Thinking of Buying New Outdoor Furniture? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself
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
Enlarge Image
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.
Enlarge Image
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNN
42 minutes ago
- CNN
Soak up the sun with the 19 best beach blankets experts swear by
Beach blanket quick picks Budget beach blanket: G Good Gain Waterproof Picnic Blanket Versatile beach blanket: Slowtide Beach Blanket Bug-repelling beach blanket: Pang Wangle Tranquil with Insect Shield Beach blanket for a bigger group: Big Blanket Big Beach Blanket Packing the best beach blanket for your day in the sun is better than lugging a heavy beach chair across the sand in many ways. A beach chair is only vital if you want a nice, off-the-ground throne or have limited mobility. Still, a good beach blanket (not to be confused with a beach towel) is a better seaside seating solution to add to your beach packing list if you're prioritizing portability and space. As someone who went from testing 15 beach chairs in a row to spending most of her tropical beach vacation lounging on beach blankets, I can truly say that beach blankets are much easier to travel with or carry in your beach bag, offer a lot more space and take less effort to clean and store. If you're looking to purchase one for your summer beach days, I've got you covered. With the help of two lifelong surfers who spend a lot of their time soaking up the rays, I rounded up 19 beach blankets worth getting for the warm months. Get ready to kick off your summer sandals, slather on the best sunscreen and drop anchor. Sun Ninja Sand-Free Beach Blanket I love budget beach gear that comes with many features, and this beach blanket from Sun Ninja is exactly that. For an inexpensive option, it boasts numerous features, including corner sand pockets and stake loops for anchoring, a pocket for valuables and even a bottle opener. It's also lightweight, sand-resistant and incredibly spacious at 9 by 10 feet. A good value for your money? I'd say Time XL Outdoor Beach Blanket Available in several styles and colors, the Picnic Time Beach Blanket looks and feels more luxe than it seems, offering beachgoers a soft top side made of fleece and a water-resistant underside to minimize 'soggy bottoms.' There aren't many extra features, unlike the Sun Ninja option, but the included tote does come with a zippered pocket. If you prefer a cozier sunning experience, it's an ace. Little Unicorn Outdoor Family Picnic and Beach Blanket Although lifelong surfer and beach regular Colin Leaf said 'sand is soft enough that things like thickness of the material [don't] matter,' I'm still a fan of this beach blanket's lightly padded design. The water-resistant blanket mat comes in multiple sizes, including a 5-by-10-foot option that can accommodate the whole family and a 5-by-5-foot size with just enough space for two people. Though not as portable due to the padding, it's still easy to fold, pack and carry. Roebury Beach Blanket A slightly more affordable alternative to the Little Unicorn beach blanket is this one from Roebury. While its checkered pattern is reminiscent of that picture-perfect family picnic scene from the '50s, there's nothing antiquated about it, as it's resistant to not just sand and water but also stains, so the kids don't have to focus on avoiding spills and can just enjoy their beach day. It offers space for up to three people too. Scuddles 60-by-79-Inch Picnic Blanket Prefer something waterproof? Then this beach blanket is a great, affordable option, thanks to its waterproof underside. Even the top side has a waterproof lining that makes cleanup a breeze, especially when shaking off sand. It doesn't get in the way of comfort either, since it has a cotton top fabric and some inner padding. Another thing I love is that you can pack it into its portable form without a separate carrying case. G Good Gain Waterproof Picnic Blanket Those seeking a bargain-basement beach blanket will love this waterproof option from G Good Gain. Lightweight yet decently spacious at 4.5 by 6.5 feet, which is ideal for couples and small families, it's a good value for your money due to its waterproof and sand-proof underside and water-resistant top side. You won't find many other features here — understandable, due to its price — but its robust design means it'll last you for years. Slowtide Out of Office Driftweave Beach Blanket 'Slowtide also has some really nice ones,' surfer and filmmaker Lucy Green said when asked about her favorite beach blankets. That includes this beach blanket line that offers plenty of space and somewhat fast-drying capabilities. Per Green's recommendation, I tested the Out of the Office model during my two-week vacation, and it was the coziest I felt during a beach excursion — so cozy that I also used it on my flight back to Los Angeles, California. Nomadix Festival Blanket I'm a big fan of Nomadix's travel-friendly, fast-drying beach towels, so I had to try its festival