Patio Furniture: The “Buy New” Approach

No matter what your space looks like today, smart seating plans need the right patio furniture for the best outdoor life. Make the most of your summer enjoyment by finding and choosing the perfect furniture for your patio.

What to Consider Before Buying Patio Furniture

Material 

The material of your patio furniture is important for both durability and comfort. However, no matter which material you choose, your furniture will require maintenance to last from year to year. Some common materials include:

Wood 
Wood is a classic choice for patio furniture, and it can be very durable if it’s properly sealed. However, it can be susceptible to rot and insect damage, so it’s important to choose a weather-resistant wood such as teak or cedar.

Metal 
Metal patio furniture is very durable and can withstand all types of weather conditions. However, it can be hot to the touch in direct sunlight, so it’s not the best choice for sun-rich climates.

Plastic 
Plastic patio furniture is often the most affordable option, and it’s easy to clean and maintain. However, it can be susceptible to fading and cracking, so it’s not the best choice for long-term use.

Wicker 
Wicker patio furniture is a great choice for those who want a stylish and comfortable option. It’s made from natural materials, so it’s breathable and comfortable to sit in. However, it can be susceptible to fading and cracking, so it’s important to store it indoors when not in use.

Click here for Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Patio Furniture in Good Condition in this post.

Style

The style of your patio furniture should complement the style of your home and your outdoor space to bring your lifestyle outdoors. If you have a traditional home, you might want to choose a more traditional style of patio furniture, such as wicker or wood. If you have a more modern home, you might want to choose a more modern style of patio furniture, such as metal or plastic.

Comfort

Patio furniture should be comfortable to sit in, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors – and that’s what LivingOnThePatio is all about, right? Look for furniture with soft cushions and pillows, weather resistant and make sure the seats and backs are supportive.

Durability

Patio furniture should be durable enough to withstand the elements. If you live in a hot climate, look for furniture that is weather-resistant and won’t fade in the sun. If you live in a cold climate, look for furniture that is made from materials that won’t crack or break in the cold.

Price

Patio furniture can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping.

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll be able to choose the perfect patio furniture for your outdoor space, your needs, and your budget. The next step then, becomes where to find the best furniture for you.

Where to Look for the Perfect Patio Furniture in Roanoke, VA

This might not be as easy as it sounds, though. Today, as with most everything else, patio furniture can be ordered through the Internet and delivered to our homes. Retailers in most areas including Roanoke, VA definitely offer that option. In fact, a few reflect that reality by having very small showrooms — or no showrooms at all. This may not be an issue if you know exactly what you want. But we found that you can miss out on a lot of knowledge and help by not visiting a showroom in person.

Now if you live in the Roanoke area, we’ve had a chance to check out some local retailers and here is the result of our visits:

Better Sofas

This retailer makes a point of stating that “luxury is at the forefront of our outdoor furniture” and we love luxury if the budget permits! Their brands include BeachCraft, Castelle by Tropitone, Kingsley Bate, Klaussen Outdoor, Lloyd Flanders, MeadowCraft, Three Birds Casual, Treasure Garden, Tru180, and Woodard. Their showroom is 3631 Aerial Way and their ads state that they have the area’s largest selection of high quality handcrafted outdoor furniture.

We had the opportunity to meet and talk with Colby Rorer, the third generation owner, and we have rarely met with a more knowledgeable, passionate person when it comes to outdoor furniture (or any furniture, for that matter). While in business for over 32 years, Better Sofas has consolidated their showrooms in Roanoke at Aerial Way since March 2020. It is definitely a warehouse (two in fact), but full of beautiful collections and one-of-a- kinds. Colby greeted us at the front door, offered us mimosas (because what else should one have when looking for patio furniture?) and then held court by sharing with us all his tremendous knowledge as we looked through, touched, sat upon, and explored all that this warehouse has to offer. Most impressive is that no one is on commission and you can schedule an in-home appointment to get design help and ideas. Another huge plus is that each supplier has their own room where samples, fabric swatches and catalogues are housed. Really, you want to visit Better Sofas before you decide to buy any new patio furniture. And tell Colby we sent you!

TXTUR

We were introduced to TXTUR at a Star City Sustainability Series event about Upcycling Furniture through the Clean Valley Council in February 2023, and oh boy! were we impressed!

TXTUR has been a family owned business for 87 years, now employing about 200 local craftspeople in the Roanoke area. Their gorgeous showroom is located at 13 Church Ave SE in Downtown Roanoke, in the newly renovated historic Fire Station One (which also includes a boutique hotel, event space, and bistro). Under the new TXTUR label, most furniture, accents and accessories on hand are custom made to order by the TXTUR factory less than 2 miles away.

