Apart from being functional, outdoor furniture is a way to beautify your backyard and enhance the whole exterior of your house. Before buying an outdoor furniture set, here are some things to consider:
- How often and for what purposes do you use your outdoor?
- Do you entertain frequently or spend a considerable amount of time in your backyard?
- Do you have many weekend parties or holiday guests?
- How many people do you normally have around your outdoor table?
- How big is your backyard?
- What is the size of your deck?
- Which shape of the outdoor dining table is more suitable for your backyard, round outdoor table, or rectangle dining table?
- Would an outdoor sectional make the best use of your backyard space?
- Is it preferable to choose a deep seating set instead of a dining set?
Outdoor furniture can be classified into 2 categories: outdoor dining sets (including outdoor bars) and outdoor conversation sets (with extras like outdoor daybeds and poufs).
Most people love the outdoors, whether it’s relaxing in the sun on a lounger with a good book, or enjoying a nice romantic dinner under the stars. In recent years, outdoor conversation sets have become increasingly popular as the backyard becomes an extension of the home. And there are now more offerings to reflect this, with popular options like outdoor fire pits surrounded by comfortable deep seating chairs, big round and square shaped sectionals, and even fun outdoor daybeds. When it’s warm outside, it’s hard to think of anything better than sitting beside the pool and soaking up some sun. And a cool night is the perfect time to sit around a fire pit table, watching the fire dance, and enjoying some light conversation.
Another new option is the extendable outdoor table which can seat 6-8 people or 10 to 12 people when extended. Extendable tables offer more flexibility and provide better use of your space.
For those with a cottage or country style home, we recommend keeping with your surroundings and going with a more traditional design while more modern outdoor furniture looks great on a condo balcony or house in an area like downtown Toronto. The simple design and clean lines of contemporary style furniture continue to be on trend with many residential and commercial clients. When buying outdoor furniture, be sure to also keep in mind the color of your deck and walls when choosing outdoor furniture finishes, outdoor cushions, pillows, and outdoor umbrellas.
OUTDOOR FURNITURE BUYING GUIDE BY MATERIAL
Wicker Outdoor Furniture
High-end wicker outdoor furniture is hand made by weaving the outdoor wicker onto a powder-coated aluminum frame. This kind of manufacturing technique allows for a softer feel and warmer look, making high-end wicker outdoor furniture the preferable choice. Choosing outdoor furniture with thicker and wider wicker gives it a feeling of being stronger and more substantial while providing a high-class look that is gradually replacing the thinner wickers.
One concern people have is about using the furniture beside a pool or ocean. Some other materials can have problems with surface oxidation and peeling, but with wicker, there is nothing to worry about as long as you use high-end wicker outdoor furniture.
Aluminum Outdoor Furniture
Aluminum outdoor furniture is quickly becoming the popular choice especially in areas where there is a pool, as there is no need to worry about the glass on the dining table or coffee and side tables shattering or breaking. Aluminum is strong but also looks strong which will only add to its high-end look. The smooth surface of aluminum also lends to a more formal look.
The unique technique used to manufacture aluminum outdoor furniture allows the manufacturer to be creative in its designs. Aluminum tables can be full of beautiful details and intricate designs to create many types of looks from traditional to modern. Aluminum does have the downfall of being quite heavy and expensive. And while heavy is good, too much is not, especially on a dining chair, people need to move to get in and out from the table. This is why many aluminum chairs also use tubular aluminum which is much lighter. By using the beautiful designs of the cast in the back and seat areas and using the tubular aluminum on the legs and arms this allows for a great looking chair that is less heavy and also less expensive.
Sol Teak® Outdoor Furniture
Sol Teak® faux teak outdoor furniture has the look, feel, and weight of real teak furniture with minimal maintenance requirements. Unlike real teak, the grain will not raise and no sanding or oiling is required. Both Natural (a warm, golden brown color) and Weathered (a soft, silvery grey) finish options are available. Sol Teak® is suitable for coastal environments or locations where heavier weight furniture is desirable due to windy conditions. Its wood look provides natural appeal which captures the beauty of teak without the work.
Sling Outdoor Furniture
Sling outdoor furniture provides comfort without the need for cushions making this collection very easy to care for. It is lighter in weight and is a great option for a poolside deck or outdoor. When choosing sling furniture, ask what type of sling fabric is used, and is it replaceable? Are the frames constructed from powder-coated aluminum? Our sling furniture features durable aluminum frames and Sunbrella® or Batyline® sling fabric. The contemporary design works in modern homes, luxury homes, and commercial settings. The Millcroft Outdoor Dining Chair is stackable, and we also offer lounge seating, bar and counter height seating, and a modular sectional option which is quite unique in sling. Two colorways are available and the sling fabric is also replaceable.
Stainless Steel Outdoor Furniture and Stainless Steel Furniture
Stainless steel outdoor furniture can be 100% stainless steel or can combine stainless steel with outdoor wickers to create a unique look. Because stainless steel is made in more linear shapes and styles it creates a very modern feel. Stainless steel furniture is suitable in more contemporary houses and hotels and is a great choice for commercial clients looking to create a modern atmosphere.
