Outdoor furniture adorns yards and patios. Some can even enliven flowerbeds or other local vegetation, landscape or urban solutions. It is important to pay attention to whether the furniture will be placed among trees, or on a terrace, near a nearby swimming pool, or perhaps next to a barbecue? Did you know that even a simple hammock can be used as outdoor furniture? And it's probably the cheapest yard accessory that can add a different kind of charm.

Outdoor furniture can be used not only for its intended purpose but also as a tool for additional zoning of street or home spaces. Finding the right solution is not so simple - the abundance of different materials, designs, and manufacturers can confuse anyone.

Assess where it will stand and what kind of maintenance it will require

Monika Gudelevičiūtė, owner of the Kaunas company "Namų Idėja" (Home Idea), shared practical tips on how to choose outdoor furniture. According to M. Gudelevičiūtė, it is important to first consider how many people will use the outdoor furniture. In addition, according to the owner of "Namų Idėja," it is important to assess what time of year you will most often spend your time in that area and where the furniture will stand – under the open sky, under a roof, or in a gazebo. All this is so that furniture maintenance is as simple as possible for you, and the future purchases themselves are more durable. "When choosing outdoor furniture, you should look for easy-to-maintain patio furniture so that you can dedicate your leisure time to relaxation, not furniture maintenance. Most metals, teak, and all-weather wicker furniture are resistant to various weather conditions. With a little regular cleaning, outdoor furniture made from these durable materials will look wonderful for years. When choosing materials, it is also necessary to pay attention to the surrounding landscape and building design, i.e., the general exterior surrounding you," M. Gudelevičiūtė urged to consider practical matters.

Dinner table vs. side tables

According to M. Gudelevičiūtė, when choosing outdoor furniture, several other nuances are just as important as the materials and location, which we don't always think about. For example, their design, patio size, layout, and lifestyle: "Think about your family size, hobbies, and favorite ways to spend leisure time. For instance, if the primary purpose of your patio is to host informal cocktail parties with friends, a dinner table will not be necessary. In that case, it's better to set up comfortable seating areas, place a few side tables, and perhaps even a fireplace for cozy summer evenings."

Optimal furniture dimensions

According to the owner of "Namų Idėja", the situation is as follows: your yard will be exceptional if you want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. There are several universal tips for this, for example, that the most versatile outdoor furniture includes a bench with a high backrest or a sofa, chairs or armchairs, and a table. The optimal length for a bench that comfortably seats two to three people is 150 to 200 cm. Corners can be larger and accommodate up to six to ten people. "Considering the overall design and interior of the home, it's worth thinking about enlivening the entire terrace by using various cushions, throws, or even an outdoor rug. However, these should be washable; for example, it's optimal to choose cushions with removable covers so that they can be easily washed when needed.

Or perhaps it will also be a place for children? Then appropriate chairs would be needed for children to get on and off independently," noted M. Gudelevičiūtė. The size of the table, according to the interlocutor, can be anything, depending on its purpose. If it's a coffee table, it can be low, about 50-60 cm high. The height of a dining table should not be less than 70-80 cm. "It is convenient to use dual-purpose furniture that serves several functions. With this type of furniture, you no longer need to buy additional pieces, and thus you can have more free space on your terrace. For example, a footrest or a garden chair can serve as additional seating for your guests. Storage boxes can not only store things but also be a great place to sit. Choose outdoor furniture by considering where a certain piece of furniture could still be used, thus maximizing its use and, of course, saving space on your terrace," advised the owner of "Namų Idėja."

Best materials for outdoor furniture and their properties

According to the interlocutor, outdoor furniture is most often made from plastic, wood, metal, and artificial PE rattan. Natural rattan mostly delights with a range of straw, reed, and similar colors, while artificial rattan can come in any shade. Tempered glass is used to increase the table's massiveness.

"Highly popular teak is adaptable to various weather conditions and can withstand even the harshest weather. This wood has a high oil and natural resin content, which makes it waterproof and protected from various insects. The oil also protects against rot, meaning outdoor furniture will last exceptionally long. To protect the natural new color of teak from fading, a special sealant designed specifically for teak should be applied annually," explained M. Gudelevičiūtė. An excellent choice for modern outdoor furniture is plastic and PE rattan precisely because furniture made from these materials is easy to maintain, lightweight, and withstands all weather conditions.

"The most commonly found metals used in modern outdoor furniture are aluminum and steel. The latter is the strongest material, but also heavy and more expensive than other metals. Steel furniture is difficult to move due to its weight, but on the other hand, its weight makes it wind-resistant. Galvanized or stainless steel are among the best choices for outdoor furniture, as plain steel rusts easily when exposed to outdoor conditions. It is useful to know that even galvanized or stainless steel will rust if it comes into contact with chlorine, so if you have a pool, you should ensure that your steel furniture is well powder-coated. Another highly versatile and easily combinable metal is aluminum. The low weight of such furniture and its durability make it an attractive choice when it comes to outdoor furniture. Aluminum furniture is characterized by extremely easy maintenance; it does not rust like, for example, iron furniture, and does not crack like most wooden furniture when exposed to sunlight. However, if your living area is very windy, aluminum furniture will not be the best choice," noted M. Gudelevičiūtė.

Fabric furniture, according to her, is undoubtedly the most comfortable choice for outdoor furniture, as it is incredibly comfortable, looks great, and can be used both outdoors and indoors. "Materials suitable for outdoor furniture are made from waterproof synthetic fabrics such as polyester, vinyl, or acrylic. However, fabric furniture must be protected during the winter season," added M. Gudelevičiūtė.

Important: dry safe place during off-season

According to the owner of "Namų Idėja", it is important to remember to consider places where you can safely store outdoor furniture during the off-season: "A garage, basement, or shed would perfectly protect your furniture from weather, possible damage, or additional wear and tear. Even the strongest patio furniture, such as teak chairs, will last longer if stored properly. If you don't have much extra storage space, consider furniture that folds or can be easily disassembled and stored compactly, and then reassembled when needed. Wooden furniture offers excellent visual possibilities, durability, malleability, and is easily repaired if scratched or affected by climatic conditions. Moreover, foldable versions are produced, making them much simpler to store while waiting for the next season or day when they are needed."