Keep
the following in mind when Selecting Outdoor Furnishings:
How will your outdoor furniture be used? Casual seating.
Dining. In the garden, close to nature. Poolside.
Lounging.
What style fits your setting? What is the style of
your house? What is the style in adjacent rooms? What colors
are in the surrounding areas? Is the setting rural, urban, suburban,
open space, pool, woodlands? Choose furniture that will blend
or contrast.
Climate & Weather. Sun, salt air, humidity, and
wind are some of the climate & weather conditions that can affect
outdoor furniture. For windy sites, choose heavy furniture, furniture
that is solidly built, or pieces without solid backs so that the
wind will blow through instead of blowing the furniture over. Choose
finishes that are weather resistant. Avoid natural finishes for
wood due to the mildew that is a part of natural weathering. (See
'Finishing)
Select the size that fits the space. If it is difficult
to maneuver in the space because the space is completely taken up with
furniture, the sense of peace and relaxation will be difficult to attain.
Will the furniture feet sit firmly on the surface without scratching?
The feet should not be so thin that they sink into sand or soil,
or scratch patio surfaces.
Lighting. Adequate lighting imparts a sense of ease
and comfort in a setting. Select sites where there is already
adequate lighting or install lighting for those special areas.
Decorative accessories. Consider any decorative accessories
that you already have or how you can choose accessories that will provide
interest and/or contrast to your furniture settings. Consider
bird feeders and bird baths to entice wildlife into your viewing area.
Wildlife can help create a connection with nature that heals the
spirit. Water features, large or small, can also create a tranquil
setting. Sculptures, arbors and sundials can all add to the comfort
and interest in your seating area.
Look
for good workmanship. Good
workmanship includes fine sanding that is very smooth to the touch,
smooth edges, mortise & tenion joints with no gaps, no glue to try
to hold things together or wood putty to cover up poor quality wood
or workmanship,
Comfort
is a top priority. Look
for seat and back slats that are close together. The front edge
of the seat should not cut into the backs of your legs. Choose
furniture that does not have the cut ends of the seat exposed.
There
should be plenty of room for your legs to stretch so look for a simple
base for tables. All corners and edges should be rounded and the
entire piece should be sanded smooth. Most companies
give detailed information about the dimensions of the furniture. If
a dimension is not listed, such as the seat depth, call and ask for
the dimensions.
The
value of teak. Teak, even
without any care, will last much longer than plastic or aluminum furniture
and will be much more comfortable in the process. The price of
a piece of teak furniture does not necessarily determine the quality.
Be sure to check the workmanship and comfort issues and choose
what works best for you instead of selecting only by price. The
shape and weight may also be a factor in the price. Pieces that
have more contour may require a thicker piece of wood than a straight
piece.
Teak
Heartwood. Teak furniture should only be made from the heartwood
instead of the sapwood near the outside edge. Heartwood resists warping
and cracking, and has a higher oil content.
Other
Tropical Hardwoods. Other tropical hardwoods may have some,
but not all, of the characteristics of teak. See Woods
Used for Outdoor Furniture.