7 Patio Furnishings & Accessories That Are Always Worth the Extra Money (And 4 That Aren’t)

So, you’re ready to transform your patio into a restful wellspring of good vibes and great aesthetics. You want a cozy, comfy place to kick up your feet with friends and family, with the best patio furniture, the flashiest decor, the homiest accessories.

But, you keep bumping into that time-honored hum-drum conundrum: where, exactly, should you allocate your hard-earned dollars? What kind of patio improvements are going to pay off in the long run? And which ones are, shall we say, a one-way ticket to Regretsville? In other words, which patio treasures are worth the splurge and which ones might not live up to their price tag?

Fret not, furnishings friend! Patio Productions is here to help you navigate this puzzling predicament and set your mind at ease. Grab a comfy seat (more on that in just a sec!), here comes some fresh expert advice. Let’s dive in and unveil the secrets to smart outdoor investments.

WHAT’S WORTH IT:

Patio Seating Sets (Especially Sectional or Sofa Sets)

If you are working with a blank slate and a big budget, then a comfy couch large enough to seat the Brady bunch will get you the biggest bang for your buck. Just make sure you get a good one!

OK, you say, but patio furniture can be so expensive! Why not skimp a bit on the price of your outdoor seating?

For one, it’s the first thing you see. When you walk out onto your patio or deck, you’re greeted first and foremost by the scale and style of your sectional or sofa set – that first impression needs to stick the landing. Go too cheap, and it’ll be obvious. Poor dye jobs will look artificial. Textures will be flat and lifeless. Lumpy, messy cushions are going to drag the rest of your decor down. Good quality patio sofas will feature lots of textural details that make the furniture come alive (think weave patterns for your wicker loveseats, dynamic and all-natural wood grains on your teak sofas, bumps and grit that will make your aluminum sectional sofa pop). “Dye jobs” won’t really be dye at all, but part of the material itself. To illustrate: PVC wicker or plastic are made in bulk in a factory, then dyed after the fact, so the ‘color’ is only surface level and thus more prone to fading or chipping. On the other hand, high quality HDPE resin is solution-dyed during the manufacturing process, so the color actually is part of the material itself, not added on later. Same goes for quality composite poly-wood furniture.

Similarly, cheap patio seating isn’t really built to last a long time. You know the ones; you’ve seen them at your local big box stores, usually an in-house brand. They may look nice from a distance but get up close and you’ll see the shoddy weldwork, the lack of powder-coating on aluminum frames; the PVC will feel harder and more brittle (and that only gets worse over time); the wood will be a soft cypress or cedar, which are ‘fine’ but not as resilient and long-lasting as stronger hardwoods like redwood, ipe, or teak; the cushions will be flat and narrow and, like an envious colleague during a big presentation, totally unsupportive. Basically, you’ll wear it out in a season or three, then you’ll need to replace it again. You know how the “fast fashion” manufacturing trend has made it so our clothes rip and fade and generally just fall apart after we’ve put them through a handful of loads in the wash? The same thing is happening in the furniture industry, so you’ll want to make sure you’re buying from the best patio furniture brands to ensure your seating stands the test of time.

And you know what? Outdoor sectionals, garden couches, and patio chairs are just plain fun. They’re quintessential for outdoor connection, communication, and creativity. They can be rearranged on a whim. They can be colored and patterned and mixed and matched to reflect your mood and personality. Play with pieces like club chairs, chaise lounges, coordinating cushions and coffee tables to individualize your exterior. A customizable couch is the cherry on top of a curated landscape.

Wood Outdoor Dining Furniture

Let’s say you already invested in an outdoor kitchen or a professionally installed grill (and if you have, honestly, you’re probably already well aware of the value of spending a little more for better outdoor accessories). What to do next? Try improving your al fresco dining experience with a wooden outdoor dining set. 

Why wood though, and not wicker, or aluminum, or resin?

Teak, redwood, and ipe wood patio furniture are known for their rustic appearance, rich natural sheen, and resilient craftsmanship. These durable and weather resistant woods make for luxurious and long-lasting pieces of furniture. Teak, ipe, and redwood are hardwoods, which means they tend to be much stronger and durable than other woods commonly used in furniture-making. You might find softwoods like cedar available for much less, but don’t be fooled, harder woods are sturdier woods with a much longer lifespan left outside.

Appearance-wise, the natural variations of the lumber is what truly makes wood outdoor dining furniture unique. It’s like a thumbprint, but for your furniture. A lot of modern aluminum furniture is made to look like real wood, and for the most part, we love this trend! But since this kind of aluminum patio furniture is made from a mold, they’re hardly ‘unique’. It’s well worth spending a little more on some quality hardwood furniture that is more unique and warm than other weather-ready materials, while being stronger than softwoods.

