5 Ways to Know You Are Getting a Great Value on Your Outdoor Furniture

Patio furniture is a tricky thing to buy. At first glance, it all seems pretty equal, yet some of it is priced much higher. But as you look closer, it’s easy to see why the better brands come with larger price tags. Yes, you will pay more upfront, but when you consider the longevity of the piece, you realize that you will actually save money in the long run, making the more expensive items a much better value. Here are the things you need to look for to ensure that you are getting the best bang for your buck when purchasing new outdoor furniture:

Long-lasting Materials

If you want your outdoor furniture to be an excellent value, the first criteria that must be met is that the item is made with the right materials. For outdoor furniture, this can include cast aluminum, wrought iron, teak, and even Poly-Wood and synthetic wicker. However, even the mass market (i.e. poor quality) brands will use these materials for the frame. It’s the cushions and fabric that vary the most (as well as the construction—more on that later).

The cushion cores should be made out of special foam that allows the water to go right through it instead of soaking into it (and eventually turning to mold). And the colors of the fabric should be dyed all the way through, instead of just printed on top. The easiest way to spot the difference is to look at the back of the fabric. If it is just as bright on the back as it is on the front, then you have fabric that will withstand the hot sun.

Quality Construction

Now, back to the construction factor we mentioned earlier. Even if the same materials are used (i.e. aluminum), that doesn’t mean the quality is equal. That’s why you need to pay attention to how the item was put together. Outdoor furniture that is a good value will very rarely have visible screws. Instead, the joints will be welded together, making them much, much more durable. For this reason, the chairs will come fully assembled, and the tables will only require the legs to be attached to the top.

Decent Guarantee

If you still aren’t sure if you are getting a nice piece of outdoor furniture, take a look at the warranty. Manufacturers are not going to give a long warranty to an item that wasn’t made to last. While most cushions and fabrics will only have a one-year warranty, the frames of well-made items will often have a lifetime warranty.

Effortless Care

If all of the above criteria are met, then you can count on the care of your furniture being pretty easy. Since the materials were made with the elements in mind, you won’t have to worry about moving the outdoor furniture under cover every time it rains. Since the cushions were made to handle water, cleaning is also a breeze and only requires a garden hose.

Stellar Customer Service

Even if the outdoor furniture you are considering is well made, it’s not truly an excellent value unless the store you are buying it from offers stellar customer service. If you can count on the company being there should any warranty issues arise, or if you want to add on additional pieces at a later date, then you will be happy with your purchase for years to come.

At Porch & Patio, we strive to provide our customers with the absolute best value in outdoor furniture. At our showroom, you will always find top-quality brands being offered with a smile. Come visit our showroom today to see for yourself just how great of a value high-end outdoor furniture can be.