Patio Furniture Do’s and Do Not’s

By Gordon Kaye

When you are shopping for patio furniture, what you do not see right away is just as important as what you do see. At first glance, the color or style might appeal to you, but it’s a good idea to “kick the tires” before making a decision.

You might find that you are inexplicably attracted to the pattern of the cushions. It is great that you have found something that you like, but take a closer look: Will the fabric resist fading? Will it stand up to being battered by bad weather? Is the material itself sturdy? Are the seams stitched securely? These are all important considerations, and may be the difference between one season of use and many seasons of enjoyment.

Check out the structural soundness of the table and chair legs. Are they solidly constructed? If they are metal, are they sturdy, and generously soldered? Some furniture is made of hollow metals which can bend under pressure. When you sit on the chairs, do you feel secure that the chair will hold your weight? Both lightweight and heavyweight furniture have their advantages. Lightweight furniture is easier to arrange, but it can also be easily blown over in bad weather. Conversely, heavyweight furniture stays where you put it.

Tables, too, come in many shapes, sizes and materials. Tempered glass, marble and stone might withstand the elements better than other materials, but they are among the heavier choices. It is important that any base or legs can support the weight of not just the tabletop, but anything put on it as well. A top-heavy table is more likely to topple over and cause injury than a table with an equally heavy base.

If an umbrella is part of your patio ensemble, make certain the shaft is solid, or at least flexible. If it is made of lightweight, hollow material, it can snap under pressure, causing damage to the table or injury to persons seated at the table.

With all the choices of patio furniture available, do not be guided by looks alone. Do a little homework. Sit on it. Test it. Research it. When you have it for years to come, you will be glad you did.

Gordon Kaye brings his advice to you after years in the [http://www.myperfectpatio.com/patiofurniture.html]outdoor furniture business. His website http://www.MyPerfectPatio.com specializes in the finest selections of patio furnishings.

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