blanket — and I'm glad I did. Big and spacious yet highly packable, its water- and sand-resistant base made traveling with it easy since I didn't have to worry about sand and moisture contaminating the clean clothes in my carry-on. Meanwhile, its microsuede top kept things soft and cozy, and its pole loops and included stakes kept it anchored. Slowtide Gigi Lightweight Beach Blanket Perfect for two, this beach blanket from Slowtide is a great travel beach holiday accessory. I should know; I took it with me to Palawan in the Philippines, which turned out to be a wise move. This Turkish-style model may not be as soft as the Slowtide Driftweave Beach Blanket, but it proved great for beach and boat trips, especially since it dries fairly quickly, even when it's taken quite a beating during a particularly choppy and rainy boat ride. Gruff Waterproof Camping Blanket With Sherpa Fleece Though originally designed for your camping needs, this gorgeous Gruff blanket will help you stay warm and snug at the beach, especially if you're planning on wrapping beach day with a bonfire night or an overnight stay. It's all thanks to its sherpa fleece side, which allows it to moonlight as a pillow as well. Don't worry; the underside is waterproof, so you can set that on the sand without issue. Nomadix Blanket Towel I love the Nomadix Blanket Towel's relatively packable yet incredibly spacious design, and it kept my valuables protected in tidepool spots where finding a safe area for your non-waterproofed items is questionable. It's also funk-resistant, which means it can go a while without washing. I just wish it dried faster. Nomadix says it's fast-drying, but when I tested it in the Philippines, it stayed damp for a long time. Rumpl Everywhere Mat This multiuse two-person blanket from Rumpl is ingenious. It has all the makings of a great beach blanket — namely, a lightweight and extremely packable design, a waterproof base and a water- and stain-resistant top, as well as corner sand pockets and pole loops. But what I love most is its very strategic use of its extra features. One of the corner sand pockets doubles as a zippered pocket, while the bigger valuables pocket also acts as a built-in travel case. Gravel UltraPak Everyday Blanket Both Green and Leaf may prefer beach blankets that are spacious enough to accommodate at least two people, but I thought I'd throw in a personal one for folks who are attached to their personal space. This one from Gravel is incredibly lightweight, and you can pack it down to a compact size that'll fit a medium-sized purse. It's also water-repellent and decently warm, in case you want to use it as a traditional blanket. The North Face Wawona Ground Tarp If you want a more utilitarian beach blanket, there's this ground tarp from The North Face. This massive four-to-six-person option is durable enough to survive harsh desert conditions yet versatile enough to be used as a car seat or picnic table cover. Naturally, it's great for the beach too, especially with its water-resistant base. It's not the lightest, but it packs into a fairly compact form that's small enough to fit in your beach bag. Big Blanket Big Beachy Blanket The aptly named Big Beachy Blanket is heavier than most of my other picks at 4 pounds, but that's for good reason. It's massive — like space-for-up-to-six-people massive. True to its name, it's 10 by 10 feet and the ideal blanket to share with a group of friends on beach and picnic days. It's sand-resistant, quick-drying and soft to the touch too. I just wish there were extra frills since it will set you back almost $150. Rumpl Overland Mat For a two-person beach blanket, Rumpl's Overland Mat seems a little bigger than it should be when packed; it's almost the size of a packed lightweight sleeping bag. There's a reason for that, though. It pushes slightly back on portability to make space for cozy comfort with its thicker inner padding, and I'm not complaining. That makes it an even better picnic or concert blanket. Plus, it's surprisingly lightweight and boasts a waterproof base. Serena & Lily Beach House Blanket 'I love a thick cotton beach blanket,' Green said, making this cotton blend blanket with a cotton flannel fill an ideal option. It's decently spacious, nice to the touch — albeit not super luxurious — and delightfully thick so you can also use it to keep warm if you're spending the night at the beach. Luckily, it's also reversible. It's on the heavy side, but its carrying strap should make it easier to lug around. Pang Wangle Tranquil Blanket With Insect Shield Are nasty sandflies and mosquitoes a problem in your area? Well, you need this Pang Wangle beach blanket. It's infused with a mild dose of permethrin that keeps bugs at bay. Don't worry; it's EPA-approved and safe for everyone, including pregnant women. It's also soft and has zero odor, making it comfortable enough for the ultimate beach unwinding. What's more, the Khadi material it's made of is naturally cool, perfect for the warm summer months. Yeti Lowlands Blanket I get your hesitation; who wants