How to Select Patio Furniture That Lasts, Looks Terrific, and Sits Just Right

Selecting the right patio furniture can turn your backyard into a personal getaway. It is more than merely having a place to sit; it’s creating a place that feels just like your home. The right patio set should not just fit your style; it should also practically fit your space and lifestyle.After reading this, you will learn how to select patio furniture that will click into your lifestyle with the perfect fit.

The Canadian weather is harsh—from hot summers to snowy winters. High-quality materials, like teak, aluminum, or all-weather wicker, will handle those conditions better than low-quality materials. Think of maintenance and how much you want to put into it, and then choose.

Size can make a difference with outdoor furniture. Measure your space before buying, making sure everything fits. If it does not feel comfortable, or crammed and disorganized, it will be unpleasant. Furniture should feel legit to the area, not smaller sized furniture in a big open area.

Start With Your Space And Lifestyle

Before searching for your new patio furniture, take time to analyze your outdoor space and how you intend to use it. Your space and lifestyle use will be the basis for all your furniture choices.

Determine How You Want To Utilize Your Patio

Think about how you plan to spend time outdoors. Do you enjoy host dinner parties? If so, a full outdoor dining set which seats you and 6-8 others may be important. Got mornings to yourself and enjoy kick’in back with a coffee? A comfy bistro set would be ideal. Think about what you typically do with your patio space.

• Lounging comfortably – sectionals to lounge on
• Dining outside – tables, with the appropriate chairs
• Inviting guests over – flexible furniture for seating
• Sunbathing – chaise lounges
• Reading nook – chairs for relaxing with side & drink tables

Be honest with yourself about your actual habits. Yes, a beautiful grand dining set may make an exceptional statement, but it becomes wasted space if you only have large gatherings a couple of times per year. Also, for families with children, durability beats decorative details hands down.

If we learned one thing when we first set up our showroom back then it was this. We combined a beautiful, massive teak dining set with seats for ten that everybody loved. But hardly anyone purchased it. Instead, most consumers had a realistic view of their entertaining habits and chose a smaller or practical alternative.

Match Furniture Types to Functions

Depending on the use of your patio you will want to choose furniture types accordingly. Try to mix & match to create designated zones for each function.

Measure Once, Cut Twice

Taking proper measurements is a major step in avoiding mistaken purchases. You get in the car and drive to a store when you may have simply grabbed a tape measure beforehand. Take into consideration these considerations of space:

• Circulation space – allow 3 feet area between furniture for walkways
• Table clearance – guests will need 2 feet of clearance from tables to stand up comfortably
• Overall dimensions – include the space for the chairs when pulled out from the tables

Sketch out a simple layout on paper. Designate doorways, current features, and traffic patterns. Do not block off access to any part of your home, or other major areas, with the placement of furniture

Keep in mind that patio furniture needs space to function properly, as well. A dining set wedged against a wall creates a very uncomfortable dining experience. Be sensible about the fit. Less is more if you create good space. Fewer quality pieces used properly always function better than a crowded patio full of furniture you can never use.

Choose Materials that are Canadian Weather – and Commitment Friendly

Canadian weather calls for patio furniture that will endure all types of weather from summer sun to winter snow. Your patio furniture must suit both your Canadian climate conditions and your maintenance commitment level.

Top Materials & Their Pros/Cons For Canadian Weather Conditions

One customer from Winnipeg mentioned her aluminum sectional had been through three brutal winters with very little care, a spring cleaning and a little tightening of bolts her only effort. Conversely, her neighbor’s untreated pine set looked worse for wear after just one winter.

Avoid Common Mistakes

• Not thinking about weight can lead to devastation. Light furniture can cause dangerous projectiles in always windy prairie conditions. Consider anchoring or weighing the pieces down during stormy seasons.
• Not utilizing covers or employing proper storage will significantly reduce the life of furniture. Even the most durable of materials will benefit from protection from snow loads and freeze-thaw freeze cycles.
• Forgetting comfort in durability. The most weather-resistant chair is inconsequential if it is uncomfortable. kick the tires first, and consider adding cushions with weather-resistant fabrics.
• Mismatch of materials and local conditions wastes money. And areas where your furniture came are looking for exceptional rust resistance, areas that are forested are looking for v mildew resistance.

