Patio Furniture

by Giorgina Devereaux

Appreciating what the outdoors has to offer can enhance your quality of life because it gives you one more thing to look forward to. 

After all, aren’t moments like those that make life worth living? 

Imagine relaxing outdoors on a hammock or sitting at a table with family and friends sharing a delicious meal and drinking a refreshing glass of ice tea as you are surrounded by the magical beauty of the flowers, trees, shrubs, a majestic fountain, and garden statues.  How wonderful would that be? 

Now take a moment to also imagine resting on a cozy chaise lounger and dozing off because of the warmth of the sun and gentle breeze tickling your face.  Then at night, you can turn on the fire pit and sit around with family and converse surrounded by a spectacular glow.  These are just a few of the many fabulous things you can experience in the comfort of your home. 

Although improving your outdoor area may seem complicated, it really is not.  There are many types of patio furniture to choose from and knowing the different types that are available will make a world of difference in helping you make the best choices in creating a relaxing, comfortable, and lovely outdoor space that breathes charm and elegance.     
  
Patio Furniture includes the following:

• Outdoor Dining and Outdoor Seating

• Sofas & Loveseats

• Chaise Loungers (single and double chaise)

• Rockers, Benches, and Swings

• Ottomans

• Outdoor Bistro Set

• Outdoor Bar Set

• Hammocks

• Coffee Tables & End Tables

• Patio Umbrellas

• Fire Pits

• Patio Heaters

• Patio Fans/Misters

• Pavillions & Gazebos

• Outdoor Storage Trunks & Decorative Trash Cans

Patio Furniture

Outdoor Dining (Patio Dining Set) & Outdoor Seating

Outdoor Dining (Patio Dining Set) is available in the following:

• Rectangular Table

• Round Table

• Picnic Table

Outdoor Seating is available in the following:

• Sectional Lounging

• Lounge Chairs

• Adirondack Furniture

• Sofas & Loveseats

• Chaise Loungers

• Rockers, Benches, and Swings

• Ottomans

Outdoor Dining (Patio Dining Set):  Patio dining sets come as rectangular or round tables with seating for up to 8 people.  Some tables are expandable and have glass top inserts for easy cleaning. 

Also, chairs are available with or without a round swivel base, and the chair cushions come in an assortment of colors, patterns, and designs.

Another outdoor dining option consists of a picnic table.  These are great additions to any home outdoor scenery. 

In addition to providing a fantastic place to sit and share a meal, they can be used for leisurely relaxing.  They are available in a variety of styles and materials. 
 

Outdoor Seating:  For outdoor seating, you may wish to opt for sectional lounging.  Sectional lounging is a versatile type of patio furniture because it can be arranged in any desired configuration. 

Its distinctive modern lines bring a clean and simple look to your outdoor design.  Some sectional lounging pieces are made from teak or wicker.  You can choose from a variety of chair cushion fabric colors. 

Lounge chairs provide comfortable seating and a fantastic place to relax.  They are available in teak, wrought iron, aluminum, as well as other materials.  Chairs cushions are offered in a variety of fabulous colors.

Adirondack furniture makes a colorful addition to your outdoor space.  It is available in hardwood folding chairs that are coated in a special weather resistant polyurethane paint that won't fade, flake, or chip.  These chairs feature contoured backs and seats, wide armrests, and rolled fronts providing amazing comfort.  The chairs are available in hunter green, red, sage, and white.
 

Sofas & Loveseats:  If you prefer your outdoors to have a living room type feel, then consider incorporating a sofa and loveseat. 

A sofa and loveseat add luxury to your home exterior because of it being dedicated to relaxation and proportioned for ultimate comfort. 

Some are beautifully detailed with scrolled arms, closely aligned slat, rounded fin edges, and gently flared legs. 

They look spectacular outdoors and provide comfortable seating.  The cushions are available in a variety of colors and in weather resistant fabric.

Chaise Loungers:  A chaise will beckon you to lounge in sophistication because of the combination of the luxurious chaise design and vibrant cushion fabric colors. 

Chaises are beautifully crafted in materials, such as wood or wrought iron.  The wrought iron chaises provide lasting value and durability because of the frame that offers a support system and rear wheels for easy repositioning. 

Chaises made from wicker are lovely and provide a simple and unfussy design.

This type of patio furniture is perfect for sun bathing in comfort.  Some have adjustable back rest positions and a knee bend section for added relaxation.  It’s a cozy way to enjoy the outdoors and is available as a single or double chaise.

Rockers/Benches/Glider Bench/Swing Bench:  Rockers bring timeless charm to your outdoor space and are a reminder of a long gone era. 

It is a fantastic place to unwind and read a book or converse alongside a friend or family member. 

A garden bench creates a tranquil seating area and is the crowning touch to an enchanted garden. 

It is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and catch up on some reading.  It also makes a great conversation spot. 

