Patio dining sets are a much sought after feature these days as many homeowners are paying attention to furnishing their outdoor living areas comfortably. Whether it’s creating a cozy deck or a beautiful and functional patio, outdoor space is a huge part of home design.
However, it’s one thing to have an outdoor living space and something different utilizing it. Several factors may make outdoor living spaces homey and more accommodating. But getting the right furniture is very important.
In this post we will take a look at some of the steps you should follow to buy quality and reliable patio dining sets.
**Do You Have to Decide on a Seating Plan First Before Buying Patio Dining Sets?
Yes, it’s important to have a clear seating plan before deciding to buy patio dining sets. This will allow you to have enough space in there for everyone you anticipate will be using the patio.
It will also determine the size of the table to go for and the total number of chairs. A good rule would be to make sure that there’s at least 30 inches between each chair around the table. This ensures that people can seat comfortably without bumping elbows or feeling too clustered.
This rule will also determine how many chairs you can fit in any given table. For example, let’s say you’re buying a table measuring 82” x 40”. This means that the entire perimeter of the table reaches up to 244”. If you are going to separate each chair by 30”, you can’t have more than 9 chairs in there. If you want to get more, you may want to pick a large table. But make sure you have enough space on the patio.
Even though you want to create as much seating space as possible, you don’t want to fill your entire patio with the dining set only. It helps to leave enough room for additional accessories including plant pots and enough space for each movement.
Do You Start with the Table or Chairs When Picking a Patio Dining Set?
It’s extremely important to start with the table when picking your furniture set and build around it. The reason for this is simple. A table is the cornerstone of any furniture arrangement.
It doesn’t matter whether you are decorating the patio or any other outdoor living area. Once the table is placed at the center, it becomes the focal point and it will determine the rest of the furniture you will be getting.
How to Get the Best Chairs for the Patio Dining Set?
As we have already noted above, you will need to pick chairs that work with your table. Remember that we advised you to pick the table first before moving to the chairs simply because the table is going to be the focal point. But this doesn’t mean you should just ignore the chairs. They too are an integral part of the set and will have a long-term effect on the comfort and overall appeal of your patio furniture.
There are several different types of patio chairs to choose from. We have picked some of the most popular options here below to help you decide:
Swivel Chairs
A majority of swivel chairs will feature armrests and tend to offer better mobility compared to other chair types. Some designs may also feature a rocking mechanism so comfort is fully guaranteed.
Cushioned Seats
In case you want to fully maximize the comfort of your patio, you must consider chairs with cushioned seats as part of your patio set. The good thing about these chairs is the fact that the cushion can be changed more regularly. This gives you some flexibility when it comes to décor.
Sling Chairs
Sling chairs are very simple and comfortable as well. They feature a mesh fabric on the back and tend to dry very first when they are cleaned or rained on.
Stackable and Folding Chairs
For people who want to save space on the patio, these chairs are just perfect. Stackable chairs, in particular, can be put together and stored away in storage when not in use, freeing up the patio for additional activities. The same can also be done with folding chairs.
What is the Best Material for Patio Dining Sets?
As you can imagine, patio sets are made using a wide range of materials. Since this is the kind of furniture where you will be spending a lot of time outdoors, it should feature sturdy and durable materials that can withstand weather conditions. There are several options to choose from, each with its own merits and demerits.
Here’s a breakdown of all these different types of materials:
Wood is one of the most popular materials used for patio sets. It offers a timeless look and a unique traditional appeal of its own. The biggest challenge is that wood tends to rot if it’s exposed to moisture. It will also age faster compared to other materials. However, in case you still want to use wood, we recommend you go for teak. Teak is stronger and does relatively well to resist tough weather compared to other types of wood.
Recycled Plastic
These patio dining sets are made from recycled plastic and are designed for people who want to keep their homes as eco-friendly as possible. Plastic is also highly durable and weather resistant. It’s light too, making it easier to move around the furniture when you need to.
Mosaic Patio Dining Sets
Mosaic based designs are supposed to bring a dash of bold colors and vibrant appeal into your patio. They are extremely versatile too and highly durable. The frames are made from pure metal, making them an ideal option that will last for years.
Metal
If you just want pure metal patio dining sets, then you still have several options to go for. The biggest selling point of metal is the durability and weather resistance. Additionally, you are also more likely to find metal patio dining sets that feature excellent finishing as well.
Wicker
Just like wood, wicker is also a very popular option when it comes to patio furniture. Wicker is UV resistant and strong enough to work in any type of climate. But in case you want a more durable version of wicker, consider going for resin wicker sets.
Should You Get a Patio Dining Set with Storage?
Yes, it’s highly advised, but the sad thing is that not all patio sets have storage. If storage is really important to you, you can consider picking sets that feature an ottoman that doubles up as a table. Some dinner sets may also feature a table and an additional ottoman for storage. Another great option, if you have a rectangular table, is a long, padded storage bench that can be placed along one side of the table. Sets that come with a storage bench are extremely rare though, so you might need to get a set that you like and add a corresponding bench of your choice.
Tara is a San Antonio-based award-winning landscape architect, writer and educator, passionate about eco-friendly solutions and growing her own food. She knows all it takes to help you create a sustainable backyard retreat that combines blissful charm with a modern take on landscaping.
