Outdoor Furniture

The grill 's fired up, the kids are playing catch in the yard, and the dog is snoozing in the sun. Time for margaritas!  But where are you going to put them, and where are you and your guests going to sit while you sip? A good set of patio furniture  can last for many years and enhance the usability of your outdoor space. You might have a postage stamp in a city or a country estate, but no matter where you live you need a place to sit down and enjoy the outdoors. Hot-off-the-grill burgers  and hot dogs  taste better when enjoyed al fresco, too. Whether you just like your coffee  and bagel with a side of birdsong or you throw killer summer parties that last all night long, great outdoor furniture enhances any atmosphere.

The material is one of the most important factors to consider in patio furniture.  The material determines the style to a considerable extent, so the two are best thought of as one category. Also consider how you plan to use the space; if you love hosting big dinners, you'll need more than a bench  and a pair of lounge chairs!  Some types of furniture take up more room for the seating capacity than others, so if you're a little tight on space, you might want to avoid expansive wicker chairs.  If you need flexibility more than anything else, heavy wrought iron  might not be your best bet. Read on for more details about furniture materials and styles.

Wood

One of the oldest materials for garden and patio furniture, wood  has a classic, traditional look that's hard to beat. Pros: Attractive, durable (if cared for well) and always in style. Ages well; many woods, especially teak, will turn silver with age. (A classy look for wood and people.) Teak  furniture does not need any special treatment; it is used on boats for a reason, and it can stand up to your backyard. Cons: Wood that isn't teak  or cedar  needs to be treated (and sometimes regularly re-treated) to prevent rotting and should be stored during the winter. Teak needs to be treated several times a year with teak oil  if you want it to retain the lovely golden color. Good-quality teak furniture can be expensive, but it's worthwhile. Not all teak is ecologically sound. Look For: Sustainable-harvest teak to ensure that your lovely new bench isn't contributing to massive deforestation. Tight fitting joints; smooth finish; even sanding, even on hidden areas. Good water drainage to prevent rotting from standing water. Give any low-end teak furniture a very thorough examination; more expensive sets may be worth the cost for better quality construction.

Tubular Aluminum

Tubular aluminum  has a sleek, modern look that can be very attractive in many gardens. Pros: Sturdy, relatively lightweight, resistant to the elements. Doesn't require separate custions as the mesh used on chairs is often comfortable on its own. Cons: Doesn't have the classic good looks of wood or wrought iron. If one piece breaks, you may have to replace the whole set; harder to have an "ecclectic" collection, since sets match. Look For: Clean, smooth welds and an even paint job. Powder finish is more expensive but tends to be more even and durable. Make sure the seat backs have a little spring and give -- they will be more comfortable.

Wrought and Cast Aluminum

Wrought aluminum  and cast aluminum  can have some of the classy styling of wrought iron, a good look especially for formal gardens. Pros: Relatively lightweight. Have you ever tried to move a wrought-iron bench? Can have very ornate designs. Even "inexpensive" sets can have attractive designs and are of good quality. Cons: Require cushions, because you definitely don't want to sit on bare metal in the summer! Replacement cushions for a set can be hard to come by. More expensive than wrought iron; expensive as a group. Look For: A good bargain. Most of these sets are expensive ($650 and up for a table and four chairs).

Wrought or Cast Iron

Wrought-iron  and cast-iron  furniture often has an imposing look. Make sure it won't overwhelm your garden. Many pieces are available in sleeker, more modern designs. Pros: When treated, very durable. Rust is about the only thing that will hurt it. Less expensive than wrought or cast aluminum, with a similar appearance. Limited number of finish types; cast iron pieces from different sets may look very good together. Strong and sturdy -- it will hold people of all sizes! Cons: Heavy, heavy, heavy. Don't try to move the large pieces by yourself. If not looked after, will rust. Make sure the manufacturer has sealed it well and apply silicone sealant  regularly. Look For: Smooth joints. Uniform paint and sealant job. A style that suits the size, formality, and appearance of your garden and patio.

