If you have read my other articles, you know that I love winter, but that I live for the warm spring breezes to finally make their way back to me. I can’t wait to get the garden planted and see the flowers in bloom.
I most enjoy the spring and summer while sitting on my porch in the mornings and my patio in the afternoon and evenings. I have wonderful patio and porch furniture but it took years to get exactly what I wanted and it was mostly trial and error. Ok, mostly it was error.
To save you some time (not to mention money) I’ve compiled a guide to selecting the best outdoor furniture to suit your needs. There are a few things you need to know before you go out shopping.
Ask yourself what the purpose of the furniture actually is going to be. Are you going to be entertaining? Are you going to be using the furniture a lot or a little? Do you have a pool? Is your climate humid or dry? Do you get a lot of rain? These are all things you need to keep in mind before buying your furniture.
I’ve listed my favorite retailers, lowest priced first and some facts about each. All of these sell their furniture already assembled and the ordering is as simple as going to their listed websites or clicking on the title. I hope it’s of some help to you.
Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart is the old stand-by and we all know it. You can get a good selection of everything from wicker to plastic and everything in between. If you are trying to be frugal, Wal-Mart could be a good place to start. Wal-Mart has a pretty decent selection and they often sell complete sets (meaning they include the cushions). I got a great deal on a pool set here, table and six chairs. Their cushion selection is pretty good and all of the ones I’ve seen are water safe. Prices range from $10 to $300 (for a full patio set).
Target
You might wonder why I’ve listed Target as well. Target is a bit higher end of the low side. Their selection of everything from canvas to wicker and metal is really very impressive. Their cushions tend to be a bit more comfortable than Wal-Mart, but along the same lines. I include Target mostly because I prefer their corporate policy and I hope that some of you have a Target to shop in for your patio furniture. The other plus to Target is that they have more accessories for outdoor entertaining than Wal-Mart. Prices range from $10 to $300 (for a full patio set).
Home Decorators Collection
I visited their online shop after getting their catalog in the mail. Outstanding selection and the shipping rates are good. They have a tremendous selection as well. They carry all styles, including Victorian and Modern. Wicker is a primary feature but so is rattan, metal and wood. Their wood picnic set is incredible. Prices range from $20 to $500.
Pottery Barn
Look to Pottery Barn for more high-end sets and outdoor living room sets. Their sets are more comfortable than anything you will find at Wal-Mart or Target and you pay for it. Their selections run mostly to wood, wicker and rattan. There is some metal there, but it’s mostly the traditional selection. Prices are from $20 to about $1000.
Crate & Barrel
This is where I got my outdoor patio living room furniture. It’s more expensive but we spend a great deal of time on it for roughly half of the year. This is the most expensive retailer that I have listed but their prices aren’t unreasonable. The furniture selection here is mostly rattan, wood and metal. This is by far the most comfortable furniture for your patio or porch. It really is an outdoor living room. Prices range from $40 and up.
