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How to Choose Patio Furniture

How to Choose Patio Furniture

Add functionality to your outdoor space with the stylish addition of patio furniture. Whether you’re enjoying a morning cup of coffee, dinner with family, or entertaining guests, patio furniture is the best way to add functionality to your outdoor space.

With the right furniture, you can greatly enhance the usability, comfort and overall appeal of your patio or deck. Available in a wide selection of types and styles, our guide contains all you need to know about selecting the perfect patio furniture for your yard.

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Selecting the Right Patio Furniture

Choose from a wide variety of materials, colours and styles, and focus on the following questions to find the right items:

  • How often and for what purposes do you use your patio?
  • What type of furniture set-up are you looking for?
  • How much sun does your patio typically receive?
  • What materials provide the right combination of style and durability?
  • What do you need to do to maintain your patio furniture’s appearance and where can you store it in colder months?

If you only use your patio occasionally, a few basic items will suffice. But if you entertain frequently or spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, shop for multipurpose items that can stand up to wear and tear.

Materials

Patio Furniture with CushionGuard Fabric Protection

Look for patio cushions with polyester fibres that allow water to run off and air to filter through, keeping them fresh. Cushions that have patterns on both sides allow you to flip them periodically, helping them maintain their appearance and shape.

If furniture portability is important, choose lightweight frame materials like plastic and aluminum. If you don’t plan to move them often, or if they will be exposed to wind, go with heavier materials like wood and wrought iron.

Use the chart below to determine which types of frame materials best suit your needs:

Material Benefits Maintenance Tips
Aluminum
  • Lightweight
  • Doesn’t rust or fade
  • Low maintenance
  • Available in a variety of colours
  • Durable
  • Powder-coat finish provides durability
  • Use car wax or mineral oil to protect surface
  • Wash with soapy water and rinse
Plastic
  • Often stackable
  • May be made of recycled materials
  • Lightweight
  • Apply cleaners that prevent mildew
  • Rinse down with water
PVC (Poly-vinyl Chloride)
  • Lightweight
  • Low maintenance
  • Available in many colours
  • Wash with soapy water and rinse
Steel
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Requires little to no assembly
  • Comfortable
  • Apply protective finish to prevent rust
  • Wash with mild soap and rinse
Wicker and Rattan
  • Lightweight and flexible
  • Durable
  • Available in a variety of colours
  • Comfortable
  • Dust occasionally
  • Use all-weather fabrics unless furniture is protected
  • Wash with mild detergent and rinse
Wood
  • Types available include teak, cedar, cypress, pine and more
  • Teak provides an ideal combination of beauty and durability
  • Solid and sturdy
  • Won’t get too hot or cold
  • Use paint with UV filters to prevent fading
  • May require preservative
  • Wash with soapy water and rinse
  • Use brightener and oil to maintain original appearance
Wrought Iron
  • Sturdy and durable
  • May be mounted on wheels
  • Available in a wide range of designs
  • Use paint to touch up cracks
  • Apply rust protection
  • Wash with soapy water and rinse
  • Wash with mild soap and rinse
Tip:

Add an umbrella to shade seating areas and create a more comfortable environment. Choose mesh materials to filter sun while still allowing air to flow in and out.

Types of Patio Sets

Dining Sets

Dining Sets

If al fresco dining is high on your list of priorities, outdoor dining sets allow you to host sit-down meals for up to ten people. Choose padded chairs if you plan to also use the seating in “conversation type” arrangements or for lounging.

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Bistro Sets

Bistro Sets

Bistro sets are the perfect size for small patios or balconies. They typically include a table large enough for one or two people to dine at. Opt for chairs with deep seats so they're comfortable enough for reading or game-playing.

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Conversation Sets

Conversation Sets

Conversation sets mimic the look of an indoor family room with a coffee table and various types of seating (loveseats, benches and chairs). Some models include gel fuel fire pits built right into the table.

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Sectional Sets

Sectional Sets

Sectional sets typically come in two or four component combinations, allowing you to create different layouts using sofa sectionals, chaises, ottomans or couches, depending on what you need. While this type of furniture is a larger up-front investment, there are several advantages: If any components are damaged, there is no need to replace the whole set; and removable cushions and stackable pieces also mean it's easier to store.

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Tip:

Move your cushions to a cool, dry location when they aren’t in use for prolonged periods of time (always clean them first). If you have limited space, use outdoor storage bins or deck boxes.

Accessories

Enjoy your patio as the weather cools with accessories like patio heaters and portable fire pits. Keep your furniture in top form with furniture covers that help prevent mildew and weather damage.

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Top Patio Furniture Brands

Shop from our selection of top Home Depot brands. Learn more about each brand and compare features and functions.

Brand

hudson bay

 home depot collection
Steel Frames

Steel with e-coated or galvanized frame and powder coat finish

 Steel with e-coated or galvanized frame and powder coat finish Aluminum with powder coat
Wooden Frames N/A FSC certified where applicable.  Must meet UL4041 standards N/A
Cushions / Sling Fabric

Olefin fabric cushion or poly sling fabric

 SDP CushionGuard Fabric or poly sling fabric Acrylic fabric cushion-Sunbrella or Sunbrella poly sling
Umbrellas
  • Steel Umbrella 7.5 and 9-foot
  • 200 UV hours
  • Aluminum Umbrella 9-foot or 10-foot
  • 200 UV hours
  • Aluminum Umbrella 9-foot or 10-foot
  • *Sunbrella fabric
Features
  • Incorporates features such as, beauty caps, and woven sections
  • 200 UV hours
  • Incorporates features such as, CYOC, beauty caps, and woven sections
  • 200 UV hours
  • Incorporates features such as CYOC, lumbar pillows, beauty caps and significant/full weaving
Frame Warranty
  • 1-year steel frame
  • 1-year wooden frame
  • 3-year steel frame
  • 2-year steel umbrella frame
  • 2-year aluminum umbrella frame
  • 5-year aluminum frame
Fabric Warranty
  • 1-year standard fabric
  • 2-year umbrella fabric
  • **2-year limited sling fabric
  • 3-year CushionGuard fabric
  • 5-year Sunbrella fabric

* National brand Sunbrella sets UV hours
** 2-year fade resistant sling

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