Patio Furniture Overview

With the right furniture, your patio can be turned into an outdoor living space. Depending on the size of the space and your own desires, there are lots of different patio furniture items to choose from.

Patio Tables

If you want to eat out on the patio, a patio table may become the centerpiece. There are many different sorts of tables to choose from. You can buy a patio table in all different sorts of wood-teak, redwood, and pine are just a few of the options. You'll want the wood to be well sealed, perhaps painted as well, to help it stand up to the weather. If you want something a little sturdier, you might consider a wrought iron patio table. For a lighter weight, you can also have a table in aluminum. This kind of table is very easy to clean and not too heavy to move. Of course, if you want really light weight, you might want to consider a plastic or wicker patio table. These can easily be lifted by one person and positioned wherever you want.

Once you've decided the material of your patio table, you can give some attention to the shape as well. Patio tables come in square, rectangular, round, oval, and even half moon shapes.

Most patio tables are built to ordinary table height. But you can also get them built a little higher along with a set of barstool style chairs.

Patio Chairs

Your patio table will probably come with a set of chairs. These may be as important a part of your decision as the table itself. And you may also want to add extra chairs to the patio. The most important aspect to a chair, of course, is that it be comfortable. You'll want to arrange to sit in the chairs for a while, if possible, before you purchase them. If the chairs are not comfortable on their own, they may become quite comfortable if you purchase pads for them.

You may want to consider folding chairs if there will be times when you want to transport the chairs elsewhere. There are some very nice wooden folding chairs available that are quite sturdy. On the other hand, most folding chairs don't have arms, which may be something you want. If you want arms, you can still get stackable chairs which will allow you to save a bit of space when you store them. This is a good option for extra chairs that you only bring out when you're entertaining.

Like the tables, the chairs can be had in all sorts of different materials. Wood or metal or wicker or plastic are all options. You can get a combination in which the frame of the chair is metal but the seat and back are created by crossing straps of vinyl or other material.

Patio chairs aren't just for around the table, of course. You can also get larger, more comfortable chairs to relax in. For a truly comfortable feel, you might consider a wooden Adirondack chair. This chair comes with wide, comfortable arms, a high back, and support for the legs and feet. You'll enjoy leaning back into this one.

Another possibility is a wicker rocking chair. This lightweight rocker can provide a great deal of comfort along with the soothing motion of rocking gently back and forth as you think or converse. Or perhaps a wrought iron swivel rocker would be more your style. Rock back and forth or turn in any direction in this comfortable chair. Wooden rockers are also available.

Tables and chairs aren't the only pieces of furniture that can go out on your patio. Here are some other possibilities.

Chaise Lounges

The chaise lounge is a great way to spend time relaxing and dozing on your patio. This piece of furniture is a cross between a chair and a sofa for one. The seat of a chaise lounge is long enough that it accommodates the full length of your legs. It has an adjustable back so you can sit up to read or recline to snooze. A wooden chaise lounge can look quite appealing. It may have a slight rise in the middle, right where your knees go to provide a little extra support. Some chaise lounges allow you to adjust the height of that rise.

There are also wrought iron chaise lounges with crossed straps of vinyl or other material to support you. Other chaise lounges use wicker or cloth. Any chaise lounge can have a thick pad added to it and tied in place to provide extra softness. Some chaise lounges come with wheels on the back legs so they can be moved easily from place to place.

Park Benches

Park benches make a nice addition to any patio. You can go with a standard wooden park bench with straight slats of wood along the seat and back. These come in redwood, pine, teak, or other sorts of woods. For a more ornate look and a sturdier bench, you can go with wrought iron. This will add visual interest to the patio. It may not be as comfortable to sit on, but you can add a cushion if you like. The wrought iron look is also available in cast aluminum.

Couches

You can also put a couch out on your patio. There are many couches that are designed for outdoor use. There's the standard wicker davenport that has always been popular. Put a cushion on it to make it even more comfortable.

Porch Swings and Gliders

Take the concept of a bench or couch, and get it off the ground a little. A wooden or wicker porch swing can be just the thing to add the gentle rocking motion to the sitting experience for you and that special someone. The porch swing can hang by chains from an overhang in the traditional style. Or you can purchase a freestanding porch swing that comes with its own metal frame from which the swing hangs.

You can get a similar motion from a glider, which doesn't need to hang from anything. A glider slides back and forth on supports from below to give you the same swinging sensation.

Hammocks

Sometimes you just want to get horizontal. A hammock can be the perfect answer. Hammocks come in cloth, rope, and mesh varieties. The cloth may provide a little more support and retain its shape better. The rope and mesh varieties will surround you more effectively and allow more air flow. Like the swing, the hammock can hang from a porch overhang. Or it can be strung between two trees or two poles that you set up. There are also free standing hammocks that come with their own frames from which they hang.

End Tables and Foot Rests

After you've gotten all the big things, don't forget the little ones. You may want a few end tables in wood, glass, iron, wicker, or plastic. Perfect for setting drinks and plates. And you may want a few foot rests to go with the chairs, benches, and other sitting pieces. Perfect for putting your feet up.