Get your deck ready for the warm weather with comfortable, functional, outdoor seating! Here’s a guide to help you decide what will fit your outdoor needs.
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I bet you’re looking longingly at your deck and dreaming about the long, lazy summer days and nights you will spend out there. I’m sure you have the BBQ, but do you have the proper seating to make your patio look great, and allow you, and your family and friends, to be comfortable and functional in a way that makes sense for you? Check out your outdoor furniture seating options below to help you decide what to shop for, before patio season is in full force!
What to look for
Outdoor furniture can come in a variety of materials designed to withstand the elements. The most common (and reliable) materials are metal, wood, and the various types of resin wicker. Removable cushions are a must so you can easily clean them, take them inside if the weather turns rainy, or store them away in the off-season. You will also want to look for outdoor cushions made from materials like olefin that will resist moisture and fading.
Chairs
Remember those folding chairs with plastic weaving that practically every backyard had a few decades ago the ones you stuck to when wearing shorts, and occasionally fell through as the plastic gave out? Well, lucky for us all deck chairs have come a long way!
Whatever type you are looking for slightly reclining, wide, foldable, rocking, padded, you name it, you can likely find it. Chairs, all the same, or a variety, are great to set up around your deck for BBQ’s and other outdoor parties and events.
Sofa/lounger
Outdoor sofas were made for the same reason indoor ones were – lounging! Stretch out, read, relax and be comfortable. This is also the perfect option if you want to sit outside with your loved one, or children, for a close cuddle or conversation.
Chaise lounger
Similar to the loungers mentioned above, but these are typically adjustable and meant for lying out. These are fantastic for sunbathing when flat, or sit the back up a bit and relax with a magazine and cold drink.
Conversational sets
Love to sit outside and chat over a glass of wine or tea with your family or friends? Conversational sets are where it’s at for you! These typically feature a variety of seating; a couch (or sectional), a few chairs, an ottoman, and a table or two. It provides a nice, semi-intimate, living room style place to sit, relax, and have somewhere close to put your snacks and drinks.
Dining Sets
For casual, or even more formal, outdoor dining you will need a good dining set. Square, rectangle or round tables with seating around it provide a pleasant, easy dining experience. You can also find bar style dining sets – the higher table and chairs offers a more casual feel.
Find a set that comes with enough chairs for your family, or go with separates – so you can buy the amount of chairs you need.
Daybeds
OK, maybe your patio doesn’t absolutely need a daybed – but they sure are luxurious! These are actual bed sized loungers you can stretch out and have a good rest on.
Day beds often come with a special sun shade that fits over top – which makes these perfect for those afternoon siestas, or as a place to read, without having to worry about finding something to shade you from the sun.
What’s on your deck?
What activities do you love to use your deck for? What kind of furniture do you need to add to make that happen?