Restaurant Outdoor Furniture
Side chairs are a great choice for restaurants as not only do they take up less space, they also require less space allocated for people to get in and out of their spot around the table. Many restaurants prefer the side chair for this reason. Also preferred is a solid tabletop which can be easily cleaned. Since one of the main factors a restaurant looks at is how many people they serve at any given time it is beneficial for the furniture to be small and compact in order to save space.
Commercial Outdoor Furniture
As long as the furniture is strong enough, all wicker outdoor furniture, aluminum outdoor furniture, and stainless steel outdoor furniture can be used as commercial outdoor furniture. The key point to find out whether the furniture is strong enough is to check what kinds of materials it is made from. People always ask “What is the outdoor chair weight?” and the simple answer is that heavier is better.
Outdoor Fire Pits
The tabletops materials of outdoor fire pits can be sorted into tile, granite, fiberglass, concrete, and aluminum.
Tile tops are not very durable and are known to fall off after only a year, so few factories continue to use this material.
While granite tops are a popular choice since they give a luxury look to your fire pit they do come with their problems. When heated, the granite around the burner area warms and when it meets with the colder outside perimeter it has a tendency to crack for this reason many factories are turning to other more durable materials.
While fiberglass tops have nothing wrong with them, it tends to look inexpensive and therefore not suitable for higher-end styles of outdoor fire pits.
Concrete is a new material that manufacturers are starting to be experiment with for outdoor fire pits.
When it comes to what is the most popular materials for making outdoor fire pit tops, aluminum is the answer. Aluminum can be made into many shapes while maintaining its strength due to the special manufacturing technique. This is why aluminum is not only used for tops but bases as well including the bases when other materials are used for the tops.
OUTDOOR FURNITURE BUYING GUIDE BY TYPE
Outdoor Sectionals
The most obvious advantage of outdoor sectionals is they can be put together into many configurations and sizes including round, curved, square, and rectangle shaped sets. Sectional options also include wicker sectionals, aluminum sectionals, and stainless steel sectionals.
Sectionals are made up of many different modules, including left and right modules, slipper chairs, and corners that can all be piece together to create the arrangement that is right for you. Keep in mind when choosing the corner module that 45° corner modules allow a person to be able to sit in the corner spot while 90° corner modules do not, however, the 90° corner modules does make the best use of space.
When deciding on your configuration make sure to double-check your measurements to see if you have room for that extra slipper chair you want.
Outdoor Fire Pit Tables
Outdoor fire pits are a great addition to any outdoor, not only do they provide a cozy ambiance they also provide some warmth. Typically the more BTU’s a fire pit has the bigger the flame. By choosing a fire pit that is beautifully designed and stylish you can not only enjoy it on a cool summer evening but also during the day you can use it as a coffee table by putting a cover over the burner.
Balcony Furniture
The goal of balcony furniture is to make it not only compact but also comfortable. You want to find a balance of size and space so that it sits comfortably, but also leaves enough walking space on your balcony.
Outdoor Chaise Lounges
Look for outdoor chaise lounges with wheels so that you can easily move the lounge when you want. Just think how convenient it would be to be able to move from poolside under the sun over to a nice shady spot once you’ve had enough. One feature you may also want to consider is a chaise lounge that is designed so that the cushions fit inside the frame; this ensures the cushion stays in place when you are moving around on it. It also creates a clean look by not having to use ties or Velcro straps to hold the cushion in place.
Outdoor Daybeds
Some outdoor daybeds come with a canopy which is great on those hot sunny days when you need to cool down. For commercial use, daybeds without a canopy are preferable due to their ease of maintenance.
Garden Benches
Outdoor garden benches are not only a good resting place, but can also help decorate the backyard by filling in any gaps in the landscape. They are a great choice for a back corner of the yard under a big shady tree.
Outdoor Bar Stools
Outdoor bars are a great choice to liven up your outdoor. When looking for wicker outdoor bar stools make sure to look at the footrest area, this spot receives a lot of wear and tear especially when used in a commercial setting. Therefore it is best to choose a stool that does not have any wicker weaving in that spot.
Aluminum outdoor bar stools are another great choice, and because they are made of aluminum, the footrest area is very durable. However since aluminum is a harder material it is a good idea to use outdoor cushions to increase the comfort level.
Outdoor Chairs
Outdoor wicker is most often chosen for the deep seating area however outdoor wicker dining chairs are also a great option. The backs of outdoor wicker dining chairs are fully solid which creates a very comfortable sitting experience.
The most popular choice for dining is aluminum outdoor chairs. Aluminum allows for a vast array of styles and also provides a more formal look.
Stainless steel chairs are perfect for when a modern luxury look is desired. Highly polished stainless steel is beautiful and the low heat transfer rate makes it a great choice for sitting out in the sun.
Teak outdoor chairs provide a nice heavy look and natural feel helping to blend your furniture in with your surroundings.
