As the weather warms, it’s time to uncover the patio furniture, take the cushions out from storage, and ready the grill for burgers. Sometimes, though, once last season’s furniture makes its debut, it no longer looks to be in guest-ready shape and requires would-be entertainers to explore new outdoor seating options. They quickly discover, there are a lot of choices! So, too, do first time outdoor furniture shoppers, who often get overwhelmed by the materials, styles, and selections available. If you are in the market for new seating and eating options for your outdoor living space, read on for tips to help navigate through the sea of considerations.

Great patio furniture brings comfort and function to your outdoor spaces. With a spacious table and comfortable chairs, a basic stone patio can be transformed into an alfresco dining destination. Outfit a porch with a wicker sofa and classic rocking chair, both topped with plush cushions, and it can quickly become a second family room during the warm weather months.

Is your weather hot and dry, or do you live near the coast? Does it rain often? Does the midday sun beat down on your outdoor space? These are all important questions to answer before selecting outdoor furniture because outdoor exposure is hard on all furniture, no matter the climate.

This is the time of year when many companies launch outdoor furniture geared towards making days spent in the sun a little more stylish and comfortable. I’ve been scouring sites for ways to make our sunroom the go-to space in our home for the spring and summer, and outdoor brand Outer is totally on my wavelength.