to spend $200 on a beach blanket when there are so many excellent, affordable options? Hear me out ... The Yeti Lowlands Blanket offers the best of both worlds. It has a soft-to-the-touch top surface for comfort yet a completely waterproof, insulated and pet hair-resistant construction, just what you need for the ultimate beach relaxation. More importantly, it's durable enough to last years, making it worth the investment. As Leaf put it, you can't just 'use a blanket from your couch or bed, or something you have an emotional attachment to … I think it is important for non-beachgoers to understand sand. Once something has been in the sand for a day, it will never not have sand in it.' When purchasing a beach blanket, therefore, it's important to choose one designed for use on sand. Sand-repellence, while not a nonnegotiable, should be a top priority since 'it doesn't matter how well you shake it out or how many times you wash it,' Leaf said. 'Sand will be everywhere.' Note that some beach blankets have a dual-fabric design, with the bottom fabric boasting sand-repellent or waterproof properties. A beach blanket doesn't necessarily have to be completely waterproof, since that usually gets in the way of comfort. However, the ability to dry quickly is handy to have since beach blankets tend to be bigger than beach towels, and you don't want something that big and wet stewing in the back of your car. Additionally, an ideal beach blanket is easy to clean and built to survive all the harsh elements at the beach, like UV rays and salty water. There are also the not-so-obvious considerations. Green said she prefers something that's 'large enough to fit two people lying down or four people sitting cross-legged (great for sharing beach snacks or playing card games).' Leaf agreed, saying that it 'should be big enough for two people to comfortably sit on.' While the type of fabric isn't as important, Green also said that 'it should be heavy enough not to blow away in the wind but light enough to [be portable]. In addition, I like a darker blanket because things get dirty at the beach, and you need something that won't [get stained quickly].' The following FAQs have been answered by avid and experienced surfers Colin Leaf and Lucy Green, and include reporting done by testing and updates writer Michelle Rae Uy. What is a beach blanket? What is a beach blanket? Not to be confused with a beach towel, a beach blanket is a large blanket designed to be used at the beach and in other outdoor settings. Beach blankets often offer sand-repelling and quick-drying properties. How do you fold a beach blanket? How do you fold a beach blanket? There's no one way to fold a beach blanket. 'Any way that fits in your bag or around your neck' should suffice, Green said, while Leaf is a 'big fan of the ball-and-toss-into-the-trunk method. [There's] really no rhyme or reason to it.' What makes a beach blanket better than a beach chair? What makes a beach blanket better than a beach chair? While most beach chairs 'lock you into basically just one position … with a beach blanket, you can be on your stomach or your back, or sitting, and share it with friends,' Green said. Plus, 'a chair is more of a pain to carry around and takes up too much space in a car, or if you are taking public transportation,' Leaf said. Colin Leaf, lifelong surfer and doctoral candidate in the USC chemistry department Lucy Green, Los Angeles-based video editor who's been surfing since she was 12 CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Testing writer Michelle Rae Uy has years of experience covering lifestyle products and writing product reviews. She recently tested and reviewed several beach gear and summer products, writing several of our testing guides, including the best beach wagons and the best beach umbrellas. While writing this guide, she also tested beach chairs, sunscreens and several summer travel gear items.
Vogue
an hour ago
- Vogue
Bella Hadid's Gas Station Outing Recreates an Iconic Supermodel Commercial
When you're a top-tier supermodel, you can turn even the most mundane tasks into a catwalk moment. Take Emily Ratajkowski, who routinely walks her dog Colombo in plenty of high-fashion looks. Yesterday, fellow super Bella Hadid was spotted road-tripping in Aspen, Colorado—and she, too, turned her pitstop at a gas station into a full-on photo shoot. Rocking a sporty red varsity jacket with a classic tee and denim cut-offs, she flipped her hair dramatically while filling up her SUV. The whole vibe of gas station glamour nodded back to an iconic commercial from the 90s. You know the famous TV spot we're hinting at. Think back to 1992, when supermodel Cindy Crawford starred in a Pepsi commercial that had everyone talking. The clip sees Crawford roll up to a gas station in a red Lamborghini wearing a white bodysuit and jean shorts. When she stops to buy a Pepsi and flips her hair, two small boys look on in complete adoration. The same could be said for Hadid's serve by the gas pumps: She made working the gas nozzle look totally fierce.
