6 Tips for Buying Outdoor Patio Furniture

Planning your outdoor living space can be an exciting (and daunting) process for any homeowner.

A beautiful outdoor space, such as a patio or deck, allows families to increase room for entertaining guests, relaxing, and enjoying pleasant weather.

Creating a plan for purchasing the right outdoor furniture will help make sure that outdoor space is comfortable and within budget.

Here are some important tips for how to buy the right outdoor patio furniture to maximize space, and choose the right materials and accessories for long-term enjoyment.

1. Plan for the Weather

Residents throughout the Capital Region and its surrounding areas know how extreme the seasons can be throughout New York State. From humid summers to bitterly cold winters, these conditions can damage your outdoor patio furniture without proper attention and care.

That attention starts with finding the right furniture and the right material to ensure a long life of use.

Because of the multitude of weather types in Upstate New York, Marine Grade Polymer (MGP) cast aluminum and wicker are the best material option for homeowners in New York, specifically the Albany area.

Regardless of the frame material of the patio furniture, there will be some effort needed to maintain materials throughout the seasons. The change in seasons and weather conditions can lead to damage to your patio furniture over time if you don’t care for them.

While wood can offer beauty to patio furniture, it may be subjected to rot or mold issues. On the other hand, Marine Grade Polymer can be left out in the elements and is easy to clean.

2. Create a Plan for Your Outdoor Living Space

Before buying patio furniture, consider the space being furnished.

Is it a patio or deck for dining? Will it be poolside and offer lounging and shade options? Knowing your goals for the outdoor living space will help make a list of furniture needed.

Measure the space to make sure the patio furniture you are planning to buy will fit. Think about the traffic flow for the space and consider shade or heating options if they are necessary.

During this step, you should also think about landscaping changes and overall décor. Purchase furniture that matches or coordinates with the overall color scheme, such as colors found in the landscaping or exterior of the home.

3. Choose Quality & Comfort Within Your Budget

Shop with care when choosing quality furniture products that fit within a budget.

The age-old idiom “you get what you pay for” certainly applies to patio furniture. Sometimes the cheaper option isn’t the most comfortable or a long-lasting option for your space.

One way to save money on new outdoor furniture is prioritizing the patio furniture based on how often it will get used. You may want to splurge on a dining set or outdoor sectional and look for budget-friendly options for accessories or accent tables.

Another way to create a comfortable, quality outdoor space is to look for multi-purpose patio furniture. Ottomans can make for extra seating in a pinch while also looking aesthetically pleasing.

4. Shade Solutions & Heating Options

An outdoor living space isn’t complete without adding shade and heating options.

Adding these accessories will make the space outside more versatile and usable longer in the year. It can offer shade during the hot summer days and a way to keep warm when the temperature gets cooler at night.

There are a variety of patio and pool umbrellas to meet your needs when it comes to shade, from traditional market umbrellas to cantilever styles. To fully protect an outdoor living space from the harmful rays of the sun, consider awnings or canopies that extend over the entire patio or deck.

When planning on what outdoor furniture is needed, consider the shade solution that will work best with the space you have.

If you are planning to have several sets of table and chairs, consider market umbrellas in the center of each table. Or, if you prefer a larger patio table, consider a cantilever umbrella, awning, or canopy that offers maximum sun protection without the need for a center pole.

Investing in a fire pit or fire table can extend the time you are able to enjoy your outdoor space. These heating appliances come in a variety of heights depending on the furniture you are planning on buying — including chat, dining, counter, and bar heights.

Chat height fire pits or tables are typically as high as a coffee table and are the lowest height for these appliances. Bar heights range from 40 to 42 inches tall and work with bar height chairs. Dining and counter height appliances are in between chat and bar height, offering plenty of options depending on your space.

There are also outdoor fireplaces that can be installed to take an outdoor living space to the next level.

With a variety of shade solutions and heating options to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the perfect element to help keep you or your guests comfortable while enjoying the patio.

5. Patio Furniture Storage During Winter

Once the weather gets cold, it’s time to prepare your furniture for winter. Marine Grade Polymer can be left outside and doesn’t need to be covered.

Cast aluminum and wicker should be covered with furniture covers, or can be brought inside. Any cushions or pillows should be stored inside for the winter.

6. Try Outdoor Seating Before You Buy

Shopping online can be a convenient way to research furniture ideas and pick some brands and styles you’re interested in. But visiting a showroom and trying them out yourself is the best way to ensure it’s comfortable and you will enjoy this furniture for years to come.

At Best Fire Hearth & Patio, we offer a large selection outdoor furniture such as patio furniture and dining sets.

Visit our Albany showroom to view and experience displays of patio furniture and outdoor dining sets, as well as grills, firepits, outdoor fireplaces, and more.