You've built the garden deck or patio of your dreams, you've weather-proofed it and are planning an inaugural grand-deck opening party, but first you need to find furniture that befits your architectural masterpiece. Deck furniture comes in many guises, from the simple, yet traditional deck chair to more sophisticated bars and stools. How you choose to decorate your deck space is largely dependent on what you intend to use it for.
If you built your deck to catch the sun, so that you could enjoy the quiet solitude of your garden, perhaps buried in a good book, you might want to focus on comfort. In which case, deck chairs and chaise lounges will be the order of the day. But your options don't end there. You could get folding deck chairs, standing deck chairs or long deck chairs. You could even invest in some rocking chairs.
Folding End Tables
Folding deck chairs are traditionally made with durable frames and canvas. They're comfortable, and, as the name suggests, fold up easily for convenient transport and storage. These days you also get folding chairs that are made of plastic; these may be more weather-resistant but can be more bulky than their canvas brethren and aren't quite as flexible during storage.
A popular type of standing deck chair is the Adirondack, which is usually carved out of a single wooden board and cut into eleven pieces. Their broad arms are their distinguishing feature. They are broad enough to serve as tables, and can comfortably hold glasses, mugs, cups and the occasional side plate of snacks. The chair is generally not adjustable like other deck chairs, but the back is set at a slight angle for greater comfort.
Long chairs or chaise lounges are especially evocative of summer holidays and long sunny days. The defining feature of these chairs is their length, which is ample enough to accommodate even the longest of legs.
An alternative to single-seater chairs are benches, or quaint love-seats. These are great for sharing romantic sunsets, or even just to spread out on your own. The important thing to remember when buying a bench is that they're often made of hardy material designed for durability and not comfort. Test out the benches before you make the decision to buy, and keep an eye out for some cushions anyway.
Think carefully before purchasing any tables for your deck space, as your choice can be the difference between homeliness and cluttered. Many outdoor tables are small and compact, and around the height of deck chairs for ease of use. One or two of these can come in handy as people are always looking for space for cups and plates.
If you intend to use your deck as an eating area, however, you may want to consider larger and sturdier table options. Picnic tables are ideal for families who like to entertain outdoors, especially if they come with large umbrellas to shield users from the sun and rain. If you do plan on using an umbrella with your table it's a good idea to look for one that's easy to assemble, take down and store.
Your deck was probably designed with relaxation and comfort in mind; it's only fair that it be furnished in the same way.
Recommended sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deckchair
http://www.outdoorfurnituremarket.com/outdoor-furniture-styles-and-designs