Spring is officially just around the corner. We’ve had a taste of warmer temperatures here and there, and it’s making us itch to spend more time outside. If you feel the same, you may be thinking about pulling your patio furniture out of storage, or taking the covers off.
When you do, you may realize that your outdoor furniture is looking a little less than fabulous. If you’re thinking it’s time to upgrade your patio furniture, keep reading for some tips before you start shopping.
Take a good look at your patio furniture. It it’s resin furniture, it might truly be time for an upgrade if it’s faded and brittle. If your outdoor furniture is wood, metal, or wicker, give it a good cleaning to see if you can refresh the look.
Related Reading: How to Clean Your Outdoor Furniture
Now that you’ve tried cleaning your existing furniture, determine what pieces you really need. Measure your space and your existing furniture, so you know what size pieces will fit in your space. You don’t want to get a patio set that’s so large that there’s no room to move around, but you also don’t want pieces that look dwarfed by your space.
Consider reconfiguring your outdoor living space to create separate seating areas and dining areas. Make sketches to show placement and take them with you when you go shopping.
Be open to new ideas – maybe this is the year to add a porch swing, hanging chair, or hammock.
Spring is when the stores – both brick and mortar and online – become flooded with beautiful patio sets and outdoor dining sets. Do plenty of window shopping and online comparisons. Go to the stores and try sitting in the furniture. Is it comfortable? Or do you sink down and have a hard time getting up?
Pro Tip: Take a measuring tape with you to any stores you visit. Refer to your sketches to make sure pieces will fit the way you want them to.
Go for easy care furniture, and buy the best you can afford. By getting quality, long-lasting furniture, you’ll enjoy your outdoor space for years to come. Teak, cedar, metal, and all-weather wicker are good choices.
Don’t buy furniture that doesn’t suit your tastes and lifestyle because it’s a good deal. But do remember that if you like the bones of the furniture, you can change out the cushions to something more appealing.
If you can’t store your furniture in a shed or your garage, buy furniture covers for larger pieces. Buy furniture covers at the same time as you buy your patio furniture, because the sizes you need may not be available this fall. And if we’re in for prolonged rain at some point over the summer, you may want to cover your furniture to protect it.
And if you suffer from sticker shock once you start looking at new patio sets and outdoor dining sets, see if there are ways you can spruce up your patio without getting the new furniture just yet. By waiting, you may be able to score a deal later in the season.
Related Reading:
And if you love a deal, consider buying used patio furniture at a yard sale or consignment shop. Look for high-quality pieces that just need some TLC and maybe some new cushions. Moving sales in high-end neighborhoods are a great chance to find what you want at a lower price than buying new.
And if you’re planning on upgrading your outdoor living spaces in the near future, we would suggest holding off on buying any new outdoor furniture until that project is complete. You want any furniture to coordinate with a new patio, pool deck, or outdoor kitchen.
If you’re ready to upgrade your outdoor living spaces and not just your patio furniture, we can help. When you partner with LiveWell Outdoors, you get an experienced team that’s dedicated to your project, and to delivering you the highest quality outdoor living space. Visit our Portfolio page to see examples of our patio design and installation projects.
Learn more about our Process and then schedule a consultation, or call us at 301-720-1000.