Neglecting proper maintenance can lead to disappointment. Be realistic with yourself concerning your commitment level—low maintenance aluminum might actually be better than a beautiful teak if you don’t want to keep up on the sort of care your beautiful teak requires.

Comfort Has No Compromise – Don’t Settle

It doesn’t matter how beautiful that patio furniture is, if its uncomfortable to sit on. No matter if you are leaning towards patio chairs, Adirondack chairs, or a great bench for a hangout, comfort continues to be paramount when selecting outdoor seating.

What You Should Look For In Cushions And Seating

Cushions are the real winners here with respect to outdoor comfort. Ideally you should look for 5-8cm thick cushions in order to have a good level of support. Fabrics that are specifically designed for the outdoors, such as Treasure Garden or solution-dyed acrylics, will allow for lots of comfort and durability.

And the frame is definitely part of the experience. Chairs that are ergonomically designed to better support your legs and back. Sit on each and every chair for at least 5 minutes to be able to properly judge if they are comfortable.

Here’s what you might want to think about in terms of comfort:

• Seat depth (best for most adults is 45-55cm)
• Height and width of armrests
• Support of back angle
• Weight capacity

For lawn chairs and Adirondack options, you might want to check how easy it is to get into and out of these chairs. Some chairs, though classic, may be difficult for people with limited mobility to use.We’ve seen too many poor souls that’ve gotten excited about a display of beautiful furniture only to realize later that their beautiful chairs make them sore. The comfort test isn’t one to skip!

Custom vs Pre-sets

Ready made furniture can be a more zip experience while custom is more pricey, but it’s more aligned with what you want. It’s totally dependent on how urgent your need is and how much you’re willing to spend. The advantages of custom options:

• Perfect fit to your space
• Choice of fabrics and colours
• Specific comfort tweaks
• Unique designs

Pre-configured options tend to work for most purposes, they come with warranty most of the time, they are ready for pick up, unlike custom, which might take 4-12 weeks to arrive depending on the complexity

For outdoor benches, make sure to customize your seat height and back remain angle. These seemingly insignificant adjustments can make a huge difference regarding comfort level, for all furniture pieces we use most of the time.

Match Your Style Without Sacrificing Function

Finding patio furniture that both looks great and works well requires balancing aesthetics with practicality. The best outdoor spaces combine personal style with furniture that serves your everyday needs.

Design That Complements Your Home Exterior

Your patio furniture should feel like a natural extension of your home. Consider the architectural style of your house when selecting outdoor pieces. A modern home pairs beautifully with sleek, clean-lined sectionals, while a cottage-style house matches better with traditional wicker or wooden sets.

Colour coordination matters tremendously. Look at your home’s exterior palette and choose patio sets that either complement or tastefully contrast these shades. Neutral-toned furniture provides flexibility, while accent pillows can add pops of colour that tie into your garden or exterior trim.

Materials should reflect your climate realities. In coastal areas, marine-grade fabrics and rust-resistant frames prevent salt damage. For areas with intense sun, fade-resistant fabrics are worth the investment.

Modular, Stackable, Or Classic?

The layout flexibility of your patio furniture determines how adaptable your space becomes. Modular outdoor sectionals offer the ultimate versatility, allowing you to reconfigure based on gathering size or purpose. These pieces work brilliantly for entertainers who frequently host different types of events.

Stackable furniture offers practical solutions for smaller spaces. When not in use, these pieces can be neatly stored away, creating more room for other activities. Look for lightweight yet sturdy options that won’t blow away in Canadian winds.

Classic fixed designs like Adirondack chairs or traditional dining sets provide reliable function with timeless appeal. These pieces establish a consistent outdoor aesthetic but sacrifice some flexibility.

Consider your maintenance tolerance too. Natural materials like teak develop beautiful patinas but require seasonal care. Synthetic wicker and powder-coated metals need less upkeep but lack the organic warmth of natural materials.

Longevity Is In The Details: Care, Storage & Seasonal Planning

Appropriate care and storage can greatly prolong the life of your patio furniture and keep your outdoor space looking beautiful for many years to come!

