10 Things to Consider When Buying Customized outdoor furniture

14 Apr.,2025

 

10 Things To Consider When Buying Custom Furniture - StyleNations

Shopping for furniture items for your living spaces sure sounds fun. But sometimes, it can be frustrating to go home without being able to find the particular product that would suit your aesthetic. For example, several homeowners who go hunting for factory-made furniture often end up not finding the right piece that they have imagined for their homes. So if creating a bespoke living space is your end goal, you may want to consider buying custom furniture. 

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Custom furniture is one of the best options when it comes to furnishing your space. Getting these tailor-made furniture items would not only allow you to be creative, but they would also provide your space with a distinct character and flair. They may cost more than the ready-made furniture. However, the payoff – once you have achieved the comfortable living space that you have always envisioned – would surely be worth it.

Being a leader in custom furniture manufacturing, we at StyleNations could provide bespoke furniture pieces that would complement your interior. We collaborate with you to produce the design you have always wanted, devoid of any troubles. While there is no limit to the features you could customize, there are other things to consider when choosing your furniture item. For example, we have curated ten things that you need to consider when buying custom furniture in our list below.

Quality of Materials

Buying furniture items isn’t like purchasing a piece of cheap dress that you would throw away after a few months’ time. Doing so would not only be wasteful, but it would also be time-consuming to look for another replacement. Instead, you would want to purchase a product that is made with high-quality materials, especially since furniture items don’t come cheap. The better the materials, the longer they usually last.

Wood is usually one of the best-selling materials for custom furniture because of its quality. Hence, we suggest that you look into different types of wood and choose the specific kind with high quality. Walnut is a good choice since it is strong, and it is ideal for ornate furniture that would require a high level of craftsmanship. Maple and mahogany are good options as well.

Furniture Style

When it comes down to picking a piece of tailor-made furniture, your personal style and preferences should be prioritized. Instead of creating a product that looks like something you can buy off the market, you can create an item that gives a touch of your individuality. Just ensure that what you have designed should suit the overall aesthetic of your living space. After all, you are already creating a unique piece of item. So why not make it complement your home?

Usage

Your furniture item should be designed with its usage in mind. Therefore, you should consider how it would be used in any space. The furniture should serve its purpose of being seated without causing any hassle to any person. Remember that no one will seat in an unusable chair, no matter how beautiful it looks against your living space.

Comfort

Another crucial factor when choosing a piece of custom furniture is comfort. The coziness of your living space depends on how comfortable your furniture is. Hence, you should not only ensure that these items are stunning, but you should also ensure that you stay comfortable sitting on them. By collaborating with your custom furniture manufacturer, you can choose the degree of comfort that you would want in your furniture. We’ve also curated a full list on how to choose the most comfortable furniture on our blog!

Size of your home

Since you are already creating your own piece of furniture from scratch, why not make it fit in your home? Consider the size of your living space so that you would not be producing a product that would either be too big or too small. We suggest leaving sufficient space in order to allow free movement. Moreover, considering the size of your home could help enhance the functionality and style of your home. Don’t forget to proportion and scale to maximize your furniture in your interior design.

Wood finish

Two pieces of furniture may be identical per se, but a close inspection can reveal their differences. Sometimes, it all boils down to the finishing of the wood. For example, if the wood finish does not complement your furniture, they may end up looking amateurish rather than elegant. With a good understanding of your wood finish, you will be able to choose the right stain needed to make an aesthetically pleasing piece of furniture at home. You can also take a look into other wood finish table tops from our collection to match this design!

When choosing the right wood finish, we suggest complementing the colors of your living space instead of matching them. Clashing colors will only make your overall aesthetic look unattractive. Don’t forget to look at things from a distance. The colors and undertones of these finishes may look different from a distance. Finally, avoid whatever is trendy. Instead, choose what works well with the materials at hand.

