A beautiful weather shouldn’t be spent indoors. When the flowers are blooming, and the sun is shining, it’s the perfect time to hang out on your patio with a cold, refreshing drink and a good book. But alas, your patio is not a cozy outdoor retreat you want it to be – it needs a makeover! And when you think of a patio makeover, one of the first things that comes to your mind is the need for a nice outdoor loveseat glider.
An outdoor loveseat that could glide is a wonderful update if you want to have stylish and relaxing outdoor seating for your home. It is designed to comfortably seat two and it serves as an alternative to a porch swing. The kids will enjoy the novelty of a glider more than a regular bench and a loveseat glider is a great place for you and your companion to snooze or cuddle.
Now, there are many outdoor gliders that you could choose from and they are made with different types of material and they vary in style and design. It can get overwhelming but finding the right one to fit your dream patio is what this guide is for. So, read on and be enlightened.
Size
All gliders need extra space behind and in front to accommodate the backward and forward motion. And with a loveseat glider, though it is slightly smaller than the regular outdoor glider bench size, it would surely take up a lot of room on your patio. The glider needs to be appropriately scaled to the outdoor area where it will be used. You need to ensure your glider will easily fit into your outdoor space, hence, you need to make a careful note of the dimensions. Take note also that you will want some space between seating and around the outside of each furniture piece to allow people to move around easily.
Frame Construction and Material
There are outdoor loveseat gliders that are made of wood, plastic, wicker, and metal. Each material has its own advantage and disadvantage.
- Hardwood
Wooden loveseat gliders have a nice, homey look to them that can increase the curb appeal of your home instantly. Wooden furniture is versatile, and it has an iconic look and feel that fills it with timeless and instantly recognizable allure. Hardwoods come from broad-leaved trees and they produce dense wood. They are more likely to withstand years of wear and tear and they are commonly more expensive than softwood. Examples of hardwood are mahogany, walnut, oak, ash, birch, maple, and cherry. Gliders made of hardwood are difficult to scratch, dent, or damage. If you live in an area where the air is dry, and the rain is sparse, then this material is for you. Exposure to too much rain and moisture might ruin the wood and so the upkeep can be a little challenging. They need to be regularly maintained to look their best, like regular staining and varnishing. Popular choices for outdoor furniture and seating are cedar and teak. They are excellent choices since they naturally resist rot and insects. Teak is one of the most expensive furniture material on the market. It is completely resistant to wind, water, and rust and can stay outside all year-round. It is, however, difficult to maintain and needs to be regularly rubbed down and treated.
- Softwood
Softwoods like pine, redwood, douglas fir and cypress, are used as a substitute for hardwood. They are generally cheaper, they grow faster than hardwoods and they’re lighter, less dense and are easier to cut. Softwood is not very resilient or durable which makes it not such a great choice for outdoor seating. It must be varnished and protected if it is going to stay on the patio. It is suitable for mild climates and is offered in a wide range of painted colors and wood stain finishes.
- Wicker
Wicker is a great choice for sunrooms, porches, decks or patios. Natural wicker doesn’t really have the durability for outside use as it is not very resilient, and it can be easily damaged. It can lose its appearance quickly because it is not weather-resistant. Wicker made from rattan reeds, willow branches or cane does not hold up well under wet conditions. Wicker is also not easy to maintain. However, wicker made of synthetic resin is designed for outdoor use or patio furniture. It holds up to the elements better than wicker made from natural materials. Resin does not absorb moisture and won’t change shape or fall apart.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Lumber
HDPE lumber is usually made from recycled plastic. It is good for high-quality, durable outdoor furniture. It resists insects, rot, rust, and other chemicals. It also does not fade, split and crack and it is easy to clean with only soap and water. HDPE lumber also comes in a variety of colors.
- Metal
An outdoor loveseat glider made from metal is sturdy and more durable than wood or plastic. The metal look also adds an elegant and contemporary vibe to the patio. Metal gliders have more color choices and they look better when painted in color compared to wood. Aluminum is lightweight, tough, resilient, and easy to maintain. It is completely resistant to water and rust, however, it can be vulnerable to gusts of wind. Steel is heavier and stronger than aluminum but not as heavy as iron. Steel-framed furniture is quite durable. Iron, on the other hand, is the strongest and heaviest of all metal furniture. It can withstand weather-related abuse. Those who live in especially wet or humid environments should expect some weathering from a metal loveseat glider. The maintenance can be expensive as you have to make sure to take care of it very well and use only the prescribed cleaning solutions.
Chair Style and Design
In choosing the design and style of your loveseat, you need something that will complement your patio. You can choose from formal classic designs to fun and laid-back pieces. Keep in mind if you want a high, mid or low back chair. If you are going for a contemporary or rustic or American classic style, consider the Adirondack style loveseat. It has a deep, sloping seat, inviting flat arms, and iconic vertically slatted backrests. There is also the canopy type glider. It has a built-in overhead canopy that provides shade and shelter. It offers protection against harsh UV rays, allowing you to enjoy more time outdoors.
Modern contemporary designs tend to be oversized and have minimalistic designs. They are comfortable for lounging. And for a country or rustic feel, go for a weathered wood look and choose teak or ipe. Other classic styles feature understated designs in natural finishes and are available in myriad hues and materials. Most have an iconic slat back or a less traditional x-style backing. You can buy matching ottomans and additional cushions for comfortable seating.
Cushions and Other Accessories
To complete and finish the overall look of your patio with the outdoor loveseat glider, you need some accessories to go with it. Cushions and pillows provide additional comfort and color to the chair. Choose the right colors and patterns that would brighten the patio but at the same time, won’t look out of place. Look for weather and fade resistant fabrics and cushions that dry out fast. Make sure also that you match the proper cushion size and style to the chair. Ottomans and side tables are great accessories for your loveseat. Don’t forget rugs, outdoor heating and the unlimited variety of outdoor décor accessories to give you the ultimate outdoor living space.
Care and Maintenance
Different materials have different methods of maintenance. Plastic lumber is very easy to clean while wood needs some regular varnish or paint. Resin wicker cleans up well with a soft abrasive cleanser. You need to research the specific care instructions for the material you have to retain its pristine look. Think also of a storage place for your patio furniture where you can keep them during off seasons. It is also good to have furniture covers to protect them.
Price and Budget
Decide on a budget from which you will be working on. Investing in good quality furniture pieces has its rewards though they are more expensive. They are durable, stylish and will last for generations. But if you are on a tight budget, you can always search through secondhand shops, flea markets, and other odd places. You can also purchase a damaged piece and restore it to its former glory. There are also great deals available in outdoor furniture sets. The set may come with the gliders and tables.
There are truly many things to consider when you have a patio makeover and when you search for the perfect outdoor loveseat glider that fits your weather and personal preferences. And with this buyer’s guide, we hope that you have all the information you need. And when you finally have your loveseat glider on your lovely patio, cuddling with your family, entertaining friends or just having some alone time would surely be enjoyable and satisfying.