iron and wicker furniture. If you like contemporary, you might like a chaise lounge, hammock, bar height set with stools, or a fire pit set.

Are you sure your outdoor furniture is durable? Outdoor furniture is come is an array of different materials with prices to match. In most cased, the higher priced items are most durable. If your budget for outdoor furniture is limited, consider buying one piece at a time. You will find that items made from cast or wrought iron, cement, and stone are very durable. High quality wicker (coated) is also durable and lighter weight as well. If you prefer wood, remember that harder wood is better. Teak especially, ages well and actually looks better with some age (patina).

Don’t forget to take care of outdoor furniture! High quality outdoor furniture can last for a very long time with proper care. The manufacturer’s instructions will tell you what kinds of detergents and cleaning methods to use. Some items need to be stored for protection during inclement weather, stone, iron, cement, can stay outside year round.

Don’t have anywhere to store your outdoor furniture in the winter? During the winter, you can incorporate you outdoor furniture into your indoor dÃ?©cor. Most homes can stand a few extra pieces inside during the cold months as they add warmth and coziness to the home. Just add pillows and throw blankets. Outdoor furniture makes excellent indoor furniture. Your iron or wicker bench will make a wonderful lounge chair. Your picnic table can be used as a craft table or double as a kitchen set. (You will want to protect indoor floors from outdoor furniture). Individual wicker chairs, can do double duty in a bedroom corner until it is needed outside. In the spring when it is time for your items to go back outside, you will be ready to create a more open feel, so you will not miss the extra furniture inside this time of year.

Can’t I just put my older indoor furniture outside? While you can use indoor furniture outside, it is not meant to withstand the bright sun, rain, wind, and pests. Thick glass and marble will do well outside, but expect it to age at bit. As for the rest, you can use it outside for special occasions, but you will not want to make it a habit because your upholstered pieces can fade, and other wood items will break down faster.