The right patio chairs can transform an outdoor area into a more comfortable, functional, and attractive area. From small balconies, family patios, pool areas and large backyards, there is a selection of outdoor furniture that will complement the square footage, climate, way of life and budget.
There are so many choices to make, it can be hard to know which patio chairs are worth purchasing. This guide will help you understand the criteria to consider when selecting patio chairs based on material, comfort, size, durability, maintenance, style and functionality.
1. Consider Where You Will Use the Patio Chairs
The first thing to take into consideration when you set up your outdoor seating area is its location. The patio chairs for an outdoor porch might be a bit different than patio chairs that are used near a swimming pool or in an uncovered yard.
If your patio is covered, you may be able to be a bit more flexible as the chairs are not exposed to direct sunlight and rain. If you are building an exposed patio, make sure you select materials that are resistant to UV, moisture, temperature and wind.
Poolside chairs need to be water and humidity resistant. Corrosion is another consideration if the patio is situated in a marine setting because salt in the air can cause some metals to decay more quickly.
Knowing the environment will narrow down which patio chair materials are best suited.
2. Choose the Right Patio Chair Material
One of the most crucial considerations while selecting outdoor chairs is material. Aluminum, steel, plastic and resin, wicker, wood and mixed materials are all commonly used for patio chairs.
Aluminum Patio Chairs
Rust-free and lightweight, aluminum is commonly used for outdoor furniture. Aluminum patio chairs are effortless to move around and can serve great on balconies, decks, patios and pool areas.
An extra protective and decorative layer can be added using powder coated aluminium. Lightweight aluminum chairs may be especially convenient if you need to move your outdoor furniture around often.
Steel Patio Chairs
Steel has strength and stability. Aluminum patio chairs tend to be lighter than steel patio chairs, which makes them more vulnerable to being blown over in windy conditions.
But, steel needs proper protection against corrosion in order to minimize the risk of corrosion. When buying steel patio furniture, find the products that have outdoor finishes.
Resin and Plastic Patio Chairs
Resin and plastic chairs are typically easy to clean and can be useful for outdoor areas, such as a poolside, a restaurant, or a family home. Good moisture and wear resistance can be achieved with good quality outdoor resin.
These chairs have come in so many shapes and colors, that it's easy to match them with various patio designs.
Wood Patio Chairs
Wood creates a natural and warm appearance. Patio furniture is often made of teak, eucalyptus, acacia and other woods that are suited to outdoor use.
While wood furniture can be beautiful and practical, it may require more upkeep than other synthetic furniture. Cleaning, sealing or oiling may be required periodically, depending on the type of wood and finish.
Wicker and Synthetic Rattan
Furniture made from wicker is common because of its casual style and its ability to function outdoors. Synthetic rattan is often used for outdoor purposes, and can be combined with metal frames for extra support.
Don't assume that all wicker chairs are meant to be used outdoors and take the time to look for ones that are outdoor specific.
3. Prioritize Comfort
It is possible for a patio chair to be gorgeous, but it will not be practical if it is not comfortable.
Take into account the seat depth, seat height, backrest angle, armrest position and general form. If at all possible, sit in the chair before buying it!
If your outdoor dining table is 3.5 feet tall, the chair will fit well with the height of the chair. Lounge chairs can be deeper in seating and backrests can be more reclined in order to sit and relax or read.
Cushions can make a huge difference in terms of comfort. Outdoor cushions, though, should be made of weather-resistant fabrics and quick-drying fillings. Removable cushion covers are also easy to clean and wash.
4. Measure Your Patio Before Buying
A very common patio furniture buying error is buying chairs that are too big for the space.
Before ordering, measure the patio, balcony, deck or outdoor dining area. Be sure to provide enough space between furniture to allow others to move around and move tables and chairs.
If you have a small patio, consider using smaller chairs, stackable chairs or folding chairs to maximize space.
If you have an outdoor space that is larger, you might want to opt for lounge chairs, deep seating or several seating areas.
The aim is to design a relaxing space and not just an overstuffed room.
