Buying your outdoor furniture is almost as exciting as buying your first house with a deck or patio. Before you rush out to shop, take the time to figure out the best all-weather pieces for your patio, deck, or porch. I wish had (instead of ending up with outdoor furniture that underwhelms). High quality outdoor furniture will last a long time so you will want to make sure you purchase the look you will love.
Here are five things to know before you choose the best outdoor furniture for your home:
1. Cheap furniture can end up costing you more.
When you start shopping around on the internet for outdoor furniture, you’ll notice that there’s a huge range in prices. All furniture when it is purchased new looks great, however the test of time will let you know if the furniture is going to wear well. If you are purchasing furniture with cushions, the cushions can be as expensive as the frames or more. Good cushions will last longer and provide more comfort, some cushions even contain baffles to keep them dryer after a rain. High quality fabrics also resist fading outdoors and will pay off in the run. Though it may be tempting, don’t automatically go for the cheapest price you can get on outdoor furniture. The really cheap stuff tends to be lightweight and flimsy.
2. Other resellers often do not sell original manufacture cushions. Pay attention to comfort.
Cheap furniture often means that quality has been compromised somewhere. In this instance, many online furniture retailers will opt out of manufacture cushions and use a third-party vendor. More often than not, you are not receiving quality outdoor foam cushions and you are receiving polyester fill is that cheap and soft. After a few good uses, you will be left with a flattened cushion that offers no support. Cushions that are not outdoor rated are more susceptible to mildew. Support your local brick and mortar store and sit in their furniture. Get a feel for quality cushions.
3. Choose performance fabrics.
Sunbrella fabrics’ performance doesn’t stop at the finish–it’s engineered into the core of each fiber. Other fabrics are made with surface finishes that can gradually wear away and do not protect the integrity of the fabric. Their solution dyed fabrics maintain their rich color and unwavering strength through normal wear, exposure to natural light and the elements, and cleaning. It takes as little as 40% of indoor UV light to fade fabrics. Imagine your cushions being outside in the sun all day everyday. Many retail sellers will claim they are supplying quality outdoor fabrics, such as Sunbrella, and it is not. Fabrics that haven’t been proven to work outdoors will have your outdoor furniture looking old and dingy in no time. Double check the quality of outdoor fabrics that you are purchasing.
4. Quality of materials and withstanding the elements.
Most online furniture sets are not of the highest quality standards. The wicker style furniture you are viewing on Walmart is probably not an all-weather resin wicker. All-weather synthetic resin wicker is made from resins that are extracted from plant matter. These liquids are capable of hardening permanently. To save on costs, most wicker is made of plastic materials that will scratch, tear, and unravel over time. These types of material dry rot in the sun over time and become brittle. Consider your climate and what material will work best for your outdoor space. It is a good idea to protect your investment, regardless of where you’ve purchased, with covers.
5. Warranty.
Do your research and find furniture with significant warranty. You will find better warranties available with established and reputable outdoor furniture manufacturers. Most offer a 10-15 year warranty. This will assure your mind when and if your furniture needs attention. You are ensuring your investment is protected. It is also important to remember that by purchasing from a dealer (not online) whom has an established relationship with the vendor will stand behind the product as well. You will find it challenging to find an online retailer that offers any type of customer service, warranty, or delivery service.