Hey folks -- I'm the proud owner of a lot of useable space in my backyard that I've finished with a paver-patio and also a side deck (it's almost complete -- damn rain!).

Anyway, this new space has yielded the need for a decent set of patio furniture and I need some suggestions... not so much on the style and such but more on the materials and brands.

I'm not looking to spend a mint... in fact, quite the contrary. Probalby more in the 500 to 1k range (and I'd rather be on the low end of that).

Sears has some nice sets on their website that I've been eyeballing but, there are alot of materials to consider here... I know that, whatever I buy, will have a year-round outdoor parking spot. I know that they make covers for stuff like this so, that's definitely an option...

So, you guys have any connections or suggestions? Any help/insight is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

RP

 

Be careful with the aluminum stuff, some of it is pretty cheaply made. And if you go with a glass table top, keep in mind it'll have to be moved to a safe place during storms (hail).

 

FOr the seat material go with a sling style chair. We had some before and loved them, rain runs through them & everything else just brishes off them so they are super easy to clean. We only got rid of ours because they were high bar chairs & our daughter started learning to climb on them. We are just now looking to get another patio set & are looking for the same thing only lower.

rdy with

 

Here's the seat style I am reffering to:


BTW, not only are they easy to clean they are extremely comfortable.

 

I like that set from Sears but, I'm reluctant to buy it online... I really want to see it before throwing $500ish at it. Go figure, they're on sale and go off sale tonight... my luck.

 

NO cushions!!!!!

Perfect. That's what I have. Almost exact. Check out Targete' too. Pretty good deals there. Oh.....and an outdoor fireplace or chiminea is a must. Adds to the ambiance.

 

Ironically, Brewdude and I were just IM'ing back and forth talking about fire pits and how to 'do it yourself'. That may be my next project... it look pretty simple and adds so much character. Freaking natural gas is pricey though... LOL!

RP

 

Guess I read your minds.

It is expensive, but worth it.

 

RP I swear that is the exact set I have....

We bought it a year or two ago from Sears. Now I do pack it away for the winter but it still looks great. We have had sets that looked bad, fell apart, etc pretty quickly. If it is the same set it really wasnt expensive. We have a pool so it gets chlorine and serious summer use.

I'm happy with the choice.

A picture only minutes old

 

I don't know if they still make patio furniture or not, but I bought a table/chairs/umbrella set made by Sunbeam 15 years ago and they're still hangin' in there. They cost me less than $250 back then. The table is round glass, four foot diameter or so, and tough as nails. It's blown-over more than once in storms and never broken. The chairs are light weight with thick 1 1/2" solid plastic webs. I thought they were aluminum until they started to rust a bit about eight or ten years ago. A wire brush and some spray paint every two or three years keeps them looking presentable. The webbing cleans-up with Wesleys white wall cleaner and a brush. The umbrella bit the dust a few years ago, though. For ten years they sat outside through Chicago winters, but now I have the room to store them. This was not an expensive set, but talk about durable! I'd like to get a nicer set, but these things won't die. I highly recomend Sunbeam...if they're still around.

MR

 

We got almost the identical set minus umbrella and add a rocker chair at Target for about $300. It was end of season clearence and just the one rocker so they gave us a steal on it. The chairs are very comfortable though. The frame will ding and scratch if banged around much FYI.

 

Check this stuff out. The price range varies to suit your needs and the furniture is extremely durable & comfortable; I personally recommend

http://www.patio-furniture-inc.com/index.php

 

There are offset umbrellas as well; that's what we're shopping for...don't have to deal with that stupid pole between you and your guests.

 

great point UC.....we installed some of those on my uncles deck near the hot tub.....

 

Bill; do you know anything about the ones you guys used? The stores don't carry a lot of these umbrellas...I'd order over the Internet but I can't tell which ones have quality fabric and which don't. Best I can find is one at ACE hardware but it's not the best quality.