Buying Patio Furniture: A 3-step Approach
Have you been amazed, perplexed and befuddled with all the choices available to you today in porch and patio furniture? Well, I'd like to help you - simplify the whole process a bit - by introducing you to my 3-step approach that will have you finalizing your choice in no time. Think not? Then let's take this journey together.
What's step 1, you say? Well, here it is (ta-da): Choose Your Location. What do I mean by that? Simply this: THINK about where this furniture is going to go. Will it be used exclusively outside? Or will it also be used indoors, such as in a sunroom or playroom? And if you will need to move your furniture - how far will you have to move it, let's say, to put it into storage for the winter? Could you really lift and carry it all that distance?
The answers to all of those questions will influence the type and size of the patio furniture that you select. If you will need to carry or move your furniture yourself, you may need to buy something that is lightweight. If it will be left out all year, then you must buy something that will really resist the ravages of the weather.
But there's more: If you are buying patio furniture, just how much room do you have there? Don't overbuy on furniture - you will end up with too many pieces, and your patio area will be very crowded with all of that furniture jammed in too tightly. Buy what you need, but not more than you need, or what your patio area can comfortably hold.
Step 2: Choose Your Furniture pieces. All choices in basic outdoor furniture come down to one of these three types: tables, seating and recliners. As well, you can also choose from many types of accessories: everything from pillows and cushions, to swings, hammocks, grills, and even outdoor light fixtures.
Your basic rule of thumb: Buy quality. Buy less - not more. Make sure that all your patio furniture matches. Make sure that it is the right size and weight for your needs.
Step 3 is the last: Choose Your Materials. You will have several choices to make here, also. Natural products look great. Some require regular maintenance and repair though: will you be able to devote the time to doing that? You can buy something like Teak, which will weather beautifully, but it is more expensive. Patio furniture made out of synthetic materials is far less expensive, and requires less maintenance, but be careful: the quality can vary enormously. Even metal frames can rust or corrode - so you see that there is really no one 'best' type of material - it is a trade-off, and you must weigh the pros and cons of using each type before making your selection.
So there you have it. Simple, wasn't it? First, choose your location, next consider what pieces you will need, then choose the proper materials. Only one thing more is needed: your checkbook, as you head out the door for your local patio furniture dealer!
What's step 1, you say? Well, here it is (ta-da): Choose Your Location. What do I mean by that? Simply this: THINK about where this furniture is going to go. Will it be used exclusively outside? Or will it also be used indoors, such as in a sunroom or playroom? And if you will need to move your furniture - how far will you have to move it, let's say, to put it into storage for the winter? Could you really lift and carry it all that distance?
The answers to all of those questions will influence the type and size of the patio furniture that you select. If you will need to carry or move your furniture yourself, you may need to buy something that is lightweight. If it will be left out all year, then you must buy something that will really resist the ravages of the weather.
But there's more: If you are buying patio furniture, just how much room do you have there? Don't overbuy on furniture - you will end up with too many pieces, and your patio area will be very crowded with all of that furniture jammed in too tightly. Buy what you need, but not more than you need, or what your patio area can comfortably hold.
Step 2: Choose Your Furniture pieces. All choices in basic outdoor furniture come down to one of these three types: tables, seating and recliners. As well, you can also choose from many types of accessories: everything from pillows and cushions, to swings, hammocks, grills, and even outdoor light fixtures.
Your basic rule of thumb: Buy quality. Buy less - not more. Make sure that all your patio furniture matches. Make sure that it is the right size and weight for your needs.
Step 3 is the last: Choose Your Materials. You will have several choices to make here, also. Natural products look great. Some require regular maintenance and repair though: will you be able to devote the time to doing that? You can buy something like Teak, which will weather beautifully, but it is more expensive. Patio furniture made out of synthetic materials is far less expensive, and requires less maintenance, but be careful: the quality can vary enormously. Even metal frames can rust or corrode - so you see that there is really no one 'best' type of material - it is a trade-off, and you must weigh the pros and cons of using each type before making your selection.
So there you have it. Simple, wasn't it? First, choose your location, next consider what pieces you will need, then choose the proper materials. Only one thing more is needed: your checkbook, as you head out the door for your local patio furniture dealer!