Wicker

Wicker  chairs are bulky but lightweight, very summery, and have soft, rounded shapes that look almost cuddly. Pros: Lightweight, so easy to move and reposition if necessary. Casual, summery design with plenty of ventilation. Drains easily, so you don't have to worry about water pooling. Synthetic wicker materials have the convenience of plastic furniture withouth looking cheap. Cons: May look out of place in a very formal garden. Definitely needs a separate cushion. Should be stored for the winter. Look For: Synthetic all-weather wicker ; natural materials are not suitable for outdoor use. A sturdy frame; aluminum is best because it is less susceptible to rust. Low-maintenance cushions.

Plastic/Resin

Plastic  furniture is good for large, once-in-a-while parties, but it won't add much to your decor. Pros: Lightweight, inexpensive, and recyclable. Good for backyard weddings and other once in a while occasions. Cleans up and dries off easily; impervious to moisture. Cons: Not really all that comfortable; plastic can get very hot and sticky in the summer. Even the high-end resin options look like, well, plastic. And that's not pretty. Look For: If you're buying this for a specific occasion, look for chairs and tables that will be comfortable. The heaviest pieces you can get -- a strong wind can easily shuffle your furniture. If you're considering plastic as your main patio furniture, consider other options first. Wrought iron is not that expensive, and there are a number of options in all materials at reasonable prices. They will last longer and look a lot nicer.

Other Features to Consider

• Comfort
• Above all, you have to like sitting on your new furniture!
• If at all possible, try it out in the store before ordering online.
• If you can't try your new furniture in the store, make sure the online retailer you patronize has a good return policy that will allow you to test the furniture.
• Look for: armrests that are wide and comfortable; enough clearance under the table that you can pull the chairs comfortably close; table at a good height, not too high or low; angle of chair back is comfortable; cushions are soft enough (important on cast iron chairs!); chairs are wide enough to feel comfortable but not so wide that you disappear into them.

• Umbrella
• If you plan to use an umbrella  with your table, make sure it has the appropriate hole in the middle and sufficient room for an umbrella stand. 
• If the table comes with an umbrella, make sure it is the kind you want and large enough for your yard.
• Covers
• Some kinds of furniture, such as wood and wicker, will last longer if you cover them when not in use to protect them from sun and rain.
• Do covers  come with the set you want? Can you purchase generic covers that will fit your furniture?
• Cushions
• Are the cushions  that come with your furniture easy to clean?
• Will you need a place to store them when not in use?
• Can you easily get replacements if the cushions wear out or become damaged before you are ready to replace your chairs?
• Additional Furniture
• If you are buying your furniture as a set, does the table come with enough chairs for everyone in your family?
• Can you easily buy more chairs, benches, or other independent pieces that match the pattern?

Popular Pieces

Chairs  give you a place to put your butt.	Adirondack Chairs  are a large style from upstate New York. (Wide arms are a good place for beverages.)	Rocking chairs  are a relaxing way to sit out in the evening. Hey you kids!	Chaise lounges  are ideal for working on your tan or just relaxing in the shade.	Glider chairs  are a little more stable than rockers but give a similar kind of motion, sort of like a swing.

Garden benches  allow you to sit among your flowers and enjoy your garden.	Glider benches  let you enjoy your garden while in motion!	Footrests  are critical hardware for putting up your feet.	Porch swings  are a lot of fun for kids of all ages (even the "big kids").

Dining tables  are a key component for outdoor entertaining. It's hard to eat dinner at a coffee table.	Coffee tables  are great for snacks, drinks, and your book when you decide to take a snooze.	End tables  make sure that there's always enough surface area for the margaritas.	Serving carts  do all the carrying for you -- just load it up inside and wheel it out, no need to make multiple trips!

Patio umbrellas  help you keep your cool. Make sure to find one large enough for your space.	Shade tents  are the ultimate in sun protection. Great for large parties.	Hammocks are the quintessential summer relaxation station. Make sure to find one with a cup holder  (or buy it separately).	Storage bins  keep everything organized when you aren't using it: frisbees,  furniture covers,  citronella candles,  extension cords,  etc.

External Links

• EHow -- a brief, mostly obvious guide with a good short summary of materials at the bottom.
• Searchwarp.com -- what to look for in wood furniture.
• Southern Living -- good information about buying and caring for different types of outdoor furniture; good comparison of many materials.
• Lowe's -- how to care for your outdoor furniture.
• Golden Teak -- a retailer specializing in (what else?) teak; nice photos will give you an idea of what teak looks like as it ages.