How to Choose Patio Furniture

Having the right patio furniture is an important part of creating the perfect backyard ambiance. There is a wide array of available styles to choose from. Making a few key decisions before hitting the stores will help you decide on the patio furniture that's right for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Take space into consideration. Be realistic about how much can actually fit on your porch, and then decide how much of that space you want to devote to furniture.

2. Set a budget for patio furniture expenditures. Prices vary greatly, so have an idea going in of how much you would like to spend.

3. Figure out for what you want to use your patio furniture. Before choosing anything, you must have an idea of what the furniture's function will be, including intimate dining, party seating or relaxation, since this will drastically effect the kind of furniture you should get.

4. Decide what kind of furniture you want, whether a swing, lounges or table and chairs. These are very different pieces with very different functions.

5. Take weather into consideration when making your choice. For a windy location, choose heavier pieces. If the furniture will be in direct sunlight or rain, choose a durable material that won't fade or rust.

6. Choose the number of chairs you would like to have, since this will affect the type of furniture you get and the size of the table you will need.

7. Think about how much time you want to spend maintaining and caring for your furniture. Wood and metal pieces will require more maintenance than plastic.

8. Pick a color scheme and find furniture and cushions that coordinate with your chosen colors.

Tips & Warnings

• Find pieces that are rustproof if you have your heart set on metal furniture.
• Choose a classic design over a trendy look for furniture that will remain in style through the years. You can always paint or change the cushions to update your furniture's look, but you want to start with a design that won't go out of style.