Durability

Arguably one of the reasons why many homeowners shift to custom-made furniture items such as bar stools is their durability. Since you’re already shelling more money than usual, you should consider the most durable furniture items. This way, you can avoid spending more on maintenance in the long run. If you think of it, purchasing furniture made with durable materials will save you more since you won’t need any repairs. In terms of the fabric used in your furniture, synthetic microfiber is one of the most durable fabrics today. So consider integrating it into your custom furniture.

Budget

Go for furniture that would suit your budget. However, this does not mean that you would go looking for the cheapest materials that you could find. Doing so could only destroy your furniture quickly. Hence, decide early on how you can maximize your budget so that you would know how to spend for your custom furniture.

Additional features

Creating a piece of bespoke furniture does not end with having a design that would suit your home’s aesthetic. Consider the additional features you want to integrate into your product to make it more valuable and attractive. Would you be incorporating upholstery? Should there be carvings on the seats? Would there be cabinets or drawers below? These are just a few considerations to think about.

Construction and Craftsmanship

Finally, try to consider the construction of your furniture. We suggest that you try to research the materials used in the construction of your product so that you can avoid furniture that may contain hazardous substances such as fire retardants and formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is present in wood glue while fire retardants are found in the upholstery foam. While it may be difficult to completely eradicate these substances, being more engaged in how your furniture has been crafted can lessen your exposure to these chemicals.

Best Custom Furniture Items

Looking for great custom furniture pieces? Check out some of our best-selling items below.

Verona Mimi Sofa

Raffina Suite Armchair

Meble M-Fum Lounge Chair

Luksus Vetro Fabric Chair – MOQ 50

X8 Elin Tub Chair

Rialto Vinyl Chair

Conclusion

10 Tips to Select Outdoor Furniture | HowStuffWorks

There's something really nice about the idea of turning part of your landscape into an alfresco family room during two or three seasons of the year. It's certainly a less expensive option than adding another room to your home. Who needs walls, anyway? Open air living has "green" appeal. It gets you back into nature -- and nature you can control with a flick of the garden hose or a spritz from a can of bug spray.

Making the transition to outdoor living requires a judicious reallocation of resources, though. If you're outfitting an outdoor living area this season, finding comfy, long-lasting furniture may mean the difference between hanging out on the patio for a while to enjoy the fresh air and heading indoors after a few cramped, uncomfortable minutes parked on a cheap patio chair.

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Patio décor has to be more than merely attractive to withstand the elements and provide good value for your outdoor decorating dollar. Let's explore 10 things you should keep in mind when shopping for outdoor furnishings.

10: Insist on Good Quality

From sloppy welds to cracked casters to amateurish paint finishes, a close inspection will expose that great outdoor furniture bargain for what it really is -- a bad buy that probably won't last until next season. There are a couple of important lessons here: It's easy to think of outdoor furnishings as somewhat less important than the stuff you buy for indoor use. In fact, the reverse is often true. What you buy to use outside has to stand up to sun exposure, wind, rain and probably some roughhousing, too. Inspect every piece you're considering for flaws, especially if the deal sounds too good to be true. This is one area where a higher price is often a good indicator of better quality.

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Protect Your Investment

Your outdoor furniture will last a lot longer if you take good care of it. Move furniture into a garage or shed during the winter. If that isn't possible, invest in patio furniture covers for your more valuable pieces. Outdoor tables and loungers are often built to standard sizes that fit easily into generic, zippered covers.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Customized outdoor furniture.

9: Form Follows Function

Your best bet when deciding on the right materials for your outdoor furnishings is to evaluate how you plan on using your furniture and how much time you want to spend maintaining it.

Here are a couple of examples: A lightweight aluminum or plastic chair will be rust-resistant and easy to move around if you plan on dragging it into the front yard for the annual neighborhood block party or stowing it in the shed come October. It won't have the heft and stability of an iron or stainless steel piece, but it might be stackable (or collapsible) so you can hang it on a wall in an out of the way spot when you aren't using it.

