What to Consider Before Buying Outdoor Furniture in RI
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 Rhode Island home. The proper furniture can make your outdoor space a truly livable extension of the interior and add value to your property.
Learn how to choose the best outdoor furniture – what to keep in mind before buying, which materials work best for outdoor furniture in Rhode Island, the different different kinds of furnishings and more.
What to Consider Before Buying Outdoor Furniture in Rhode Island
Climate – The climate and the weather in Rhode Island 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 hardly any or an abundance of rain throughout the year? Do you have a lot of pollen in the air where you reside in RI?
These are the sort of questions you need to contemplate before you purchase outdoor furniture for your Rhode Island home.
Your outdoor space – Your outdoor space will determine what sort of outdoor furniture is appropriate. The size of the space is, obviously, the top concern and can limit the sort of outdoor furniture you ultimately get. Make 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 – What is your outdoor space used for? How will the the outdoor furniture be used 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 can add to the atmosphere and functionality so don’t buy prior to deciding what you actually 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 it's possible to get the additional pieces at a later date, and if you wait for the fall and winter season you could find outdoor furniture for bargain prices.
Best Materials for Outdoor Furniture in Rhode Island
Woods – Wood, being a natural material, is an excellent selection for outdoor furniture in Rhode Island because it weathers well. Teak is a popular choice because it's very strong, although it is more expensive than other available choices. Cedar is also a popular choice for outdoor furniture.
Fabrics – If you are 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 selection for outdoor furniture in Rhode Island, particularly if the furniture is likely to be fully exposed to the elements. Metals will rust and turn brittle out in the rain and sun if they aren’t treated. If you want to go with metal frames aluminum is a good choice because it doesn’t rust, is light weight and still durable.
Plastic – It might not sound like the most aesthetic option but plastic offers a lot of variety, it’s affordable and it’s very weather resistant. Choose hard plastic resin materials if you choose this material.
Types of Outdoor Furniture for Your Rhode Island Home
When it comes to outdoor furniture there’s something to fit everyone’s tastes and needs. Below are only a few types of outdoor furniture that can make your Rhode Island home more inviting and functional.
- Swings
- Loungers
- Umbrellas
- Table sets
- Adirondacks
- Benches
- Gliders