As an operator in the furniture industry, when purchasing outdoor furniture, you should first understand the various types of outdoor furniture currently available, as well as the functions of different types of outdoor furniture. This will allow you to build a complete product line of outdoor furniture and provide end-users with a one-stop solution for their outdoor furniture needs.
The Importance of Garden Furniture in Outdoor Spaces
As outdoor activities become a new trend, people are paying more attention to decorating their outdoor spaces with outdoor furniture. This helps transform these spaces into comfortable and stylish areas. From compact balconies and patios to spacious courtyards, different outdoor furniture types and decorations can add visual appeal to every inch of space, allowing people to enjoy the beauty of nature while also appreciating the design of the outdoor furniture.
Outdoor space with outdoor furniture will awaken people to socialize frequently and make full use of it, such as relaxing and entertaining, gathering for dinner, and hosting parties. Outdoor furniture is gradually occupying an important position in the home, which makes the outdoor furniture market grow.
Outdoor Furniture Types
For buyers, understanding the different types of outdoor furniture and their various applications, will help you categorize and purchase different types of outdoor furniture for different outdoor settings. Purchasing with a clear objective and plan, will greatly increase the sales conversion rate of the goods you purchase.
If you want to further improve your business, please keep reading to understand the different types of outdoor furniture.
Sun Lounger
Sun lounger is currently a very popular category of outdoor furniture on the market. They come in a variety of styles and have a wide range of applications. Sun lounger can be used in courtyards and gardens for relaxation and reading, as well as by the poolside.
Sun lounger supports multi-angle adjustment, applicable to users of different reclining positions. With continuous innovation of these products, the backrest curvature also follows the ergonomic design, making the semi-lying position more comfortable, allowing people to fully enjoy the comfort of the outdoor cozy.
Purchasing the sun loungers, you will also be able to sell to a wider audience. At the same time, you need to pay attention to the differences in materials, as they vary in price and durability, such as rattan, wood, and metal, with metal being more popular. So you need to choose the appropriate material for sun loungers based on your budget and target market.
Patio & Garden Set
Patio & garden sets consist of outdoor tables and chairs, and depending on the different usage scenarios, they can be categorized into various types such as bistro sets, garden sofa sets, outdoor dining sets, sunbed sets, balcony sets, fire pit area sets, and bar sets.
When purchasing these outdoor furniture sets, you need to make targeted selections based on the usage scenarios of your target audience. When used for smaller spaces, you can choose bistro sets and balcony sets; while for scenarios used for multi-person gatherings, then garden sofa sets, outdoor dining room sets, and fireplace area sets are better purchases for you.
In terms of specific details, you also need to focus on the main indicators of each type of outdoor furniture set before purchasing.
For bistro sets, you need to focus on their lightweight design and space-saving features; for garden sofa sets, you need to consider the frame structure and the comfort of the cushions, as well as their modular arrangement; for outdoor dining sets, you need to consider the weight capacity of the tables and chairs and the number of seats; for the sunbed set, you need to focus on its durability, the backrest adjusting mechanism, and the quick-drying property of the fabrics; for fire pit sets, you should first consider safety, and then their thermal efficiency.
Only with enough knowledge of these factors, can you purchase outdoor furniture sets that meet the preferences of your target audience.
Camping Table and Chair
Camping tables and chairs are essential outdoor furniture for outdoor camping, providing basic equipment and are suitable for family gatherings and social events.
Camping tables and chairs are made from a variety of different materials, with the more commonly used being steel and aluminum. For larger outdoor gatherings, steel is often chosen due to price and sturdiness considerations; however, for portable furniture, lightweight is usually their first choice, making aluminum camping tables and camping chairs more popular for those seeking lightweight camping.
Therefore, when you are purchasing these products, you should selectively choose based on the consumption habits of your target market, and further improve the products after the determination, to offer a wider range of choices for users with different preferences.
Garden Sofa Set
Outdoor sofa sets are a popular category of outdoor furniture, often sold as complete sets that include a fire pit table, coffee table, and side tables, etc. They can add personalized touch to outdoor spaces and enhance the user experience, while also contributing to higher average order values.
Outdoor sofa set has a variety of materials, including metal, rattan and wicker, and teak, often with waterproof cushions. When sourcing these garden sofa sets, you should consider regional characteristics and customer preferences to make informed choices.
