When you have a home, one of the exciting things about it is the patio. People just love patios. It creates such a cosy intimate atmosphere where you can relax and have fun.
If you have a patio and you do a fair bit of entertaining, you probably want to get some decent patio furniture that is attractive and comfortable. Choosing the right patio furniture can be a little tricky. Here are some tips to help you buy the right furniture for your patio.
1. Write A List
You need to make a list to help you get started. What do you intend to do in the patio? Would you like it to be the place where you have dinner during the summer? Do you have friends come over a lot to have dinner? Perhaps you just want it to be a quiet place where you can relax and catch up on some reading.
You need to take a look at how you intend to use this space to give you a better idea. Ask these questions of yourself and then you will have a better idea of what kind of furniture to get. For example, if you just want to have casual evenings, you are better off getting some comfortable seating and not bother with a dining table.
2. Make Sure to ‘Try’ It First
Just because something looks good, it may not be comfortable, so be careful. Make sure to try it first. Have a seat and see how comfortable it is. You are probably going to spend a fair amount of time in the patio and if you have friends come over, then so will they. Comfort should be the main consideration. Why end up with a sore back?
3. Easy Maintenance
You need to take care of the furniture as well. If it is going to be difficult to clean, would you be okay with that? What’s the point of spending more time cleaning your furniture in the patio as opposed to enjoying it? The easier it is to care for, the better. Metal, all-weather wicker, cedar and teak can withstand a fair amount of beating as far as the weather is concerned. These also tend to look good for many years.
4. Storage
To make your patio furniture last for a long time, you may want to store it for a while when the time comes. Yes, unfortunately summer does come to an end. Protect the furniture by storing it in the basement or garage. You know the space you have, so consider this when getting it. If you know your space is limited, consider getting furniture that folds easily for easy storage.
5. Check Reviews Regarding Quality
One thing you may want to do is to check some online reviews to see what others are saying. Some furniture may look good but after a year or two, it may lose its strength or vibrant colour. When buying patio furniture, it is better to go with good quality, but do check out reviews so you know which ones to stay away from.
6. Look For Dual Purpose Furniture
To get the most bang for your buck, try to get furniture pieces that can do more than one thing. For example, an ottoman can be an extra seat but also doubles as an extra bench.
There are several things to consider when buying patio furniture, so take your time and plan first. This will allow you to make the best decision possible.