Bewildered by all the porch and patio furniture that is available today? On this page, we’d like to give you a 3-step approach to sorting out all the options and choosing what you need.

Porch And Patio Furniture Selector . . . STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION

Just where will the porch and patio furniture be used? Outside, inside, or a little of both? Are you able to move furniture yourself? What if it is heavy? How far must your porch and patio furniture be carried? Will you leave your porch and patio furniture out year-round (warm climates)?

Further: how much room do you have? Don’t overbuy on porch and patio furniture – get what you need, but not so much that you will be crowded.

Porch And Patio Furniture Selector . . . STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR PIECES

Keeping things simple, we can divide porch and patio furniture into 3 large categories:

TABLES – These can be small, medium or large in size. They can be made of various materials, including glass. Some are easier to move than others. Get one that matches your other porch and patio furniture. Large tables can be difficult to move, especially outdoors.

SEATING – This type of porch and patio furniture can be chairs, benches, stools, sofas and gliders. Again, make sure to match the size and weight to your needs. Lightweight chairs can be moved easily, but lightweight sofas may not be as durable as other types.

ACCESSORIES – Included here is all sorts of items: swings, cushions and pillows, hammocks, grills for barbecuing, party tents and canopies, lanterns and outdoor light fixtures. Again, get what you really need, and what matches your other porch and patio furniture.

Porch And Patio Furniture Selector . . . STEP 3: CHOOSE YOUR MATERIALS

Here is a handy guide that spells out the pros and cons of many of the various materials used today in porch and patio furniture:

Material Type Pros Cons Cedar Low maintenance – can be left out-of-doors without concern Higher cost Wicker & Rattan Stylish, lightweight, easily fabricated to many shapes and designs Cannot be left out in rain Teak Low maintenance – can be left out-of-doors without concern Higher cost Synthetic Wicker Can survive the weather outdoors better than natural wicker or rattan Quality can vary Aluminum Will not rust Too lightweight for some uses Cast Iron Will not rust Higher cost; heavy to move Wrought Iron Cheaper than cast iron Can rust if scratched Concrete Will last a lifetime Very, very heavy

PORCH AND PATIO FURNITURE: TIPS FOR ONLINE SHOPPING

Know What You Are After When searching for porch and patio furniture, be specific – not just ‘porch and patio furniture’ but ‘wrought-iron outdoor benches.’ You will get more help from a sales associate (at a store) and get better search results (on the Internet) if you are specific about your needs. Brand names, manufacturer names, materials used are all important.

Look Out For The Taxman Many porch and patio furniture items can cost hundreds, even thousands, of dollars. So pay attention to any sales tax that might be charged. Not all outlets will charge sales tax, and the additional cash outlay can make a great deal a bad deal.

Shipping And Handling Ditto for the shipping and handling. Porch and patio furniture can be big, bulky and in some cases very heavy. You can save if you pick up the items yourself from the store, but you must have a way to get them home. Shipping and handling also add to the bottom line.

Is It In Stock? Really? If you are in a hurry to get your porch and patio furniture item(s) make SURE that your item is available – in stock – before you buy it. I always call the source to get an up-to-the minute verification, I never rely on what a website says about item availability (in-stock indicators on websites are not always updated promptly)