Outdoor Furniture Options

Selecting outdoor furniture is a similar process to furnishing the rest of your home — you want to balance your particular taste with your lifestyle and needs.

Selecting outdoor furniture is a similar process to furnishing the rest of your home — you want to balance your particular taste with your lifestyle and needs.  One important factor to take into consideration is the material the furniture is constructed from.  Whether you prefer teak, aluminum, or wicker depends not only on aesthetics, but also how much time and maintenance you plan to invest in caring for your outdoor pieces.

Teak is a beautiful and popular choice.  New teak furniture has a lovely honey color and is very durable.  It’s also a rather forgiving hardwood, easy to treat for minor scratches and stains.  Some homeowners prefer the grayed look of weathered teak as it ages, while others are willing to clean and seal their outdoor teak furniture each year in order to maintain its original color.

Datcha dining table from Sutherland Furniture features a teak base.
Datcha dining table from Sutherland Furniture features a teak base.
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Weathered teak dining table from Restoration Hardware.

Like teak, wicker is a great natural choice for outdoor furniture.  You can go with real wicker or, for easier maintenance, a resin designed to look like wicker.  Resin is a good option for homeowners looking for easy maintenance or longevity in an area where the weather can be harsh.  Either way, the look of wicker has long been a popular choice for outdoor furniture.

Sag Harbor collection from Kingsley Bate, wicker over an aluminum frame.
Sag Harbor collection from Kingsley Bate, wicker over an aluminum frame.
Lucy Stacking Side Chair from Janus et Cie.  The look of wicker, but made from aluminum.
Lucy Stacking Side Chair from Janus et Cie. The look of wicker, but made from aluminum.

Another choice for ease of care is aluminum furniture.  With so many color options available for powder coated aluminum, this is a great choice for customizing furniture as well.  Outdoor aluminum furniture is also easy to clean without worries of fading, rusting, or wear.

Lucca Chaise Lounge from Design Within Reach
Lucca Chaise Lounge from Design Within Reach
Beaufort Club Chair and Ottoman from McKinnon Harris.
Beaufort Club Chair and Ottoman from McKinnon Harris.
Lazlo Side Chair from Janus et Cie
Lazlo Side Chair from Janus et Cie

I also like unconventional choices for outdoor furniture, like this hanging lounger from Dedon.  In a shady corner of the yard or next to the pool, this lounger is a relaxing environment all to itself!

Swingrest by Dedon
Swingrest by Dedon

No matter which furniture choice is best for you, it’s important to protect your investment by properly caring for outdoor pieces.  During the winter, outdoor furniture should be safely stored in a shed or garage.  Providing this kind of storage space isn’t always a consideration when designing a home or landscape, but it is important to keep in mind.  If you don’t have this kind of storage option, many manufacturers sell covers specifically for their exterior pieces.  If you buy your own covers, be sure to use a breathable material that won’t trap moisture and lead to mold or mildew.  Taking these steps will let you enjoy your ideal outdoor furniture for many years!