Choosing Outdoor Furniture

When most people think of furniture, they are thinking of the type that goes inside their home. But if you have a yard or patio, chances are you will need to pick out some outdoor furniture as well. Here are some things to consider when making your choices.
As with other kinds of furniture, there is also a lot of variety in outdoor furniture. One of the most important considerations will be comfort. Before purchasing, try out the furniture to make sure you will want to spend a lot of time lounging around in it. Sit in the chairs, pull them up to the table, and make sure they are a good height. Check the table to make sure that the legs don't get in the way of the chairs. By the same token, the chair armrests should be the right height so they don't impede sliding under the table.
Check the armrests for comfort. Some styles may have armrests that look great but are much too narrow for your arms to rest comfortably. Also make sure that the chair size is right for you. Many styles are very wide and deep, and you may find that you are unable to reach the back of the chair while sitting normally. Check the material that the cushions are made of, and try them out to make sure they have adequate padding.
When thinking about the style of outdoor furniture you'd like, it's important to consider how much maintenance it will require. If you decide on aluminum furniture, regular cleaning with soap and water is all that's needed to keep it looking nice. If you decide on teak, and don't like its naturally weathered look, you will need to regularly sand the furniture and apply teak oil.
Steel and wrought iron will rust, so if at all possible, you will need to keep this type of furniture covered when it rains. Or, you can paint it, and that will provide some protection. If you buy furniture that is already painted, many manufacturers will provide some touch-up paint you can use to cover chipped areas. Many higher end manufacturers are moving away from painting to a powder coating, which provides a much more thick, even finish.
The best way to check the quality of outdoor furniture is to look closely at store samples. If you're looking at wood furniture, make sure that the joints are closely fitted. Welded joints on metal furniture should look neat and be sanded down to be as unobtrusive as possible. If the finish is wood, make sure it's been evenly sanded and not just on top surfaces. Check for sharp edges on metal furniture, especially in hidden places where knees or hands could connect with them.
Make sure that nuts and bolts are capped. This isn't just for looks; the caps will keep moisture from getting in and rusting them. If any screws are exposed, find out if they are stainless steel.
Outdoor furniture can represent a substantial investment, so take your time while shopping so you find the style and quality best for you.
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