Warm weather has arrived and your family is ready for more outdoor living! Take a look around your deck or patio. Does it have everything you need to spend summer days and evenings outdoors? New outdoor furniture can give your space an instant update. You’ll soon learn, however, that outdoor furniture is a big category and there are many styles, sizes, materials, and colors to choose from. Our patio furniture buying guide can help you narrow down the options by offering helpful tips on buying patio furniture.
Before You Start Shopping for Patio Furniture
Before you start shopping for patio furniture, there are three questions you need to ask yourself. When you have your answers, it will make it easier for you to zero in on the best patio furniture for your home and lifestyle.
How much space do I have?
It’s important that you know the measurements of your outdoor space. You should also make notes on how you plan to use each area of your deck or patio. Will you use one space for dining and dedicate another space for relaxation? If so, note how big each area is. Knowing how much space you have will ensure that you don’t purchase pieces of furniture that overwhelm your space or are dwarfed by your space.
How do I plan to use the space?
When buying patio furniture, you should think about how you spend time outdoors. Do you eat a lot of meals outdoors or host many summer barbecues? Do you start your day with a cup of coffee or wind down your day with a good book on your patio? Different types of patio furniture are best suited for different types of outdoor activities. How you plan to use your outdoor space is a big factor when choosing which patio furniture to buy.
What is my budget?
There is patio furniture available at every budget level! Knowing the amount you have to spend, however, will help you focus on the furniture options that are right for you.
Different Types of Patio Furniture
There a many types of outdoor furniture for you to choose from. Picnic tables and dining sets are perfect for dinners on the patio or a big outdoor picnic. Conversation sets are great for quiet evenings outdoors. Adirondack chairs are ideal for gathering around your fire pit, while lounge chairs are perfect for catching the sun’s rays. What’s the best option for your outdoor space?
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What is the Best Material for Patio Furniture?
Patio furniture is crafted from a number of different materials. You’ll find options made of wood, aluminum, wrought iron, and wicker. But which is the best material for patio furniture? Most of the patio furniture you’ll find at Penn Dutch Structures is made of polywood lumber. There are a number of benefits to polywood that make it a popular choice for outdoor furniture:
Sustainable — Poly lumber is made from recycled materials, including post-consumer plastic bottles (like milk jugs or detergent bottles). They are decontaminated to a high purity level and compounded into a rigid material. The finished material is over 90% recycled plastic by weight.
Color Stable — Poly lumber contains a UV-inhibited pigment that keeps the color of the finished product saturated and fights off fading.
Durable — Different furniture materials are susceptible to wear and tear. Wood furniture will splinter and crack. The powder coating on aluminum furniture will begin to chip away. Metal furniture can rust. Polywood material, however, is extremely durable. Because it does not absorb moisture, it is resistant to cracking, peeling, and rotting.
Low Maintenance — Additionally, poly furniture is very low-maintenance. There is no need for annual waterproofing, painting, or staining. All that is needed is periodic cleaning. Use a simple solution of 1/3 bleach and 2/3 water, with a soft brush or rag.
Color Choices — Polywood allows you to choose from numerous color options without ever having to do any painting yourself. Choose a color that best represents your style, from neutral colors (grays, browns, black) to bright colors (yellows, purples, reds, greens).
Does Patio Furniture Need to Be Covered?
The easiest way to protect patio furniture is to remove it from the elements entirely. However, if storage space is limited, covering your patio furniture if your next best option. A build-up of leaves and debris on your furniture creates a breeding ground for mildew and mold during the winter months. Additionally, you should protect your furniture from freezing temperatures and excess moisture.
Patio furniture covers are typically made of polyester and they are sold in sizes that fit round or rectangular dining tables and chairs, coffee tables, rocking chairs, chaise lounges, or entire sectionals. This simple step can extend the life of your furniture for years to come.
If you have additional questions about buying patio furniture, our staff is available Tuesdays – Saturdays to provide their expert advice. You can also view our inventory at our Glen Rock, PA and Finksburg, MD locations. Shop Patio Furniture