5. Think About Durability and Weather Resistance
Conditions that outdoor furniture is subject to are not conditions that indoor furniture is subject to. Patio chairs can change with the elements such as sunlight, rain, humidity, wind, dust and temperature changes.
When shopping for products, search for:
- UV-resistant finishes
- Rust-resistant metal frames
- Weather-resistant fabrics
- Water-resistant materials
- Strong outdoor-grade construction
- Durable hardware
- Reinforced joints
There's no such thing as a chair that will last forever, but if you select weather-appropriate materials, you'll get more use out of your patio chair.
For outdoor furniture, durability will likely be more important than appearance, if the furniture is meant to survive the year outside.
6. Match the Chairs to Your Lifestyle
The best patio chairs are based on the use you plan to make of them.
When outdoor dining is a frequent occurrence, opt for comfortable chairs suitable for outdoor dining around a patio table. Lounge chairs could be a better choice if your patio is more for relaxing.
It can be especially convenient for families with children when they can use easy-to-clean materials. Lightweight or stackable chairs might be easier to move around for those who move furniture around outdoors often.
Restaurants, hotels, cafés and other commercial venues will require chairs that are designed for frequent use and easy maintenance.
Consider your lifestyle when selecting the design.
7. Consider Storage and Maintenance
The storage space needs can influence what patio chairs are sensible for your residence.
If you have to store furniture when it's not in use or during winter, stackable patio chairs are handy. Chairs that fold up are also great for saving space.
Even stuff that is weatherproof needs to be maintained on a regular basis. There are a number of simple measures that can be taken to help maintain the appearance of your outdoor chairs for longer, including removing dirt, keeping cushions clean and wiping up any spills promptly.
Furniture covers or storage indoors are extra protection if severe weather is prevalent in your area.
8. Choose a Style That Matches Your Outdoor Space
Patio chairs are, of course, another element that's important to consider for your outdoor decor.
Clean lines and minimalist resin patio furniture can complement modern patio designs. Wood furniture can be used in traditional spaces; in garden areas, wicker or rattan designs may be better.
The patio chairs match the patio table, outdoor sofa, umbrella, deck or landscaping.
Do not just select furniture because it is the trend, think about a furniture that you will be able to enjoy for a few years.
9. Compare Price With Long-Term Value
Not all the cheapest patio chairs are the most affordable. If a low cost chair isn't intended to be used outdoors, it may need to be replaced sooner.
The material, construction quality, the warranty, the maintenance needs, the life expectancy, and the replacement costs should be taken into account when comparing prices.
If you need to use the chair only occasionally, then a cheap resin or plastic chair can be enough. If you are looking to use outdoors year-round, it might be better to choose sturdier materials and construction.
10. A Simple Patio Chair Buying Checklist
When considering patio chairs, think about:
- Where will the chairs be used?
- Will they be exposed to rain and direct sunlight?
- Which material is best for the local climate?
- Are the chairs comfortable enough for their intended use?
- Do their dimensions fit the available space?
- Are they easy to clean and maintain?
- Do they need to be stacked or stored?
- Can the chairs support regular household or commercial use?
- Do they match the existing outdoor furniture?
- Does the price make sense based on durability and expected lifespan?
Final Thoughts
The first step in learning how to select patio chairs is to determine how and what you will be using your space for. When shopping for a new mattress, remember to take into account size, material, comfort, weather resistance, maintenance, storage, style and budget.
If you're looking for a wet or humid setting, your primary concern should be moisture resistance. If you plan to place the unit in the sun, search for those that are UV resistant or have UV resistance coatings. If you have a smaller patio, a compact or stackable patio might be better. If comfort is an issue, look at the size of the seat, back, cushions and ergonomics.
Nothing is worse than buying the most expensive or hottest patio chairs. They are simply the chairs that give you the perfect blend of comfort, durability, weather resistance, maintenance, aesthetics and value for your particular outdoor setting.
When you consider these factors before purchasing your patio you can make it a comfortable, functional and fun patio for use all season long.