Furthermore, outdoor sofa sets are multi-piece sets, and they are much larger than other outdoor furniture, which requires a certain amount of outdoor space. They are available in different sizes and seating capacities, with various configurations to suit different outdoor layouts. Sourcing a diverse range of garden sofa sets will allow you to offer your customers a wider selection.
Hammock
Hammocks generally come in two styles: one that needs to be hung between two trees, and another that can be hung directly from a single tree. Both are better suited for use outdoors, allowing people to enjoy the natural surroundings.
When in the absence of two trees to use, it can be used with a stand, and it is quite easy to install.
Hammocks differ in their material composition, and therefore exhibit different styles. The common use of materials includes fabric, nylon, quick-drying materials, and ropes. Among them, polyester and nylon are more durable and popular among outdoor backpackers and campers. If your target audience mainly consists of these types of users, then hammocks made of these two materials would be more suitable for you.
Outdoor Umbrella
Outdoor umbrellas are common outdoor furniture used for sun protection. With the diversification of their functions and usage scenarios, different types of outdoor umbrellas have been extended. The common types of outdoor umbrellas in the current market include Cantilever Umbrellas, Half Umbrellas, Beach Umbrellas, Market Umbrellas, Commercial Patio Umbrellas, Tilt umbrellas and Solar-Powered Umbrellas. When purchasing outdoor umbrellas, you need to conduct market research, to determine which types are most popular in your target market.
A simple outdoor umbrella is made up of different parts, and each part has different functions and materials. The frame can be made of wood, aluminum, and fiberglass; the canopy fabric can be sunbrella fabric, polyester, acrylic, olefin, and thatch. Outdoor umbrellas also have a variety of multiple options for contraction systems, such as lift mechanisms, pulleys, tilt mechanisms, push-ups, and cranks.
The different material and function combinations will present different usage effects, meeting diverse usage needs. When you purchase outdoor umbrella, you need to carefully consider your target audience’s usage scenarios, primary purposes, and size requirements. And according to the market preferences, offer a variety of styles with different materials to provide consumers with more choices, and enrich your product line.
Gazebo
Gazebo is a type of outdoor furniture with an open perimeter and a roof; it is used to be placed on a patio for shelter from the wind and rain. It comes in a variety of shapes, commonly including rectangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, decagonal, dodecagonal, round, and oval. And it also can be used for outdoor shade, relaxation, and dining.
Gazebos are primarily made of wood, metal, and plastic. However, metal gazebos are more common due to their sturdy and durable structure, ease of maintenance, and simple assembly.
Aluminum is a commonly used metal material for gazebos, primarily using powder-coated aluminum for rust prevention. It possesses rust-proof, fire-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and insect-resistant properties.
When purchasing this type of outdoor furniture, besides budget, the main considerations are the specific sizes and material composition. You can also purchase gazebos in various shapes to offer your target customers a diverse range of options.
Swing Chair
The swing chair is a new level of relaxation, designed to enhance your outdoor space like never before, and is a great addition to enjoy the afternoons! It comes in various styles, including egg chairs, helicopter chairs, and porch swings, catering to different user preferences.
Common materials include wood, metal, rope, natural rattan, synthetic rattan and wicker. Among them, metal is the more common material due to its sturdiness and weather resistance. Synthetic rattan and wicker, also because of its good weather resistance, not easy to fade, crack, or mold, often used with metal, making it durable, weather-resistant and beautiful in appearance, easy to maintain.
When purchasing swing chairs, you need to consider different types of swing chairs, and then choose materials based on your budget, location, and climate. And you should also consider the competitiveness of the price, whether it’s a best-selling model, and the loading capacity. If you are an e-commerce buyer, you also need to consider whether the product supports mail-order packaging for online sales.
Final Thought
In every procurement process, you need to make decisions based on the usage preferences of your target audience. As the outdoor leisure market becomes increasingly vibrant, more types of innovative outdoor furniture are emerging, TOPMAX suggest that you need to stay informed about the types and characteristics of each outdoor furniture type. You need to be aware of the considerations for each type of outdoor furniture during the procurement process, so that the furniture you purchase meets the needs of your target market.
FAQ
What type of outdoor furniture is the most durable?
Generally speaking, outdoor furniture made of aluminum, PE rattan and quick-drying fabrics are relatively durable.
Aluminum is corrosion-resistant and rust-proof, PE rattan has strong weather resistance, and quick-drying fabrics are effectively waterproof and mildew-resistant.
