Are you looking to enjoy the first rays of sunshine on your garden bench in spring? Or have a glass of wine with your neighbors in the garden on a mild summer evening?
Maybe you’re looking to take a nap under the parasol on your lounge chair? It all sounds very inviting, and it’s what makes patio furniture such an appealing decor choice.
Whether you’re looking to make a few minimal inclusions or plan out your entire outdoor design plan, Wickerpark has you covered. Let’s go over what you need to consider when planning your patio layout for the summer.
Patio Furniture: Making the Right Choice
One of the most important decisions you’ll make is on which type of patio furniture is suitable for you, and what you want to achieve with it. The following questions will help you narrow down your needs and preferences:
- What kind of patio furniture do I want? Chairs, table, couch, etc.?
- How much space do I have to work with?
- Which materials do I want? Wicker, plastic, metal?
- Which material suits the environment and layout of my space?
- How do I want to use the patio furniture: Occasionally or often?
Patio Furniture Recommendations for Stone or Tile Flooring
If you would like to have a barbecue with the family on your patio, we recommend a large, sturdy garden table with the appropriate chairs on stone.
Seat cushions for furniture use, such as with Wickerpark’s lineup of outdoor furniture, and beanbags that are specially made for outdoor use are becoming increasingly popular.
There’s a lot to love especially with furniture cushions – they’re easy to transport and, thanks to their special filling, are comfortable for almost every guest.
Beanbags are also great, as they can be laid flat on the floor and arranged to provide a comfortable alternative for kids.
Our recommendation is that If there’s enough space, a lounge area created by using the right wicker or plastic furniture is also an option, which can comfortably accommodate several people.
Patio furniture is also available in a wide variety of shapes and colors, which can be a big factor in the end result of your decor setup. Make sure that you’re using the right colors to suit your needs, or go with classic, all-encompassing choices like whites, blacks, or grays.
After this, the next step should be deciding on the right materials for your furniture.
Material Selection for Patio Furniture
Choosing the right material for your patio furniture depends, among other things, on how much it will be exposed to the weather. That being said, you’ll also have to take into account personal taste and convenience.
After all, nobody wants to sit in uncomfortable chairs for the whole evening, but you also don’t want the show of your outdoor setup to be spoiled by wear and tear.
Because of this, the type of material used for your patio furniture can be a big deal. Generally speaking, most furniture is usually offered in the following materials:
- Wood or wicker
- Plastic
- Metal
We’d like to make it clear that we don’t recommend metal furniture for outdoor use, for the main reason that it’s not a good idea to have them lying around in the sun all day.
The furniture can get very hot and is practically impossible to use at times, and other factors such as extra weight and rusting compound these problems.
As such, Wickerpark recommends selecting either wicker or plastic furniture for your patio. Let’s go over the features of the materials with their respective advantages and disadvantages.
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Wood or Wicker Furniture
Wooden patio furniture looks great with many different styles and creates a natural and cozy ambiance.
Advantages:
- Natural aesthetic
- Relatively sturdy
- Can be treated and maintained
- Comfortable to use even in hot temperatures
Disadvantages:
- More sensitive to weather
- Regular maintenance required
- Storage recommended in winter
Wickerpark’s all-weather lineup is an exception to the last-mentioned issue, as you can safely have them outdoors for extended periods of time without an issue, even all year round. You can easily use these pieces to create a cozy garden seating area.
In order to protect your wicker and wood furniture from excess moisture, it is advisable to place the furniture at an angle when it rains to ensure that rainwater can run off. Accumulation of moisture can damage the wood in the long term.
Plastic Patio Furniture
Plastic furniture for the patio furniture is particularly impressive because of its price and functionality, and they tend to be available in many different shapes and colors.
There are also different types of plastic furniture, such as pure plastic and rattan furniture.
Advantages of plastic furniture:
- Very simple design
- Easy to move and store
- Easy assembly and disassembly
- Very resistant to weather conditions
- Easy care and maintenance
Disadvantages of plastic furniture:
- Depending on the processing, it can be susceptible to damage like chipping and cracks
Modern plastic furniture like Wickerpark’s Muskoka and Adirondack lineup can be a great option if you’re looking for something that’s easy to use while making a great addition to your patio.