Outdoor furniture should be built to last

By Cindy Atoji, Globe Correspondent
It’s a picturesque New England scene: As the Nantucket ferry pulls into the harbor, The Wauwinet’s stately building and green lawns, dotted with white wicker furniture, come into view.
“The lawn and its furnishings are very much a trademark of our inn,” says Bettina Landt, general manager of The Wauwinet .


That’s why when guests wanted something more comfortable to sit on than club chairs and ottomans, the inn switched to chaise longues last season. Now they can recline on adjustable chairs with cushy green pillows. “They want to take them home with them,” says Landt . “It’s all about comfort.”
Now is the time of year when homeowners are pulling covers off the lawn furniture, dragging it out of storage, or considering adding to their outdoor furniture collection. They can take a tip from Landt, who oversees the inn’s 30 chaise longues , as well as the deck chairs and tables in the resort’s dining areas. “Go for comfort, ease of care, durability, and design,” she says.
In the $23.6 billion garden and outdoor product market, consumers feel they’re done decorating inside, so they’ve turned their energies outside, says Pam Danziger , president of Unity Marketing, a Pennsylvania research firm. “They want to make the outdoors part of the home and create an actual living space.”
Although many would settle for a new teak dining set or Adirondack chair, the fantasy backyard retreat can include an oversize grill, a wine cooler, an ice maker, a fireplace, a daybed –and even weatherproof televisions, drapes, carpets, and lighting.
“You wouldn’t even know you walked outside except that the temperature changed,” says Derick Belden , executive editor at Southern Living magazine, who says outdoor living is possible 12 months a year in warm parts of the country.
The basic materials of outdoor furniture include wood, aluminum, wrought iron, and wicker. Teak, a disease- and rot-resistant wood , is a favorite for many homeowners .
Lightweight and rust-resistant aluminum is often an economical purchase and offers a contemporary look. Heavier wrought iron is prone to rust but durable and suitable for Victorian-style homes. All-weather wicker, Landt’s preference, is made of moisture-proof polyester resin. “It’s easy to care for — just scrub it down — and complements the look we want of a New England seaside building,” says Landt .
Look for neutrals, beiges, chocolate browns, and organic-like greens and blues in cushions and pillows, as well as old-fashioned stripes, says Belden .
Although you can find outdoor furniture at practically any price , inexpensive patio sets often need to be assembled and can have wobbly joints, uneven finishes, and obtrusive welding. Higher-end brands such as Brown Jordan, Smith & Hawken , Tropitone , and Laneventure , often offer well-proportioned and durable styles, but prices can be similar to indoor furniture, such as $1,000 for a table set with chairs.
“Make a list: comfort, convenience, storage, and of course, price,” says Landt . “Durability and quality of design matter. You can buy something on sale, but is it really going to last?”