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On the other hand, a cedar loveseat will be very sturdy and feel more like the kind of furniture you're used to indoors. It will require added maintenance though, like a coat of sealer every couple of years, and moving it from place to place to catch some shade (or sun) could be a problem, too.

  • Aluminum, plastic and PVC -- These construction materials are rustproof, lightweight, relatively inexpensive and require very little weather treating. You can also wash them easily with a little soap and water.
  • Steel and wrought iron -- Both are heavy duty and sturdy but will rust if not weatherproofed or painted periodically.
  • Rattan, wicker and natural grasses -- It's pretty amazing how well natural materials like wicker look and last outdoors, especially when they are treated with a resin finish. They may require additional weatherproofing every couple of years, though.
  • Wood -- Natural wood looks very attractive in outdoor furnishings. It makes sturdy furniture that can be as comfortable as anything you use indoors. It does require regular treatment with a preservative and may also require UV protection. Choose weather-resistant woods like teak, redwood, cypress and cedar.

8: Don't Undersize Your Choices

You've probably seen those wire chair contraptions that look like slingshots. They function as chairs, but that doesn't mean you'd willingly spend time in one if you had any other choice. One problem is size. Some patio chairs are just too narrow and skimpy. Others are built so low to the ground that getting out of them can be downright embarrassing -- especially for older folks. Sizing for loveseats and couches can be tricky, too. Some are pretty deep from front to back, which can make them uncomfortable to sit in for any length of time. When shopping for outdoor furniture, sit down and relax -- literally. Test the pieces you have in mind. Think comfort and buy accordingly.

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7: Don't Forget the Shade

During the hottest part of the day, sitting outside can get pretty unpleasant if your furniture isn't situated in the shade. What's the next best thing to a big old shade tree? Some sort of shade cover. Whether you're using a crank-deployed umbrella, a motorized awning or are blessed with a permanent wood or fiberglass roof over your patio or deck, make arrangements for some naturally refreshing and sheltering shade.

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6: Make it Flexible

You know that great footstool in the family room that everyone wants to use? It's a comfortable item that's also flexible and convenient. You want that kind of flexibility in your outdoor furnishings, too. Here are some flexible patio pieces you might consider adding to your wish list:

  • standalone umbrellas you can move from place to place
  • dividers or screens that can block the view from the street or nearby homes (some even come equipped with planters in the base for stability and a little seasonal color)
  • wheeled carts that can transport food and other necessary items in and out of the house
  • drop-leaf, collapsible or accordion tables that can be extended when you have guests

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5: Follow the Sales

Everybody loves a bargain, and seasonal items like outdoor furnishings can vary in price by as much as 40 percent depending on when and where you buy. Avoid buying in spring unless you can score deep promotional discounts. By far the best time to buy is between July 5 (right after the holiday) and the end of the summer selling season in late August (in most parts of the country).

Even if you buy in August and store your purchases in the garage or basement until next spring, you'll end up way ahead. Large chain stores that have seasonal departments that need to clear out and restock regularly are your best bets for unadvertised bargains. If you see something you like, ask the department manager for an extra discount. You might be surprised at what he's willing to offer. It never hurts to ask.

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4: Integrate Your Furniture

It's nice to think of your outdoor room as an oasis of calm in a hectic world, but it isn't on a desert island somewhere, it's situated on your property -- and sometimes in plain view of the neighbors and people driving or walking by. You may think that bright orange lounger with the yellow smiley faces looks adorable, just make sure it doesn't clash with the rest of your home's exterior. Sure, outdoor furnishings should be fun and carefree, but if you just spent a fortune trying to improve your home's curb appeal, don't spoil the effect with a silly, seasonal accent piece.