Lengthen the Life of Your Investment

Value patio furniture deserves proper care and maintenance. When it comes to patio furniture maintenance, you want to regularly clean your furniture (look for the appropriate cleaning tips, it generally requires a mild soap and warm water for most surfaces). For metal patio furniture, it should also be waxed once in a while to prevent rusting. Wood patio furniture should be sealed or stained once a year to prevent moisture damage.

If you have patio furniture sets you are not using, consider buying furniture covers. These additional layers of protection can help provide against UV rays, rain and staining debris which can wear on your patio furniture. Quality covers come with ventilation to help reduce moisture and mold build up.

Cushions are more frequently forgotten about in outdoor furniture. If you can, store your cushions inside during the rain, or get one of the weather-proof storage boxes for your patio. Most outdoor fabric is also washable (be sure to check manufacturer recommendations first though).

Simple maintenance activities like this make a big different. Tighten any screws which are loose while it’s quick and easy; touch up scratched metal frames, and @continue to explore a small range of issues before they become expensive!

I had a customer who literally covered her teak dining set every night. After 5 years, the dining set was almost like new! Meanwhile her neighbor had the identical set, without covers… and the weathering had a noticeable difference after 5 years of exposure. A couple of extra minutes helped to save her hundreds of replacement dollars!

Climate is Important

I will mention that Canadian climate challenges outdoor furniture. The Maritime province has salt air which will rust metal and the Prairie provinces have very convincing temperature ramifications. Using appropriate material for your climate— based on your concerns— will aid the longevity of your furniture.

The best way to store your patio furniture is in the winter months. In an ideal world, furniture would be stored in a garage or shed during snowfall. Not enough storage space? Stackable items and foldable items make seasonal transitions a breeze.

Take note of your patterns of exposure. For example, if your patio is south facing it will experience intense UV exposure, then be sure to ask about fade-resistant fabrics. In areas that are prone to wind, look for heavier furniture or items that can be weighted down.

Engage in the seasonal transitions. Spring cleaning should include checking for winter wear and tear. Fall cleaning means getting everything nice and clean before storage. These seasonal processes will help avoid long-lasting damage, and will help ensure your furniture stays looking great year after year.

Accessories That Make The Space

The right accessories can help turn your patio from just a sitting area to a real outdoor living area. These units will add the final touch, and give the area personality and comfort.

Small Changes, Big Results

• Outdoor rugs clearly define a seating area, and feel warmer on bare feet. Choose a weather resistant material, such as polypropylene, for use in the rain and sun. Outdoor rugs are available in all sorts of colours and patterns for every taste!
• Interior Solutions for warming outlets are non negotiable for outdoor living. An outdoor patio umbrella allows you to quickly get out of dangerous sun. Choose a patio umbrella with UV resistant fabric and a sturdy enough base to avoid being blown away in the wind.
• Lighting allows for outdoor living beyond day time. Consider:
  • Solar pathway lights for walkways
  • String lights for airy soft light
  • A table lanterns for dining
  • LED candles for around the bonfire
• Cushions and throw pillows add comfort and colour to a set of furniture. Outdoor fabrics like Sunbrella resist fading and mildew.

Multi faithful units…

A storage ottoman is a seat, and a place to tuck away “outdoor” items. These functional pieces hold blankets, magazines, and games while keeping everything on your patio from being overcrowded. The convertible coffee tables can go from coffee table to dining table height. This is a perk for smaller patios or blessing for hosts changing from cocktail hour to dinner and back again. Consider a hammock for the perfect restful nook—great for an afternoon snooze or the type that folds up and tucks away when you are not using it (or are concerned it might blow away in the wind). Modern hammock stands means you don’t even need trees or posts anymore. Fire pits not only provide heat for cooler evenings but a casual gathering points. Many of these can be topped with a covering and double as tabletop area.

Consistent Accessories Help to Create Cohesion.

Color cohesion is what holds your outdoor space together. Select two or three main colors (e.g. blue, green, yellow) and incorporate them throughout in your accessories. This gives you the feel of a curated room.

Very similar powerful materials also create uniformity. If you are using different materials in your furniture (teak), try to use that material in your serving trays or lanterns or other items. Metal finishes should also match—mixing bronze and chrome is not a good look.

Proportion also creates visual uniformity. Large sectionals will look out of proportion with small side tables and a tiny rug; smaller bistro sets would be better with small accessories.

