Enjoy the beautiful summer weather and welcome your loved ones by creating your little relaxation area with outdoor furniture. Garden furniture brings comfort and functionality to any patio. In addition to a table, comfortable chairs and a sofa, a simple patio can be quickly transformed into a welcoming destination for a good meal, or a place to relax during the hot season.
However, a few key factors are to keep in mind before buying. Here are 5 tips to make sure you choose outdoor furniture that stands the test of time while suiting your needs.
1) Choose the right materials and fabrics
The use you want to make of your patio and the number of times you want to spend on maintenance will determine the type of furniture to choose from. If you want durable furniture, opt for sturdy and weather-resistant materials such as metal, aluminum, stainless steel, acrylic, vinyl or synthetic wicker: they do not rust and require no storage seasonal.
When it comes to fabrics, it's best to use acrylic fabrics and fabrics that do not discolour when extreme weather conditions occur. They must also resist mold, rubbing and tearing.
Here are some of the most popular materials for outdoor furniture:
-Synthetic wicker
The synthetic wicker garden furniture is a popular option among homeowners as they are moisture resistant and suitable for all types of weather conditions. Even under heavy rain, water does not enter the material, preventing the furniture from deforming. However, with time and use, wicker cords can begin to lift and discard, and the color may also fade slightly.
-Aluminum
Rustproof and highly durable, aluminum garden furniture is the most popular option for outdoor furniture. Thanks to its silver metallic finish, it is an excellent modern and upscale choice thanks to its elegance and contemporary chic look. Aluminum is impermeable to the sun and harmful rays, and requires little or no maintenance during the winter. It is also lightweight, which makes it easy to move and rearrange in your garden. Other advantages of this material: it does not crack, bend or become brittle when exposed to extreme temperatures or drastic fluctuations.
-Wood
Another popular option among homeowners is wood. Its natural look is very attractive in outdoor furniture. The wooden planks can be easily transformed into a bench surmounted by cushions, which can bring another atmosphere to your patio furniture. However, it requires regular treatment with a specific product to preserve the wood, and may also require UV protection. All woods are not created equal when used outdoors: choose weather-resistant woods such as teak, redwood, cypress and cedar for optimal results.
-Wrought iron
Considered to be one of the heaviest metals, wrought iron is extremely robust, making it a good choice to withstand Canada's harsh climates and withstand high winds. The malleability of wrought iron makes it ideal for creating hand-crafted models that can create a high-end effect. Although black is a classic color for wrought iron, it can be painted in any color. Disadvantage? It will rust if the finish is notched or scratched. Although durable, iron can be heavy to transport and also require more cleaning, maintenance and rust protection.
-Plastic
If you are looking to create a more casual patio setting, plastic furniture is the way to go. An inexpensive option, this synthetic material is becoming more and more common for outdoor furniture as it is fade resistant and does not require paint or sealants. In addition, it is very easy to clean and maintain. However, it is less robust than some other garden furniture options.
2)High end quality
The structure of outdoor furniture, table tops and upholstery / fabrics must be durable and maintain their integrity and appearance over time. When it comes to outdoor furniture, quality is essential. A patio set may seem aesthetically pleasing, but if the quality is not up to par, it may become defective after only a few months, or you may be at a comfort level.
Before buying your outdoor furniture, make sure that:
- The legs of the chair, table or sofa are sturdy and sturdy: Try sitting on it to see if the frame moves or bends as it gains weight.
- The cushions have a zippered cover on the seat and backrest to allow you to easily clean or replace fabrics when needed.
- The surface of the table is solid, does not scratch easily, and is made with a robust material like granite to avoid breakage.
- Furniture structure is rustproof and resistant to extreme weather conditions, corrosion, bending / deformation and other weather-related damage.
- The fabrics resist fading caused by the sun.
Comfort
Nobody wants to sit on a hard and uncomfortable couch. Without intimate comfort such as soft, fluffy cushions and a wide and deep furniture structure rather than narrow, your garden furniture will be little used. A wider piece of furniture ensures greater strength and comfort. Opt for malleable cushions that stand out in the light and an airy design to allow space and movement. The lighter and more elastic the padding material is, the faster it will dry out after exposure to moisture, which means it is mold-resistant and comfortable for longer.
3) Look at versatility and function
Nobody wants to sit on a hard and uncomfortable couch. Without intimate comfort such as soft, fluffy cushions and a wide and deep furniture structure rather than narrow, your garden furniture will be little used. A wider piece of furniture ensures greater strength and comfort. Opt for malleable cushions that stand out in the light and an airy design to allow space and movement. The lighter and more elastic the padding material is, the faster it will dry out after exposure to moisture, which means it is mold-resistant and comfortable for longer.
4) Maintenance: Free or not?
Making sure you choose a weather-resistant patio set is essential. Some materials require very little maintenance season after season, and are quick and easy to clean with soap and water only. Others require more intensive and lengthy care, with special products to keep them beautiful and functional. If you have a busy schedule or do not want a hassle, opt for 4-season materials that require less maintenance. Purchase easy-care patio furniture made of metal, teak, cedar and synthetic wicker. Furniture made using these materials will look wonderful for years, and you will not have to worry about seasonal storage.
5) Customize the style and the color
With so many furnishing options and fabric styles, you can give your patio a personalized feel that matches your style and personal décor. When decorating your patio, opt for a range of outdoor furniture that offers customizable fabrics, styles and patterns, so that you can match your furnishing with the fabric of your sun shelter and / or your interior decor.
If you want to bring out your patio, choose brightly colored or patterned patio cushions. Do not be afraid to mix and match colors or patterns when arranging. As long as you stick to two styles to avoid "putting too much", everything will be perfect! With custom fabrics and fabrics, you can have complete control over the color, textures and patterns of fabrics, so you can adjust your patio, update your colors or buy new furniture.
Conclusion
Before arranging your outdoor terrace, take the points mentioned above into account to ensure that you equip your terrace with the furniture that best suits your needs. Quality, versatility, maintenance and functionality are all important considerations to keep in mind!
Vicky