There are a few outdoor entertaining options available to you depending on the size of your space (and guest list). A long table and eight or more chairs can accommodate most group gatherings comfortably. Smaller spaces and intimate affairs might call for a bistro table and a couple of chairs. Keep a wooden bar cart conveniently close for beverages, buckets of ice, and bonus storage.  Level up the luxury with some cool, ambiance-setting patio lighting.   

Fire Features (Pits, Tables, Urns, Etc.)

Like the deities on Mt. Olympus, you too can harness the elements and create an exciting and inviting outdoor entertainment space with a well-made, high-quality water or fire feature (at least I imagine the Olympians had an awesome outdoor entertainment space. Opa!)

The serene sounds of running water scream lavish luxury and spa like tranquility. Whether the water feature is in fountain form, a layered landscaped waterfall, or a professionally installed pond, moving water adds texture and natural audio to your outdoor living space. So let your backyard be your playground. Make a splash. Get absolutely drowned in positive comments and compliments from gushing guests. Ok, I’ll lay off the puns. But this is key: anything that deals with water is worth splurging on (not just indoor plumbing). Cheap plumbing and aquarium tubing can ruin your fountain or pond fast, to say nothing of motorized pumps, which can break or wear down quickly if not well-made.

For fire, we recommend spending a bit more on fire tables or fire pits. You can of course find a cheap fire pit at your favorite local asterisk-or-bullseye-themed Big Box department store, but if you do, what you’re getting is an extremely rust-prone metal cage that you’re going to be filling with wood or gel capsules or, just maybe, a jug of potentially explosive propane housed in a thin plaster box. Maybe it’s just us, but we feel like safety is worth spending a little more money on. High quality fire tables or pits cost about 3 to 5x more than those little metal cages, but are made with weatherproof materials like powder-coated cast aluminum instead of whatever steel or iron was on sale that week at the furniture factory. And if you’re looking for a propane-powered pit, you’ll definitely want one with thick concrete or plaster housing that will keep the tank cool and out of the sun’s sight. Better hoses and adapters are, of course, also a plus, and come standard with fire tables from reputable, higher-end manufacturers.

What kind of fire feature should you be looking at? Well, we suggest starting with our fire pit buyer’s guide. But fan favorites include smoke-free fire tables, odorless outdoor fireplaces and wood burning fire pits. Sip champagne in front of the flames to feel refined and, frankly, cool as all get-out. A fire feature can illuminate your space and make a dramatic design difference. Spend extra to elevate your exterior and leave a lasting impact.

Outdoor Cushions

Don’t get me started on cushions. Ok, nevermind, I’m starting on cushions. We have a whole custom cushion program here at Patio Productions, that’s how seriously we take our seats. And cheap stuff is just. Absolute. Garbage. It’s uncomfortable, it’s thin, it’s usually a small layer of foamcore at best with a one inch wrap of polyester upholstery (if you’re really unlucky, it’s just upholstery all the way through – like a souvenir throw pillow at a marketing event). Spending a couple hundred more may mean multiple foam cores, layers of upholstery, an all-around denser and more supportive seat that better conforms to your shape for superb ergonomics. And it won’t totally collapse on itself the first time it rains (true story – I was a furniture penny-saver before I started working here and saw the light – now I preach the gospel of cushions). Spending just a little bit more on high quality outdoor cushions will ensure they are made with durable and fade-resistant materials, offering more comfort and long lasting appeal. Say it with me now: “I will not waste my money on low-quality cushions”.

Outdoor Rugs

Investing in a high quality outdoor rug made from weather-resistant materials can enhance the ambiance of your patio while withstanding whatever weather Mother Nature deems fit to throw at you. Take it from a guy who bought a cheap outdoor rug once made from allegedly recycled plastic, but seemingly assembled by a defective robot (noticing a pattern in my past buying choices here?): you want a rug that will always lay flat on the ground, and will never fade. Cheap “all-weather” rugs tend to be light and don’t hold their shape well, so they curl and bunch up on your patio, which is exactly the kind of tripping hazard you do NOT want to navigate around when holding a hot plate of fresh-off-the-grill barbecue. And, as with the cheap PVC wicker strands mentioned earlier, their dyes are added after production so they fade fast. Get a rug made with richly textured fibers, made to resist all manner of inclement weather, and heavy enough to hold its own. It’ll look amazing for years and years to come, and you won’t have to worry about it trying to send you to the hospital.

Outdoor Umbrellas

I feel like, for a lot of people, outdoor umbrellas are kind of an afterthought in their patio design. And that’s a big mistake. As with cushions above, the fabric quality of your umbrella matters a LOT. Opting for a high-quality patio umbrella with a sturdy frame and a durable canopy fabric can provide better sun protection and will be better equipped to endure harsh weather, come rain or snow or shine. We recommend genuine Sunbrella fabrics for umbrella canopies, as they are the definitive leader of the marine-grade fabric space. Almost all of our umbrellas come with genuine Sunbrella by default. But other fabrics worth considering are Outdura and O’Bravia. If you’re buying an outdoor umbrella at your local grocery store, we promise you you aren’t buying it for life.

