Outdoor furniture: making the right choice

The purchase of outdoor furniture is often done on impulse; we fall for a model or a colour. We can already envision ourselves sitting comfortably, basking in the heat of the summer sun. Since this is outdoor furniture, we sometimes forget to consider the space, maintenance and storage requirements. With so many models and accessories to choose from, how do you know which one to pick? By making sure you consider your needs and preferences, as well as how much time and effort you want to devote to maintenance. If you¡¯re thinking about investing in outdoor furniture, read our buying guide:
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Selection
The products
Synthetic resin
PVC wicker
Metal furniture
Wood
Table tops
Accessories
Trends
Maintenance and storage advice
Summary

Selection

Consider first how you¡¯ll be using the furniture. Will it be for family meals, or entertaining guests too; to relax, admire your garden, or sit by the pool? Your furniture might be used for any of these outdoor activities. Regardless of use, it¡¯s important to choose a model and fabrics that are durable. Look for a style that either matches or is in contrast with your current decor, keeping in mind the style of your house and adjacent areas. And don¡¯t skimp on comfort ¨C your new furniture is there for you to enjoy.

Be aware of the following important points: purchase price, the furniture's weight, durability, maintenance, patio or deck space and off-season storage. All these factors must be taken into consideration when purchasing outdoor furniture.

The products

On the market, there are three main categories of outdoor furniture: Synthetic resin, metal ¨C wrought iron, aluminium and stainless steel ¨C and wood, basically teak, cedar, and other exotic wood species.

Synthetic resin

Resin has long been a popular choice for outdoor furniture, even though new materials, styles and finishes have been on the market for a while now. Sold at an affordable price, a set can cost from $75 to $500. Among the full line of resin products, we mainly find stackable chairs, reclining chairs, side tables and chaises longues. Offering an acceptable level of strength, durability and comfort, resin chairs are, however, less rigid than the metal types. This is why we recommend that they be placed on solid surfaces and not on the lawn.

If you¡¯ve decided to go with resin, look for thickness and weight ¨C the more the better. It will last longer. Also, try to stay away from white furniture, which tends to get dirty and is easily stained by the rain.

Accessories vary according to chair type: seat cushions for stackable chairs, full length cushions for adjustable-back chairs, etc. Remove the cushions and the chairs are ready to be used around the pool. Light and easy to move, resin furniture is also simple to store since it¡¯s either foldable or stackable. For easy maintenance, choose a non-porous, glossy finish. Tip: apply a resin furniture wax at the beginning and middle of the season. Use only a patio furniture cleaner and avoid commercial cleaners (Windex, Fantastic) and scouring powders.

PVC wicker

PVC wicker has made a remarkable appearance on the garden furniture market. It is particularly popular because it combines the beauty and allure of wicker and is easy to maintain. It also blends well with a rustic, traditional or contemporary decor.

If you choose PVC wicker, it¡¯s best not to compromise on the quality of the frame, which is generally made of metal. High quality PVC has the ability to resist heat, whereas mediocre PVC tends to soften and stretch on hot days. It is therefore best to invest in a good quality set.

Even though PVC wicker is practically maintenance free, it is recommended to take it in during the winter months to prevent damage. Since this kind of furniture is not foldable, remember to plan for sufficient storage space.

Metal furniture

Metal furniture is wonderfully robust and weathers both the passage of time and rough weather. Moreover, depending on the style, it blends well with all types of outdoor decor, as well as Zen, English or even country-style gardens.

Aluminium

Elegant and trendy, aluminium furniture is a perfect match for any contemporary decor. Tubular chairs, covered with a PVC-coated fabric, are superbly comfortable; add cushions for extra coziness and flair. They are practical too ¨C most models fold for easy transport and storage. Aluminium sets typically sell for $500 and up.

Another option is cast aluminium, a metal that is becoming increasingly popular because of its many uses and durability. Some sets look remarkably like forged iron, while others have a contemporary streamlined design. In any case, aluminium remains an attractive choice. For one thing, it doesn¡¯t rust; and it¡¯s easy to keep clean with soapy water. What¡¯s more, if you cover the furniture properly, it will survive the winter outdoors.

