As the weather grows warmer, the backyard naturally beckons to us. And if you’re a new homeowner, the backyard can also be one of the most fun spaces to make your own. When properly furnished, your backyard can add to the overall design of your home and help blend your property’s interior and exterior elements. It’s also a great space for relaxing in style! In this article, we’re going to help you curate your backyard furniture. Here at Acima Leasing we want to make sure you know what your options are and where you can find them. But before we get into discussing staple outdoor pieces, it’s important to consider several factors to get the most out of your backyard.

Furniture Materials and the Outdoor Elements

Before selecting outdoor furniture, first consider the natural elements these new pieces will be exposed to. Do you live in a hot, humid climate? Is it dry and desert-like, or known for seasonal summer showers? How windy is it where you live? Hot, dry conditions can cause wood to splinter and crack. Meanwhile, winds can easily knock over furniture made from lighter materials like aluminum. And lots of direct sunlight can cause paint discoloration and degrade synthetic materials — and it will even bleach certain fabrics. To make sure you’re investing in worthwhile outdoor furniture, consider your local climate and be realistic about certain material’s properties.

The Size and Shape of Your Backyard

The size of your space is an important consideration for obvious reasons. Just like with indoor furniture, you’ll want to shop for pieces that fit your yard’s unique size and shape. Do you have a long, narrow balcony? Or do you have a squared-off patio area? Use your backyard’s area and configuration to determine the right size of outdoor furniture needed — and remember not to fill the entire space! You’ll want to leave enough room for gatherings and proper traffic flow.

Are You Comfortable?

For any backyard space, comfort is the name of the game, so invest in pieces that allow you to relax. Chairs, chaise lounges, rockers and recliners are all great for unwinding outdoors. If these pieces don’t come with cushions, you can always get your own, but be sure to choose high-quality outdoor fabric that’s both fade- and mildew-resistant. Remember that your new pieces will be exposed to elements like rain, and cushions will hold moisture.

What’s Your Budget?

More than likely, the pieces you ultimately decide on will come down to how much you have to spend. Here are a few tips for staying on budget while still getting quality pieces:

Shop during key holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, as many retailers will discount furniture during these long weekends.

Look for pieces made from materials like aluminum and heavy-duty resin, as these can be less expensive but will still be very durable.

Don’t let summer pass you by! Shop Acima Leasing’s retailers, and bring home name-brand outdoor furniture today with our popular lease-to-own solution*. Shop for what you need without using credit, and make manageable lease renewal payments* as you work toward product ownership or save by exercising an early purchase option. You can also return the furniture in good condition at any time without further obligation[EC1] . Acima Leasing’s alternative to financing allows you to stay on budget and bring home the outdoor pieces you need right now. If you are looking for additional budgeting tips, check out a few more of our personal budgeting tips here.

OK! Let’s get into some staple furniture pieces for any backyard — but especially if you’re a first-time homeowner.

1. Outdoor Seating

If you shop for nothing else for your backyard space, at least bring home some seating so you can spend time outdoors this season. The nice thing about outdoor seating is that there are tons of possible options. You can choose from traditional outdoor chairs, hammocks, an outdoor sofa, chaise lounge or a rocker. And there’s seating for just about every backyard size and shape, so this is where you can have lots of fun thinking about a layout that will bring people together.

2. Outdoor Tables

There’s nothing like enjoying a meal outside on a warm summer evening. Scale is key, so make sure to allow at least two and a half feet from the edge of a table to the end of a patio, to allow enough space for chairs and circulation. Depending on the number of people you want to accommodate, you can shop full-on outdoor dining tables that serve six or more people. Alternatively, you might opt for smaller squared tables that serve up to four, or even some small bistro tables perfect for two people. Again, it all comes down to the size and shape of your space.

3. A Source of Shade

If you plan on spending a sizable amount of time outside this summer, especially on the hottest days, you’ll want a source of shade. Whether it’s an awning or a pergola, or a table that comes equipped with an umbrella, there are lots of pieces that can help provide that much-needed cool zone.

4. Grill

Grilling is a vital part of the summertime backyard experience. If you have the space, especially as a new homeowner with a backyard, we highly recommend investing in a grill. What better way to bring friends together than to offer sunshine, burgers and hot dogs?

5. A Fire Pit

A fire pit certainly isn’t mandatory, but it sure adds a nice aesthetic and a sense of fun to any outdoor space. A fire pit is not only a great way to add heat — especially if you live in a place where temperatures drop at night — but this addition will also provide an intimate and mysterious evening ambience.

Looking for More Backyard Advice?

Are you enjoying our outdoor furniture and living content? There’s more inspiration where that came from! Check out these similar articles as you prepare for time outdoors this season.

• How to Arrange Patio Furniture

• How to Choose a Pergola for Your Backyard

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