Outdoor weather resistant art and accent pieces add personality. Keep an eye out for ceramics or resin sculptures, metal wall art, or outdoor safe canvas art pieces that express your interests.

Budget Smart, Not Cheap.

You can find outdoor patio furniture that fit your budget. We all know smart shopping can help you with the cost/quality equation.

Why is Price Not Everything?

Because it’s not the whole story Price tags do tell part of the story. Choosing the cheapest option may cost you more in the long-term due to frequent replacement expenses. Look for materials that have inherent properties of strength and durability such as aluminum, teak, or high grade polyethylene wicker.

Consider the ongoing costs of maintenance as some fill types require special cleaning agents or cover protection which factor into your total investment.

Weather resistance is critical with the dramatic seasons in Canada. A set priced at just above your budget that holds up to humid summers and freezing winters would possibly be a better investment than a cheap set that cracked after one use.

Value indicators to look for:

• Warranty duration and coverage
• Quality of construction (welded or screwed joints)
• Weight and thickness of material
• Customer reviews on longevity
• Consider multi-functionality, ottomans that provide storage, or tables that adjust in height can provide so much more value for the value.

One repeat customer purchased a mid-grade aluminum set 3 full years ago and avoided the terrible accident of a cheap set. She sees first hand, the cheap set has had to be replaced a second time in only 3 years; she was able to enjoy her high-performing set, while her neighbor spent far more money, and suffered inefficient product shopping, headaches of business and emotional distress caused by a disappointing purchase experience.

Financing And Packages

Lots of great retailers or e-commerce sites have financing available so you can afford furniture at a premium rate. Payments too large, or just don’t have the cash flow for it? Consider dividing your payments down into manageable daily increments for a better product and one that suits your budget.

Common financing options include:

• 0% interest (or low interest) for 6-12 months
• Small monthly payments
• No penalty if paid off early

Seasonal sales and Bundling often saves you a fair bit of money as well. Matching chair, sofa and table typically can be cheaper when purchased as a set rather than individually. Some retailers even offer accessories, cushions, or covers free with a larger purchase.

Purchase timing. You can find savings of 30-50% on quality items, usually in the end-of-summer sales (August-October), as items are either floor models or last season’s style.

You also can find great deals at outlet stores or at warehouse sales where discontinued collections or styles of high-end brands have drop-down pricing, yet still have full quality on these items, while saving a friendlier price tag.

Final Note: Making Your Patio Work For You

When thinking about your patio, always consider it as an extension of your home. Select items that your want and need to suit your style. While quality items may come at a greater price up front, in the long run you will save much more in costs associated with having to replace various items.

Consider what your intended use for your patio will be. If it will be primarily dining, then a dining set may be appropriate for meals with family, whereas loungers would be more appropriate if you’re more of a lounger. Mixing and matching is even possible if you have the space for both.

In terms of any outdoor supply, select outdoor weather resistant materials, meaning fabric or framing system, that can hold withstanding rain, sun and/or occasional snow.

Always remember storage! Either one brand or another have storage compartments in their product options for outdoor cushions and outdoor essentials, which would be very helpful in the winter months.

Cleaning! Simply engage your cleaning lifestyle and choose options that fit with your cleaning lifestyle. Some material selections may require cleaning, while others will require little or no work.

Before you buy, be sure to measure, and there isn’t a greater let down than when you measure and see if it fits your patio as you used the furniture in mind.

Be certain to see if you can try to see if it’s comfortable before you buy. If this is an outdoor dining piece, you need to measure the height you want, or if you measure the overall height of an outdoor table work with performing dining height of a chair.

Ultimately, your patio must make you happy! Don’t forget you would not put style furniture pieces in your outdoor area, you would just create a happy space that you create your relaxation, entertaining and memories.

Ready to find? Patios and furniture, what patio, what furniture, and what do you want! Check out our promotions & visit our showroom to test things out!

No matter your lifestyle we will provide you furniture that is designed to last!

Frequently asked questions

What do I take into account when buying patio furniture?

To buy the perfect patio furniture a discerning individual will weigh materials, brands, sizes, & maintenance in order to create a functional outdoor space that withstands Canadian weather.

