5 Tips for Buying Patio Furniture
Ok friends, Spring is out here Sprangin’ and making room for Summer. That means that very soon we will be living our best outdoor life. With the addition of the new pool, our outdoor experience has been taken up a notch, which means that we have a need for some new patio and pool pieces. The politically correct term for all that is, mo’ money, mo’ money, mo’ money! As someone who likes to get the biggest bang for her buck and stans for a good deal, I’m going to have to slap you over the head with this not-so-fun fact. Good outdoor furniture will not be cheap and if it is, it isn’t likely to last. Full disclosure; I purchased an outdoor sofa two years ago. While searching, I was shocked at how expensive they were, so when I came across one that was considerably cheaper than what I had been seeing, I figured either fate or a good sale or both had shown up on my doorstep. Either way, it was in my cart and at my doorstep before I even had time to research.
This was my first purchase of patio furniture and while it arrived and appeared to be beautiful I now understand why it was so cheap. There are no actual pillow inserts, there was just stuffing so to speak, so it made it really difficult to wash the covers without a lot of mess. Also, compared to other, more expensive fabrics that I have touched, mine is very thin. Because I now need to buy all new furniture for my pool area I’m not really looking to replace the sofa on the deck just yet but finding replacement cushions as a quick fix has also proven to be difficult. The sizing on my sofa cushions is strange and doesn’t seem to be standardized. I have yet to find cushions that will meet the specifications.
Anyway, I say all that to say, you get what you pay for. My deck is uncovered and I’ve learned that furniture that is out in the elements, must be well-made quality pieces and for that, you will pay!
Here are my 5 Tips for Buying Patio Furniture:
- Invest in Quality Pieces
I mean, after all, I’ve just said, this one is a no-brainer, right? You’re going to have to pay the man the $2, as my mother would say, meaning pay the money. It will benefit you, in the long run, to purchase high-caliber materials and pieces so you don’t have to do this again anytime soon.
- Consider Purchasing an Extended Warranty
Ask what the warranty offers for the pieces you purchase. This could be a tremendous help to you based on what the terms are. Most times they do not cover normal wear and tear but with this stuff being outside, you never know what can happen, so it’s great to have the extra protection.
- Purchase in the Off-Season
This is a given with everything. When the seasons change the prices drop! If you can hold out, purchase outdoor items as we head towards fall. Act fast though. Most of those items sell quickly because people are already hip to this game.
- Don’t Purchase Everything at Once
Listen, I know what it’s like to want to give your home a completed feel, whether it’s indoors or outdoors. If you’re like me though, these prices can be overwhelming. Don’t go into debt trying to buy everything at once. Purchase a few items at a time and continue to add accordingly. Depending on the size of your space, these items can easily go upwards of ten grand. Once you consider seating, dining, and accessories, the bank has been broken. Take your time. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. But for those who can get it all at once, “it ain’t tricking if you got it!” More power to you.
- Make Your Items Cohesive
Don’t just buy anything because it’s on sale or you find a good buy. Make your space flow with items that are similar in style, color, and material. Your outdoor area will feel so much cozier when everything works well together.
I am actively trying to purchase my own outdoor pieces, so we can enjoy our outside area by the pool. I will also continue on my quest to find new deck cushions with the correct sizing. I’m hopeful that I can follow my own tips, listed here, especially the one about not purchasing it all at once. Happy hunting outdoor lovers!
