The Complete Outdoor Furniture Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Pieces for Your Patio and Backyard at Lowe’s
admin668 Transforming your outdoor space into a relaxing oasis starts with the right furniture. But between materials, styles, sizes, and endless options, choosing outdoor pieces can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin?
This comprehensive guide makes patio and backyard furniture buying easy. We’ll explore the best types of outdoor furniture available at Lowe’s, key factors in deciding what works for your needs, insider tips from experts, and answers to FAQs.
Follow this advice to discover, compare, and invest in outdoor furniture you’ll enjoy for seasons to come. Let’s create your dream outdoor living space!
The Best of Lowe’s: Top 4 Outdoor Furniture Categories
Lowe’s extensive selection covers all the most popular patio and deck furniture types. Here are the top four categories to consider:
Full Patio Furniture Sets
For a cohesive style in one purchase, patio furniture sets bundle tables and seating. Sets include:
- Dining sets – table with 4-6 matching chairs, ideal for outdoor meals
- Deep seating sets – sofa, chairs, coffee table create a living room feel
- Conversation sets – loveseat, arm chairs circle a fire pit or table
- Modular/sectional sets – mix and match seats, chaises, ottomans
Materials like wicker, aluminum, shorea wood, and all-weather wicker resist weathering. Table tops come in wood, tile, or glass. Sectional sets maximize flexibility.
Patio Seating
Build your setup piece by piece with standalone seating options like:
- Adirondack chairs – Iconic sloped seat and back paired with footrest
- Rocking chairs – Smooth rocking motion, some fold for storage
- Swivel chairs – Rotate 360 degrees to see the whole patio
- Benches – Curved, corner, and standard lengths in wood, metal, concrete
- Chaise lounges – Adjustable reclining positions, wheeled bases
Trendy hanging egg chairs, hammock chairs, and porch swings suspend your body for relaxing rocking too.
Patio Tables
Gather around the perfect table for dining, games, and lounging with versatile patio tables:
- Dining tables – Oval, rectangular, square tops with 4-6 chair capacity
- Bistro sets – Compact 2-4 person high top dining
- Coffee tables – Low profiles complement seating areas
- Side tables – Small end tables hold drinks and accessories
- Bar tables – Pub height tops for stand up socializing
Fire pit tables combine heat and seating. Materials include weather-proof wood, teak, metal, concrete, and stone.
Outdoor Storage and Accessories
Fill in functional gaps with complementary accessories:
- Ottomans – Provide extra seating, flip open for storage
- Stools – Pull up for extra spots around high tops
- Side tables – Hold drinks, lamps, plants next to seating
- Storage benches – Cushioned seats that open for hidden storage
- Cabinets – Protect cushions, tools, and gear from elements
- Planters – Potted plants, herbs, and succulents add freshness
- Fountains – Soothing water features enhance ambiance
- Lighting – Strings lights, lanterns, and heat lamps extend enjoyment into the evenings
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Furniture for Your Space
Keep these key considerations in mind when evaluating patio furniture options:
Measure Your Space
First, take exact measurements of your deck or patio including:
- Length and width
- Placement of stairs, railings, pathways
- Angles, corners, and irregular shapes
This allows you to scale furniture appropriately to fit the footprint. Having an accurate layout prevents purchases that are too cramped or oversized.
Consider Your Style
Do you prefer modern and sleek or classic and ornate aesthetics? Think about how well potential pieces will coordinate with your home’s existing style.
Factor in colors, patterns, and materials too. For example, navy cushions and woven wicker have a casual coastal vibe. Timber wood tables feel traditional.
Choose options you find visually appealing that also meld with your overall space.
Determine Primary Usage
How will you primarily use your outdoor area? For dining, conversing, sunbathing, entertaining large gatherings, etc?
Let intended functions guide your furniture selections. Lots of al fresco dining? Invest in a spacious table. Relaxing with a book? Cozy lounge chair. Afternoon cocktails? Plush deep seating.
Assess Special Features
Consider convenience and weather factors based on your region and needs:
- Mobility – Wheels make rearranging easy
- Weatherproof – All-season durability; avoid rust issues
- Sun coverage – Umbrellas block harsh light
- Storage space – Stash cushions when not in use
- Endurance – Withstand wind, rain, snow, heat
Evaluate Materials and Construction
Aim for resilient and comfortable materials like:
- Teak wood – Dense, natural weather resistance
- Wicker – Tightly woven on aluminum frames
- Powder coated metals – Prevent rust and chips
- All-weather wicker – UV protection, stain resistance
- High density cushions – Balance comfort and support
Heavier pieces provide stability. Bolted connections allow for takedown. Assembly required pieces should include clear instructions.
The quality directly impacts durability over years of use.
Set Your Budget
Outdoor furniture spans a wide range of pricing tiers from budget-friendly to luxury. Set realistic spending limits and stick to them.
Consider percentage of total outdoor renovation budget too. Prioritize versatility and durability over intricate details if funds are limited.
Read Reviews
Check out feedback from other buyers before purchasing. This helps confirm quality and ease of assembly based on real user experiences.
Take any negatives with a grain of salt, but consistent issues are red flags. Search for specific item numbers to match your models of interest.
FAQs About Purchasing Lowe’s Outdoor Furniture
Researching outdoor furniture leads to plenty of questions. Here are answers to some top frequently asked questions:
What outdoor furniture materials are best?
