By sunny 
As the weather is getting warmer, it’s time to get some new summer furniture for your backyard! Decorating your outdoor space can be both a fun and creative process, but there are a few things you need to consider before purchasing new furniture.
How to choose the right backyard furniture
1, Measure your space
The first step in choosing backyard furniture is figuring out how much space you have available. Don’t have a hard time choosing a furniture set, only to find out that it won’t fit. So, measure the length and width of your outdoor area accurately before deciding where to place your furniture.
Don’t forget, you also need to leave enough space to walk around freely, so don’t be embarrassed if you bump into the sofa. If you have a large outdoor space, you can also consider dividing it into functional areas, such as seating and dining areas.
2, Define your needs
Do you have a large family? Do you entertain guests often? How many seats are needed? Which type of seating is more suitable? These are all questions you need to ask yourself before you buy.
Think about who will use the furniture, how they will use it, when they will use it, and why they will use it. For example:
● Who will be using your backyard furniture? Just adult friends, or will kids and puppies come along? (Note: Kids and puppies can make things even ‘livelier’!)
● What are you going to do with the new furniture? Will you be hosting a lot of dinner parties, or do you like to enjoy lazy afternoons by the pool?
● When will you use the furniture? Are you going to entertain every weekend, or only on special occasions?
3, Try your layout
Probably the biggest headache when picking out furniture for your deck, patio or backyard is designing a satisfactory layout. You’ve measured the space to make sure you can fit the largest piece of furniture, but how do you arrange it to make the most of the space? Even if you haven’t bought the actual furniture yet, you can try out various layouts first.
How to do it. Get a large box and take it apart, then cut it to the appropriate shape for the size of the furniture you plan to buy. If you don’t have a large box, you can also tape some printer paper together or unfold old newspapers into the right shape. In this way, you have created a ‘footprint’ for the furniture you want to buy. No need to imagine what a sofa, chair or table would look like here and there.
With this paper or cardboard, you can easily try out various layouts without having to struggle to move the furniture around. You can even sit down and see if the landscape is to your liking. You may find that your initial plan doesn’t work as well as you thought, or you may be able to put down more furniture to accommodate more family and friends. Once you’ve settled on a layout, you’ll be in a better position to choose backyard furniture that fits your needs.
4, Personal preference
Furniture is now made from a variety of materials, from concrete, fiberglass, steel and stainless steel to teak, aluminium, copper, stone and even wicker. Some materials (such as steel, aluminium and stone) are stronger and will last for decades. While some materials (like wicker and copper) are more fragile and may only last a few years. So make sure you pick the right material for your purpose.
Of course, personal preference is also important. If you particularly like the feel and look of wicker, but research reveals that it’s not as durable as steel or aluminium, don’t dismiss it right away. After all, you’re going to be using these pieces of furniture for years and seeing them every day. If you keep thinking about that teak sectional you gave up on because aluminium is more durable, it’s going to diminish your overall enjoyment of your outdoor space.
Choose your favourite materials, but don’t neglect durability in the process.
5, Consider the weather
Unless your outdoor space has incredibly good weather all year round, the weather in your location is a very important factor when choosing backyard furniture.
Most people move their furniture out when the weather is nice, but there may not be many days in the year when the weather is this nice. What about the other 350 days or so?
Consider these questions below before making a purchase:
● What’s the weather like most of the summer?
● What about non-summer weather?
● How hot is the weather?
● Will your furniture be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time?
● Does it rain a lot in your area?
● Do you live near the beach?
● Is high wind a problem?
● Is there a lot of snow in the winter?
● Does your furniture need to withstand falling leaves, acorns and branches?
Hot, dry conditions may crack some wood, while wet conditions may cause wood to rot. Strong winds may blow away lighter furniture, while some heavier metals may be damaged in salty air.
6, Quality of furniture
Whether you’re looking for a spacious outdoor sectional sofa or the perfect outdoor armchair, quality is key! Buying high-quality products will ensure that you and your new patio furniture will be together for a long time. Going for cheap backyard furniture often means using cheaper materials that won’t last long before they break down.
7, Match the accessories
An outdoor space isn’t complete without adding some practical accessories to add comfort and liven up your backyard. It’s easy to add personality to your backyard furniture with brightly coloured blankets, throws and cushions. Side tables, plants, fire pits, candles …… There are endless possibilities waiting to be explored when designing your new backyard furniture!