What to Consider Before Buying Outdoor Furniture in CT
Do you have a deck, porch, patio, sun room or pool? If you do, you’ve probably spent time contemplating what kind of outdoor furniture is best suited for the exterior of your Connecticut home. The right furniture can make your outdoor space a truly livable extension of the interior and add value to your property.
Learn how to pick the best outdoor furniture – what to keep in mind before buying, which materials work best for outdoor furniture in Connecticut, the different varieties of furnishings and more.
What to Consider Before Buying Outdoor Furniture in Connecticut
Climate – The climate and the weather in Connecticut should be one of the top factors affecting which outdoor furniture you ultimately buy. Do you get extremely high or low temperature throughout the summer and winter months? Is there very little or an abundance of rain throughout the year? Do you have a lot of pollen in the air where you live in CT?
These are the sort of questions you need to contemplate before buying outdoor furniture for your Connecticut home.
Your outdoor space – Your outdoor space will determine what sort of outdoor furniture is appropriate. The size of the space is, needless to say, the top concern and can limit the type of outdoor furniture you ultimately get. Be sure that the furniture isn’t so big that it dominates the space.
Also take into account whether it is a covered, open area or both. If there's a fire pit or pond account for this in your planning and don’t crowd those areas.
Purpose of the outdoor furniture – Precisely what is your outdoor space used for? How will the the outdoor furniture be utilized in the space? Some people use their outdoor space primarily for entertaining while others use it for quiet relaxation. The outdoor furniture that you choose will add to the atmosphere and functionality so don’t buy before you decide what you really want to use your outdoor area for most.
Price range – You may be surprised at how expensive some outdoor furniture can get. Set a budget beforehand and stick to it. Prioritize which pieces are most important, remember you can always get the additional pieces at a later date, and if you wait for the fall and winter season you may find outdoor furniture for bargain prices.
Best Materials for Outdoor Furniture in Connecticut
Woods – Wood, being a natural material, is a superb selection for outdoor furniture in Connecticut because it weathers well. Teak is a popular choice because it's very strong, although it is more expensive than other choices. Cedar is another popular choice for outdoor furniture.
Fabrics – If you're purchasing cushions, umbrellas or table covers make sure that they are made with outdoor fabric. These fabrics are fade resistant, mildew resistant, waterproof and typically sturdier than fabrics used for indoor furniture, linens and clothing. Typical outdoor fabrics include polyester, acrylic, polyester-cotton blends and other synthetic fibers.
Metals – Metals aren’t always the best option for outdoor furniture in Connecticut, particularly if the furniture is likely to be fully exposed to the elements. Metals will rust and grow brittle out in the rain and sun if they aren’t treated. If you would like to go with metal frames aluminum is an excellent choice because it doesn’t rust, is lightweight and still durable.
Plastic – It might not sound like the most aesthetic option but plastic provides a lot of variety, it’s affordable and it’s very weather resistant. Choose hard plastic resin materials if you opt this material.
Types of Outdoor Furniture for Your Connecticut Home
When it comes to outdoor furniture there’s something to fit everyone’s tastes and needs. Below are just a few types of outdoor furniture that will make your Connecticut home more appealing and functional.
- Swings
- Loungers
- Umbrellas
- Table sets
- Adirondacks
- Benches
- Gliders