How to Choose the Best Outdoor Furniture
Everything you need to enjoy your outside spaces.
The right patio furniture can help you make the most of your outdoor space. Whether you want to entertain guests, enjoy nightly dinners, or lounge in your backyard oasis, the perfect pieces are out there for you. If you’re not sure where to start, read on for a comprehensive guide on how to choose the best outdoor furniture for your space.
How to Choose Outdoor Furniture: An Overview
Choosing the right outdoor furniture starts with understanding your space, what you intend to use it for, and what kind of weather conditions it will face. From small balconies to large backyard patios, the right furniture strikes a balance between comfort, durability, functionality, and style. We’ll break down everything you need to consider when choosing the best outdoor furniture, including material, size, and climate compatibility.
Choosing the Best Outdoor Furniture Materials
The right materials can mean the difference between replacing your outdoor furniture every couple of years or enjoying a set for years to come. These materials are the best for durability, weather resistance, and style.
- Metal: Steel is a strong and stable material for outdoor furniture and is rust-resistant when treated properly – look for powder-coated steel for weather-resistant properties. Aluminum is a lightweight and rust-resistant metal used in outdoor furniture. Its lightweight properties make it easy to move around, so it’s great for smaller balconies and storing inside during the winter.
- Wood: Teak and other hardwoods offer a timeless look and are naturally weather-resistant. They do require seasonal treatments to preserve their natural color.
- Wicker: Wicker and rattan outdoor furniture offer a classic, laid-back look for a comfortable outdoor environment. This material is weather- and UV-resistant, meaning it will be long-lasting even in spaces that are exposed to the elements.
- Plastic: Recycled plastics are a durable and weather-resistant material that is great for outdoor spaces that are often exposed to rain and sun. Plastic is an affordable and lightweight material, making it a great choice for many different outdoor spaces.
Tip!
Check out our Outdoor Furniture Materials Guide for detailed advice.
Climate & Weather Based Furniture Tips
Your local climate should heavily influence your outdoor furniture choice. Keep these tips in mind when choosing furniture for your outdoor space based on your area.
- Hot & Sunny Climates: If you live in an area where the sun is abundant all year round or for most of the year, you’ll want to go with materials that are UV-resistant to avoid fading and degradation of your outdoor furniture. Go with breathable fabrics and consider purchasing shade structures to keep your space comfortable and avoid furniture that is hot to the touch.
- Rainy or Humid Climates: For climates that experience lots of rain and humidity, prioritize rust-resistant furniture materials and water-resistant or quick-drying cushions. Avoid wood furniture as humidity can cause it to swell and warp if not treated consistently. Read our guide The Top Picks for Patio Furniture in Humid Climates for more tips.
- Cold or Seasonal Climates: For climates that experience winters with ice, snow, or cold rain, lightweight or collapsible furniture that is easy to store will save you a lot of trouble. No matter how durable your furniture is, winters can wreak havoc on furniture, so it will either need to be stored in a shed or basement, or be protected with durable outdoor furniture covers.
How you plan to use your outdoor space will help guide you towards what kind of outdoor furniture you need. Check out these common functions for outdoor spaces and the furniture that fits them best.
Dining
Spring, summer, and fall are the perfect seasons for dining alfresco. If you want to be able to enjoy and serve meals outdoors, you’ll need a great outdoor dining set. These sets provide comfortable seating and a spacious table for place settings and serveware.
Lounging
There’s nothing like a good outdoor nap, or reading in your favorite lounge chair. If outdoor lounging is important to you, you’ll want comfortable reclining seats or an airy hammock to help you kick back and relax.
Entertaining
If you’re looking for the best outdoor furniture for entertaining, you’ll want comfortable furniture where you can sit and enjoy a summer beverage or bonfire with your friends. Conversation sets, and comfortable seating like adirondack chairs are your best bet for a cozy and customizable space ready for hosting. Don’t forget outdoor bar furniture if you really want to impress your guests.
Before buying an outdoor furniture set, measure your space and plan to be able to move comfortably around your furniture. Available space, intended use, and how many guests you want to be able to host will all play a part in helping you choose the right size furniture set for your outdoor space.
Small (1–2 People)
A small conversation set or bistro dining set is the perfect place to have an intimate outdoor meal or patio fire with a close friend or family member. You can also enjoy these smaller sets solo when you want to get away and enjoy the outdoors.
Medium (3–6 People)
Perfect for hosting a small gathering with neighbors or outdoor wine night with friends, a medium outdoor furniture set that sits 3–6 people is all you need. This is also the perfect size to have summer dinners outdoors with your immediate family all season long.
Large (6–10 People)
If you love to host outdoor dinner parties and barbecues during the warmer months, you’ll need a bigger outdoor furniture set that seats 6–10 people or more. If you have an extra large outdoor space and need lots of seating options you can define areas by including a large dining set and a large conversation set.
Tips for Choosing the Right Size Outdoor Furniture Sets
Keep these four tips in mind when measuring and planning your outdoor furniture layout.
Tip 1. Leave at least 2 feet of clearance around your seating area.
Tip 2. Leave at least 3 feet of clearance around outdoor dining areas so chairs can easily slide in and out.
Tip 3. Choose compact furniture sets with storage features for small outdoor patios and balconies.
Tip 4. Use sectionals and conversation sets to help define spaces in large outdoor areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should outdoor furniture be covered when not in use?
Yes. Covering your outdoor furniture when not in use will help protect it from UV-rays, water, and dirt. Covering your furniture with weather-resistant outdoor furniture covers can help it last longer.
How do I choose outdoor furniture for a small patio?
Look for compact furniture sets, folding furniture, and multifunctional pieces to help you maximize your outdoor space. Stick to small patio furniture sets and make sure to leave at least 2 feet surrounding your furniture to allow for flow and movement.
Is outdoor furniture weatherproof or weather-resistant?
Most outdoor furniture is weather-resistant, meaning it can withstand outdoor weather but will still need maintenance and care. Some materials, such as rust-resistant metals, treated solid woods, rattan, and plastic, are more weatherproof than others.
