Patio Furniture Buying Guide

The most common types of outdoor chairs are sling chairs, cushion chairs and caned or woven chairs. 

Sling Chairs:

• Constructed with a back and seat of soft material looped around a frame, sling chairs have the advantage of being lightweight and easy to move around, and they are usually the most economic type of patio chair.

Cushion Chairs: 

• Cushion chairs have more substantial bases and are sold with back and seat cushions and, occasionally, a decorative cushion in coordinating colors.

Woven Chairs:

• Woven chairs, such as wicker or cane, are traditionally made of natural plant fibers, but now can also be made of plastic or paper-wrapped wire. Woven chairs are noted for their beauty and are often a choice for outdoor furnishings in the South. All-weather wicker is considered by many to be the best outdoor furniture for rainy weather.

If the size of your family or your social group requires more seating, rather than adding more chairs, consider outdoor lounge furniture such as sofas or large format seating. A loveseat for two or a three or four-seat sofa takes up more physical space, but you'll need fewer pieces to accommodate everyone comfortably. The best patio furniture option in this case is larger, serving as a visual anchor for your setup the same way it does indoors.

Tip: When transportation is a challenge, The Home Depot truck rental can offer vehicles from pickups and vans to moving trucks to help you out.

Non-traditional seating options like benches and swings can provide fun variety to your outdoor decor.

Bench Seating: 

• Usually available in wood or metal, bench seating offers years of durability.

Gliders or Swings: 

• Gliders or swings can be the best patio furniture to add homey charm to your decor. A porch or patio swing will need a spot where it can be hung, either from a sturdy beam or its own frame. A glider is a better choice for small spaces and open-air patios.

Chaise Lounge:

• Comfortable and versatile, a long chaise lounge adds a dramatic look to your outdoor set.

Garden Stools:

• Before selecting a garden stool to serve as seating, be sure to check the weight rating. Some are not meant to be used as seats, only as decor or occasional tables.

Your patio tables should harmonize with your seating, but they should also be functional. Think about how you’ll use the outdoor space most often and design around it. 

• Provide at least one side table for every two chairs.
• Large format seating may look better with an outdoor coffee table in the mix.
• Bar-height tables make excellent buffet spaces, allowing guests at outdoor gatherings to easily help themselves.
• Patio dining sets can be large enough to accommodate a family and guests when eating outdoors. Select a smaller and stylish bistro set for al fresco dining with a friend.

Patio sets will come in all kinds of styles and sizes, from a simple bistro set with two chairs and a matching table to a dining set with seating for six to eight.

• The advantage of buying in sets is that you can easily outfit an entire patio for one price and all the furniture will be perfectly matched. However, you are limited to a single style. If you prefer a more eclectic style, purchasing a set as your sole outdoor decor may be less satisfying.
• Use accessories to introduce additional color and texture into a patio furniture set and personalize it.
• Fire pit patio sets are available that include seating and a coordinating fire pit to warm up your conversation area.

One of the most important choices you will make when buying the best outdoor furniture is the type of material you need. Think about durability, use and how it will fit with your lifestyle when choosing material for outdoor furniture.

Aluminum: 

• Lightweight
• Doesn't rust or fade
• Low maintenance
• Available in a variety of colors
• Powder-coat finish provides durability
• Use car wax or mineral oil to protect surface
• Wash with soapy water and rinse

Plastic: 

• Lightweight
• Often stackable
• May be made of recycled materials
• Apply cleaners that prevent mildew
• Rinse with water

PVC (poly-vinyl chloride):

• Lightweight
• Low maintenance
• Available in many colors
• Wash with soapy water and rinse

Steel: 

• Sturdy and durable
• Requires little to no assembly
• Comfortable
• Apply protective finish to prevent rust
• Wash with mild soap and rinse

Wicker and Rattan: 

• Lightweight and flexible
• Durable and comfortable
• Available in a variety of colors
• Dust occasionally
• Use all-weather fabrics for cushions and pillows, unless furniture is protected
• Wash with mild detergent and rinse

Wood:

• Types available include teak, cedar, cypress, pine and more
• Teak provides an ideal combination of beauty and durability
• Solid and sturdy
• Use paint with UV filters to prevent fading
• May require a preservative
• Wash with soapy water and rinse
• Use brightener and oil to maintain original appearance

Wrought Iron: 

• Sturdy and durable
• May be mounted on wheels
• Available in a wide range of designs
• Use paint to touch up cracks
• Apply rust protection
• Wash with mild soap and rinse

The type of fabric on outdoor furniture is an important consideration. Durability and fade resistance are qualities to look for, especially when the outdoor space isn't covered. If you entertain frequently or have children who are prone to spilling things, stain resistance and ease of cleaning should be considered. The material for the best outdoor furniture should be attractive, long-lasting and easy to clean.

Acrylic, Cotton Blend, Olefin and Others:

• See manufacturer's label for warranty details
• Weather resistant
• Typically most economic option

CushionGuard:

• 3-year limited warranty
• Water repellent
• Fade resistant
• Stain resistant
• Exclusive to The Home Depot

Sunbrella®:

• 5-year limited warranty
• Water resistant
• Fade resistant
• Clean with mild soap and warm water
• Highest upfront investment

Tip: Consider UV and weather-resistant fabric for cushions to provide the best patio furniture sun protection and increased durability.

Patio accessories can add functionality or bring another element of style. Changing outdoor throw pillows or outdoor rugs is an easy way to refresh the look of your outdoor living space.

Decor:

• Accessories like lanterns, rugs and pillows add color and style while helping you create an outdoor space that is truly your own.

Umbrellas and Awnings: 

• If your patio or deck has direct exposure to the sun, consider adding patio umbrellas or a retractable awning to create some shade. This will protect seating areas from the heat and harsh light. Plus, it reduces exposure to the sun's rays that can cause outdoor furniture to fade.

Accordion Tables: 

• Accordion tables expand and collapse as needed to create extra space or save room. They make great additions if you want to have enough table space for occasional parties but prefer to have more room to move around the rest of the time.

Carts:

• Carts are mounted on wheels and provide convenient storage and extra surface space in one stylish package.

Wheels/Casters:

• Some items come mounted on wheels or casters for easier mobility. This is especially desirable in items constructed of heavier materials such as wrought iron or steel.

Collapsible/Modular Design:

• Some pieces of outdoor furniture are designed to collapse or come apart for easier storage and/or transport.