If you have an outdoor space that you cannot wait to turn into an entertaining area, the first thing you have to do is get some outdoor furniture.
From lounge chairs to a dining table, the choice is yours when it comes to how much or how little furniture you want and how much you want to spend. Check out the guide below for tips on how to get the outdoor furniture you want without breaking the bank.
Set a Budget
Setting a clear budget before you begin the furnishing of your outdoor space will ensure that you do not accidentally overspend. Having a set budget will help you to better make informed decisions when picking different items and only look at furniture that is within the budget.
Many furniture websites have filters where you can set the price you are looking for and they will show a list of the items that you can afford. Try this method out instead of just walking into a store and getting your hopes up about an item you can’t afford.
Invest in a Good Outdoor Rug
If your outdoor space is on a wooden deck or a concrete slab, adding a big rug to cover most of the surface area can really enhance the space.
Not only will a durable outdoor rug last for many seasons, but it will also allow guests to walk around barefoot without worrying about burning their feet or getting splinters. It gives children a place to play and offers a nice setting for a lounge furniture set.
Laying out a large outdoor rug will also protect the material below, whether it is wood or something else, helping it to last through the years and withstand the elements better. This will save you money in the long run on a deck or patio replacement.
Assess Your Space
After laying out a big rug in your outdoor space, it is time to determine how much furniture you can realistically fit in the space.
Map out the area by doing a few quick sketches and determine how many chairs you can fit and if you want to put something like a dining table for when you host dinners at your house.
You can also break the space up into different sections so that the outdoor space serves different purposes. One area can be dedicated to relaxing, with a small circle of chairs or an outdoor sofa, while another area can be for eating and socializing, complete with a long table and chairs.
The space you have can also be changed depending on what kinds of events you are hosting. To save money, you can buy a foldable set of a table and chairs that can be stowed away when you aren’t hosting a meal.
Foldable furniture is usually less expensive and more lightweight than permanent, sturdy outdoor furniture.
Buy Essentials First
The great thing about outdoor spaces is that the pressure to fill them with furniture is not as immediate as it is within the home. If you are on a budget, start by buying a few essential pieces like a small table and a few chairs.
Then, as you establish yourself in your home, you can add to your collection of outdoor furniture. Do not feel pressured to have a completed outdoor space immediately. It is more fun to add to it little by little as you find pieces that you think will fit well.
Build Your Own Outdoor Features
One way to save a lot of money is to get your hands dirty and build a few things for your outdoor space yourself. An easy weekend project can be to build your own fire pit.
Fire pits are a great feature to have in any outdoor space because they provide a focal point for people to sit around as well as a source of entertainment for the whole family.
All you need are some bricks and some concrete to create a nice little fire pit that will last for years. Some other features like pergolas can be assembled to make the backyard look cozier and more inviting.
Choose Cost-Effective Materials
When looking for outdoor furniture on a budget, try going for materials that you know are resistant to weather but are also cost-effective. Materials like aluminum, plastic, and resin are strong yet lightweight and less likely to wither away from benign outside all the time.
You can purchase plastic Adirondack chairs, for example, that are molded to look like wood, meaning that they still look classy but are more lightweight and economical than the real deal.
Weatherproof Your Furniture
After purchasing your outdoor furniture, the best thing you can do for its longevity is to weatherproof it. The easiest way to do this is to buy covers to drape over each piece when they are not being used.
Many pieces of outdoor furniture will come with covers, so it is up to you to remember to cover them, especially during the winter season or when you know a storm is coming.
If you live somewhere with harsh winters, the best thing you can do is store the outdoor furniture in your garage or in a shed to protect it from getting damaged.
For some furniture, like wooden chairs or tables, you can apply sealants to make sure the wood doesn’t splinter and stays in top shape. Regularly cleaning your outdoor furniture and protecting it from direct sunlight will also contribute to its longevity.
Find Deals
Look for outdoor furniture in the off-season when hardware stores and other furniture retailers are having sales. You can get the pieces you want at discounted prices and maybe even walk away with more than you expected.
Buying second-hand furniture is also a great way to save money, as many people sell their outdoor furniture when they move instead of lugging it with them. Check out online marketplaces for locals selling their outdoor furniture.
Outdoor furniture is an excellent addition to any outdoor space and will immediately make summers more fun for the whole family. Consider these tips when looking for furniture to ensure that you do not break the bank.