How to Choose Patio Furniture That Holds Up to Kentucky Weather
Choosing patio furniture in Kentucky isn’t just about finding a style you love. Your furniture also needs to handle the changing conditions that come with living in Central Kentucky.
From hot summer sun and humidity to rain, storms, temperature swings and cold winter weather, patio furniture in Lexington and the surrounding area can be exposed to a little bit of everything throughout the year. Choosing materials designed for outdoor use can help your patio furniture stay comfortable, attractive and functional season after season.
So, what should you look for when buying patio furniture in Kentucky? Start with durable, weather-resistant materials, outdoor-rated fabrics and furniture that fits how and where you plan to use it.
At Aurora Pools & Spas in Lexington, we help homeowners throughout Fayette, Scott, Madison, Jessamine, Woodford and Clark counties find patio and outdoor furniture that fits their space, style and budget.
What Does Kentucky Weather Do to Patio Furniture?
Kentucky weather puts patio furniture through a wide range of conditions each year. Sun, heat, humidity, rain, wind and freezing temperatures can each affect furniture differently.
- Sun and heat: UV exposure can fade colors and break down some materials and fabrics over time.
- Humidity and rain: Moisture can lead to rust on some metals, mildew on fabrics and swelling or cracking in certain woods.
- Wind: Lightweight pieces may shift or tip during strong storms.
- Winter cold: Freezing temperatures and moisture can be hard on materials that absorb water.
Choosing furniture built to handle these conditions helps it look better and last longer with less upkeep.
What Is the Best Patio Furniture for Kentucky Weather?
For Kentucky homeowners, some of the most practical choices are outdoor furniture made from aluminum, polymer and recycled plastic. These materials are designed for outdoor environments and can provide the durability and lower-maintenance performance many homeowners want.
Here’s how common outdoor furniture materials compare:
- Aluminum: Lightweight or cast options are available, and aluminum doesn’t rust the way iron or steel can. A quality powder-coated finish helps protect it from the elements.
- Polymer and recycled plastic: Resistant to moisture and typically don’t require painting or sealing. These pieces are often heavier and sturdy, which can be helpful in windy conditions.
- Wrought iron and steel: Heavy and durable, but can rust if the protective finish is scratched or worn.
- Wood: Offers a natural look, but many types need regular sealing or oiling to handle moisture and sun.
- Resin wicker: Provides a woven look with better weather resistance than natural wicker, though quality varies by manufacturer.
The best choice for your backyard will depend on several factors, including whether your patio is covered or exposed, how much direct sunlight it receives, whether the furniture will be used around a pool and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with.
Aluminum Outdoor Furniture
Aluminum is a popular choice for patios and pool areas because it combines durability with relatively easy maintenance, and it holds up well to Kentucky’s rain and humidity. It also offers plenty of design flexibility, with lighter options that are easy to move and heavier cast pieces that feel more substantial.
When comparing aluminum furniture, look beyond appearance. Construction quality, finishes, hardware and overall craftsmanship can all influence how well a piece performs over time.
Polymer and Recycled Plastic Outdoor Furniture
Polymer and recycled plastic furniture can be another practical option for Kentucky backyards.
These materials are often selected by homeowners looking for furniture that is easy to care for and well suited to outdoor conditions. They’re particularly appealing for poolside spaces where furniture may regularly encounter moisture, splashes and wet swimsuits.
Comparing different materials in person can help you decide which combination of comfort, appearance and maintenance works best for your outdoor space.
Does Wind Affect Which Patio Furniture You Should Choose?
Yes. Kentucky’s spring and summer storms can bring strong gusts, and lightweight chairs, tables or umbrellas may shift or tip.
If your outdoor space is open or exposed, furniture weight is worth considering. Heavier pieces may be less likely to shift or tip in windy conditions, while lighter furniture may need to be secured or moved when severe weather is expected.
What Should You Look for in Outdoor Cushions and Fabrics?
Look for fabrics specifically designed for outdoor use, particularly when furniture will be exposed to direct sunlight, rain, humidity or pool water. The frame isn’t the only part of your patio furniture exposed to the elements, so cushions and upholstery matter too.
When comparing outdoor fabrics, consider:
- UV and fade resistance
- Water and moisture resistance
- Mold and mildew resistance
- Ease of cleaning
- How quickly cushions dry after getting wet
These qualities can be especially helpful for furniture surrounding a pool or sitting in an uncovered area.
Does It Matter Where Your Patio Furniture Will Be Placed?
Absolutely. One of the easiest ways to narrow your choices is to think about where the furniture will actually live.
A covered porch has different exposure than a dining set sitting in full sun. Poolside furniture may regularly get wet, while an uncovered conversation area may need to handle both sun and rain.
Before choosing a set, consider how much sun and shade the area receives, whether it’s protected from rain, how close it is to your pool or spa, and whether you’ll store or cover the furniture during winter.
Thinking about the location first can help you choose materials and fabrics that make sense for the space rather than choosing based on appearance alone.
How Do You Choose the Right Size Patio Furniture?
The right size patio furniture fits your space with enough room for people to move comfortably around it. Before shopping, measure your outdoor space and think about traffic flow. A large sectional may look beautiful in a showroom but overwhelm a smaller patio, while undersized furniture can make a large outdoor living area feel unfinished.
Leave enough room for chairs to pull away from dining tables and for guests to comfortably walk around seating areas.
It’s also helpful to think about how you actually use your backyard. A family that regularly hosts cookouts may need a larger dining set, while someone who primarily wants a quiet place to relax by the pool may get more use from lounge seating or a smaller conversation set.
What Outdoor Furniture Is Best Around a Pool?
