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Home Decorating Blog

Decorating Outdoor Spaces

Posted 22 July 2006

Without a doubt, outdoor living has taken America by storm. Whether you're looking to furnish a simple porch, a grand garden gazebo, or a well-appointed patio, here are some tips for purchasing outdoor furniture that will last you through the seasons:

WICKER FOR WARMTH
If you live in a warm area, consider the casual beauty of wicker furniture. Wicker, which features wood that has been woven to breathe, is durable, reasonably priced, and automatically adjusts to even the most humid of conditions.

WONDROUS WOODS
Cedar and teak are wonderful choices for outdoor furniture. Their natural oils, which make them cool to the touch even in the hottest weather, also make them resistant to wood rot.

Teak lasts anywhere from 40 to 75 years, making it a longevity winner. Cedar furniture, less expensive than teak, will still last 15 years or more.

MAGNIFICENT METALS
Aluminum, steel or wrought iron outdoor furniture should have been finished with a powder-coating, baked in for longevity. You will also want to look for metal furniture with an anti-corrosive agent that will prevent fading, chipping, blistering or peeling.

PLASTIC PERFECTION
Consider resin furniture, a top-of-the-line plastic painted with a high-gloss lacquered finish. When purchasing plastic furniture, always make sure to test its strength- well-made pieces are strong and dense, and will not bend when you sit in them.

OUTDOOR COMFORT
Some outdoor chairs and benches come with cushion options, allowing you to coordinate them with the rest of your decor or even match your garden colors. When selecting cushions, make sure they're water repellent- i.e. allowing rainwater to bead up on the surface, and not soak in.