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Updated on February 22, 2024

Buying guide

The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Furniture

This summer, transform your deck, patio, or backyard into an open dining and lounging area. This buying guide will help you choose the outdoor furniture that best suits your needs.

Things to Consider When Buying Outdoor Furniture

Before you choose new outdoor furniture, there are some factors worth considering that can help you pick the perfect pieces.

A few questions to ask yourself:

  • Does the scale of the furniture suit your outdoor area? For example, large furniture groupings will work well on a spacious deck but will dwarf a smaller deck or patio.
  • How many guests will need to fit with your outdoor conversation and dining furniture seats?
  • Does the design of the furniture coordinate well with your home’s exterior? Try to choose styles and colours that match your outdoor space, as you would when decorating any other room in your home.
  • Will the furniture be exposed to a lot of sunlight and severe weather conditions?
  • How much maintenance are you willing to do?
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Pro Tip

Remember that stackable chairs can help save space when you don’t need as many seats.

Discover the Types of Outdoor Patio Sets Available

Here are a few tips to familiarize yourself with the different outdoor furniture sets offered in store and online.

Patio set

Conversation Sets

Create a comfortable outdoor living space with a patio conversation set. Furniture like conversation chairs, accent tables, and ottomans will transform a front or back porch into a welcoming sitting area. If you love to entertain, then a couch and coffee table set is a must-have. A modular set is also convenient, as you can change it up for different occasions.
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Metal outdoor dining set

Dining Sets

If you want to enjoy meals outdoors during the warmer months of the year, then you’ll need a good patio dining set. Different sets can seat 4-11 people, and you can even find extendable tables for saving space when you don’t need all the seating. Choose from wood and cushioned chair designs for a comfortable and stylish dining space.
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White outdoor bistro set

Bistro Sets

A bistro set is an excellent choice for smaller outdoor spaces like apartment patios and balconies. Go for a classic look or opt for decorative cushioned chairs for extra comfort and visual appeal. Consider whether a standard or balcony-height set is a better fit for your space as well.
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Find the Perfect Seating Option

Chairs and Armchairs

Chairs included in a dining set are often straight-back chairs that replicate the chairs used for indoor dining sets. Armchairs usually have deeper seats.

Lounge Chairs

The lounge chair has been integral to traditional garden decor for a very long time. Still a buyer’s favourite, lounge chairs have evolved over time and are now made of a larger range of materials.

Sofas and Love Seats

Sofas, which can usually sit 2-3 people, are just as popular as outdoor chairs and armchairs. They are perfect for creating a cozy space.
Trendy wicker egg chair
Set of outdoor sofas with a table
Two lounge chairs by a pool
Modern fire table

Go for a Table that’s Both Functional and Attractive

While patio tables often come as part of a larger patio set, they are also available individually. Choosing an individual table makes it easier to create a personalized conversation or dining area suited to your space. Find dining tables, coffee tables, end tables, and bar-height tables in our collection.

Features to consider:

  • Shape of the tabletop (round, square, or rectangular)
  • Space for guests
  • Leaf (with or without)
  • Location of the legs (in the corners or in the centre)
  • Composition of the tabletop (wood, metal, tile, or tempered glass)
  • Possibility of inserting a table umbrella


A fire table is also a good option if you want to enjoy your outdoor space on cooler spring and fall evenings, but don’t have enough room for both a table and an outdoor fireplace.
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Comparing Available Materials

The materials used to make outdoor furniture can generally be divided into 3 main categories: wood, metal, and synthetic resin.

New natural-looking composite materials have been developed to be more resistant to difficult weather conditions. Combining materials, such as wood and metal or metal and ceramic tile, can also be very alluring in outdoor furniture.

No matter what material you choose, it is always a good idea to have covers to protect your furniture so that you can enjoy it for years and years!
Synthetic wicker outdoor chair
Composite wood patio set
Metal outdoor chair

Metal

Metal furniture is incredibly sturdy, long-lasting and can stand up to all kinds of weather.

Material

Benefits

Drawbacks

Aluminum

  • Lightweight, easy to handle and move 
  • Easy to maintain, doesn’t rust
  • Lightweight; vulnerable to windy conditions 

Steel

  • Many styles available
  • Affordable
  • May rust if not covered with an antirust finish
  • Must be stored during the winter

Wrought Iron

  • Durable
  • Refined, elegant, romantic 
  • Easy to maintain
  • Can be painted
  • Very heavy
  • May rust 
  • Must be stored during the winter 
  • Can’t be folded or stacked 
  • Expensive 
  • Need to apply liquid wax 3-4 times per year 

Synthetic Materials

Synthetic materials are very popular options that come in a variety of colours, styles, and models. Particularly appreciated for their easy maintenance, resistance to stains, and durability, these materials are suitable for all decors and spaces.