The best poolside furniture is made from materials designed to tolerate moisture and outdoor exposure. Consider features such as:
- Easy-to-clean surfaces
- Outdoor-rated, quick-drying fabrics
- Comfortable lounge seating
- Shade options
- Tables for drinks and snacks
- Furniture appropriately sized for the pool deck
If you’re using cushions near the water, look for outdoor performance fabrics designed to withstand moisture, sun exposure and regular outdoor use.
Should You Cover Patio Furniture in Kentucky?
Covering patio furniture can help, even for pieces designed for outdoor use. Furniture covers can limit exposure to dirt, leaves, moisture and seasonal weather when your patio isn’t being used. Depending on your space, umbrellas and other shade solutions can also help create a more comfortable outdoor living area.
Always follow the furniture manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning, covering and seasonal storage.
Is More Expensive Outdoor Furniture Worth It?
It can be, but price alone doesn’t tell you whether a piece of outdoor furniture is right for your home. Instead, consider construction, materials, comfort, maintenance requirements and expected longevity. A lower-priced set that needs to be replaced frequently may not provide the same long-term value as furniture built specifically for sustained outdoor use.
The goal isn’t necessarily to buy the most expensive furniture. It’s to find furniture that fits your budget, your backyard and the way your family plans to use the space.
How Can You Make Patio Furniture Last Longer?
Routine care is the easiest way to make patio furniture last longer, even for weather-resistant pieces. Regularly remove dirt and debris, clean spills according to the manufacturer’s instructions and address stains before they have time to set. Keep cushions clean and allow wet fabrics to dry thoroughly.
During periods when the furniture won’t be used, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for covers or storage.
A little routine care can help protect both the appearance and performance of your outdoor furniture.
What Questions Should You Ask Before Buying Patio Furniture?
Asking the right questions can help you choose furniture that fits both your space and Kentucky’s climate. Before buying, consider asking:
- What material is it made from, and how does it handle moisture and sun?
- What type of finish does it have?
- How heavy is it, and how does it handle wind?
- Are the cushions and fabrics designed for outdoor use?
- What maintenance does it require?
- Should it be covered or stored during winter?
- What warranty coverage is included?
Where Can You Shop for Patio Furniture in Lexington, KY?
You can shop patio furniture in person at the Aurora Pools & Spas showroom at 1512 Colesbury Circle in Lexington. Seeing outdoor furniture in person makes choosing much easier. You can sit in different chairs, compare materials and finishes, see fabric colors in person and get a better sense of how large each piece really is.
Aurora’s 30,000-square-foot showroom features patio furniture and outdoor living products from top industry manufacturers, including aluminum, polymer and recycled plastic options, so homeowners can compare different materials, styles and seating options side by side.
Whether you’re furnishing a pool deck, patio, porch or complete backyard entertaining area, the Aurora team can help you compare options based on your space, style, budget and how you plan to use your outdoor living area.
Since 1982, our family-owned and operated team has helped Central Kentucky homeowners create outdoor spaces designed for relaxing, entertaining and spending more time outside. We proudly serve Lexington, Georgetown, Richmond, Nicholasville, Versailles, Winchester and Woodford County.
How Do You Find the Right Patio Furniture for Your Kentucky Backyard?
The right outdoor furniture combines weather-resistant materials, outdoor-rated fabrics and quality construction with pieces suited to your particular space. Kentucky weather can change throughout the seasons, but thoughtful choices can help you create a backyard that’s ready for years of enjoyment.
Just as importantly, think about how you want to use your backyard so you choose pieces that are comfortable and practical for your lifestyle.
Visit Aurora Pools & Spas in Lexington to explore patio and outdoor furniture in person and find options for your patio, pool deck or outdoor living space.
Frequently Asked Questions About Patio Furniture in Kentucky
What outdoor furniture holds up best to Kentucky weather?
Aluminum, polymer and recycled plastic furniture are practical choices for Kentucky because they’re designed for outdoor use and require relatively little maintenance. The best option depends on your space, sun exposure and how much upkeep you prefer.
Does aluminum patio furniture rust?
Aluminum doesn’t rust the way iron or steel can, which makes it a good fit for Kentucky’s rain and humidity. Finish and construction quality also affect how well it holds up over time.
Is heavier patio furniture a good choice for windy areas?
Heavier furniture may be less likely to shift or tip in windy conditions, which can make weight an important consideration for open patios and pool decks.
Should you cover patio furniture in the winter?
Covering or storing furniture during the off-season can help limit exposure to moisture, debris and winter weather. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific furniture.
What type of cushions are best for outdoor furniture?
Cushions made with outdoor-rated fabrics that resist fading, moisture and mildew, and that dry quickly after getting wet, are good choices for Kentucky’s sun, rain and humidity.
What is the lowest-maintenance outdoor furniture?
Polymer and recycled plastic furniture are among the lower-maintenance options because they resist moisture and typically don’t require painting or sealing. Aluminum is also relatively low maintenance.
What is the best furniture for around a pool?
Poolside furniture should be made from moisture-tolerant materials with easy-to-clean surfaces and quick-drying, outdoor-rated fabrics. Polymer and recycled plastic furniture are popular poolside choices.
How do I know what size patio furniture to buy?
Measure your outdoor space and leave enough room for chairs to pull out and for people to walk comfortably around seating areas. Consider how you plan to use the space, such as dining, lounging or entertaining.
Where can I buy patio furniture in Lexington, KY?
Aurora Pools & Spas offers a selection of aluminum, polymer and recycled plastic patio furniture at its 30,000-square-foot showroom at 1512 Colesbury Circle in Lexington.