If you have a pool, patio, deck, fire pit, porch, or any other kind of outdoor living space, you'll need a few odds and ends to fill the space. Just like buying indoor furniture, there’s an overwhelming amount of options for materials. We carry almost every kind of material at the shop, and to help you sort through the madness here’s a guide for all the outdoor options.
Plastic
Pros- Lightweight, easy to maintain, somewhat durable, affordable, and you can find it any color.
Cons- Plastic can absorb heat and get hot. Some people will argue that plastic furniture can look cheap, but that’s a personal preference.
Buying some plastic furniture is great if you have a few kiddos running around. It can take a beating and it’s light enough that you can let the kids move the furniture around. On the off chance the furniture gets damaged or breaks, you can replace it without breaking the bank. Calligaris has some fabulous plastic outdoor chair like the skin chair, area 1 chair, and hero chair.
Wicker
Pros- Lightweight, comfy, won’t absorb heat, and can be used indoors under the right conditions.
Cons- Bulky and not the most durable.
Wicker is one of the most popular options for outdoor furniture, and for good reason. It stays cool, it’s fairly easy to move around, and there’s minimal maintenance required. The downside is that wicker furniture tends to be on the bulky side and it will start to fray a bit over time. Summer Classics has some beautiful new wicker styles that are completely outside durable (Athena and Wind) and Kannoa has the Maui wicker that is completely outdoor safe.
Wrought Iron
Pros- Holds up the weather and durable.
Cons- Very heavy and needs a cushion.
Like wicker, wrought iron has been all the rage in outdoor furniture for quite some time. This ever durable material will last for generations, as long as you make sure the powder coat doesn’t chip. Wrought iron furniture weighs more than a teenage girl’s summer camp suitcase, so get don’t plan on moving it around a lot. Summer Classics has a newer version of wrought iron, Wrought Aluminum. Our favorite style is Belize.
Wood
Pros- Stays cool, sturdy, and durable
Cons- Can be heavy and some maintenance is required.
Having wood furniture certainly give a very classic feel to any outdoor space. Teak is one of the most common types of woods used to make outdoor furniture. It’s the go to wood for Summer Classic’s Croquet line. Like this wonderful recliner with marvelous gold accents in the back.
