The right furniture can turn any outdoor space into an oasis of comfort, but there’s more to choosing these kinds of pieces than meets the eye. Unlike normal chairs, tables, and other furnishings, outdoor furniture must be able to withstand the elements throughout the year. In commercial applications, it will also need to fit the brand, adding yet another consideration to an already challenging decision.
The fact that there are so many factors influencing the materials and design of outdoor furniture is no reason to settle for anything less than the best. Instead of rushing a decision, read on to find a complete guide to choosing quality outdoor furniture.
Finding Quality Materials
Furniture buyers will have a more limited set of materials to choose from when purchasing chairs, tables, and benches for outdoor use. They need to be strong and durable enough to withstand both inclement weather and near-constant sun exposure, which means many indoor furniture collections are automatically out. While wood furniture has an authentic, natural appeal, it requires more maintenance than some buyers are bargaining for because natural wood must be sealed every three to six months to prevent cracking. Instead, consider more weatherproof but equally beautiful materials such as:
- Extruded aluminum
Stainless steel
Wicker
Resin
Vinyl
Nylon
Before buying cloth furniture, it’s also worth learning the difference between waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent fabrics.
Choosing the Right Colors
Most buyers without much experience purchasing or using outdoor furniture assume that color is a matter of preference and, in commercial contexts, branding. In fact, there are some practical concerns that need to be addressed, as well, especially for those in hot, sunny climates. The reality of color choice is that darker options can get excessively hot in the sun.
No matter how good a poolside lounge chair looks, for example, it won’t do anyone much good if the only way it can be used safely is in the shade. The use of breathable fabrics can help, but it won’t work miracles. Darker shades are still best reserved for shady areas.
Keeping Furniture Clean
Don’t underestimate the importance of choosing outdoor furniture that is easy to clean. Otherwise, mildew will become a problem much faster than most people think, even when materials are chosen for weather resistance.
The problem is that any amount of dirt or other organic substances, including both sunscreen and bug spray, can create an opportunity for mildew and mold to grow. Avoiding this problem requires frequent cleaning, which is much easier if the furniture doesn’t have many deep seams and features materials that do not hold moisture.
Unique Concerns for Commercial Establishments
Choosing outdoor furniture for commercial establishments like restaurants, hotels, and bars requires an even greater level of care. The furniture must be high quality and appropriate to the brand. Again, that doesn’t necessarily mean the colors match those of the logo. Focus instead on what type of general aesthetic the business is going for and who it hopes to attract for customers, clients, or patrons.
Start the Search
There’s never a good reason to wait until the last minute to buy outdoor furniture. Start the search now instead of waiting until the summer season is here and everyone is looking for the same thing. That way, buyers will have a greater range of options since full lines of high-quality furniture will be more likely to be in stock before the season gets fully underway.
