Summer is just around the corner, and with warm weather, comes the urge for outdoor living and activities. Now is the perfect time to check on your patio furniture, get the pillows from storage, and prepare the grill those juicy burgers. However, in some cases, outdoor furniture no longer looks appealing and functional and calls for replacement.
If you are on the hunt for new outdoor furniture take a look at these Grandin Road reviews. You will quickly realize that there are numerous options. If you are new to this, you might become quickly overwhelmed by the vast selection of materials, styles, designs, etc. To help you navigate through this sea of options, you might want to keep the following tips in mind:
Ideal outdoor furniture adds comfort and function to your patio or deck, bring your indoor life outside. Weatherproof chairs and tables for example, bring the living room outdoors. The first step in picking the right furniture for your outdoor space is to consider how you wish to utilize the outdoor space. Do you wish to relax by a fire on your patio or eat meals on the deck? Do you intend to host large groups of people or want a space adequate for small family and friend's gatherings? The answers to these questions will put you in the right direction from the start.
Material Selection
When shopping for furniture, you'll want to pick materials that are not only durable but easy to maintain and complement the look and feel of your home and landscape. Some of the common options include:
1. Natural Wood
Wood might be comfortable and sturdy, but it calls for regular maintenance, including UV and weather protection. Pick weather-resistant wood such as cypress, cedar, teak, and redwood.
2. Rattan and Wicker
Materials such as wicker and rattan lend your deck a comfy look, but they call for resin weatherproofing every few years.
3. Steel and Wrought Iron
These materials are the sturdiest in the list, but they need cushions for added comfort. They are excellent for outdoor spaces but need to be treated or painted periodically in order to prevent rust.
4. PVC, Plastic, and Aluminum
These materials have great benefits such as lightweight, rustproof, easy to maintain, and inexpensive. However, due to their lightweight feature, the furniture may need to be secured during storms and strong winds.
Outdoor furniture from these materials will last for years, especially if you only use them for sunny days. Keep in mind that you need to store them away during the cold season, regardless of how weatherproof the material is. Also, consider the storage room before making the purchase. A try before you buy is also recommended, so make a visit to your local dealer for testing even if you intend to buy online.
Ascertain High Quality
When looking for outdoor furniture, do not assume that price correlates to quality. But how do you ascertain quality?
Well, finish consistency is one indicator. Wood needs to be free of flaws and smoothly sanded even in the hidden spots like the tabletop's underside. Painted metals need to have a uniform finish, while wicker should not be loosely wound on the frame or unravelling. Metal shouldn't have rust spots or unpainted areas.
Lastly, ensure that chairs do not flex or wobble too much. Some flexibility is acceptable, particularly on tubular metal chairs that are designed to be springy. Ensure you do the same with the table as well after assembly. Carefully go through the return and exchange policy as well as warranty just in case something wrong happens to your new pieces. Keep in mind that you are making a significant investment, and so, it is only right that everything is in place.