Here’s How to Choose the Right Outdoor Furniture for Your Patio or Deck

Looking to get more use and enjoyment from your outdoor space? Patio furniture is the solution. A well-designed outdoor deck or patio can extend your living space three seasons of the year. Here are some tips to help you start planning

Types of Patio Sets Buying Considerations Outdoor Accessories

Types of Patio Sets

Complete patio furniture sets are great because the pieces all work together, but you can also mix and match to create your own unique look. Here are the main patio furniture categories to consider.

Buying Considerations

When choosing outdoor furniture, consider how you want to use your space and how much space you have, taking foot traffic into account. Here are the three most important considerations.

Space Planning

Layout planning is essential, whether you’re creating a resort-style retreat in your suburban backyard or a cozy escape on your condo balcony. Mark off your desired furniture arrangement with masking tape to see if it fits your space before buying a specific furniture set — don’t forget foot traffic!

Furniture Construction

Outdoor furniture is commonly made from traditional materials, like wood or wrought iron, or newer fabrications, like plastic, resin wicker, aluminum or stainless steel. Traditional materials are durable with regular upkeep (such as paint or protectant), while newer materials require little to no maintenance

Design Aesthetic

Finally, consider the overall mood you want for your outdoor zone. From sleek and modern to luxuriously traditional (and everything in between), the choice is yours. Traditional pieces tend to be generously sized, while modern ones skew sleek and streamlined. Organic contours channel a boho vibe. The right upholstery colour will seal the deal, so follow your heart!

Outdoor Accessories

Complete your alfresco retreat with finishing touches to add style, enhance your comfort and help extend the life of your outdoor furniture sets. Here are some must-have patio accessories.

Patio Umbrellas

Create a shady spot where you can bask without fear of sunburn. A wide variety of styles and colours are available to complement your décor.

Pergolas & Gazebos

Want to carve out a more defined outdoor room aesthetic? Opt for a shady pergola or gazebo, which doubles as protection from the rain

Patio Cushions

Choose patio cushions that are specifically intended to be used outdoors. Available in many styles and colours, they’ll be made from durable water-repellent and stain-resistant synthetic fabrics.

Outdoor Heaters

Extend your outdoor season with a patio heater, fire pit or fireplace. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit outdoor areas big or small.

Outdoor Rugs

Complete your outdoor room with a stylish rug. Go low-key and neutral or jazz things up with an eye-catching print. These rugs are colourfast indoors or out.

Outdoor Lighting

Create ambience, enhance safety and illuminate tasks like grilling. You can do it all with low-voltage and solar-powered patio and garden lights

Outdoor Tableware

Serve up refreshments on shatterproof tableware. Melamine plates and acrylic “glassware” are an inexpensive investment in style and safety

Outdoor Storage

Extend the life of your patio furnishings by covering them up or moving them into a shed or deck box when not in use.

BBQs & Grills

Feed your friends and family all season long with healthy grilled foods and decadent slow-cooked BBQ.

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FAQs

What shape of coffee table is best for an l-shaped sectional?

An oval or rectangular outdoor table is ideal for an l-shaped sectional as it matches the long end of the couch. Just make sure the table doesn’t extend past the arms of the sectional on either end or it can make the area feel unbalanced. Round and square tables work well with v-shaped sectionals and u-shaped sectionals. Whatever configuration you choose make sure your space allows for 14-18 inches between the table and sectional for easy movement.

How do you keep cushions from sliding on outdoor furniture?

Some patio cushions feature ties at the back that can be secured to the frame of the chair or couch. If these are damaged or not present, you can also use hook-and-loop tape to affix cushions to the seat backs and bottom. The peel-and-stick design allows for easy attachment and should hold the cushions in place through regular usage.

Are there couch covers for sectionals?

Yes, you can find v-shaped and l-shaped covers to suit any style of outdoor sectional. These heavy-duty sectional covers are made of water-repellent material to easily shed rain and sprinkler water and will also help protect your sectional during winter storage. Look for a cover with air vents to reduce condensation and handles for easier fitting and removal.

Are wicker chairs waterproof?

Wicker actually refers to the type of weave not the material. Outdoor wicker furniture is made of a synthetic resin and is specifically designed to withstand the elements. It can also be easily cleaned with a non-bleach detergent or dish soap. Natural wicker, also known as rattan, is not waterproof and is only intended for indoor use.

Deck & Patio Furniture