What to Consider Before Purchasing an Outdoor Furniture Set
It feels nice to have a place outdoors where you can relax and interact directly with nature without going far from your home. If it’s also green and secure to give you privacy, you could turn it into a family sanctuary.
The right combination of outdoor furniture and good gardening techniques can help you achieve the kind of patio you deserve. Surprisingly, it doesn’t cost much to achieve these things. What’s more, there is a wide collection of furniture pieces you could purchase for different needs.
Read on for a quick buying guide for the best outdoor furniture sets.
FAQ
What is outdoor furniture?
Outdoor furniture is a type of furniture specifically designed for use outdoors. Generally, it is made from materials that can withstand the weather, such as stainless steel and aluminium.
What is the difference between outdoor vs indoor furniture?
Outdoor furniture is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. It is usually made of aluminum or stainless steel, which is very stable and will not rust, making it ideal for outdoor use. Indoor furniture has more of a "softer," chic look, but it is also much more comfortable and more expensive than outdoor furniture.
What are the things to consider when buying outdoor furniture?
Outdoor furniture can be bought in a similar manner to indoor furniture, but some special considerations must be taken into account. Here are some tips for buying outdoor furniture:
- Space: Think about the size and shape of your outdoor space to determine the size of your outdoor furniture and how many people it should accommodate. Also ensure that there is enough space around your furniture so that you can move around freely.
- Weather: Consider the material's inherent properties as well as its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions when choosing outdoor furniture. In general, metals are not affected by sunlight, whereas plastics and rubber are always susceptible to UV damage. In the same way, wood furniture may come with a quality, factory-applied finish that protects it from the outdoors, but, over time, that finish will wear away.
- Materials: The materials you choose for your home and landscape should be easy to maintain. Here are some options you might consider:
- Aluminum, Plastic and PVC: Materials of this type are lightweight, rustproof, inexpensive, and easy to maintain. They may, however, need to be secured during strong winds due to their lightweight construction.
- Steel and Iron: Both of these materials are sturdy, making them ideal for outdoor use. They must, however, be painted or treated periodically to prevent rust.
- Rattan and Wicker: These are natural materials that offer a casual, comfortable look for your patio, but they will need to be weatherproofed periodically. Resin-coated synthetic rattan and wicker last significantly longer than natural materials.
- Natural wood: Materials of this type are sturdy and comfortable, but will require maintenance and protective treatment against weather and UV rays.
- Comfort: Before you buy furniture, make sure you test it out. You can always buy or make your own cushions and pillows if chairs and lounges are not that comfortable. Choose or use outdoor fabrics that are mildew- and fade-resistant, and store them when not in use to keep them looking good.
How to maintain your outdoor furniture in good condition?
Take these steps to ensure that your outdoor furniture remains in good condition:
- Cleaning: Remove dirt and debris by wiping them down with a damp or dry cloth. Give the surface a thorough cleaning with cleaning products that are appropriate for the material, then allow the furniture to dry completely before covering it up again
- Storage: Cover your patio furniture when not in use. Protect your outdoor furniture with patio furniture covers to extend its life and keep it looking new. It is important that you clean your furniture before placing your cover on, especially if you intend to keep it on for a long time. By doing so, your furniture will stay in good shape.
- Prevent Mild and Mildew: To avoid mold and mildew buildup, clean your outdoor set regularly. If not in use, store your furniture in a cool, dry place and use well-ventilated furniture covers to prevent creating a muggy storage environment.
Types of Outdoor Furniture Sets
Sofas
Outdoor sofas are mostly made from steel and aluminum for long durability. They are rust-free and weather-resistant. Like most sofas, outdoor sofas come with comfy cushions and may feature colorful upholstery. Additionally, the sofas are available in all sorts of designs and styles.
Dining Sets
Ever wanted to build an alfresco dining room for your family? A dining set with an umbrella will have you covered in all seasons. The sets are available for 3-10 people, so you can easily choose what will suit your family needs.
Like sofas, most outdoor furniture dining sets feature a combination of rustproof metal frames and long-lasting wood. However, it’s also possible to find all-wood sets or all-metal sets.
