subject: Patio Furniture: One Size Doesnt Fit All [print this page] Shopping for patio furniture can be very confusing. The simple and easy steps that follow should air your search.
Step 1, establish the location. Observe the area. What are the main things the furniture will be used for? Is it indoors, outdoors, or both? Is the furniture in a convenient location for being moved? Could the furniture be better located?
Your answers to the above questions will influence your furniture size and type decisions. If the location of the furniture is outdoors, for instance, take a close look at the durability of the materials. The weight of the furniture is an important consideration if it has to be moved. Unless you have a helper, consider pieces that are lightweight.
Space is another consideration. Having accurate measurement of the areas size will be helpful in deciding the number of pieces that will fit. If the areas small, too much furniture will make it look even smaller. If you over-furnish your area, youll put your guests in danger of tripping when they move around. Exercise good judgementbuy what you really need.
Now youre ready for Step 2, choosing the type of pieces youll buy. There are three basic categories of outdoor furniture: seating, tables, and recliners. Hammocks, swings, pillows and cushions, grills, and outdoor lighting are some common accessories youll want to consider adding. Accessories are nice, but dont overdo themconsider your space once again.
Choose quality over quantity. When selecting pieces, fewer is often better. Buy according to your needs, and try to select items that match. Be careful about buying furniture thats overly heavy or large. Youll regret it when it comes time to move it.
Last is Step 3: Choose your materials. The variety of materials make this a difficult decision, base it on your needs, comfort and the time you can devote to upkeep. The materials decision hinges on such factors as basic needs, comfort, amount of maintenance time, and your budget. Natural materials are beautiful, but often require time for repair and upkeep. You need to decide how much time you can devote to repairs.
Teak is a nice choice as it ages wonderfully, but it can be quite expensive. Some synthetic materials are not as pricey and require less upkeep, but quality varies immensely. Metal has its downside as well: it has the tendency to rust or corrode. You must seriously consider which type will best meet your needs and time.
Thats all there is to it! First, pick your location, then consider the pieces needed for your space, and finally pick your materials.
Broken down that simply, you should be ready to shop!