Outdoor furniture commonly made with these materials includes garden sofa sets, outdoor dining sets, sunbed sets, and fire pit sets.
What is the best type of outdoor furniture?
It depends on which angle you are looking at to determine what is best. If you’re looking for the best-selling types of outdoor furniture currently on the market, the outdoor seating and basic tables are the best options. If you’re looking for a complete outdoor furniture solution, outdoor sofa set with parasol, fire pits and sun loungers would also be the best option for you to purchase. If your focus is on increasing customer loyalty and repeat purchases, then outdoor lights, outdoor cushions, and other outdoor decorative types will be suitable for you.
So the key to seeing which outdoor furniture type is the best depends on your priorities.
What is the best type of wood for outdoor furniture?
FSC-certified heartwood teak is a relatively good option. Unlike sapwood, it uses the darker, central portion of the tree trunk’s cross-section, and possesses excellent resistance to insects, decay, and moisture. If considering the cost, you can use Balau wood as an alternative, it is hard and naturally rot-resistant, at a lower price than teak.
There are also thermally modified woods, western red cedar and quality pine available, sometimes we don’t necessarily choose the best, but rather the most suitable one.
Which materials are most popular for outdoor furniture?
The most popular materials vary depending on the type of outdoor furniture. For example, PE rattan is more popular for outdoor sofas, while lounge chairs often feature aluminum frames and Textilene fabric. Outdoor umbrellas typically have polyester fabric canopies and aluminum or wooden poles, and outdoor accessories such as cushions and pillows are made of quick-drying polyester blended fabrics.
What qualifications should I look for in an outdoor furniture supplier when purchasing?
First, you should check if the supplier has basic qualifications such as a business license, import and export rights, and third-party factory audit reports. Regarding the products, check for certifications such as ISO 9001, or environmental certifications such as FSC and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 for the materials they use. Next, you need to assess their R&D capabilities, production capabilities, and quality control. Finally, consider their creditworthiness and communication and service capabilities.
How to get outdoor furniture manufacturers to supply me with best-selling products?
To get a quality manufacturer to supply you with best-selling products, first you need to provide as much detailed information as possible about your business, such as sales figures and annual purchasing plans.
You also need to clearly define your needs, including your target audience, and share some information about your target market. This will help the manufacturers provide you with best-selling and precisely targeted products.
How can I assess the quality of outdoor furniture?
For first-time collaborations or large orders, you can hire a third-party agency to conduct inspections. If you need to inspect the goods in person, you should first check the certificates or reports of the raw materials, to confirm whether they are consistent with the materials specified in the contract. Check the product structure, such as confirming whether the thickness of the frame is consistent with the agreement. Verify the manufacturing process, such as ensuring that the weaving of rattan furniture is tight and even. Test the functions, such as checking if the opening and closing of outdoor umbrellas are smooth and without jamming, and whether the weight capacity of the chairs meets the target value. Regarding packaging, check if it provides sufficient protection for the product.
How to ensure that our OEM/ODM customized outdoor furniture designs are not leaked?
First, you need to understand the supplier’s confidentiality mechanisms, and sign a confidentiality agreement before confirming cooperation. Secondly, you can ask for strong intellectual property protection and non-competition clauses in the order contract, to safeguard your legitimate rights and interests.
What product qualifications should I focus on?
You should focus on the product’s durability and expected lifespan. You can also ask the supplier to provide appropriate product certificates or test reports, to ensure that the products comply with regulations.
What type of material is best for outdoor furniture?
It depends on your perspective. If you prioritize low maintenance, the aluminum alloy, PE rattan, and UV-resistant fabrics are your best choices; if you prioritize aesthetics, you need to choose different materials based on different styles, such as preferring vintage styles can choose cast iron, focusing on the natural scenery can choose teak, and those who prefer the modern style, can choose aluminum.
What is the best type of artificial wicker for outdoor furniture?
Artificial rattan commonly used in outdoor furniture is generally categorized into 3 types, they are HDPE rattan, PVC rattan and resin rattan. Among them, HDPE rattan has become the most accepted artificial rattan in the market due to its excellent weather resistance, environmental protection and excellent flexibility. But the cost is higher than PVC rattan, and it is typically used in the mid-to-high-end market, such as for outdoor sofas and outdoor tables and chairs.