If cantilever umbrellas are your thing, going cheap is a fun way to figure out that those little levering mechanisms are a big pain to fix (you can check out our guide on How to Repair Your Patio Umbrella if you’re at this point in your umbrella journey). Spending a little more on quality hardware will help ensure you don’t ever have to endure that particular crucible, and in my humble opinion, is totally worth it.

Ottomans

An ottoman is definitely not something that is “necessary” for any patio. On most patios, in fact, you’d probably skip it in favor of a coffee table or more seating. But for those with space to spare on a deck or flagstone porch, an ottoman is a sumptuous accessory that offers flexibility and freedom (in addition to a cozy place to rest weary feet). The effect of an ottoman is never understated. These adaptable outdoor accessories can alternate as a chair, change into a coffee table or shift into a footstool. 

An ottoman can be a refreshing change from the same old, same old, adding a ton of extra visual pizzazz to your outdoor living space. Think of it like a little plush island, breaking up a monotonous sea, adding something for your eyes to cling to when you walk out into your backyard. And what a thing for the eyes to behold! As far as customization goes, your ottoman options are nearly endless! Choose from elegant upholstery (we offer over 250+ custom fabrics for your to finish your masterpiece), sophisticated sling styles, macrame modern rope, or the “Brazilian beauty” itself: Ipe wood. Expand the possibilities of future family BBQs or your bohemian beach vacation home with these easily movable, functional furnishings that are well worth the extra funds.

WHAT’S NOT WORTH IT:

Static Decorative Accessories

Generally, things that aren’t worth spending more on are things where spending more does not necessarily equate to more longevity. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t spend more on them. For example, items like decorative garden statues, wind chimes, or lanterns are subjective in terms of their value. You can often find affordable options that can serve the purpose just as well as expensive ones. But if you really love that artisanally crafted garden gnome with your name engraved on its oversized conical hat, then sure, buy it for $100 instead of the more generic $30 lawn gnome. But you’re not getting $70 more life out of the thing. Static Decorative Accessories (including hardscapes) just aren’t worth the extra investment.

Basic Patio Planters

Maybe it’s kind of cheating to put this in its own category separate from “static decorative accessories,” but unlike statues and wind chimes, patio planters actually do have a “function” beyond just looking fun. A good planter should obviously contain soil effectively, and importantly, it should allow for the right amount of water drainage so you don’t have root issues with your plants. But those two functions can be served perfectly well with cheap containers. While high-end or designer planters can be stunning, and may tell a more interesting visual story than their low-cost counterparts, basic planters made of sufficiently durable materials like plastic or terracotta can serve the purpose just as well. These simple planters are often more affordable and can still provide an attractive display for your outdoor plants and flowers. After all, the main aesthetic element on display here is the plant life, and the planter just offers a supporting role. If you want to save money on your outdoor decor, save it here. Spend the savings on nicer flowers instead.

PVC Plastic Patio Furniture

We’ve been over this already (twice now, I think), but it bears repeating, because PVC is the furniture material you are most likely to encounter when shopping on a budget: While affordable, PVC plastic furniture tends to have a much shorter lifespan than higher-end materials and will not hold up well under extended exposure to the elements. They may be suitable for temporary or occasional use, but if you’re having a huge gathering beyond your normal scope, just rent. Save your money for the good stuff, which will be much appreciated at your more intimate gatherings. And check out our post on the best outdoor furniture materials to figure out which non-PVC furniture material best suits your needs.

Outdoor String Lights

Look, we love outdoor lighting as much as the next quality outdoor furniture retailer. But it’s not really something you should feel the need to spend more on (unless we’re talking about exterior home lights, in which case, make sure those things are installed by a pro).

While outdoor string lights create an undeniably charming ambiance in your outdoor living space, you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot. Many affordable options offer durable and weather-resistant LEDs that can affordably and effectively provide the same cozy atmosphere without breaking the bank. More expensive string lights generally come with thicker and tougher cordage, or stronger bulbs. If you live in a hail-prone region, or a place that gets very high winds, then maybe that toughness will pay off for you. For everyone else though, it’s probably not remotely necessary.

In Closing

When all the chips are down, the decision to splurge or save depends on your budget, preferences, and the specific outdoor furniture or accessories you are considering. The general rule of thumb is: if a thing is serving a specific purpose and has a specific function, and is going to interact with people in a meaningful way, then you should spend more of your decorating budget on it. On the other hand, if something does not really have a mechanical function, or is not going to physically interact with people, or if the more affordable versions are effectively the same as the more expensive versions in these regards, then feel free to go cheap. It’s essential to strike a balance between quality, durability, and your personal needs to make the most informed purchasing decision. We hope this has helped you with some new, useful information so you can shop smart. And if it hasn’t helped, I hope it has provided a little inspiration.

If you would like more information or help designing your patio, reach out to our team of experts at Patio Productions! We can’t wait to help you Bring Life Outdoors!