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3: Lush and Plush

Comfort is important -- very important. You may want steel or wood construction in your patio furniture for stability and longevity, but don't forget that without some homey comforts like soft, plush cushions, your outdoor furniture will go largely unused. Avoid pancake cushions. You know, those thin, puny little cushions that aren't plush or even very pliable. Opt for chubby cushions that feel light when you pick them up. Look for cushions with polyester filler, too. The more lightweight and springy the filler is, the more quickly it will dry out after exposure to moisture. That means it will resist mold and mildew and stay comfortable and sweet smelling longer.

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2: Check the Details

A patio set can look attractive but have glaring flaws that can lead to problems after a few months:

  • On large furniture pieces, choose cushions with springs. They'll hold their shape longer.
  • When inspecting metal furniture, bring a magnet. Aluminum is not magnetic, but steel often is. Although it doesn't work with all types of steel, you can sometimes distinguish aluminum from steel construction (or fittings) by just testing them with a magnet. Remember, steel will rust while aluminum and stainless steel won't.
  • Look for aluminum loungers made with long, unsegmented framing pieces. They cost a little more, but they'll last longer.
  • Check chairs to make sure the legs are solid and sturdy. Sit in the chair to see if it shifts or flexes as it takes your weight. Award extra points to chairs that include cross bracing pieces.
  • Opt for furniture assembled using stainless steel screws.
  • Run your hands along wood pieces to make sure they're sanded smooth.
  • Check to make sure chair and table legs have rubber or plastic feet that won't scratch your deck or patio.

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1: Pay Attention to the Textiles

You can't grab a pillow from your family room and expect it to adapt to life outside on the patio. Most textiles designed for indoor/outdoor use are made from all-weather materials that repel water or encourage moisture to evaporate quickly by remaining porous.

Fabrics designed for use outdoors are usually fade resistant and UV protected, too. They'll look good and feel soft and comfortable for at least a couple of seasons. When you're evaluating fabrics for outdoor furniture, check cushion seams for heavy duty thread and consistent, even stiches. Choose cushions with vents that encourage air flow and quick drying.

Invest in furniture with cushions that can be unzipped and taken apart for periodic airing, repair or replacement. It's also a good idea to buy outdoor furniture outfitted with cushions you can turn and flip. This will help them retain their shape, dry more quickly and fade evenly. Acrylics, polyester, treated canvas and cotton duck are all comfortable, durable fabrics used in the construction of outdoor furnishings. Look for them in upholstered items, cushions, pillows, curtains, blinds and umbrellas.

Lots More Information

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  • Top Ten Outdoor Living Tips
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Sources

  • Anderson, Tania. "Tuesday Tips: Buying Outdoor Furniture." Washington Post. 4/8/08. (7/1/12). http://voices.washingtonpost.com/shoptoit//04/tuesday_tips_buying_outdoor_fu.html
  • Consumer Reports. "How to Choose Patio Furniture." 8/09. (7/1/12). http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/lawn-garden/outdoor-living/outdoor-furniture/outdoor-furniture-705/overview/index.htm
  • Consumer Reports. "Inspect New Furniture Carefully." 8/09. (7/1/12). http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/lawn-garden/outdoor-living/outdoor-furniture/outdoor-furniture-705/inspect-new-furniture/index.htm
  • Home Depot. "Patio Furniture." (7/1/12). http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/ContentView?pn=Patio_Furniture
  • Lowes. "Maintain and Care for Outdoor Furniture." (7/1/12). http://www.lowes.com/cd_Outdoor+Furniture+Maintenance+and+Care__?cm_cr=Patio+Furniture+1.4-_-Web+Activity-_-Patio+Furniture+CR4-_-SC_Patio+Furniture_CenterRail_Area4-_-_1_cd_Maintain+Outdoor+Furniture__
  • Outdoor Furniture News. "Ten Tips for Buying Outdoor Furniture." Winston Furniture. 2/16/10. (7/1/12). http://outdoorfurniturenews.com/ten-tips-for-buying-outdoor-furniture/
  • Yard Fairy. "The Yard Fairy's Guide to Outdoor Furniture Buying." (7/1/12). http://www.yardfairy.com/outdoor-furniture-buying.html
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