How does material choice impact durability of outdoor furniture?

Material selection contributes most of the longevity. Teak and Cedar, (both insect & moisture resistant by nature) is perfect for humid conditions, aluminum is great for balcony or any time you move furniture often and rust resistance is of no concern. Aluminum have near zero maintenance. Synthetic wicker has great options, most do not fade from UV rays and are not deterred when rain occurs, and if durability is important, hunt for high-density polyethylene instead. Steel is a very tough choice for outdoor patio furniture, but can work if coated well. Galvanization or powder coating should be absolutely considered to endure seasonal weather changes in Canada.

What makes a good outdoor furniture brand good?

Most high-end brands offer full warranties on their product for 5+ years, which emphasizes the brands confidence in longevity of product. Warranties usually cover frames, and more recently fabrics and cushions foam.

A good quality piece of furniture offers quality construction details that have been made with care, even in making a design standout and having special construction details that separates high-end versus discount. A high quality piece of furniture may use welded joints instead of bolted joints; high stress points should have been reinforced; a designer may double wrap where wicker is braided.

Good quality pieces of furniture consider drainage systems that are functional, and breathable options around cushions. These features interrupt water collection and discourage mildew in our variation-prone climate.

What is the best way to mix and match various pieces of patio furniture into cohesive sets?

1. Pick a key colour palette of 2-3 key colours for a visual connection. This allows mix and match pieces to tie together while allowing piece to shine as individuality.
2. Pay attention to scale when combining pieces. Bulky sectional pieces work well with bulky coffee tables, while delicate bistro tables work well with delicate accent tables.
3. Material variation is fine as long as the pieces have a commonality. For example, teak dining chairs with metal details can work with metal dining tables with solid wood details.
4. Accessories can be the bonding agent between furniture. Scheming pieces like an outdoor rug, cushions, and planters can blend visual incongruent sets.

What do I need to consider when choosing the size of my outdoor dining set?

1. Take measurements of outdoor space and account for 75-90 cm of clearance around the furniture for comfortable circulation. No one wants to feel cramped when dining outdoors.
2. Table shape is an important function of space to consider as well. Round tables have the ability to maximize seating in tight spaces, while rectangular tables are better for long or slim patios.
3. Account for how much space on the table edge each seated user needs. Each person can occupy 60 cm of table edge space without bumping elbows. A 150 cm table can accommodate 6 guests with no elbow bumping.
4. Consider extending tables for flexibility. A table with a removable leaf can fit an intimate dinner or a larger summer gathering.

Is it worth it to invest in higher-priced patio furniture for permanent outdoor service?

Higher-end furniture usually utilize the best materials, including marine-grade stainless steel and solution-dyed synthetic acrylic fabric. These materials endure Canadian freeze-thaw cycles of outdoor outdoor furniture without premature failure.

Cost of furniture often coinsides with better engineering processes, as a more expensive piece will usually have reinforced frames, UV inhibitors, and weather-resistant finishes that will maintain look for years of use.

If the price tag reflects the quality of the materials, premium furniture costs less per use overtime. If a $2,000 set lasts 15 years, the cost for usage is reasonable compared to a $500 sets, every 3 years replacement schedule. Plus no replacement shopping is peaceful and you can enjoy your garden with a gin and tonic instead!

Quality manufacturers hold very good resale value. A quality piece kept in very good condition can 30%-40% value retention vs. disposable, easily discarded furniture, has an insignificant secondary market.

What is best care for outdoor furniture depending on specific weather conditions?

1. Regular cleaning is the best preventative to inhibit the build of dirt and soil that can cause deterioration with materials. Most manufactured surfaces are completely surface cleanable with a mild soap and water, while specialty cleaners are recommended for surfaces such as teak and some types of metal.
2. Protective coverings can drastically lengthen the longevity of material exposed to the elements. Remember to seek out breathable elements and securing mechanisms to guard against wind.
3. Routine seasonal upkeep will give you the best return on your outdoor furniture investments. Teak will benefit from applying wood oils in spring, check and tighten loose hardware in the summer, check welds before it goes to winter storage.

These recommendations vary depending on material. Premium aluminum and synthetic wicker can be left outside in winter under covers but cushions should go indoors to avoid moisture and mildew.