By: Barbara Norman on Fri Mar 28, 2008

Patio furniture is a valuable and pleasurable addition to any home. Outdoor patio
furniture can improve the look of your deck or garden, increase the amount of quality time you spend with your family, and give your house and neighborhood a touch of class. Whether you’re blessed with a deck, terrace, courtyard, veranda, porch or patio, there are multiple patio furniture solutions that will allow you to enjoy your summer in style and comfort! A patio set with an umbrella or a patio table - there are many options

As it’s outside, though, it’s important to balance stylish and elegant looks with an acknowledgment that the furniture must also be durable, so as to withstand the elements. There are a variety of different types of patio furniture available for purchase, and it’s important to shop around. Compare warranties, the amount of maintenance the pieces will require throughout their life-time, and prices – as it’s a market with many different degrees of pricing. (I have friends who buy discount patio furniture at the end of the summer and receive a significant price cut!)

The first question to ask is, “Will I be buying wood or metal patio furniture?” There are benefits to both.

Wood, while elegant and stylish, is apt to be easily affected by the weather, and must be painted or sealed to ensure it doesn’t decay. Softwoods like wicker, cedar, pine and cypress are therefore best for covered areas. Although cedar patio furniture is insect and decay resistant, wicker patio furniture is easily affected by the elements. The hardwoods: mahogany, jarrah, redwood, and teak, are more versatile and don’t require as much re-painting throughout the season. Teak is widely considered the best wood for outdoor patio furniture, primarily because of its look and its strength.

Metal furniture may be less likely to decay as quickly, but if you live in a high moisture area, it can rust quite easily. Thankfully, most home improvement stores and patio furniture vendors sell metal patio furniture that has a rust-resistant coating, which protects such previously susceptible materials like wrought iron from turning orange and disgusting. On the flip side, metal chairs tend to be more expensive and less comfortable. Some people find a solution to that by purchasing patio furniture covers.


Patio furniture does require considerable more maintenance than the old one-two with a duster that you’re used to within the home. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for specifics (especially if it’s a specialty soft-wood set), but there are some general rules you can keep in mind.

Storage
If possible, you should store your patio furniture away from the elements. If you don’t have a basement, try a shed. If that’s not an option, cover your furniture with a tarp, ensuring that the pieces are dry prior, so as to prevent the development of mold. You might think that teak, which is the most durable of , but you can lengthen its life-span by ensuring it’s covered during the winter.

Staining or Painting
Wood furniture must be covered with either paint or a sealant, as much as three times annually, to prevent it from turning silver and gray.

For a un-textured metal patio furniture, use auto-wax. Auto-care products like wax are scientifically formulated to protect automobiles from damage and abrasive elements, and will do wonders with your chair.

Cleaning
Once you have finished your furniture, or if it already is, you can clean it with a solution of detergent and water. Ensure that the detergent is non-abrasive, and do not use anything such as ammonia or bleach, which can damage the furniture. Rinse after washing with warm water to prevent accumulation of soap or chemicals, and dry the furniture thoroughly.

If you’ve chosen well, and are ready to put in just a little bit of elbow grease to maintain the furniture on your patio, you will reap the reward of ease, comfort, and an enhanced conviviality. A comfortable home, inside and out, provides an ideal setting for breezy conversation and socializing – not only for company, but also for your own family, or yourself.