Picking out your deck patio furniture can be almost as big of an investment as your indoor furniture. And why not? The deck or patio really is just an outdoor living room. You want deck patio furniture that is functional for your needs, comfortable for using for long periods of time, and weather resistant so your perfect outdoor furniture isn’t ruined by the first spring storm.
I know how daunting it can be to choose deck patio furniture. I’ve lived in the same house for nearly five years and still haven’t purchased any furniture because I don’t know what I want. Would wood or metal give me the look I’m going for? What about plastic or faux wicker? Should I buy something that folds? Has seat cushions? Needs to be stored inside during the winter? If you have the same problem with commitment that I do, read on to learn the basics of deck patio furniture so you can make your decision more quickly than I have made mine
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So Many Options
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One of the problems and blessings of deck patio furniture these days is that there are so many options available. No matter what you are looking for (especially if you have a flexible budget) you can find it. If you want a bar with stools that have cushions that match the umbrella over your table, you can find it. If you want something stackable, foldable, portable, or cheap, you can find that, too.
The main materials for deck patio furniture are wood, metal and plastic. Wooden pieces are lovely. They are also heavy, expensive, not very portable (pieces usually don’t fold) and they don’t last as long as other materials if not well maintained. There’s also a potential for splinters.
Plastic, on the other end of the spectrum, is inexpensive, lightweight, portable (often stackable) and lasts a very long time. It’s not nearly as attractive as wood or even metal, but if you need deck patio furniture right now and don’t have a lot of money to spend, a basic plastic set of chairs and a little table from your local discount store will stand you in good stead.
Metal is, in a way, a compromise. It’s lighter than wood but heavier than plastic. A wide array of designs are available, from wrought-iron-look table tops to basic frames with a piece of plastic or tempered glass inset inside to serve as the table surface. Chairs, too, come in many shapes and sizes, from folding chairs to metal frames with fabric backs and seats to chaise lounges with padded seats. Pads are usually easily removable and the covers are often machine washable.
Other Options
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Other options include wicker and what is often known as all-weather wicker, which is made of fiberglass or PVC. Wicker is light but has the same problems as wood in terms of wear. If you like the look of wicker and the durability of plastic or metal, an all-weather wicker collection might be for you.
The pieces of deck patio furniture that you will want to buy depend on your needs and the amount of space you have, as well as your budget. Maybe you like to cook out and need a big table with chairs and an umbrella. Perhaps you do more lounging on the deck than outdoor entertaining. You might want to get chaises and forego the large table and chairs set. If you have a pool or a hot tub you will again have different needs. Whatever you are looking for, decide first what material you would like your deck patio furniture to be made from, then go browsing online or at your local stores. Seek out pieces that suit your style as well as your budget. Many online retailers will ship all over the country, so if you can’t find what you’re looking for in your local stores, search online. Shipping large or heavy items can be expensive, but isn’t it worth it to get the deck patio furniture you really want so you can have the outdoor living room of your dream
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