Beds
Beds are increasingly becoming common on people’s porches and patios. Even families that live in apartments are adding beds to their balconies. This may sound unrealistic if you have little outdoor space, but keep in mind that beds are also available in a variety of shapes.
Free Standing Umbrellas
Furniture sets for outdoor use may be weather-resistant, but your family is not. You’ll need protection against hot or rainy weather. An umbrella also helps extend the lifespan of your furniture pieces. Umbrellas are not expensive anyway.
Hammocks
Hammocks are one of the most common furniture pieces in people’s patios. They’re cozy and relaxing. You don’t need much space to set them up. They can hold up to 450 pounds of weight and are durable. For families, hammocks are also available for two to three persons.
What reviewers say
U-MAX 7 Pieces Patio Rattan Sofa Set
U-MAX’s 7-piece outdoor set consists of a stylish sectional sofa and a coffee table. The sofa stands 17 inches tall and features stainless steel frames and an intricately woven Wicker design for esthetic and durability reasons. Its coaches are thick and breathable while the coffee table is glass made. The set costs $2,419 and comes with all the necessary hardware and installation guides.
Peach Tree 7 PCs Outdoor Patio PE
Blue cushions and white pillows combined with the black, rattan woven wicker fabric makes the Peach Tree 7appear absolutely gorgeous. It’s a sectional sofa and comes with a small coffee table made of glass and the same wicker fabric. The frames are made of stainless steel while the cushions are modern and breathable. When you purchase the $679 priced seat, you also get two white or checked cushions.
Ovios Patio Furniture Set, Backyard Sofa Outdoor Furniture
Seldom are manufacturers this generous with furniture items. The set consists of 12 furniture pieces, all quality made with stainless steel frames and woven with rattan wicker. The items cost $1,499 but you get good value for everything received. You can order couches in either blue or beige colors and you also receive 4 flowered pillows.
Solaura Outdoor Furniture Set 6-Piece Wicker Furniture
A medium-sized family of 4-6 members will find this set spacious. It comes with a sectional sofa, a standalone chair, and a lounge seat. Like most outdoor patio furniture sets, the Solaura set is made of strong metal and woven fabric obtained from rattan material. The wicker fabric is gray colored though.
PHI VILLA 3 Piece New Outdoor Furniture Sectional
PHI VILLA’s three-piece set may be your best chance at having a beautiful alfresco without spending a lot of money. The set consists of a couch, a lounge seat and a coffee table made of tempered glass. The fabric is wicker rattan and steel frames that hold up to 350 pounds of weight per seat. On top of that, you receive four colored pillows.
Goplus 4-Piece Rattan Patio Furniture Set
This 4-piece set is designed to accommodate four people. It comes with two armchairs, one love couch, and a glass-made table. Unlike most coffee tables for outdoor furniture, the glass table that comes with this set is long to accommodate tea and food for all involved. The couches are slim but they’re comfy, removable and contain zipped covers for easy cleaning.
Wisteria Lane 5 Piece Outdoor Furniture Set
The Wisteria 5-piece set is best designed for homes with artificial turf lawns or cemented patios. Both the glass table and couches have short legs, standing only a few inches off the ground. But thanks to their stainless steel frames and wicker woven fabrics, the pieces will last for long.
PATIORAMA Outdoor Furniture Sectional Sofa Set
There's something beautiful about brown couches. When rhymed with matching outdoor décor, the PATIORAMA furniture will look good anywhere. The 5-piece set is basically a corner couch with a glass table. The sofa has large sitting cushions and sizable back cushions except for the lounge seat. Stainless metal is used for support while the remaining fabric is woven rattan.
Homall 5-Pieces Outdoor Patio Furniture Sets
Technically, you receive four pieces when you purchase the Homall 5-piece set. The table’s tempered glass comes separately. That aside, you also receive a love couch and two armchairs. Homall claims their cushions are made of bio-friendly materials. They also feature removable covers. The fabric is woven rattan wicker while the stands are made of stainless steel metal frames.
Important Features
Style and Designs
Whether you are after a dining set or a sofa, beds or hammocks, keeping mind there’s always a different design for metal outdoor furniture sets than what you first see. Shop around to view more styles and designs before comparing them for features and prices.
