Choosing outdoor furniture is much like furnishing another room. It needs to look good, feel comfortable and suit the way you live, while also coping with New Zealand sun, rain, wind and changing seasons.
Before comparing products, think about how you will use the area, the available space, its exposure, maintenance and comfort. Getting these basics right makes it easier to choose furniture you will enjoy for years.
Start With How You Use the Space
Think about what usually happens outside at your place. You may want a dining table for family meals, a sofa for relaxing, loungers beside the pool or a flexible setting that handles a bit of everything.
Plan for regular use first. Extra chairs or an extending table can help when friends and whānau visit without crowding the deck every day. Modular sofas and stackable chairs also make it easier to change the layout. Poynters Shop by Furniture section lets you browse furniture by type.
Measure the Usable Area
Measure the usable area, then mark doors, posts, drains, planters and walkways. Allow room behind dining chairs and around lounge furniture. Plan an extending table using its open dimensions.
Check the delivery route too, including gates, doorways, stairs and tight corners. This is especially important if the furniture is not flat pack delivered. Painter’s tape can help you test the furniture footprint before buying. For balconies and narrow decks, choosing outdoor furniture designed specifically for compact spaces includes folding, stackable and slimline options.
Consider New Zealand Weather
The conditions at your home matter more than a general forecast. Consider direct sun, rain, wind and areas that dry slowly. Coastal homes also need to account for salt or sand, while poolside furniture may receive regular splashes.
In exposed areas, pay closer attention to furniture weight, finishes and care instructions. Loose cushions and light furniture may need to be moved or secured when strong wind is expected.
Choose a Suitable Material
No single material suits every home. Your choice should reflect the setting, appearance and upkeep you are comfortable with.
Teak has a warm, natural look. It can weather to silver-grey or be treated according to its care instructions to retain a warmer tone.
Powder-coated aluminium is lighter and easy to move. Regular cleaning helps remove dirt and salt, while chips in the finish should be checked.
Synthetic wicker, rope and strap add texture. Confirm that the weave is intended for outdoor exposure and can be cleaned easily.
HPL and ceramic surfaces suit modern tables, although weight and care requirements vary by product.
Check Comfort Before Buying
Dimensions do not tell you exactly how furniture will feel. Seat depth, back angle, cushion firmness and arm height all affect comfort. Dining chairs must also work with the table height.
At the Poynters showroom, you can compare seating, fabrics, finishes and table sizes. Bring photos and measurements of your outdoor area to help narrow down the options.
Choose a Style That Fits Your Home
Your outdoor area does not need to match the inside exactly, but it should feel connected. Repeating a colour, material or shape can help. Timber brings warmth, aluminium creates a cleaner look, and wicker or rope adds texture. Scale matters too. Deep sofas can overpower a small courtyard, while slim frames may look lost on a large deck.
Be Realistic About Maintenance
All outdoor furniture needs some care. Check how the frame and tabletop should be cleaned, whether timber needs treatment and where cushions will be stored during bad weather. Find out whether covers are removable and how quickly the filling dries.
Price matters, but the cheapest setting is not always the best value. Look at the frame, joints, finish, fabric, warranty and replacement parts. Furniture that fits properly and suits your maintenance preferences is more likely to be used and looked after.
Outdoor Furniture Checklist
Before placing an order, check:
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How will we use the area most often?
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How many seats do we regularly need?
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What are the usable dimensions?
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Is there room for doors, walkways and pulled-out chairs?
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Will the furniture fit through the delivery route?
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How much sun, rain, wind, salt or pool splash will it face?
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Does the material suit the location?
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Is the furniture comfortable?
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Are we happy with the cleaning and storage it needs?
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Have we checked the care and warranty information?
Once these points are clear, choosing outdoor furniture becomes much simpler. You canbrowse Poynters outdoor furniture range, visit the showroom at 34 Galway Street in Onehunga or contact the team for advice.