Benches come in a variety of sizes, styles, with or without a back rest.  Some feature a quote and come in a curved shape for added interest.  Other benches feature a pair of lions that are positioned crouching face forward.  Among the finishes available is a lovely green patina that gives the bench a weathered appearance further adding character to your outdoor space.  It will definitely make a unique statement in your garden. 

A glider bench is a bench that allows you to glide back and forth in a smooth fashion.  It is a fun place to hang out with a sweetheart or to rock the baby to sleep. 

Nothing adds more beauty than a swing bench.  It looks lovely nestled under a tree and brings a hint of romance.  Some are designed with ergonomically curved seats for added comfort.  They are available in colors, such as brown, green, red, yellow, blue, and white. 

Ottomans:  An outdoor ottoman provides a comfortable place to rest your feet or can serve as additional seating for guests. 

It is a must have for the outdoors because it serves multiple purposes. 

You can find some that feature Sunbrella fabric cushions, which is a fabric that is resistant to the elements. 

The fabric is available in a variety of colors to help you coordinate with the rest of your patio furniture. 

Chair cushions are available in the following colors:

• Apple Green

• Aqua

• Buttercup

• Forest Green

• Melon

• Navy

• Pacific Blue

• Palm Green

• Paprika

• Parchment

• Peppercorn

• Pine Green

• Red

• Saffire

• Sage

• Sand

• Stripe

• Teal

• Terracota

• Vanilla

• Walnut

Outdoor Bistro Set

A bistro set is ideal for small spaces and adds a sense of intimacy. 

Some bistro sets come with folding chairs for easy storage. 

Also, the chairs are offered in floral or animal designs, with the table top available in a plain or mosaic pattern. 

It will make a lovely addition to any outdoor area.

Outdoor Bar Set

This is a fantastic way to serve up refreshing drinks and appetizers without needing to go indoors. 

These bar sets are generally weather resistant, with some featuring a granite top bar, along with a granite prep counter, stainless steel ice bucket for keeping drinks cool, and four swivel bar chairs. 

There is also generous storage with two shelves and a cabinet door perfect for glasses and bar equipment. 

Another type of bar set is a Tiki bar that has a thatched roof.  The roof provides much needed shade on a hot summer day.
 

Hammocks

Hammocks are available with a stand, as a rope hammock, or as a quilted hammock. 

It is a fabulous place to curl up and recharge your batteries while enjoying the outdoors. 

Coffee Tables & End Tables

The perfect resting place for beverages, food, and reading materials is on an outdoor coffee and end table.  These are available in wicker, wrought iron, and wood materials.  It will add a lot of beauty to your outdoor seating as well as complement the overall exterior design.

Patio Umbrellas

Umbrellas provide a source of shade and protection from the strong rays of the sun and other elements. 

Patio umbrellas are available in different colors and designs.  It is a comfortable way to dine and makes a beautiful accent to the outdoor area. 

These umbrellas can stand alone or accompany a table by being inserted through the table top hole. 

If it stands alone, an umbrella base is necessary.  The base is usually sold separately. 

Patio umbrellas are available in different diameters.  Umbrella diameters in 30-inch (6 foot) to 36-inch (7 foot) are ideal for bistro tables, while 48-inch (9 foot) to 60-inch (11 foot) umbrella diameters are used to cover larger dining sets. 

Some of the types of patio umbrellas include a half, market, and cantilever umbrella.  The half umbrella is an umbrella that stands without an attachment flush against a wall, window, sliding glass door, or any vertical surface.  This umbrella provides cooling shade and protection from the elements.  A market umbrella comes with or without a tilt feature.  Tilting allows you to remain in the shade as the sun moves around you. 

A cantilever umbrella provides abundant shade and the head can be tilted in various positions to allow for added protection from the sun.  It can be set any where and is available with an action crank and cantilever lock mechanism for easy operation and adjustment.
 

Fire Pits

A fire pit adds elegance to a garden party and makes a great conversation piece. 

Some fire pits feature a beautiful marble top, sturdy wrought iron, and a mahogany finish base. 

There’s something cozy about sitting next to a fire pit on a lovely evening and listening to the flames crackling.  This further adds to the ambience, especially on a starry night.
 

Patio Heaters

A patio heater is perfect for a garden party when cooler weather arrives. 

You can find these in a commercial quality with 40,000-BTU heat output that keeps a 15' radius toasty warm.  It has an adjustable heat control, a three-piece slideable aluminum reflector that intensifies the heat, and a 20” base that rolls easily on wheels.
 

Patio Fans/Misters

A misting fan helps to dramatically reduce ambient air temperatures to provide a cooler outdoor environment.  

Simply attach the unit to a regular garden hose and this commercial-quality fan channels water to a four-nozzle hub that produces a fine, cooling mist.

Pavilions & Gazebos

Pavilions provide an abundance of shade and beauty to the outdoors. 

It gives the feeling of grandeur as it majestically covers the dining or seating area.  It is an elegant structure that will become the focal point of any outdoor space. 

There is something romantic about a gazebo because of its elegant features.  Some feature a canopy on top providing much needed shade on a hot summer day. 

