Before we know it, summer will be upon us, and we’ll be looking to spend as much time outside as possible. A quick look outside the window now will confirm whether or not it’s time to upgrade your patio furniture in time for the warmer weather.
Over winter, patio furniture can degrade, especially if it’s old and worn to begin with. Investing in new patio furniture can cost a significant amount, so it’s important to get all the elements right before you commit to buying a new set.
Could your patio furniture do with a facelift? If so, read our guide to ensure you get the best deal.
Consider the Space and How You Intend to Use It
The first steps to buying patio furniture are determining what you need it for and how much space you have. It’s no good buying a colossal dining set if you rarely eat outside. Nor is it wise to purchase rigid, upright chairs when you need somewhere to relax.
Fully consider what you plan to do in the space. Whether it’s for family meals, working, or entertaining, once you know the purpose, you’ll know exactly what you need to buy.
The next step is to measure the space. We recommend that you do so, then do it again. Note any obstacles, such as steps you can’t remove or change. Once you know precisely what space you have to work with, you can start looking for patio furniture that fits perfectly. For more information, check out this article on how to choose patio furniture.
Consider the Materials
Patio furniture comes in all kinds of materials and fabrics. This is important because you need to match the material to its purpose and location.
For example, some materials are more suited to warm weather. Others fare better in the cold. Do you need something sturdy that will withstand heavy use? Or do you need something plush and cozy? Items with thin legs look elegant but can fall through cracks in decking and be unsteady. You may not be able to move items with a chunky base so easily.
Choose your materials wisely. Material quality will determine whether your patio furniture lasts one season or for many years.
Quality is Key
It goes without saying that the better quality patio furniture you buy, the longer it will last you. Cheap, flimsy furniture will do the job for a while, but before you know it, it’ll break, and you’ll need to buy another set.
In the long run, buying several sets of cheap furniture can work out to be way more expensive than investing in one great-quality set.
We recommend avoiding plastic. Instead, go for materials such as metal or hardwoods. For soft furnishings, microfiber and canvas will last longer than non-weather proof materials.
Ensure that any cushions and other soft items can be removed and stored away when not in use. If you don’t have any space inside to store your furniture, ensure that it comes with weatherproof covers to protect it when not in use.
Shop Around Before You Shop for Real
We always recommend scouting out ideal patio furniture sets before you intend to buy them. This way, you won’t be tempted into impulse-buying something unsuitable.
Make a shortlist of a few sets you like, then go to different retailers to see who offers it at the lowest price. However, hold off from buying it. The next stage is waiting for a deal.
How to Find Cheap Patio Furniture
If you’ve found your dream patio furniture set, but you’re looking for a bargain, we recommend that you resist buying it, even if it’s already within your budget. If you know where to find them there are a lot of cheap patio furniture on sale. The way to get the cheapest deal is to wait for it to go on sale.
Typically, patio furniture sets have the deepest discounts during the following periods:
- End of summer – this period usually has the deepest discounts as retailers are keen to shift stock to make way for fall items. Start looking at the end of August and throughout September.
- Labor Day (the first Monday in September) – this is a fantastic day for shopping. You should find excellent deals on this major shopping date.
- New Year – the sales that follow the holidays usually involve the previous year’s stock. Retailers want to clear everything out to make space for the new year’s items.
Finding the perfect patio furniture is one skill. Holding out for the best deals is another. They both require patience. If you can bide your time until the sales kick-off, you will have a much better chance of getting the best possible deal. When your nerves pay off, this should make you feel extra good about buying a new patio furniture set.
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