The only drawback: Aluminium furniture is rather lightweight, so it might be tossed around when strong winds blow.

Stainless steel

Just as it has indoors, stainless steel is steadily gaining ground outdoors. Chic, elegant and stylish, it provides a modern look that is perfect for the urban backyard. Heavier than aluminium, stainless steel is wind- and weather-resistant. And should a tiny spot of rust appear, it can be easily removed with a small wire brush and touched up with rust-inhibiting paint.

Stainless steel furniture is generally foldable and is thus easy to store during the winter months. Plus, it¡¯s affordable ¨C sets start at $250 ¨C and multi-functional.

Wrought iron

Wrought iron brings to mind timelessness, romanticism, sophistication. Expensive, but exceptionally long-lasting, wrought iron can last more than a lifetime ©¤ as long as it¡¯s well maintained, of course. Wrought iron should be cleaned with soapy water only; keep the chemical-laden cleaners away! Because it can rust, it¡¯s a good idea to apply a coat of liquid wax three to four times a year to protect the metal. If, despite all your loving care, you still find a rust spot, take care of it right away: sand it with a wire brush and follow up with a coat of rust-inhibiting paint. To keep wrought iron furniture in impeccable condition, store it in a humidity-free area during the winter months. And because it¡¯s not foldable, make sure you have enough storage space for the whole set.

Wrought iron furniture is available in plain colours, usually black, brown, beige and white. Brighten it up with cushions ¨C your key to comfort ¨C for a splash of colour and style.

Wood

Made of cedar, mahogany, teak and other exotic species, wood furniture possesses a special charm, adding warmth and a touch of the exotic to your outdoor decor. Depending on the model, you can aim for a more rustic or a more urban look. No matter what type of wood you choose, it will require more care and maintenance. Given our demanding climate, wood will take on a dreary greyish hue that makes it look older than it really is. Protect wood furniture by treating it with an application of oil, stain or varnish. For greater durability, look for furniture with brass or stainless steel fittings.

Remember that the harder the wood, the better it will withstand the ravages of time. Pine, for instance, is considered a soft wood. One of the most popular woods for garden furniture is teak. In fact, this fine grain hardwood doesn¡¯t rot and is resistant to extreme temperature variations. If need be, you can leave the furniture outside during winter, as long as you remove any excess snow. Teak furniture may be expensive, but is a good value in the long run, since it wears well. It does, nonetheless, require regular maintenance: wash it with soapy water and follow up with a coat of teak oil three to four times a year.

Table tops

If you¡¯re going to buy a glass table top, be sure to choose tempered glass, which provides excellent scratch resistance and is easy to clean.

If you have a ceramic mosaic table top, store it indoors during the winter ¨C ideally in a dry, moderately heated area ¨C to prevent any moisture that may be trapped in the grout from freezing, which could then result in shrinkage cracks when thawed.

Accessories

Cushions and lawn umbrellas are available in a multitude of patterns and colours to suit every taste and to match just about every decor. Some advice: buy all the cushions you need and the umbrella at the same time. This way, you won¡¯t end up with an assortment of mismatched pieces when you go back to buy more of the same pattern or colour and find it is out of stock.

When selecting your cushions, consider the fabric used for the protective covers. There are different kinds: cotton, polyester and PVC coated fabric. Cotton is cool and comfortable, but less resistant to stains and tearing. On the other hand, PVC coated fabrics are extremely resistant and comfortable, but not as cool. As for polyester, it is soft, comfy and also offers a good price/quality ratio. An increasing number of outdoor cushion fabrics are treated with a water-repellent polymer as well as stain and UV-ray repellents. Most cushions and the fill material are designed to resist water, but it is still preferable to take them in on rainy days or cover your chairs instead. This extra step will extend the life and preserve the appearance of your cushions.

Most people tend to buy patio umbrellas with metal poles, but in recent years we have seen a growing popularity in market patio umbrellas. These umbrellas are typically used with tables that have a ready-made hole in them: the table provides the stability while the base acts as an anchor so that the umbrella doesn¡¯t blow over or away in strong winds. The best way to protect your umbrella from the rain, dust and sun is to use a protective cover that will also reduce any damage caused by the wind.