Outdoor Tables
There are many styles of outdoor tables with the 2 main materials being outdoor wicker and aluminum. Both have their benefits, and while wicker tables provide a soft and casual feel, the glass top is not always preferable especially in areas where there is a pool nearby. Some newer styles use outdoor wicker legs and frame combined with an aluminum top. This design not only solves the problem of the glass but also creates a very fashionable look while allowing people the choice of outdoor wicker or aluminum for the chairs.
If you are going for a more formal look, aluminum outdoor tables are a popular choice. As long as you choose good quality aluminum, it is a great material for any style table whether you choose a dining table, fire pit table, pedestal table, or extending outdoor table.
Stainless steel outdoor tables are very modern and will make a bold statement in your backyard design.
Teak outdoor tables will provide a natural look and feel however they do require yearly maintenance to keep them looking their best.
Outdoor Umbrellas and Commercial Outdoor Umbrellas
One popular feature to look for in umbrellas is whether it is able to tilt which helps to maximize the shade coverage. The round 7′ umbrella has a button tilt while the 9′ and 11′ umbrellas have auto tilt. 10′ square and 8*11′ outdoor umbrellas are not able to tilt due to their size. Auto tilt works once the umbrella is fully open by continuing to use the crank to start the tilt feature. Button tilt works by pushing a button to tilt the umbrella.
Use the chart below to understand which size of umbrella is best suited for each table size:
- 7′ Square or Round Outdoor Umbrella: 48″ – 42″ round outdoor table
- 9′ Round Outdoor Umbrella: 60″ – 54″ outdoor table, 72″ rectangle outdoor table
- 11′ Round Outdoor Umbrella: 84″ rectangle outdoor table
- 10′ Square Outdoor Umbrella: 60″ square outdoor table
- 8′ * 11′ Rectangle Outdoor Umbrella: 118″ rectangle outdoor table, 84″ rectangle outdoor table, 72″ rectangle outdoor table
Since commercial outdoor umbrellas are used on a more frequent basis they need to be very durable. The owner of the establishment also does not want the clientele tampering with the umbrella and so they are made with that in mind. Therefore the 7’ft and 9’ft Commercial Outdoor Umbrellas do not tilt and also do not have a crank; instead, they are secured in the open position by a pin lock. The umbrella poles are also designed to be one solid piece.
Cantilever Outdoor Umbrellas
When shopping for a high-end cantilever outdoor umbrella, look for one that comes with wheels and can rotate 360°, this will make it much easier for you to move around depending on where the sun is. Also, a good idea is one where you can adjust the angle of the canopy to provide maximum shade coverage.
Once you know which umbrella is best suited for you, you can decide on a fabric color to compliment your outdoor furniture cushions.
Outdoor Umbrella Bases and Commercial Umbrella Bases
If the umbrella will be used with a table then a base that is about 40 – 60 lbs will work however if the umbrella will be exposed to wind, go with a heavier base, 70- 90 lbs. It is recommended to keep the umbrella closed on windy days. Freestanding umbrellas should be used with a base that is over 90lbs. When used commercially the umbrella base should be over 90lb, although over 120lb would be best. Choosing a base with wheels so you can easily move it is important if you will be bringing them in at the end of the night or changing the set up each day.
Extendable Outdoor Tables
When buying an extendable outdoor table, always make sure that the table is easy to open and close. If a guest pops over you want to be able to quickly accommodate them and not spend a lot of time trying to adjust the table. It is also important to consider how and where the additional panels are stored. The best option is to have ones that are self-storing as this allows them to be readily available. It is also nice to have 2 panels so you can extend the table only a small amount if that is all that is required. Also when there are 2 panels it allows for a middle stationary piece that can accommodate an umbrella. By having this stationary piece you will not need to remove the umbrella just to extend the table.
Outdoor Furniture Covers
Look for outdoor furniture covers that are durable and water-resistant to best protect your investment. A light color is a pleasing choice that will also help it blend in with your landscape. Also, try to go with a one-piece outdoor sectional cover over individual ones as this will be much more convenient to use and will save time too.
Outdoor Cushions and Outdoor Pillows
Some things to keep in mind when choosing your outdoor cushions are the fabric and the foam. The higher the density of cushion foam, the longer it will keep its shape. As a frame of reference, a 1.9 density is the highest level for indoor sofa cushion foam and so something in this range would also be suitable for your outdoor cushions as well.
For places where there is a lot of rain, choosing quick dry cushions would be a smart choice. CABANACOAST® Quick Dry Foam is high quality with a density of 2.2.
When looking for fabric, make sure to pick one that is made for the outdoors and is UV and mildew resistant. When deciding on the color of your outdoor cushions try to pick one that is not too close to the color of outdoor furniture frames. Keep in mind the look you are going for as well, you can pick more neutral colors for a high-end luxury look or some bright bold colors to keep it fun and casual. Outdoor pillows are a great way to experiment with color without the commitment. And as usual, don’t forget your landscape and exterior wall colors too.
If you want to find out more about our outdoor furniture and outdoor cushions, visit our website where you will find the handy Customizable Outdoor Cushions feature. It allows you to see what the fabrics will look like on each of our collections.
With any investment it always best to be gain as much information and be as prepared as possible before making the final decision. We hope this has helped you in your search for finding the best outdoor furniture for your home.