How to Select Contemporary Patio Furniture:

Pick the right materials

A key consideration when selecting outdoor furniture is durability. Ordinary furniture exposed to the elements will begin to deteriorate in days or even hours.  Ideally, patio furniture designed for the outdoors needs to be able to withstand the elements.  Steel, even stainless, may eventually develop rust spots and degrade.  Aluminum patio furniture is ideal for the outdoors since it withstands rain or sun with no degradation.  Most woods will have to be continually re-sealed to withstand the elements which can become a maintenance chore.  Woods like teak on the other hand are hardy and stand up to rain and sun without swelling or cracking.  Teak simply changes color over time and putinas to a grayish tone, though the wood remains structurally sound and usable for many years.  Plastics and fiberglass are also great materials for outdoor use.  These materials can withstand rain and sun for a long time, and in the worst case colors may fade slightly over a long time. 

New water resistant materials are being used for outdoor-use cushions outdoors.  These provide added comfort, and having the right material like Sunbrella makes cushions water proof and UV resistant.

No matter what materials your outdoor furniture is made of, be sure to occasionally wipe it down with a damp cloth to get dust and particulate matter off.  This way when a friend shows up, unexpectedly, dressed in all white and sits on your patio furniture, you wont have a panic attack!

Pick the right design

Large outdoor patio furniture pieces create a great impression in permanent outdoor living spaces, though for most of us the furniture should be modular and easy to move around.  It's almost a ritual to re-arrange the deck or patio when hosting a BBQ party.  Smaller and light furniture, that is easy to move around, is recommended for most.  Larger pieces with wheels also help you accomplish this task.  It is important to keep space in mind when designing your outdoor area and to not over crowd it with furniture.  People love to stand in groups, walk about, and mingle at outdoor parties.

When selecting outdoor furniture look for pieces that will be easy to either wipe down or hose down.  Plastic chairs with a bowl type shape should have a hole at the lowest point of the bowl to help water drain out.

Enjoy

Hopefully the tips above add to your enjoyment of our contemporary patio furniture and assist in selecting patio furniture that meets your needs and expands your living space to the beautiful outdoors.  Please use the contact us page if you need any suggestions or ideas for your outdoor space.