Americans are spending more and more time in their gardens. They’re growing fruits and vegetables, creating playgrounds for their kids, and building rabbit hutches, dog houses, and aviaries. And that’s not all, as garden parties, birthday parties, and barbecues are just as popular as they have always been. If you’re spending more time in your garden, you’re probably thinking about making a few renovations, and that’s what this guide is for. We’ll tell you all that you need to know about outdoor furniture, helping you to make a more informed decision when it comes time to buy.
Benefits of Outdoor Furniture
Before we look at the types of furniture, along with the cost and materials, it’s worth looking at the benefits that having a few well-made pieces of furniture can provide:
Increased Interest
There is nothing to suggest that outdoor furniture will increase the value of your home. However, it helps with the overall staging and can show your outdoor space in a better light. A huge part of the sale process is making sure the house looks great and the potential buyers can see themselves in it. A newly renovated garden complete with several pieces of furniture is always going to have more of an impact than an empty and lifeless yard. As Americans spend more time in their gardens and more money on outdoor renovations, it becomes essential to show your garden at its best.
A Bright Working Space
Do you work from home? Do you find yourself missing countless days of summer because you’re locked up inside the house tapping away at a keyboard? A little patio furniture could give you the perfect excuse to work outside. Not only can you take inspiration from nature and blow some of the cobwebs of stagnation away, but you’ll also soak up some vitamin D.
Evening Drinks
Invite your friends around for some enjoyable drinks in the garden. You can’t beat the feeling of relaxing underneath the stars as you enjoy a drink or two with your nearest and dearest.
Birthday Parties
If you have the space for it, you can turn your garden into the perfect party destination. Throw parties for your kids and for yourself—you may need to rent a few extra pieces when the big day arrives, but that outdoor furniture will form the foundations.
Different Furniture Options
Outdoor furniture can be broken down into a few basic product types: Chairs/Benches Tables Fabrics (including umbrellas and awnings) Firepits and Lighting Most outdoor spaces will be fine with just a couple of chairs and a table, but a firepit will keep you warm during those long winter nights and lighting will ensure that you’re not sitting in the dark. If you have a large family, you should consider investing in a few more seats and accessories, ensuring that everyone can sit and relax. But don’t start investing in extra chairs just on the off chance that a group of friends will drop by. It makes sense to have some extra space on a bench or to have an extra chair, but there’s no need to stack up the furniture in preparation for something that only happens once a year. In the event that people appear out of nowhere and your quiet night turns into a busy one, you can just toss a few cushions on the deck or bring some chairs from inside the house.
What is it Made from?
Outdoor furniture is made from a variety of different materials, and the construction will impact the durability, comfort, cost, and weight, among other things. A lot of modern outdoor furniture, including the pieces we sell here at Seven Summers, are made from recycled plastics and are designed to be mold-free, rot-free, and super strong. It’s environmentally friendly and it won’t break down as easily as wood and other materials. That’s far from the only material out there, though. You can also find patio furniture made from all of the following: Wrought Iron: A hefty option that is difficult to move and is prone to rust. It’s durable but it’s not suitable for wet weather, and the fact that it’s very cumbersome means it’s hard to move and store during the winter. Steel: Another heavy but durable option, steel is best when it’s kept away from water. It’s very strong and can create some beautiful industrial-style pieces. Aluminum: A lot of contemporary outdoor furniture is made using aluminum. It’s a low-cost and lightweight option and it can be cast into a variety of shapes. It’s super resilient, but it’s not quite as strong, durable, or heavy as steel and iron. Plastic: In addition to poly lumber, which is made from recycled plastic, there are a host of cheaper plastic options that are not as environmentally friendly and strong. Plastic is usually an affordable option, and it creates some very lightweight pieces, but the quality can differ considerably from one piece to the next. Wood: Although it’s one of the most popular options, wooden furniture has a variety of problems. It needs to be treated to prevent breaks and rot and these treatments are usually applied every couple of years. It can also be a very expensive option, although it all depends on the quality of the wood and manufacturer. Wicker: Wicker can look great but it’s not the strongest or most resilient material. You’ll need to take great care to ensure that it stays clean and properly maintained. It’s also much weaker than other types of material and is prone to splintering and cracking. Synthetic Rattan and Wicker: If you want a natural look without maintenance issues, consider synthetic rattan or wicker. They typically use synthetic threads that are woven together and then treated to guard against water damage, stains, and mold. Concrete: Poured concrete can create outdoor furniture of all shapes and sizes. It’s as durable as furniture can be and you won’t have any issues with mold or rot, either. However, it’s not cheap and it’s definitely not easy to transport. Most concrete pieces only use this material for the base and often combine steel for support and plastic/wood for comfort.
How Much Does it Cost?
There are far too many variables to answer this question. It depends on the type of furniture that you’re buying, the quality of the materials and the build, and whether or not there are any luxury finishes and features. Generally, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for cheaper pieces of outdoor furniture and it’s not uncommon to see entire sets selling for less than $600. However, those pieces are not built to last, and you may find that you need to change them before they’ve seen all of the seasons. The average American household spends about $5,000 on outdoor furniture and renovations and this is a good ballpark figure to keep in mind. It’s a lot of money, but it will ensure you have some very high-quality chairs/benches and a table. There should also be some money left over to accessorize with cushions and to add a firepit and/or lighting. That $5,000 furniture will stay strong and comfortable for many years to come, so you’ll get a lot of value out of it in the long run.
FAQs about Outdoor Furniture
Still got a few questions about outdoor furniture? Take a look at these quick questions and answers as we address the most common concerns.
Can I Buy Outdoor Furniture if I Have a Small Yard?
Of course! You just have to be a little more economical with your space. Stick with the bare essentials and rearrange to make it work. You can even place outdoor furniture on a balcony—all homeowners can enjoy their own little outdoor space.
Can I Just Take Indoor Furniture Outside?
Indoor furniture is not weather-proof and you could transfer dirt inside the house. If you need a little more space for a garden party, go for it; just don’t make it a long-term solution.
Can Outdoor Furniture be Used Indoors?
Yes, but it tends to be a little more expensive than indoor furniture. Again, it’s something you can consider as a temporary solution but it’s not ideal as a long-term option.
Is Outdoor Furniture Water-Resistant?
It depends on the material, but a lot of outdoor furniture is designed to be water-resistant. You should still clean it and maintain it, though.
Will Outdoor Furniture Attract Mold and Mildew?
Providing you maintain and clean your outdoor furniture, you shouldn’t have an issue with mold and mildew. Don’t let your furniture sit out too long following heavy rain and snow. Clean it, dry it, and look out for the early signs of damage, mold, and mildew.