We could all use a little help in making informed decisions. Here is a helpful buyer’s guide that will offer some good advice on what types of patio sets are available and what types of things each is used for.

1. Wrought Iron

Wrought iron offers buyers quality, durability, easy maintenance but not without cost. To elaborate on the features:

1. This product offers high quality. It can withstand time offering buyers less replacement pieces over time.
2. Durability is a great quality when it comes to wrought iron. This type of material is heavy duty all around. From the frame to the construction it can withstand almost any type of weather from wind to snow.
3. It is fairly easy to keep this product clean. Water and a hose will usually take care of most of the cleanup and rusting is only minimal. If your product does rust, however, you can correct it with a few simple and easy steps.
4. The price of wrought iron is expensive. But in the long run it may be worth it because it does not need replaced often.

This type of material can come in both larger and smaller pieces. You can purchase pieces individually or in sets. They come in many different styles to suit almost anyone’s taste. Whether it is a three-pieced bistro set or something much larger you will be sure to find exactly what you are looking for in wrought iron.

2. Plastic

Purchasing plastic sets or individual pieces offers many advantages and disadvantages. Some of them include but are not limited to:

1. Cheaper quality and not as durable. While plastic is a fairly good item it is not meant to last a lifetime. You will more than likely have to replace several pieces in your lifetime even if you do care for them and store them away in colder months. The material cracks and breaks easily.
2. Great bang for the buck. While it may not last if you are looking for a temporary outdoor look then this type is definitely worth the money. You can probably purchase an entire set for the amount of money that it would cost for a wrought iron chair.
3. Prone to mold and mildew. This type of material can collect mold and mildew. It can be easily cleaned with special cleaners.
4. Easy fuss-free maintenance. Warm soapy water is really all that’s needed to get them clean. The dirt and grime is pretty easy to remove without much effort.

You can purchase plastic pieces as both large and small items and in sets as well. Typically you will not pay much for an entire set but it probably will not last for very long unless you take extremely good care of it. Over time the sun will cause it to fade and you will need to store it away in the colder months. It is susceptible to blowing around in high winds and bad weather.

3. Aluminum

Aluminum products come in a many different styles and variations. You can get larger or smaller pieces in this type as well.

1. Easy fuss-free maintenance. Like the others a hose and soapy water can get most of the dirt and grime off.
2. Does rust occasionally at the welding points. You can remove the rust by following a few simple steps which can help restore it to its natural beauty.
3. Expensive. While not as expensive as wrought iron it does come with a heftier price tag than some other materials on the market. But it does last for a very long time.
4. Sturdy and high quality. This is a fairly lightweight item but it is pretty sturdy. It will stay put in high winds and heavy rains.

Aluminum offers a cheaper alternative to wrought iron while offering many of the same qualities. It is stylish and comes in many shapes and sizes to meet your particular needs.

4. Wood

Wood is naturally beautiful and is of great quality.

1. Low maintenance. While it does require a protective sealant every few years it does not require much else in the way of maintenance.
2. Fair price tag. While the prices will vary, it will depend on the type of wood furniture that you choose to purchase. Some wood is higher quality than others and looks more pleasing to the eye.
3. Durable and heavy. It is harder to move which can be a great feature in patio furniture. You will want an item that will hold up to the elements.
4. Unique and stylish. You can get this material to match almost any taste and personality. You can jazz it up with decorative and colorful pillows as well.

5. Wicker

Wicker furniture is another popular type. It can be purchased in many different sizes, colors and styles just like many of the other types found on the market today.

1. Easy cleaning and fuss-free maintenance. While it may be a little more time consuming to get the dirt out of the creases and cracks it is still fairly easy to clean with simply soapy warm water and a garden hose.
2. The price is also reasonable for this type of material. It is about a mid-ranged price point for patio furniture which is more pleasing to the pocket than more expensive materials.
3. It is not made for a lifetime. This product can last for a while if taken care of properly and stored properly during colder months but it is not a product that maintains its looks and style for many years.

While wicker is more comfortable and durable than some others on the market it is not the best choice if you are looking for a high quality product. It will last for a few years if taken care of properly.

What Size is Right for Me?