Trends

In terms of outdoor design, the trend is to create an environment where more and more time can be spent outside. This explains the craze for garden pavilions, awnings, outdoor lights and patio heater lamps. As for garden furniture, one of the most popular combinations at the moment is that of wood and metal, while cushions and fabrics in wild colours and bold fabrics are back in style and add pizzazz to wood and rattan furniture. The fashion now is to ingeniously mix and match colour, style and fabric. For example, a black metal table base could have a ceramic tile table top while the matching chairs sport brightly coloured patterned cushions.

Clear the decks for the increasingly popular patio bar. Made of wood, it makes you feel as though you¡¯ve been transported to a sun-drenched beach down South. The practical counter provides space to store bottles and even stock ice cubes. Add matching bar stools and you¡¯re ready to party it up with your guests.

Maintenance and storage advice

It is recommended to clean your furniture before putting it into storage for the winter season. Among other benefits, this will prevent stains from setting.

Do not leave your furniture exposed to the sun¡¯s rays during the winter. Place it where the least amount of snow will fall, as it can be damaged by the weight of the snow. If you have insufficient storage space, use protective coverings. Otherwise, see if you can find place indoors for a few good quality pieces, for instance on the veranda or in the living room. If there is not enough room in the garage or the shed, you could integrate a select few in a way that would enhance your indoor decor.

Summary

Which furniture is best for you?
AdvantagesDisadvantagesMaintenance
Synthetic resin
  • Affordable
  • Easy to store: foldable or stackable
  • Lightweight; easy to handle and transport
  • Low maintenance
  • Less rigid, so more breakable than wood or metal
  • Lightweight; doesn’t hold up well in windy conditions
  • Doesn’t look so trendy
  • Resin fades with time
  • Must be stored during winter months
  • Choose a non-porous, glossy finish
  • Soapy water
  • Apply a resin furniture wax at the beginning and middle of the season
    • PVC wicker
  • Attractive, blends with all decors
  • Low maintenance
  • Durable
  • Comfortable with or without cushions
  • More expensive, especially if quality is good
  • If quality is not good, will stretch in the heat
  • Must be stored during winter months
  • Not foldable and not stackable: Needs lots of storage space
  • Soapy water
    • Aluminium
    Tubular
  • Matches contemporary decors
  • Comfortable with or without cushions
  • Generally foldable, easy to store
  • Lightweight; easy to handle and transport
  • Reasonably priced
  • Low maintenance, doesn’t rust
  • Lightweight; doesn’t hold up well in windy conditions
  • Doesn’t match well with rustic or romantic decors.
  • Soapy water
  • Must be covered if left outdoors during the winter
    • Aluminium - Cast aluminium
  • Available in many styles (romantic, modern, urban, etc.)
  • Lightweight; easy to handle and transport
    Affordable
  • Low maintenance, doesn’t rust
  • Lightweight; doesn’t hold up well in windy conditions
  • Soapy water
  • Must be covered if left outdoors during the winter
    • Stainless steel
  • Attractive, typically modern look
  • More wind-resistant than aluminium
  • Foldable, easy to store
  • Affordable
  • May rust
  • Must be stored during winter months
  • Soapy water
  • Sand rust spots with a wire brush
  • Touch up with rust-inhibiting paint
    • Wrought iron
  • Can last for decades
  • Refined, elegant, romantic look
  • Low maintenance
  • Very heavy, difficult to move around
  • May rust
  • Must be stored during winter
  • Not foldable and not stackable: Needs a lot of storage space
  • Expensive to buy
  • Soapy water
  • Apply a coat of liquid wax three or four times a year
  • Sand rust spots with a wire brush
  • Touch up with rust-inhibiting paint
    • Wood
  • Warm, blends with all decors
  • Long-lasting if well-maintained
  • Requires maintenance- Ideally, store during the winter or, if left outdoors, place in light snowfall area
  • Expensive to buy
  • Soapy water
  • Apply oil, stain or paint following the manufacturer’s instructions
    • Decide what meets your needs, buy accordingly, ensure proper maintenance and storage, and your outdoor furniture will provide you with many summers of enjoyment and, let¡¯s hope, great weather!
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