Outdoor Furniture Buying Guide

Outdoor Furniture Buying Guide

Buying outdoor furniture is different from buying indoor furniture. The materials have to survive sun, rain, humidity, and temperature swings. The sizing has to account for traffic flow, not just seating capacity. And the configuration has to match how you actually use your outdoor space — not just how it looks in a showroom photo.

Here's a practical guide to getting it right.

Materials: What Holds Up and What Doesn't

Resin Wicker (PE Wicker / All-Weather Wicker)

The most popular outdoor furniture material for good reason. Resin wicker is synthetic polyethylene woven over a powder-coated aluminum frame. It looks like natural wicker but is engineered to resist UV rays, moisture, and temperature changes. Low maintenance — wipe it down and you're done. Holds up well in most climates with minimal attention.

Best for: patios, decks, covered and uncovered outdoor spaces. Works in most climates.

Aluminum

Lightweight, rust-proof, and durable. Powder-coated aluminum is one of the best all-around outdoor furniture materials. It won't rust, it's easy to move, and it holds up in coastal environments where salt air destroys lesser metals. The trade-off: it can feel lighter and less substantial than steel or teak.

Best for: high-humidity or coastal climates. Great for furniture you move frequently.

Steel

Heavier and more substantial than aluminum. Steel outdoor furniture has a solid, planted feel. The catch is that it needs to be powder-coated properly to resist rust — especially in wet climates. Check the coating quality before buying.

Best for: covered patios or drier climates where rust is less of a concern.

Teak

The premium natural wood option for outdoor furniture. Teak is naturally high in oils that resist moisture, rot, and insects. It weathers to a silver-grey if left untreated (which many people prefer) or can be oiled annually to maintain its warm honey tone. It's heavy, expensive, and lasts decades.

Best for: buyers who want a premium, long-term investment and don't mind occasional maintenance.

Avoid: untreated pine, MDF, or particleboard marketed as "outdoor" furniture. These materials absorb moisture and deteriorate quickly regardless of paint or finish.

Cushion Quality: The Part Most People Overlook

The frame is half the story. Cushion quality determines comfort and longevity.

What to look for:

  • Fabric: solution-dyed acrylic (Sunbrella is the benchmark) resists fading and moisture better than polyester. If the listing doesn't specify, ask.
  • Fill: high-density foam holds its shape season after season. Cheap foam compresses within a year.
  • Covers: removable and washable covers are a major practical advantage.
  • Thickness: 4-inch seat cushions are the comfortable minimum for extended sitting.

Configurations: Sectional vs. Conversation Set

Sectional

A modular, L-shaped or U-shaped configuration with individual pieces that connect. Works well for large patios and gives you flexibility to rearrange. Seats more people than a standard conversation set. The trade-off is that it takes up significant space and can feel oversized on a smaller patio.

Best for: large patios, frequent entertaining, households that want maximum seating.

Conversation Set

Typically includes a loveseat or sofa, two chairs, and a coffee table. More compact than a sectional, easier to arrange in multiple configurations, and proportioned for smaller to mid-size patios. Swivel chairs add flexibility.

Best for: smaller patios, couples or small families, spaces where flexibility matters.

Sizing: How to Measure Before You Buy

This is where most people go wrong. The furniture dimensions in a product listing don't account for how the space actually feels when occupied.

Basic Guidelines

  • Allow at least 3 feet of clearance between furniture and any wall or railing for comfortable movement
  • A dining table needs at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides for chairs to pull out comfortably
  • A coffee table should sit 12–18 inches from the sofa — close enough to reach without leaning
  • For a fire pit or fire table as a focal point, arrange seating at least 3–4 feet back from the heat source

Before ordering, tape out the footprint on your patio. It takes five minutes and prevents expensive mistakes.

Sectional Sizing Reference

6x8 ft patio: conversation set only — a sectional will overwhelm the space

10x12 ft patio: a small 5-piece sectional works; leave clearance for traffic flow

12x16 ft patio and up: a 7–9 piece sectional fits comfortably with room to spare

Quick Decision Guide

You have a small patio and want flexibility → conversation set with swivel chairs

You entertain often and have a large patio → 9-piece sectional

You live in a coastal or high-humidity climate → aluminum frame or resin wicker

You want premium quality and longevity → teak

You want low maintenance above everything → resin wicker

Shop Outdoor Furniture at Rooms Outdoors

We carry 8 and 9-piece wicker and rattan conversation and sectional sets in beige, grey, and brown/beige colorways — all on powder-coated aluminum frames with weather-resistant cushions. Free shipping on most orders within the continental U.S.

Browse Outdoor Furniture → https://roomsoutdoors.com/collections/outdoor-furniture

Published by Rooms Outdoors | roomsoutdoors.com

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