Thinking of Buying New Outdoor Furniture? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself

CNET

13-05-2025

Will this be the year you take that empty backyard space and do something with it? Spring is a great opportunity for a refresh or reset, and with Memorial Day quickly approaching, sales for outdoor furniture and accessories will be very low despite tariffs. Whether you want to host parties or just have a chill summer vibe in your backyard space, you'll want to consider a couple of factors before doing anything.
I'm all for a great DIY project, especially during the warmer months. However, knowing where to even begin can be challenging. Whether you use ChatGPT or social media to find inspiration for the best layout for your outdoor space, this guide will help you gather the information needed to make your backyard space not only rewarding but also won't break your budget.
5 shopping questions to ask before buying outdoor furniture
What type of outdoor furniture is best suited for my space?
Before you consider buying any piece of outdoor furniture, measure the space you plan to place it in. This is true whether you intend to set up a single chair or a set of pieces. This way, you can rest assured that the products you ultimately pick will fit properly.
Also, note whether your chosen location is exposed to direct sunlight. A patio umbrella or sail shade could help cool things down in those hot summer months. Over time, the sun also tends to cause colors in plastics, fabrics and other surfaces to fade. In this situation, you may want to drape items with a tarp or other covering when not used. Another option is to store them inside, provided you have room, during the off-season.
Keep in mind that some materials are heartier than others. Don't plan to cover your furniture or bring it inside? Then go with tougher items made from teak or metal, not less sturdy wicker.
How will this outdoor area be used?
Another critical factor to ponder is how you plan to use your outdoor oasis. If you'd like to simply add seating around a fire pit, a few chairs or a couch will probably do the trick. Those with a more ambitious goal -- say, to create an outdoor dining area -- will have a heavier lift. You'll need a table large enough to entertain you and your guests along with adequate seating accommodations.
Can I stay on budget and get outdoor furniture that fits my needs?
It's true that you don't have to spend big bucks on an outdoor patio furniture set . Online retailers are packed with many low-cost options. That said, doing so is a bit of a gamble. Because you don't actually see and feel these products in person, it'll be difficult to gauge just how well made (or not) they really are.
And if you go with more established furniture brands, expect to pay several times more for each item. One positive with considering a traditional furniture store, though, is that it'll likely have brick-and-mortar locations to visit. That means you'll get to touch, prod and examine their furniture up close before committing.
Read more: Best Credit Cards for Large Purchases
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The Abaco collection of outdoor furniture from Crate and Barrel.
Crate and Barrel
What aesthetic do I want for my outdoor space?
Some of the more design-oriented furniture outlets group their outdoor offerings in fancy named collections. Others let you sort items simply by their material construction. The main types you typically find are basic woods, wicker and metals such as steel and aluminum.
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Teak is a hardy durable wood that's great for outdoor use.
West Elm
There's also teak, which is a kind of wood. Due to its high oil content, teak is particularly adept at withstanding the elements. But since the majority of teak trees are grown on plantations in Southeast Asia, imported wood costs much more than locally sourced varieties.
Ultimately, the style of furniture you settle on will be a very individual choice. I personally prefer as little ornamentation or embellishment as possible. You, on the other hand, might love the look of rattan, which apparently is all the rage.
When should I ask for help when shopping for outdoor furniture?
Your plans for deploying outdoor furniture may clash with the reality on the ground. For instance, you may crave a sprawling dining area complete with an expansive table plus multiple chairs to match. But while your yard has ample room, it's mostly all grassy lawn.
In this case the best way to proceed is to build a paved patio to serve as a solid base for your new furniture. This is a big job though, since it'll require excavating grass and sod and laying down a bed of gravel. The area must be leveled properly, too, to account for correct water drainage. And that's all before laying down pavers.
If you're not comfortable with handling any of these tasks, I don't blame you. At this point there's no shame in enlisting the help of a professional landscaper.
Now that you've considered all these factors carefully, you should be well on your way to choosing the perfect outdoor furniture that's best for your needs. And just in time too for all of your spring and summer festivities.