Are you the one tasked with the decision-making responsibility for changing up the poolside patio furniture at a hotel, apartment complex, social club, or campground? Or are you simply shopping for new patio furniture for your home? No matter the reason for your shopping expedition, choosing attractive, comfortable, long-lasting, and affordable patio furniture is a must. But where do you begin? How do you know what type of outdoor furniture is the best choice for your situation? Below are some helpful tips that should get you on the right track.

Focus on Materials

Pretty and comfortable cushions are important, but before you get too carried away with fabrics, think first about the construction materials of your furniture. Patio furniture comes in a variety of attractive durable materials, each with its own considerations:

Wrought Iron

Whether you’re buying for your home or a sidewalk cafe, the timeless beauty of wrought iron furniture is often a popular choice. Sturdier and heavier than most other materials, wrought iron patio furniture holds its own in windy weather. Keep in mind this type of furniture is heavy to move and can scratch floors if you drag it, so it’s best chosen if you don’t plan to regularly change the layout.

Plastics

Patio furniture made from plastics or polymers is highly desirable because of its easy maintenance and assortment of pleasing colors. Lightweight to handle and often stackable or foldable, they are an especially popular choice with commercial buyers who are looking for a durable product that will stand up to significant use. What’s more, today’s patio furniture selections often include marine-grade polymers that offer a real wood look. If environmentally friendly construction materials are important in your decision-making, you should be able to find a quality outdoor furniture supplier that offers attractive and affordable recycled chairs, tables, and other patio furniture pieces that meet your requirements.

Aluminum

Aluminum-constructed seats and lounges with vinyl seat straps are another lightweight, low-maintenance choice that are easy to move around. However, if you want something sturdy and long-lasting, look for pieces made with heavy gauge aluminum, a powder-coated finish, and an anti-corrosion treatment.

Think About Cushion Materials

Cushions are attractive but not always practical for commercial use as they often need to be brought in each day after use or whenever there is a threat of inclement weather. Even for home use, it can be easy to forget them. Additionally, it’s important to note that well-made, outdoor seating is often comfortable enough to make cushions unnecessary. However, if you prefer that added plush and dash of color or patterns, there are any number of seat and back of chair foam-filled or polyester pieces to fit almost every size and style of chair. That being said, look for outdoor furniture cushions that are resistant to moisture, UV rays, mold, and stains.

Choose cushions and pillows with easily removable covers for a quick toss in the wash. If you’re not sure about materials, a good recommendation is a fabric made from a PVC/Olefin blend. Durable and color-fast, it is a 100 percent recyclable material that wicks away moisture and dries quickly.

Published by: Nelly Chavez