Outdoor Storage Trunks & Decorative Trash Cans 

Outdoor storage trunks are perfect for storing seat cushions, pillows, and other outdoor accessories.  They can also be used as a bench or table.  Some are available in teak, which is sturdy and resistant to decay.

Decorative outdoor trash cans are available with a lift-off lid.  You can find these in an architectural design that are durably made of limestone, fiberglass, and a resin composite.  The classical design adds functional style to your outdoor space because it has the detailed look of a five-star resort that will blend in beautifully with your exterior decor.
 

Types of Materials Used to Make Patio Furniture

Patio furniture is available in the following materials:

• Aluminum

• Cedar

• Eucalyptus

• Pine

• Teak

• Wicker/Rattan

• Wrought Iron

Aluminum:  Aluminum is lightweight and does not rust or fade.  It is available in an assortment of colors and is inexpensive in comparison to teak and wrought iron patio furniture. 

Cedar:  Cedar is a type of wood that is durable and very resistant to insects and rot.  It can be left natural, painted, or stained to complement the rest of the patio decor.  Typically, Western Red or Northern White cedar is used for patio furniture. 

If you prefer to leave the Western Red or Northern White cedar unfinished, it will eventually weather to a soft, silver patina.  Since wood cedar is porous, it will become discolored if left in areas that are damp.
 

If you decide to stain the cedar, you can choose from a wide variety of stains.  Bear in mind that you will need a deep penetrating stain in order to preserve the wood and retain its natural beauty.  To further protect the wood, opt for a stain that has mildew inhibitors and water repellent additives.  Since all penetrating stains go deep into the wood and do not form a surface barrier, it eliminates the problem of blistering and peeling.  Remember to give this furniture a fresh coat of stain every two to three years. 

Painting cedar furniture requires the use of exterior paint.  You can choose from many colors to match your patio décor.  Just bear in mind that all exterior paints will flake and peel with time and when this happens, the furniture will need to be scraped and a fresh coat of paint will have to be applied.  This should be done every other year to maintain the beautiful appearance of your cedar furniture.  Remember to never use oil based exterior paint on your cedar patio furniture since oil based finishes attract dust particles and dirt that is in the air. 
 

To clean cedar patio furniture that has a finish, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth at least twice a week. 

Eucalyptus:  Eucalyptus is a durable tropical hardwood that is resistant to insects and nearly impervious to decay.  Native to the rain forests of Australia and Southeast Asia, it is as hard as oak and weathers the elements like teak.  Since this type of wood is more readily available than teak, it is less expensive.  Other properties include beautiful linear graining, and with time, it turns a lovely gray color.  To preserve its natural coloring, you may wish to stain it.
 

Pine:  Pine is the most plentiful and least expensive of cedar and teak.  It is not as resistant to the elements as cedar or teak, but if properly treated, it can last a long time without rotting or warping. 

Teak:  Teak is a type of wood that comes in a natural honey brown color and is used for manufacturing patio furniture.
 

This material naturally possesses high levels of resinous oil, which functions as an insect repellent (very resistant to attack by termites), is moisture resistant, and can tolerate the drying effects of weather.  It contains a substance, known as silica that creates a density to the wood, making it resistant to fungal decay, warping, rotting, shrinking, swelling, water, and other chemicals. 

Teak will not rust or corrode metals it makes contact with, it does not require chemical treatment, and can withstand exposure to suntan lotion, body oil, swimming pool or sea water. 
 

Furthermore, with time, teak turns a lovely grey color, but it can easily be restored to its natural color by doing a light sanding.  The beauty about teak is that it requires minimal maintenance without needing to be sealed or treated on a regular basis.  For these reasons, it’s a great choice for outdoor furniture.

Wicker/Rattan:  Outdoor furniture made of this material is lightweight, durable, and flexible. 

Since it’s portable, it can easily be rearranged.  Wicker is a hard woven fiber that is also available in all weather resin, which has the appearance of real wicker and can withstand all types of weather.  It is almost maintenance free and cleaning involves merely wiping it down with a damp cloth followed by a light dusting. 

Furthermore, rattan is derived from a solid timber vine that grows in Indonesia.  It is very durable and resistant to splintering.  Wicker and rattan patio furniture are versatile because they can be used both inside and outside.  In addition to being comfortable, they are sturdy and aesthetically pleasing.

Wrought iron:  Wrought iron is also used for outdoor furniture and accent pieces, and is available in traditional and elegant designs.  The powder coat finish is weather resistant. 

Wrought iron is very durable and will preserve its color and appearance despite many years of exposure to the blistering sun. 

Also, since wrought iron is heavy, it will not blow around your backyard in windy weather.  Even though furniture made from this material is a bit more expensive than other types of patio furniture, the good quality makes it worth the investment.

As you can see there is more to patio furniture than meets the eye.  You are now ready to venture out and search for patio furniture that suits your needs and tastes.  Enjoy creating your own paradise where you can enjoy the splendor and beauty of the outdoors in comfort and style.