It depends on climate and usage, but these are ideal for weather resistance:
- Teak wood – Naturally weather and mold resistant. Ages to silvery grey.
- Aluminum – Withstands rain and sun exposure. Won’t crack or peel.
- Wicker – Tightly woven on rust-proof frames, with UV protection.
- All-weather resin wicker – Durability without constant upkeep.
What type of cushions stand up to the elements?
For cushions that endure seasons outdoors, choose:
- Solution-dyed fabrics – Deep saturated hues last longer than printed colors.
- High density foam – Keeps shape and cushioning better than low density types.
- Water resistant barriers – Interior liners prevent mold from moisture.
- Removable covers – Wash and refresh cushions regularly.
How can I protect outdoor furniture in winter?
- Clean thoroughly before storing – remove dirt, debris, spills
- Allow wood to dry fully before covering
- Stack chairs upside down on table to prevent pooling water
- Elevate pieces off ground on blocks or pallets
- Invest in custom covers or waterproof tarps to keep dry
- Store cushions in climate controlled area if possible
Regular protection preserves your investment season after season.
What outdoor furniture options work well in small spaces?
Maximize limited room with:
- Modular sectionals – Rearrange pieces as needed
- Nesting tables – Stack away when not in use
- Folding chairs – Lean up against wall or fence
- Retractable awnings – Add overhead shelter without taking up permanent footprint
- Multi-function furniture – Tables with built-in coolers, storage benches
Smart compact furniture takes advantage of every inch.
Should I assemble outdoor furniture myself or pay for professional assembly?
If you are handy and comfortable with following instructions, DIY assembly works fine for many patio sets – lower costs but more time and effort. Watch for:
- Number of pieces – More complex items may be challenging
- Clear instructions – Photos, text should provide sufficient guidance
- Included tools – Pieces requiring special tools you don’t have
Opt for professional assembly to have it ready immediately – great for large, intricate sets. Cost is usually $50-$150 depending on items.
How can I properly care for and clean outdoor furniture?
- Remove stains ASAP using mild dish soap and water
- Allow woods to weather naturally – do not paint or varnish
- Re-stain occasionally to refresh wood color
- Hose wicker to remove dirt, dust regularly with brush
- Confirm metal is powder coated before purchasing
- Check hardware and tighten/replace loose screws
- Wash removable cushion covers regularly
Proper maintenance keeps pieces looking fresh longer.
How much seating and table space do I really need?
Outdoor seating capacity depends on your gatherings:
- Dining sets – Allow 24” per person at table
- Dining benches – 1 linear foot per person
- Lounge seating – Comfortably fits 3 people per couch
- Individual chairs – Leave 21 square feet around each seat
Remember to account for walkways and traffic flow too, not just seat counts. Err on the side of extra room.
Should I wait for sales to buy outdoor furniture?
Definitely keep an eye out for promotions if you can wait:
- Winter clearance sales – Up to 50% off remaining stock
- Memorial Day sales – Major savings to kick off summer
- Fourth of July sales – Discounts on everything for backyard parties
- Labor Day sales – Last chance markdowns before off-season
Create a wishlist and monitor prices into the off-season for optimal deals. Sign up for Lowe’s sales alerts.
How soon can I use new outdoor furniture?
It varies by material:
- Unfinished wood – Allow to dry for several weeks after purchase
- Stained/treated wood – Wait 72 hours
- Wicker – Usable immediately
- Concrete – Cure for 1-2 weeks before exposing to elements
- Cushions – Air out indoors for 72 hours to dissipate manufacturing odors
Check furniture tags for any specific manufacturer guidance on curing times.
What are Lowe’s policies for returning outdoor furniture?
Lowe’s standard policy allows returns and refunds within 30 days of purchase if unused with receipt.
Outdoor furniture must be in original packaging and condition. Built or assembled items may only qualify for exchange.
Warranty coverage also depends on manufacturer – check details upon buying.
5 Insider Tips for Buying Outdoor Furniture
Follow this expert guidance to identify and invest in the ideal outdoor furniture for your space and lifestyle:
Shop early in the season for best selection – Popular items and sets sell out quickly so don’t delay once spring arrives.
Take measurements – Quantify the exact dimensions of your outdoor area footprint so you purchase proportions that fit appropriately.
Browse in-store displays – Test out furniture for comfort, construction, ease of assembly, etc. Virtual browsing alone makes it hard to judge.
Prioritize weather-resistant materials – Teak, aluminum, wicker designed for outdoor use will last longer than indoor furniture pieces moved outside.
Seek out cushions with removable outer covers – You’ll get longer life from cushions that can be easily washed to keep them fresh.
Balance aesthetics and functionality – Adore how it looks but will it work for your needs? Form and function both matter.
Consider your lifestyle – Tailor purchases to how you’ll realistically use the space based on entertaining, dining, lounging preferences.
Create a budget and stick to it – Prices add up quickly! Having a firm number in mind keeps spending reasonable. Wait for sales on expensive splurges.
Take advantage of Lowe’s sales and bulk delivery discounts – You can save hundreds on large purchases by timing sales.
Read all assembly instructions beforehand – Ensure you fully understand assembly before purchasing items to complete projects successfully. Consider hiring assembly help if needed.
With this comprehensive furniture buying guide in hand, you have everything you need to tackle outfitting your outdoor living area beautifully and affordably. Use the tips, recommendations and answers provided above to shop Lowe’s selection of patio and deck furniture like a pro. Soon you’ll be relaxing outdoors in a personalized oasis!