Vogue
an hour ago
- Vogue
Why a Wedding Dress Rental Might Be the Perfect Addition to Your Bridal Wardrobe
Did you know that having a wedding dress rental is actually a common practice in countries like Japan, South Korea, and China? While in the United States, brides spend an average of over $1,000 on a dress they'll wear only once, it's possible to find an alternative that costs much less and has a minimal carbon footprint. While the options are somewhat limited if you're looking to rent a dramatic ball gown in the United States, there are a growing number of rental options if you're looking for a white cocktail look or a sleek slip. 'In my experience, brides are more inclined to rent dresses for pre-wedding events and the reception or after party rather than their main ceremony gown,' shares Kate Loscalzo, founder of Something White Styling, which offers curated rentals along with bridal styling services. 'The actual wedding dress often involves more personalized alterations and reflects a very specific, individual style preference.' That said, the number of rental services has grown in recent years, providing great options for to-be-weds that want to save a little as it's becoming more common to have multiple wedding day looks. 'Renting your wedding wardrobe is definitely becoming more popular,' says Loscalzo. 'Brides can explore multiple looks for different wedding events without exceeding their budget, experience wearing a high-end designer piece without paying the full retail value, support a more conscious, circular approach to fashion, have the freedom to wear something modern or bold without the long-term commitment, and eliminate the need to store or preserve numerous white dresses that may not be worn again.' Depending on the rental service you choose, you might not even have to stress about cleaning the dress after you've worn it. 'It's so nice not to have to worry about dry-cleaning after your bridal event! Just pack it up and use the prepaid label to return the rental items to us and we'll handle the rest,' shares Kaitlyn Bailey, VP of fashion and buying at Rent The Runway. Of course, be wary that a bit too much wear can translate to later shelling out a hefty damage fee. 'Even though it's rented, it's still a designer piece and they can be delicate,' notes Loscalzo. 'Jumping in a pool is—unfortunately—not a good idea.' Think you may want a rental in your bridal fashion lineup? Read ahead to learn everything about how you can rent an ensemble for your wedding events. How Do Wedding Dress Rentals Work? Renting a wedding dress is a reasonably seamless process depending on what service you use. There are a few boutiques that rent dresses that allow you to try on a potential rental in person before deciding on your choice. Others just have you choose the rental for a website or app and set the days when you will have the dress in your possession. In most cases, you need to pay for the rental before it is sent to you. After the rental period passes, you either will ship back the gown or drop it off in person. How Much Is a Wedding Dress Rental? Depending on where you're ordering from and the designer of the garment, your dress rental can range from $12 to $1200. While you might not be able to keep the dress after the big day, you can have the peace of mind that you're likely saving a pretty penny on your wedding budget. 'Renting allows brides to wear designer-quality styles without the price tag or waste,' says Bailey. 'You're only paying about 10 percent of the retail value to rent the item for the weekend, so instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a new dress, you could rent one for around $50.' Can You Alter a Rental Wedding Dress? The short answer: not very much. While a few wedding dress rental companies will allow some small adjustments to a garment like hemming or shortening straps, others won't allow you to do much more than using styling tools like fashion tape. If you need to do anything more drastic, it's a good idea to find an option in a different size. 'We do offer some dress styles in petite and long lengths as well as a free backup size when placing a reserve one-time rental order,' notes Bailey. If all else fails, you might want to stick with purchasing a piece that you can properly alter to your measurements. Wedding Dress Rental Companies So where exactly can you rent a dress for your special day? See a few options ahead. Subscription Services While you may be familiar with Rent the Runway's subscription-based model, the popular clothing rental company offers an eight-day rental reserve that can be booked up to four months in advance for a single garment. 'The eight-day rental also includes the option to book a free backup size,' shares Bailey. 'Additionally, accessories like clutches and earrings are available to rent for only $15.' You could also rent something from the five-item or 10-item subscription packages, but you won't be able to ensure the piece is available in your size until the day you book the rental.
