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 garden furniture sets!

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

You can buy sets of furniture for your patio 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 furniture 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!