All-Weather Material
One of the most important features of outdoor furniture is good-quality materials. Most sofas are made using stainless steel metal frames wrapped in woven rattan materials. This makes them look good in all seasons. Of course, there are more materials other than rattan wicker--but just ensure that they’re durable.
Extras
Almost all the sofas we reviewed above came with a coffee table and pillows. Not every brand offers extra essentials yet they come in handy at times. When comparing similar pieces with different prices, evaluate them for the extra pieces they come with.
Pricing
Large, 8-12 piece furniture sets cost $1000 and above. But before you pay the hefty price, check different designs to evaluate them for pricing. Most branded products are naturally more expensive than generic items. If you don’t need a brand name patio coffee table, save your money and purchase a generic one.
Top-Rated Brands
U-MAX 7 Pieces Patio Rattan Sofa Set
U-MAX’s 7-pieces outdoor set consists of a stylish sectional sofa and a coffee table. The sofa stands 17 inches tall and features a stainless steel frame and an intricately woven wicker design for both aesthetic and durability reasons. Its coaches are thick and breathable, while the coffee table is made of glass. The set costs $2,419 and comes with all the necessary hardware and installation guides.
Peach Tree 7 PCs Outdoor Patio PE
Blue cushions and white pillows combined with the black, rattan woven wicker fabric makes the Peach Tree 7 appear absolutely gorgeous. It’s a sectional sofa and comes with a small coffee table made of glass and the same wicker fabric. The frames are made of stainless steel, while the cushions are modern and breathable. When you purchase the $679-priced seat, you also get two white or checked cushions.
Ovios Patio Furniture Set, Backyard Sofa Outdoor Furniture
Seldom are manufacturers this generous with furniture items. The set consists of 12 furniture pieces, all quality made with stainless steel frames and woven with rattan wicker. The items cost $1,499 but you get good value for everything you receive. You can order couches in either blue or beige, and you also receive 4 flowered pillows.
Solaura Outdoor Furniture Set 6-Piece Wicker Furniture
A medium-sized family of 4-6 members will find this set spacious. It comes with a sectional sofa, a standalone chair, and a lounge seat. Like most outdoor patio furniture sets, the Solaura set is made of strong metal and woven fabric obtained from rattan material. The wicker fabric is gray-colored, however.
PHI VILLA 3 Piece New Outdoor Furniture Sectional
PHI VILLA’s three-piece set may be your best chance at having a beautiful alfresco without spending a lot of money. The set consists of a couch, a lounge seat and a coffee table made of tempered glass. The fabric is wicker rattan and steel frames that hold up to 350 pounds of weight per seat. On top of that, you receive four colored pillows.
Goplus 4-Piece Rattan Patio Furniture Set
This 4-piece set is designed to accommodate four people. It comes with two armchairs, one love couch, and a glass-made table. Unlike most coffee tables for outdoor furniture, the glass table that comes with this set is long enough to accommodate tea and food for all involved. The couches are slim but they’re comfy, removable, and contain zipped covers for easy cleaning.
Wisteria Lane 5 Piece Outdoor Furniture Set
The Wisteria 5-piece set is best designed for homes with artificial turf lawns or cemented patios. Both the glass table and couches have short legs, standing only a few inches off the ground. But thanks to their stainless steel frames and wicker woven fabrics, the pieces will last for long.
PATIORAMA Outdoor Furniture Sectional Sofa Set
There's something beautiful about brown couches. When rhymed with matching outdoor décor, the PATIORAMA furniture will look good anywhere. The 5-piece set is basically a corner couch with a glass table. The sofa has large sitting cushions and sizable back cushions, except for the lounge seat. Stainless metal is used for support, while the remaining fabric is woven rattan.
Homall 5-Pieces Outdoor Patio Furniture Sets
Technically, you receive four pieces when you purchase the Homall 5-piece set. The table’s tempered glass comes separately. That aside, you also receive a love couch and two armchairs. Homall claims their cushions are made of bio-friendly materials. They also feature removable covers. The fabric is woven rattan wicker while the stands are made of stainless steel metal frames.
Final Verdict
Outdoor furniture provides a whole new experience most people don't know about until they use them. Even when you have a small patio, having a love couch and a coffee table can help you create memories in the best way possible. The best outdoor furniture sets are pricey, but they’re strong and could last a lifetime.