TXTUR has an exclusive line of outdoor furniture called the ‘Sound Collection’ designed by Alexander Munro. This extensive product line is built using South African Sapele, a wood similar to teak with a very smooth, even grain and excellent weathering characteristics. South African Sapele is sustainably harvested and built for 24/7/365 outdoor placement.  There are a variety of fabrics from which to choose, including Valdese Weavers “Inside Out” fabrics suitable for outdoor use and Sunbrella. The collection is simply beautiful and of course is part of TXTUR’s unique upcycle process by taking back furniture no longer needed and giving it a second life.

Indoor-Outdoor Living

Identifying themselves as the source for maintenance-free, all-weather outdoor furniture and accessories, including The Big Green Egg, their small boutique is at 3745 Franklin Road near Montano’s Restaurant. The brands they offer include Kannoa, all weather resin, DWL for cast aluminum, KingstonCasual, South Sea Rattan Collections, NorthCape, Southern Home and SoPoly. Sandy McNair has been in this location for 14 years and appears to handle both sales and customer service personally. 

Atlantic Patio

According to the Atlantic Patio website, the owners started out at craft shows and fairs selling their handmade teak Adirondack chairs and morphed into offering a variety of outdoor patio furniture for sale from different suppliers, including the BarlowTyrie, Classic Accessories, Douglas Nance, Seaside Casual and Telescope Casual brands. They offer free shipping as well as Sand Dollar Rewards — points that can be spent as cash. BUT they have no showroom — just a distribution office at 2836 Nicholas Ave NE Suite D as everything is ordered online.

Patio Furniture From National Retail Providers

There are other furniture stores that offer home and patio furniture locally, such as Grand Home Furnishings and Ashley but if you are set on shopping at major national retailers, choices include:

• Lowe’s: Lowe’s is a popular home improvement store that offers a wide variety of patio furniture at a variety of price points.
• Home Depot: Home Depot is another popular home improvement store that offers a wide variety of patio furniture at a variety of price points.
• Target: Target is a great place to find affordable patio furniture that is still stylish and durable.
• Walmart: Walmart is another great place to find affordable patio furniture that is still stylish and durable.
• Wayfair: Wayfair is an online retailer that offers a wide variety of patio furniture at a variety of price points.
• Overstock: Overstock is another online retailer that offers a wide variety of patio furniture at a variety of price points.
• Amazon: Amazon showcases patio furniture from a variety of different retailers.
• Etsy: Etsy is an interesting place to find unique and handmade patio furniture.
• World Market: World Market offers a wide variety of patio furniture that is inspired by different cultures around the world.
• Crate & Barrel: Crate & Barrel offers high-end patio furniture for those who are looking for a ubiquitous, stylish and luxurious outdoor space.
• West Elm: West Elm offers high-end patio furniture for those who are looking for trendy outdoor space.

So you see, no matter what your needs are, or budget may be, there is a patio furniture store out there that has the perfect piece for you. One caveat: if you are not sure of style or dimension, you may be better off buying from a local retailer that has a brick and mortar store near you. Otherwise, you may pay for shipping or restocking fees to return items that don’t meet your expectations. (This happened to me once buying from Wayfair.) 

Additional Tips to Find the Perfect Patio Furniture

Here are some additional tips for choosing the best patio furniture store for you:

Consider your budget 
Patio furniture can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend.

Think about your style 
Patio furniture comes in a variety of styles, from traditional to modern. Choose a style that complements the architecture of your home and your personal taste. You can certainly get some ideas by perusing websites or by clipping ads from magazines.

Consider your needs
Think about how you will be using your patio (a place for morning coffee or hot dogs for the kids), which type of furniture is essential for that circumstance, and concentrate on the pieces that best meet your needs.

Shop around 
Compare prices from different retailers before you make a purchase. You may be able to find the same piece of furniture for a lower price at a different store.

Buy from a reputable retailer 
Make sure you buy from a retailer that offers a warranty and a return policy.

Read reviews
Read online reviews of patio furniture before you buy to get an idea of the quality and durability of different products.

Consider buying used 
You can often find high-quality patio furniture at a fraction of the price by buying used. Check out our post Patio Furniture: The Eclectic Approach about this option. 

Understand the care your furniture requires 
With proper care, your patio furniture will last for many years. Consider covering your furniture when not in use for long periods of time (and during long bouts of wet or winter weather). Here are two retailers from whom we have purchased patio furniture covers: National Patio Covers and Coverstore. Even if it can stand up to the elements, cleaning will extend its life and make maintenance easier after the outdoor season begins again. And, use breathable covers to avoid mold. If you live in an area with especially harsh winter weather, try storing your furniture indoors if possible.

Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Patio Furniture in Good Condition

Wood 
Light cleaning of wood outdoor furniture is best done with a cloth moistened with water or a mild soapy solution. For deeper cleaning at the start and finish of each season or in the instance of tougher stains or mold, you can scrub with a soft brush and a mix of water and dishwasher detergent or oxygen bleach. Scrub in the direction of the wood grain. Remove challenging stains by lightly sanding (again, with the direction of the grain) and rinsing the surface. If you want to keep the wood looking like new, it can be treated with a sealant to preserve the color and provide added protection. Generally sealants need to be reapplied every few years depending on weather conditions and wear and tear. To do so you will need to wash, sand, and reapply the sealant. Consult the manufacturer for recommended products.

Metal 
Metal furniture is best cleaned with a cloth or sponge using water and mild, non-detergent soap and wiped dry. Abrasive scrubbers or cleaners should not be used as they can scratch the finish, potentially exposing the metal to rust-inducing moisture. For ingrained dirt, use window cleaner or a non-abrasive multi-purpose cleaner. When cleaning, keep an eye out for scratches or any signs of rust, especially at furniture joints. Apply touch-up paint to scratches to prevent rust. If rust or mold is present, sand the area lightly using fine-grit sandpaper and apply rust-proof touch-up paint (this may be available from the manufacturer). To remove oxidization from aluminum furniture, use a solution of equal parts of white vinegar and water. Avoid alkaline cleaners as they cause oxidation.

Plastic 
To clean plastics and resins, simply use a cloth dunked into a mix of warm water and dish detergent. Most dirt can be wiped away easily with this. If you have fine crevices, you can use a soft toothbrush and a very gentle hand to get dirt out of those crevices. Avoid scourers or anything with the potential to scratch the surface of the furniture, as plastic tends to be soft. Similarly, power washers can damage the furniture and should also be avoided. Be sure to rinse the furniture off with water once it’s clean, and let it air-dry. When not in use, it should be kept in a shaded area whenever possible. 

Wicker 
Vacuum natural wicker regularly, using a brush attachment to remove dust from the crevices. If it is heavily soiled and vacuuming is not enough, spot-clean the wicker with a solution of mild dish detergent and warm water, using a sponge or an old toothbrush. Rinse with a clean, damp sponge or rag. Allow the furniture to dry completely before using it. Never sit on damp wicker furniture because putting any weight on it could cause it to sag. Also, failing to let the material dry completely can promote mildew growth. It will last longer if it’s kept out of direct sunlight and is not constantly exposed to the elements.

Living on the Patio Means Comfort and Style

However you determine comfort, or whatever is your sense of style, furnishing your patio is as important as furnishing your home because it is an outdoor extension of your living space. Being discerning and selective in how you furnish your patio will bring you great contentment and satisfaction as you grow in how you enjoy living on the patio. To whatever degree possible, as your budget allows, get the comfort and style you love so you’ll always want to be outdoors with the promise that every day is Friday on the patio. And, of course, be enjoying a snack and adult beverage while relaxing on your new patio furniture.

Patio Furniture FAQs

Is expensive patio furniture worth it?

Expensive patio furniture is really worth the money because it’s an investment. Though you may have to pay a lot upfront, expensive patio furniture saves you countless dollars in the long run because of its durability. You won’t have to change it every year because it broke, and it’ll look great for years and years.

What type of patio furniture is the most weather resistant?

Resin wicker is a common choice for outdoor furniture as it is highly resistant to the elements, including rain, sun, and humidity. It won’t fade or discolor with prolonged exposure to sunlight, and it won’t crack or break when exposed to extreme temperatures.

Can you leave patio furniture outside year round?

While aluminum, plastic, concrete and teak materials are ideal for outdoor furniture year-round, materials like iron, steel and wicker can be damaged by wet and cold weather conditions and should not be left outside in the winter.

Patio furniture covers are essential to protecting your outdoor investment. Without them, your furniture and cushions will deteriorate much faster.

Do you leave your patio cushions outside?

Outdoor cushions are made to withstand the elements. However, they are still susceptible to mold and mildew if they are left or stored outside or in a damp area. If too much water does penetrate into your cushions bring them into the garage or a dry area and let them air dry completely.

Please Leave a Comment: Patio Furniture: The “Buy New” Approach

Leave a comment below and tell us if this information was of value to you or let us know what we missed and can add to this post. Have you shopped for new patio furniture? What has been your experience? Which style and material did you select? Did you achieve the comfort and style you wanted? Please add a photo to your comment so we can see how wonderful and comfortable your patio looks.

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