Patio Sets

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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How to Compare Prices on Patio Sets – a Consumer Guide

You’d think that comparing prices on patio sets would be quite straightforward online – after all you can easily go from online store to online store without leaving your chair but there are some things to be aware of as you shop so make sure you have all the facts before you decide on one patio set or another or choose a retailer.

Ask yourself…

Are the Shipping charges included?

Sometimes you don’t find out about shipping charges until you check out. Shipping charges on patio furniture sets can be quite substantial in some cases as furniture is so heavy, bulky and expensive to deliver. If the web site does not state “free shipping” make sure you find out the delivery charges when doing your price comparison. (Go part way through checkout without actually checking out to find out if you have to).

Enjoy your patio set without paying too much!

Enjoy your patio set without paying too much!

How Much Discount?

You may see discount prices on patio sets but a discount price does not always mean much unless you are comparing prices on exactly the same patio furniture set from different retailers. Use your own judgment and the prices of similar items on other sites to determine value for money – not the 50% off discount price tag or spectacular discount voucher codes.

Even comparisons to retail or list price don’t help much unless a site is offering the cheapest price available (including shipping of course!) for that item. And a sale does not mean you are getting the best deal on your patio set either. Some retailers mark up prices high so they can have a sale with huge markdowns! You think you’re getting a great deal on quality patio sets but it’s just that the price has been hiked. You have to look at the actual prices and the quality of the patio furniture to determine value for money.

Are You Getting the Lowest Prices?

Well you may be but you can’t tell just by a website claiming that they offer the “lowest prices on patio sets” Always compare prices yourself on outdoor furniture. And even if a website offers a “lowest price or double the difference” still do your own checks because they may be gambling on most people not bothering to shop around or on them not being able to find exactly the same furniture. Many companies change the names on furniture to make price comparison almost impossible! If you want to pay low prices you have to make sure you find the low prices yourself.

A Retailer You Trust?

In most cases your order will be fulfilled without a hitch but when things do go wrong you’ll find you’re pleased to have paid an extra few dollars to buy garden furniture from a company you trust.  If you’re not sure ask around or even just read the consumer reviews online. Companies like Amazon allow a completely free rein for people to post both negative and positive reviews and as a result we tend to trust them!

A Fair Price?

That is really what you are looking for. Consider the quality of the product. Consider the company and the service you can expect from them. Consider the shipping charges and then make up you own mind about whether prices are fair for the patio sets on offer.

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Patio Sets Buying Guide : What Do You Need?

Most patio sets are sold as two seat, four seat, six seat (or more) collections with dining table however particularly with high end luxury patio sets you may also be able to buy additional matching items in the collection.

Before you get seduced into buying more outdoor furniture than you need (and more than your patio has room for) here is our guide to the extras.

Table Umbrellas

Table Umbrellas fit into a stand through a hole in the center of the table. Make sure they are large enough to provide shade for the people sitting at the table as well as the table! It’s useful to have a patio umbrella which has tilt functionality so that it can provide better shade as the sun moves through the sky.

Are patio table and chairs enough?

Are patio table and chairs enough?

Stand Umbrellas

Some table umbrellas can be used as stand alone patio umbrellas and be moved with their stand to other positions in the garden but the stand must be sturdy enough to take the whole weight of the umbrella if they are to be used in this way. If you have a large patio dining set, market umbrellas provide coverage over a larger area than a typical stand umbrella.

Lounge Chairs

A chair or two where you can lie out fully is a great addition to your patio furniture set if you have room

Small Tables

A small side table is useful if you just want somewhere to place a drink and a book without sitting next to the large dining table from the furniture set.

Cart

Carts provide storage and an extra surface. They are really only useful as an addition to your patio set if you do a lot of entertaining or someone who has a drinks fridge for beer or a mini refrigerator for extra soft drinks as well as a normal fridge . Think about how much you will use this and how much room it will take up especially if winter storage is limited. Are they worth the price?

Patio Furniture Cushions

Patio furniture cushions make the difference between comfortable and uncomfortable furniture in most cases. Have fun selecting a freat design and buy the best you can afford to get the most comfort. Be sure to take your patio cushions inside after use because a regular soaking does them no good at all.

Extra Features You May Want in Your Patio Set

  • Wheels or casters on heavy furniture for easier mobility
  • Tables which expand or contract in size using a folding mechanism or extra leaves or modules which you can be added. These are useful if you only occasionally have a lot of guests and want to save space on your patio at other times.
  • Patio Furniture Covers – Useful for patio sets if you have no indoor storage space for your furniture in winter – but they are not very pretty.

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