by Pamela Siegel
Looking to update or upgrade your patio furniture while keeping your budget in check? From garden benches to complete suites of patio furniture, you can find secondhand bargains to curate your own personal paradise. Learn more about picking and prepping the perfect secondhand patio furniture to ready your outdoor spaces—from apartment balconies to roomy backyards—for relaxing or entertaining.
Why to Buy Used Outdoor Furniture
If you’ve priced outdoor furniture at retail recently, it’s easy to understand why seeking out quality used patio furnishings makes good sense. With a little cleaning and care, all you need to outfit your patio for warm-weather fun can be purchased for a fraction of the usual cost, and your guests will never be the wiser unless you decide to share an awe-inspiring brag. This includes snagging pricey brand names like Brown Jordan and Ethan Allen, among others.
If your taste runs toward vintage, you can also find outdoor furniture styles that make a unique statement. Take the modern metal chairs first designed by Harry Bertoia in the 1950s, for example, or wrought iron sets by Salterini or Woodard. You can hunt down originals, but copies of these styles can offer the same look for less.
Pair Of Brown Jordan Lounge Chairs sold by Full of Surprizes Estate and Tag Sale Auctions via AuctionNinja
Types of Outdoor Furniture
Whether you prefer chic, modern looks or tried and true classics, every style imaginable can be found secondhand. Various plastics, wood, metals, and sling all have unique characteristics that will help you select the right used furniture based on your goals for the perfect patio.
Plastics: A Top Pick for Outdoor Use
Plastics take the win for being incredibly durable and weather-resistant, making them a go-to for outdoor furniture. They're seen in a variety of patio sets, many under the banner of synthetic resin.
Keep and Eye Out For: Polywood and Similar Products Notable brands like Polywood lead the pack, but there are plenty of similar products out there. Synthetic resin furniture is generally more aesthetic and sturdier compared to lightweight plastics. Everything from vibrant Adirondack chairs to spacious garden dining sets are made from this durable plastic. Even the wicker look can be achieved, making it a versatile choice for high-quality outdoor furniture.
Pair Of Padded Acacia Wood Outdoor Chairs sold by Clearing House Estate Sales - NC via AuctionNinja
Wood: A Patio Classic
Want durability but prefer the look of wood? Teak is your best option for weather-resistant hardwood furniture that will start out brown, weather to gray, and last for decades. Acacia is another water-resistant hardwood option. Softer woods like pine and cedar are also used for outdoor furniture, but those require more finish maintenance to keep them looking great. Expect to add cushions to wood seating for comfort if they're not included with your secondhand purchase.
Metals: Options in Aluminum, Steel, and Iron
The type of metal furniture right for you depends on how you'll be using it. Aluminum, valued for its durability and rust resistance, offers a portable, lightweight choice for outdoor furniture. Steel is a heavier alternative great for beach areas where salty wind is a factor. Wrought iron is also popular choice that can stand up to the elements with backyard patio use. The grandfather of metal garden furniture materials, cast iron, is the heaviest choice and can last for hundreds of years when painted.
Sling: An Alternative to Cushioned Furniture
Sling, a woven fabric made of polyester, attaches to a base usually made of metal or synthetic resin. It wears well, is easy to clean, and dries quickly. It makes a great substitute for cushioned furniture in areas where destructive squirrels, high winds, or excessive moisture can be an issue.
Ethan Allen Cast Aluminum Glass Top Patio Table 8 Chairs, Cushions, Umbrella With Stand, Side Table (12 Pcs) sold by Come Find Your Treasure via Auction Ninja
How to Care for Outdoor Furniture
Just a season or two sitting outside can leave outdoor furniture needing a refresh. Other times kids, animals, and nearby plants will make things messier than usual. Luckily, it isn’t complicated to keep your outdoor furniture clean, according to Outer. A few tips are all you need to keep some of the most popular outdoor furniture materials tidy.
Cleaning Plastics and Metal Trim
Whether you’re dealing with wicker made of synthetic resin or other types of plastic furniture, you can use warm water, mild dish detergent, and a soft brush to scrub them down when needed. Metal frames can be rubbed with a soft cloth dampened with your mild soap and water cleaner until any scuff marks or excessive soiling is removed. Thoroughly hose the furniture down after you finish, towel it dry, and let it air dry before putting any cushions or pillows back in place.
Cleaning Teak
Even though teak is durable and will last and last, it still needs to be cleaned occasionally to keep it looking its best. Scrubbing gently with a mixture of warm water and mild soap is all you’ll need. If you notice mold or algae, adding a little bleach to your cleaning solution can help with that. In that case, you'll want to consider putting down a tarp to protect the area beneath the furniture and wearing gloves while working. Gently hose everything off after you’re done cleaning and towel the furniture dry. It's also good to remember that pressure washing teak furniture is not recommended to avoid damaging it.
Freshening Cushions
Keeping most outdoor furniture cushions clean is easy. The first step is unzipping them and looking for care instructions on a label inside. If they are machine washable, remove the foam, and toss the covers in the washing machine. Let them air dry before putting the foam back inside. Otherwise, follow instructions for hand washing or spot cleaning fabric cushions as noted on the tag.
Now that your furniture is like new again, covering it is the best way to keep it ready for use. Covers made in a variety of shapes shield patio furniture in the same way that you cover your grill to keep it safe.
Ready to shop for outdoor furniture online? Browse all our patio furniture auctions on AuctionNinja.com.
Written by:
June 6, 2023 Updated 10:10 AM
As a freelance writer, Pamela Siegel covers lifestyle topics ranging from antiques and collectibles to interior design and everything around the home. Her work appears on The Spruce where she shared tips and research as the site’s antiques expert for many years. She also writes for House Digest, Kovels Antique Trader, Worthpoint, and Mashed. In addition to penning thousands of articles for online resources and print-based pubs, Siegel authored several books including “Warman’s Costume Jewelry” and “Buying & Seling Antiques and Collectibles on eBay.” She also shares her expertise with other magazine writers along with doing television, radio and podcast interviews. As often as possible, Siegel loves shopping flea markets and estate sales for her next great find, home decorating, foodie pursuits, and exploring the world on cruise ships.
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