Material

Benefits

Drawbacks

Synthetic wicker

  • Natural fibre look
  • Easy to maintain
  • Durable
  • Comfortable with or without cushions
  • Highly stain resistant and weatherproof
  • More expensive, especially if good quality
  • Must be stored in winter

Synthetic resin

  • Relatively resistant, durable, and comfortable
  • Affordable
  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Easy to maintain
  • Comfortable with or without cushions
  • Must be stored in winter

Wood and Composite

Whatever wood species is used, wood furniture is an ever-popular option.

Used more and more for building decks, fences, and outdoor furniture, composite materials are a combination of wood and resin.

Material

Benefits

Drawbacks

Wood

  • Warm appearance
  • Easy to match with all types of decor 
  • Durable if well maintained
  • Available in many wood species (local and exotic)
  • Requires maintenance 
  • Should be stored during the winter (or snow removed)
  • Expensive, initially 
  • Needs to be stained, painted, or oiled 

Composite Material

  • Available in many colours
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Mould- and mildew-resistant
  • Resistant to fading
  • Easy to maintain
  • Expensive, initially

Complete the Look with the Right Accessories

Cushions, umbrellas, hammocks, and other accessories are available in a wide range of textures, patterns and colours that are fun to combine.
Selection of outdoor pillows and cushions

Cushions and Pillows

Our exclusive Canopii outdoor cushions are made from innovative eco-friendly, resilient, and design-forward outdoor fabrics. Plus, they’re affordable! A great way to enhance your space for less.
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Pro Tip

Cushions and padding materials are designed to be water-resistant, but it is still preferable to store your cushions indoors or cover them when not in use. These additional precautions will maximize the life and appearance of your cushions.

Dining set with an outdoor rugSelection of outdoor rugs

Carpet and Rugs

As for outdoor rugs, 2 main types of products are available:

  • Polyester rugs are perfect for small spaces—and small budgets. Easy to carry and clean, they’re perfect for the beach. We love their bright colours!
  • Warmer and cozier polypropylene outdoor rugs allow you to cover a larger area. With their warmer, neutral colours and clean look, they help bring the indoor living room outside.
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Patio set with a large beige umbrellaLarge modern pergolaLarge modern gazebo

Umbrellas and Sun Shelters

Umbrellas

There is a variety of patio umbrellas available today, with all kinds of colours, shapes, and sizes. We offer both traditional models inserted into the centre of the table and self-supporting offset umbrellas.

Garden Shelters

There are many sun shelter options to choose from:

  • Gazebos are a top choice for large seating areas out on the yard and they come in hard- and soft-top designs. If you just need a cover for an outdoor cooking area, then a grill gazebo is also a good choice.
  • While gazebos provide full coverage from the sun, pergolas often feature a slatted roof made of louvre-style timbers that allow more air and sunlight through. Pergolas are more typically used to provide partial cover over gardens, patio areas, and pathways.
  • In addition to permanently installed sheds in the yard, there are more and more portable garden structures available now. Most are constructed with highly resistant and durable fabrics, treated to resist water and UV rays. Shapes and configurations vary a great deal.
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Pro Tip

The best way to make an umbrella waterproof and resistant to sun and dust is to use a protective cover, which will also enhance its wind resistance.

Outdoor kitchen with a cocktail station

Outdoor Kitchens and Bars

Patio Bars

Outdoor bars are increasingly popular. Often made of wood, they are also practical; the counter includes storage space for bottles and other useful items like ice cubes. Gather round some bar stools, and you’re all set to entertain your friends in a festive, stylish ambiance.

Outdoor Kitchens

The best way to move the party outdoors? An outdoor kitchen, of course! Create a space that’s dedicated to cooking and entertaining by adding counter space, a built-in grill, an island, and a sink area. You could even add an outdoor refrigerator or a pizza oven to bring your space to the next level!
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Why Not Build Your Own Outdoor Kitchen?

Follow our step-by-step guides to build your own L-shaped outdoor kitchen or modular outdoor kitchen yourself in one weekend only!
Wood-burning fireplace in front of a lake

Outdoor Fireplaces and Patio Heaters

Among other patio items and accessories that can truly add to your comfort and outdoor pleasure during long summer evenings on the deck: an outdoor fireplace or patio heaters. Choose from a wide selection of gas, wood-burning, or electric models.

With plenty of types, functionalities, designs, and styles available, they are the key to creating a cozy space that you can use even when the temperatures start to drop.
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Suggested Products

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