BY KRISTINA MATISIC AND ANNA WALLNER
Summer is just around the corner and that means it’s time to dust off that lawn furniture. But if you plan to spend a lot of time in the

garden this year, you’ll want to make sure the set you’ve got will provide comfort, style and durability as you lounge into the dog days of July and August.

If you’re hitting the patio furniture stores this spring, keep the following tips in mind:

Cedar and teak are good low-maintenance options, as they can be left outside without special care.

Wicker or rattan is easy to move, but it can’t be left outside for long periods of time. It’s best suited to sunrooms or covered patios.

If you love the look of wicker outside, opt for hardier resin-coated fiberglass-molded wicker, aluminum wicker or the pricey Hularo fiber wicker from Denmark, which is specially color treated to reduce the appearance of scratches.

If you want metal furniture go for cast iron or cast aluminum to avoid rust. Wrought iron is cheaper than cast iron but it can rust if scratched, so make sure it has a protective coating on it.

With metal furniture, look for feet that are raised off the ground with small pads. The pads will keep the feet out of puddles and prevent rust damage. If the furniture is going on the lawn itself, look for legs with flat wide feet that won’t sink into the soil. And if it’s going to go on uneven ground, look for screwed-in footpads that can be adjusted for height.

For outdoor cushions, look for a special outdoor acrylic or acrylic-blend fabric with a fibrous–not foam–padding. Instead of being water repellent like other fabrics, outdoor acrylics allow water to run through them and are much more breathable. This makes for a quick drying time.

On all types of lawn furniture, look for hardware made of stainless steel or marine-quality brass. Inexpensive steel fittings can rust and cheap brass can turn black and the brass color can actually run.

Finally, don’t forget the umbrella to protect you from the sun’s rays. Look for a sturdy base to withstand high winds. This is especially important if you’re lucky enough to be putting your lawn furniture on waterfront property.