Is Patio Furniture Worth It? (The Fact Is Here)
When my husband and I bought our first home last year, we were over the moon happy. Finally, we’d have a place to call our own, and a backyard with plenty of privacy. We had visions of backyard BBQ’s, leisurely evenings spent by an outdoor fireplace, and plenty of comfortable chairs to sit in. Ah yes, the dream was alive and well – until we started pricing patio furniture and realized that some pieces were going to be more expensive than our indoor furniture!
Patio furniture can add enjoyment and fun to your backyard space, giving you the opportunity to bask in all that nature has to offer. The investment is well worth it, especially if you love to entertain.
Is Patio Furniture Durable?
There’s nothing like basking under the summer sun with a tall glass of lemonade, shaded by a patio umbrella, surrounded by nature. Plush pillows, cushions, and lounge chairs make it hard to go inside at the end of the day!
But how durable are patio furniture sets, really? You’d be surprised!
Outdoor furniture is manufactured with durability in mind. In fact, a patio set you buy today could last for generations, with proper care and maintenance. Whether your chairs get caught in a summer shower once in a while, or you’ve left the cushions out overnight, you’ll enjoy a quality patio set for years to come if you take care of it ‘most’ of the time.
What makes quality outdoor patio furniture so durable? A big part of the reason is because many sets are hand made and hand woven. They don’t come off of a factory belt. Each set is uniquely made with human hands. This could also explain why they are more expensive than indoor furniture.
What is a Good “Starter” Patio Furniture Set?
If you’re on a budget, or you have limited space, a good starter set would be a small table and chairs. Also called ‘conversation sets’, these are the perfect sets to start enjoying your back yard, patio or balcony. You don’t need a lot of space and a small set will cost you under $500.
If you have some room and like to entertain, a rectangle table with tempered glass top and a set of 4-6 chairs can be perfect for a backyard BBQ party. An umbrella in the middle of the table, with a base at the bottom to keep it in place, and chairs that don’t require cushions are perfect for lazy summer afternoons.
Are There Accessories I Should Consider for my Patio Furniture?
Yes! The most important accessories you can buy for your patio furniture are covers. If you’re going to keep your furniture outside at night, covers will help protect them from the elements, like rain, bird droppings, etc.
If you have the budget and the room, deck storage boxes are a great way to store your cushions and other small items.
Small sheds can also be purchased so you can put your patio chairs and small tables away every evening, as well as for the winter. If you decide to put things away on a nightly basis, just be aware, you’ll have to drag everything out again in the morning. This does take extra work, but will have your furniture lasting well beyond a ‘normal’ lifespan of 20+ years.
What Type of Patio Furniture is Best on a Budget?
Even if you have a large backyard, all you really need to start out with is a small patio table, an umbrella for shade and a few chairs.
You can always add to your patio furniture set each year. Buy one or two new pieces a year and you’ll have a full set in no time!
What Factors Should I Consider When Buying Patio Furniture?
There are several factors to consider when choosing your next patio furniture set:
· Your budget
· Your personal tastes (rattan, wicker, color scheme, theme, etc.)
· Your overall space
· Your entertaining style (is this just for you and your family to enjoy, or do you entertain often?)
If you’re wondering what type of material or style of furniture is best, there is a good article here that explains the difference between wicker and rattan.
There is also an article here about the advantages and disadvantages of rattan furniture.
How Much Should I Expect to Pay for Patio Furniture?
There is a huge price range when it comes to patio furniture because there are so many different types out there on the market. Generally, expect to pay anywhere from $300 – $5,000+ for your outdoor pleasure.
These prices can include storage accessories, cushions, etc.
It’s important to do your homework and research your favorite stores online and offline to get a good idea of how much a set will cost you and to get the best deal around.
Generally, end-of-season sales are the best time to get great prices on outdoor furniture. Watch for sales in late July or early August.
Where Can I Buy Patio Furniture?
There are literally dozens of places to find quality patio furniture at prices that will match your budget.
Online retailers like Wayfair offer a great selection, at prices that are fair to moderate. If you want to see the furniture in person before buying and try it out, stores like Home Depot, Sears, Wal-Mart, and Target are your best bets. Those stores also offer online purchase options, and can even deliver if you don’t have a vehicle large enough to bring it home yourself.
Why is Patio Furniture so Expensive?
As we said above, a lot of quality patio furniture is hand made, not rolled off a production line. That means you’ll pay more for it. Wicker furniture is woven by hand, not machine.
The good news is that once you buy a quality patio furniture set, you won’t have to buy another one for many years. Think of it as an investment, not an expense. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy your outdoor furniture for many years to come.
Reference
https://www.article.com/blog/the-experts-guide-to-wicker-and-rattan/
https://thebackyardgnome.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-rattan-furniture/