Patio Sets

Buying Patio Sets – a 7 Step Checklist

If you are lucky enough to have your own backyard then you want to make the most of it. A little time exploring all the patio sets on offer can have you imagining how good it could be relaxing in comfort in your own idyllic retreat far from the madding crowd and busy day to day life.

But you do need to shop wisely if you want to get the right patio furniture. Here’s a checklist to make sure you make the right choice.

1. Check out Your Garden

Look at your backyard with a new eye considering how patio furniture would enhance the overall design and use of your garden. Get a vision of your newly furnished garden in your mind’s eye

2. Think about Your Lifestyle

Think about how you use your backyard (or how you could and would use it if you had the right outdoor furniture). Do you need furniture that’s suitable for all the family? Do you entertain a lot? Do you just want to relax on your patio with a cool drink and a good book? Different types of patio furniture are suitable for each of these scenarios. Maybe you need to consider all three when looking at patio sets!

Choose the right patio set

Choose the right patio set

3. Measure Your Space

How big is your patio and what shape is it? It’s a good idea to create a plan to scale so that you can see how particular items might fit the space. Remember to mark off any areas where you can’t put furniture such as where doors open onto your patio or where you need a path through from the house to the rest of the backyard.

4. Set a Budget

Quality outdoor furniture is a bit of an investment but you can expect it to give you years of pleasure. In many cases you get better value going more upmarket than by buying several cheap patio sets over the years. Still, there have to be limits so think about what yours are.

5. Look at Your Options and Create a Short list

There are patio sets in all different sizes and combinations. Look at what is available online or in local stores and think about how the various options might fit your lifestyle and your patio. Cut out the shapes of the various items to the same scale as your patio and see how they fit in. Remember you also need a foot or two of space to walk around your furniture! Pick out a few patio furniture sets that seem to suit you best for further consideration.

6. Compare Prices and Value

When comparing your short list of patio sets look at

  • price of the basic patio set
  • number of chairs
  • size of table
  • other items included (or items you have to add to the price)
  • quality of the construction
  • type of materials
  • ease of after care
  • availability of the specific items you would like
  • delivery charges
  • delivery time scale (will you get it in time to enjoy it?)
  • ready assembled or flat pack (how easy will you find it to put your patio furniture together?)
  • warranties and guarantees
  • returns policy
  • reputation of the supplier

Usually by going through this list you will see that one or two patio sets stand out from the others and you will be able to make your selection.

7. Choose Optional Extras

Time to make your purchase! When ordering it’s best to include any items you need to go with your garden furniture especially if there are matching items such as drinks trolleys, small tables and cushions to fit your patio set you might like in the future. These accessories might not be available later so it is as well to get them at the same time. Just make sure you don’t go over your budget!

Now there’s nothing left to do but wait for delivery and enjoy your patio furniture!

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Teak Patio Sets

There are many beautiful teak patio sets around. Although teak is not the cheapest material, (in fact teak is used for some of the most expensive garden furniture available) teak is a strong hardwood and will last for years and years without too much attention.

The great thing with teak is that you can buy a patio set one year and add items to it each season and they will not look out of place. Although the brand new furniture will not look quite the same as the old (which will have lost its bright, shiny new appearance) after a few weeks the pieces will look as if they have always belonged together if you choose similar styles. This property of teak is especially good if you would love to buy a whole set of teak outdoor furniture but you don’t have the budget to buy it all at once.

A beautiful teak garden bench

A beautiful teak bench which would enhance any garden

You will find the most choice in teak patio sets if you are looking for a set with 4 or 6 garden chairs but you will also find plenty of sets in other combinations. Look for what you really need. See What Size Patio Set Should You Buy for this. Also think about buying a chaise lounge or two in matching teak for when you really want to relax in your garden and perhaps a side table or drinks trolley. And of course a sun umbrella is always a good idea to offer a little shade for the hottest days.

Look after your teak outdoor furniture by feeding it with teak oil on a regular basis to maintain the new appearance. This will prevent drying out of the wood, cracking and fading. If you prefer the rustic brown shade of new teak you can help prolong it by using oil with a little color designed to keep teak looking like new. However, if you don’t mind the weathered look just leave your teak items to face the elements and they will eventually take on a gray color like an old park bench.

If your furniture gets dirty for any reason, wash it down with warm water to which you have added a little mild detergent. Rinse your furniture and let it dry without replacing any cushions until any dampness has gone.

You can leave teak outside in the winter and it won’t come to much harm but it will grow old looking more quickly so if you want to preserve a new appearance take your set indoors in the fall. In this case it is helpful to have chairs which fold to reduce the storage space required. If you would like to protect your teak but you have no room inside then think about purchasing patio furniture covers. They are not beautiful but if no one is around in your garden in winter they are a great way to keep teak patio sets looking good.

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Patio Sets : What Size Should You Buy?

Patio sets generally come with 4, 6 or 8 chairs along with the table although generally you can buy additional chairs if required with the better quality sets.

When deciding what size to buy think about

  1. How big your family is or your typical group of friends who will be gathering around the table, particularly if you intend to serve meals in the garden
  2. How much room you have on your patio – no point in buying a bigger table and chairs than will fit – and remember you will need room to walk around your patio furniture
  3. How much storage space you have if you intend to put your table and chairs away for the winter

If you buy enough patio furniture for a typical group you can always supplement when additional guest arrive with folding chairs you store in your garden shed or garage or with chairs from your home – even picnic rugs and cushions for an informal or impromptu party.

How many garden chairs?

How many garden chairs?

If you have a 6 piece patio set and are having a more formal larger occasion in your garden you could hire chairs or borrow from friends.

When buying your patio set also think about any additional matching items you need such as side tables, cart, foot stools and reclining chairs or loungers. The best patio sets will be around a few years and you should be able to buy additional matching items later but you can’t guarantee it.

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