Outdoor Patio Tables and Chairs – What to Know Before You Buy
Purchasing outdoor patio furniture sets may seem as simple as driving to the local home improvement store and picking out a style you like. However, the reality is that not all patio furniture is created equal. Take the time before buying to carefully consider not only what you want out of your furniture, but also what you need. By selecting the right furniture and maintaining it over time, you will find that your patio pieces give you years of enjoyment.
The first consideration when purchasing your furniture is how you expect to use your patio. Do you plan to eat regularly on the patio? Or will it be used mainly as a seating area or extension of your living room? Will children and pets be around the furniture?
If you plan to use your patio for regular outdoor meals, determine whether you expect to be using your furniture mainly for family meals or if you plan to entertain extended family and friends as well. Outdoor furniture comes in a number of configurations. A rough guideline for seating is as follows:
30-36 inch table = 2 people
38-48 inch table = 4 people
54-60 inch table = 4-6 people
72-80 inch table = 6-10 people
There are also outdoor bar height dining sets available which lend an atmosphere of causal fun to your outdoor entertaining. These sets are generally smaller and seat 2-4 people.
After determining the size of table you need, it is time to consider its materials. Outdoor furniture is available in everything from metal to wood to wicker. Traditional wicker furniture made of natural strands can be fragile and is not necessarily the best choice if you expect heavy use or have children. However, the newer resin wicker furniture is a durable choice that can withstand both the elements and busy family life.
Metal furniture is also a durable option for families. Be aware that some furniture, such as wrought iron, can be very heavy. If you plan to rearrange your patio space on a regular basis, look for lighter-weight aluminum. Some metal furniture is also prone to rusting so be sure to thoroughly understand your furniture’s maintenance needs before buying.
For those who prefer wood furniture, there are outdoor furnishings made from a variety of exotic materials including exotic woods like teak and eucalyptus. Just as you would with a wooden deck, take care to keep wooden furniture well sealed to avoid mold and rotting.
Many homeowners use their outdoor patio dining furniture sets as an extra living space and not necessarily as a dining area. In that case, you can choose from a number of chair options, including rockers, sectionals and chaise lounges. End tables and other accent pieces can beautifully round out your patio to make it an inviting place for the whole family to gather.
After determining your needs, it’s time to go shopping! Visit several different stores to see the different styles of furniture available. No matter what your décor, you can find outdoor furniture to match. From modern to traditional styles, today’s patio furniture has come a long way from the basic picnic table and benches of yesterday!
Entertaining outdoors with family and friends is time well-spent. Whether you are firing up the grill for a barbeque feast or just looking for some quiet solitude to curl up with a book, your patio offers you the opportunity for rest and relaxation. Visit outdoor patio table and chairs for more information on how to turn your patio into your own personal oasis.
