help buying patio furniture

[Chefzhat]

We are in the market for patio furniture, and am overwhelmed with the kinds, types, price ranges, etc. We are looking at Woodard, Brown Jordan and Tropitone right now. Does anyone have any suggestions? We are not yet commited to anything yet. My hubby likes the sling chairs because there are no cushions to deal with, but I am dying over the price of this stuff. Help!!!

[Beth H]

Target actually sells nice patio furniture that is reasonably priced. Consider the climate where you live, too. My parents bought some metal furniture for a place near the ocean, and it rusted within six months. Wood furniture also is not good for climates with high humidity, as it mildews/rots, etc.

[Julia1Pin]

I have one suggestion - Buy the umbrella stand!!

When we moved into our housr and bought a patio table, I decided I would save ~$20 and not buy the stand (the table will hold it up, right?).

So, the winds come, the umbrella falls, the glass shatters. My thriftiness cost me $300 for a new table!

That said, House2Home, has a huge selection of patio furniture, at very reasonable prices.

[BosunsWife]

We bought a set a year ago in Rhode Island. We were tired of the resin stuff and decided to buy something nice. Ours is the metal type with fabric cushions. I sprayed all the cushions with scotchguard to further protect them and when we lived in RI I brought the cushions in at night so if it rained they didn't get wet. I second the umbrella stand - ours is wrought iron and it really stabilizes it.

Right now ours isn't in the weather because we have a lanai/screen porch. Obviously our umbrella isn't even being used. One other thing to note is if you have high(er) winds in your area, bring your umbrella in also, I don't think that a stand will even help against that.

[Vanessa]

I agree with Beth before buying consider your climate. Also some wood furniture needs treatment and for example rubbermaid can be hosed away etc. An umbrella is great brings shade. Also keep in mind the space available (deck size or patio size). If you don't have much space make sure things are functional.