Patio Furniture Designs & Materials

A good set of patio furniture takes your backyard from garden-only to an outdoor living room. Whether you prefer the casual, rustic look of Adirondacks, a more ornate Tuscan theme, or anything in between, you are sure to find outdoor furniture that suits your style.

Patio furniture is available in a wide range of designs, including:

• Tables
• Chairs
• Hammocks
• Loveseats
• Gliders
• Benches
• Lounges

Your basic patio set should include a table, four or more chairs, and an umbrella to provide cover from direct sun. The look you choose will depend on your taste and backyard design theme, but you will still need to decide what material will best suit your needs. There are pros and cons to each of the many choices in backyard furniture.

Wood

Wood has a classic, natural appeal that complements many styles. It is especially suited to a woodland, Tuscan or traditional garden. Store your wood patio furniture during the winter if you are in a severe weather climate. There are several types of wood commonly used as patio furniture. The most common are:

• Teak
• Cedar
• Redwood
• Pine

Pros:

• Sturdy construction and heavy enough to stay put in high winds
• Natural appearance suits many styles
• Tropical wood such as teak is a quality investment
• Durable
• North American wood such as pine can be inexpensive
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• If you want to avoid weathering and color-change, you will need to seal the furniture and reseal annually
• Teak is very expensive
• Not complementary to a very contemporary or sleek patio decor

Wicker

Wicker is the perfect accessory to an English cottage garden, a casual gathering of wildflowers, or a romantic rose bed. Glass often tops a wicker table frame. You can prolong the life of wicker furniture by wiping dust and dirt off periodically, and storing it during the winter.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Gives a comfortable, “indoor” look to your patio
• Can be sealed for longer durability
• Relatively inexpensive

Cons:

• Will not last as long as many other materials
• Country look does not suit formal themes

Wrought Iron

Traditional and elegant, wrought iron can’t be beat for adding beauty to your formal garden. Designs range from ornate, Victorian designs to rustic, woodland themes. Clean wrought iron with gentle dish soap and water, and touch up any cracks or chips in the paint right away to avoid rust.

Pros:

• Heavy enough to withstand high winds
• Extremely durable
• Classic style

Cons:

• Will rust wherever there is a chip in the paint
• Weight makes it difficult to move
• May become hot enough to burn skin during the summer
• Expensive

Aluminum

An excellent choice for patio furniture, aluminum comes in a huge range of styles, and is low maintenance. You can find aluminum furniture to complement any garden design. Maintain the shine of smooth aluminum with a light application of car wax twice a year. Store your furniture during the winter in severe weather climates for longest life.

Pros:

• Lightweight, can be moved easily
• Resists rust
• Less expensive than other metal furniture
• Easily cleaned with soap and water

Cons:

• If in an area with high winds, may blow over
• Not as durable as wrought iron or other metals
• Heats up uncomfortably on very hot days

Plastic

Inexpensive and available in a wide range of colors and styles, plastic is a good choice if you need a lot of furniture, or are on a tight budget. Retro or contemporary designs are a particularly good choice for plastic, especially if you love bright colors. Wash your plastic furniture periodically with mild detergent and water to keep it free from mildew. Cover your furniture over the winter to help keep it looking fresh and clean.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Chairs are usually stackable
• Lightweight
• Easy to clean, dries quickly

Cons:

• May blow over in high wind
• Can crack or break if misused
• May fade or discolor in the sun
• Scratches and stains easily

Cushions

You can make any outdoor chair, chaise or glider more comfortable with a cushion. Don’t just bring your living room cushions outside though, as the elements will quickly break down and destroy indoor fabrics.

• Patio furniture cushions should be made of fabrics specifically designed for outdoor use. There is an almost endless choice of colors and designs in outdoor cushions, making the hardest part choosing the one you like best.
• Your patio cushions should have anti-fade protection, as well as a polyester fiberfill that resists mold and mildew. Keep your cushions clean by wiping them down with a gentle detergent and water periodically, and store them during the winter.

Take your backyard from garden-only to a true outdoor room that is furnished to provide a comfortable space for your family to eat dinner, work on crafts, or just enjoy being outside on a beautiful day. Selecting a set of patio furniture that fits your tastes, budget and lifestyle will make your backyard one of your favorite places to spend relaxation time.