Add Outdoor Furniture
Choose weather-resistant furniture that fits your deck size and intended use. Measure before buying, leave 2-3 feet circulation space, and consider multi-functional pieces for smaller decks.
Quick Summary
$500-$5,000+
2-4 hours
1-2 hours
2-3 feet
Measure Before You Shop
The biggest furniture mistake is buying pieces that don't fit. Before visiting any store or browsing online, take these measurements:
- Overall deck dimensions: Length and width of usable space
- Door swing clearance: How far doors open onto deck
- Stair landing: Space needed at top and bottom of stairs
- Built-in features: Size of any benches, planters, or other fixed elements
- Grill or cooking area: Space needed for cooking and safety clearance
Outdoor Furniture Materials
Aluminum
Best durabilityLightweight, rust-proof, and low-maintenance. Modern designs rival wood aesthetics. Powder-coated finishes resist fading. Won't rot or attract insects.
Price range: $$-$$$ | Lifespan: 15-20+ years
Teak
Premium choiceNatural resistance to rot, insects, and weathering. Beautiful golden color weathers to silver-gray if left untreated. Heavy and substantial.
Price range: $$$-$$$$ | Lifespan: 50+ years with care
All-Weather Wicker (Resin)
Style + durabilitySynthetic resin woven over aluminum frames. Looks like natural wicker but resists moisture, UV, and temperature extremes. Easy to clean.
Price range: $$-$$$ | Lifespan: 10-15 years
HDPE Plastic (Polywood)
Eco-friendlyMade from recycled plastic. Looks like painted wood but never needs painting. Extremely durable, splinter-free, and colorfast. Heavier than it looks.
Price range: $$-$$$ | Lifespan: 20+ years
Wrought Iron/Steel
Classic lookHeavy and substantial. Classic styling. Requires maintenance to prevent rust. Very stable in wind. Can get hot in direct sun.
Price range: $$-$$$ | Lifespan: 10-30 years (depends on maintenance)
Avoid These Outdoors
Indoor furniture, untreated wood, natural wicker, and fabric-only cushions without outdoor covers will quickly deteriorate outside. The sun, rain, and temperature swings destroy materials not designed for outdoor use.
Furniture Zones
Define how you'll use different areas of your deck:
Dining Zone
Table and chairs for meals. Place near house for easy serving. Allow 36" around table for chair movement.
Typical size: 8x8 to 10x12 feet
Lounge Zone
Sofas, chairs, coffee table for relaxing and conversation. Often at deck's edge for views. Can face a fire pit.
Typical size: 10x10 to 12x14 feet
Cooking Zone
Grill, prep table, nearby seating. Away from high traffic. Consider wind direction for smoke. Need 3' clearance around grill.
Typical size: 6x8 to 8x10 feet
Reading/Sun Zone
Chaise lounges or Adirondack chairs. Positioned for sun (or shade). Side table for drinks. Often quieter corner of deck.
Typical size: 6x8 feet per chair
Sizing Guide
Common Furniture Dimensions
Dining Tables
- - 48" round: 4-6 people
- - 60" round: 6-8 people
- - 72" rectangular: 6-8 people
Seating
- - Dining chair: 20"W x 24"D
- - Lounge chair: 30"W x 34"D
- - Chaise lounge: 28"W x 78"L
Sofas/Loveseats
- - Loveseat: 52"W x 34"D
- - 3-seat sofa: 78"W x 34"D
- - Sectional: varies widely
Coffee/Side Tables
- - Side table: 18-24" diameter
- - Coffee table: 48"W x 24"D
- - Fire pit table: 42-54" diameter
Small Deck Tips
Maximize Limited Space
- Multi-functional pieces: Storage benches, nesting tables, ottomans that store cushions
- Folding furniture: Bistro sets, folding chairs that store flat
- Rail-mounted options: Planter boxes, drink rails, fold-down tables
- Visual tricks: Same-color furniture appears less bulky, glass tops feel lighter
- Built-in seating: Uses space efficiently, doubles as railing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most durable outdoor furniture material?
Aluminum and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic are the most durable options, resisting rust, rot, and UV damage. Teak is the most durable wood, naturally resistant to rot and insects. All-weather wicker (synthetic resin) combines durability with style. Wrought iron is durable but requires maintenance.
How much space do I need around outdoor furniture?
Leave 2-3 feet of clearance around furniture groupings for comfortable walking paths. For dining chairs, allow 36 inches from table edge to any wall or railing so chairs can push back. Around a fire pit or coffee table, allow 18-24 inches from seating edge to the table.
Should I cover outdoor furniture or leave it out?
Quality outdoor furniture is designed to stay outside, but covering extends its life. Use breathable covers to prevent mold. Store cushions indoors or in weatherproof storage when not in use. In harsh winters, consider moving furniture to a garage or using heavy-duty covers.
What size table do I need for my deck?
Allow 24-30 inches of table width per person. A 48-inch round table seats 4-6 comfortably. A 72-inch rectangular table seats 6-8. Remember to add 36 inches around the table for chair circulation. A 12x12 deck can comfortably fit a 48-inch table with chairs plus a small seating area.