You may be like most others and find it difficult to determine what size patio set is right for you. Here are a few tips that can help you make a decision.

• How many people will I need to seat? This is a great question and one that you should ask yourself before making a purchase. If you do a lot of entertaining or even just have a big family then you may want to invest in more chairs and seating than what comes in a set. Remember, you do not want your guests to have to stand so make sure you have plenty of space to accommodate everyone!

• How big is my outdoor space? If you live in an apartment or have a small outdoor living space then perhaps scaling down is the best option for you. If you have a large backyard but do not entertain much then spending a lot of money on a large set may not make sense. If you are an avid outdoor griller and entertainer then investing in a larger set with multiple seating options may be a better fit for you.

• How much do I want to spend? The budget is the question. The bigger or more durable the more likely it will cost. Try to keep your budget in mind when making a decision. The less durable the cheaper it will be but more likely than not you will have to replace it.

• How long should it last for? Quality will last a lifetime. It is a good idea to remember that the better material you purchase the longer it will last. Spending less money on patio furniture may result in having to replace it in just a few short years. Opting to spend a little more in the beginning on something that is going to last may be the smarter option.

Spice it Up with Accessories

Most people choose to buy some popular accessories to go along with their new purchases. Regardless of your style there are accessories to match every need and want.

• Keep the bugs away! You can purchase special netting to go around your patio furniture that both zips up and ties back. This allows for a nice cool breeze to come through but eliminates all those pesky flies.
• A shield from the sun! Umbrellas are a great investment if you are sensitive to the sun or if you spend a large amount of time relaxing in the backyard. They come in a wide variety of styles, shapes and can match almost any décor.
• Let’s chow down! Bring out the beverage cart. This is a great addition to any backyard patio set. It is a great entertainment piece and works well at all your backyard barbeques.
• Shine those lights! While outdoor patio sets are great they are not very useful when the lights go out. Keep the party alive by buying some patio lights. They come in great colors and sizes and you can string them along throughout the backyard or stick lighting torches along your sidewalk to add additional lighting to brighten up all your outdoor fun.
• Please the seats! When you purchase patio furniture it is not likely going to come with cushions. They are, however, necessary for maximal comfort. While the chairs are nice and pleasing to the eye they may not be very comfortable to sit in. Purchasing cushions can not only add to the comfort but can also help you add your own unique style and flair. They can add a great conversation piece to any backyard party!
• More seating please! Add more seating with a bench. You can purchase benches that match your current furniture or you can get a bench that has its own personality. They come in the same types of materials as the furniture and can add ample seating to any cozy environment.

Best and Worst Color Choices

While patio sets and cushions come in many different styles and colors, not all colors are created equal. There are some colors you may want to stay away from and some that you might want to consider!

Worst Colors

• Red
• Pink
• Green
• Yellow
• Black

It is recommended that you shy away from bright colors like these and the reason really is because of they will fade. It is not necessarily that they are bad color choices but you will be investing money in something that will eventually need to be replaced. While patio sets are used to enjoy the sun your cushions will take a beating.

Best Colors

• White
• Beige
• Brown

These are good neutral colors that do not fade quite as easily. They are colors that can go with practically any color accessories. One disadvantage to these colors is they show the dirt more easily. You should think about how much time you want to invest in keeping them clean.

Every color has its advantages and disadvantages. It really is a personal taste and you should choose colors that you are happy with despite the maintenance or upkeep involved.

Online or In-Store

Both options offer great benefits and features. Which is right for you?

Online

• More variety.
• Special deals.

In-Store

• Ability to sit, see and feel the product and determine quality.
• You can take it home instantly with no waiting.
• No shipping fees.

What to Keep In Mind

In summary it is important to remember these key things:

• Keep your budget in mind. There is something out there for every budget.
• Do not compromise on style. Keep your flair and style.
• Remember your space. It’s important to remember what size area you are working with before making your purchase.
• Will it last? Remember that quality determines how long it will last. Spending a little more will give you a better, longer lasting product.

Spend a little time shopping before you make your final decision. You will be happy to see that there are deals online and in stores that you may not have even thought you would find.

Tags: aluminum, buying patio furniture, buying patio sets, cast iron, materials, patio set styles, plastic, wicker