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Posted on: July 24, 2009

Find Your Fit

Mother Nature can wreak havoc on outdoor furniture, fabrics and accessories - here's how to choose wisely

By Cathy Cassata
CTW Features

Image courtesy Knolltextiles

The prettiest outdoor accessories and furniture aren't always the most practical, but you don't have to settle for one or the other. Start incorporating both decorative and functional elements into your outside space today.

Before you buy outdoor furniture, Rory Rehmert, vice president of sales and marketing at Pride Family Brands in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., says don't settle. "Whatever your personal taste is - whether you prefer wood or metal - there's a plethora of designs from contemporary to traditional."

If metal furniture is your style, Jamie Gibbs, owner of Jamie Gibbs and Associates in New York, N.Y., says to take caution when purchasing wrought iron pieces. "They rust and can stain your deck or patio, so you'll invest a lot of time and energy maintaining them," he says. And, of course, keep in mind weight. While Rehmert says people living in windy parts of the country might prefer heavier furniture, Gibbs says unmovable furniture is impractical. "Many metal furniture manufacturers have switched over from cast steel to cast aluminum since cast aluminum is a third of the weight," says Gibbs. "Plus, most of these pieces are color integrated or include a baked-on factory finish so the aluminum doesn't rust." However, Gibbs says research cast furniture that claims to be made from recycled aluminum. "Was it recycled from car parts or soda cans? They obviously have different durability, and when cheaply made cast metal parts break, they can't be repaired."

If wood is your preference, Gibbs says remember that wood expands and contracts based on its moisture content. "To avoid painted wood furniture from chipping and cracking, store it in an unheated garage where the furniture won't get dried out as much as in an indoor space."

When it comes to glass top tables, Gibbs says make sure it's tempered and has one side that's smooth. "Though the rippled look is attractive, it's more practical if it's face down," he says. "Glasses and plates don't sit square on the rippled side, and when it rains, the ripples retain water and mold."

"Think about the practicality of the fabric you're going to select," suggests Gibbs. "You can buy inexpensive ready-made cushions for all kinds of furniture, but if the fabric's not polypropylene-based or another synthetic waterproof material, it's not worth it since it will sun-fade rapidly and get filthy in no time." Rehmert agrees: "These types of cushion fabrics are used on boat cushions, awnings and convertible tops since they can take the harshest sunlight exposure without color degradation."

Plus, Gibbs says many cheap fabrics aren't machine washable. "Make sure any cushion cover you buy has a zipper so you can take the slip off for washing." But avoid putting outdoor fabric into the dryer. "Most likely these fabrics include monofilament thread or zippers, which both melt in the dryer."

In terms of color selection, Gibbs says avoid solid, dark fabrics. "You're not going to cover the family room sofa in navy knowing that everything is going to show on the fabric, so why would you choose dark colors for outdoors where there's all kinds of debris?" Instead, he says choose a patterned fabric. "The pattern will help disguise dirt, cutting your maintenance time in half."