You’ve closed on the property and signed all the necessary paperwork—it’s finally time to move into your second home. There are undoubtedly still things to do, such as setting up utilities, handling maintenance needs, and meeting your neighbors; and we’re certain that decorating is near the top of your to-do list.
Use our guide to help you furnish your outdoor spaces with weather-resistant patio furniture that suits your home’s aesthetic and purpose, fits your style vision and entertaining needs, and handles the local climate and environment.
Key Considerations for Second Home Outdoor Furniture
Let these factors shape your patio plans.
Care: Buy low-maintenance outdoor furniture that’s easy to clean—ideal if you use the home seasonally.
Climate: Choose weather-resistant outdoor furniture materials that endure the area’s elements.
Budget: Shop outdoor seating options that meet your needs without overspending.
Size: Select seating that fits your space without overcrowding.
Functionality: Your furniture selections should suit your home’s purpose.
Accessibility: Pick pieces anyone can enjoy, from children to older guests.
Durability: Invest in furniture that withstands repeat use and elemental exposure.
Comparing Outdoor Furniture Materials
Browse the benefits and drawbacks of popular outdoor furniture materials.
Hardwood
Hardwood furniture is stunning. It’s also durable and heavy, making it resistant to scratches, scuffs, and strong winds. However, its beauty and brawn come with a hefty price tag, and that extra heft makes maneuvering a challenge for some.
Softwood
Pine, cedar, and other softwoods are more affordable and easily accessible options than hardwood. They make beautiful pieces, but the problems lie in durability and maintenance: Continuous care is needed to stave off pests, water damage, dents, and warping.
Wicker
Whether natural or synthetic, wicker furniture looks pretty on any patio. It’s lightweight and well-ventilated, but the thin woven strands are prone to breakage without constant care. Plus, cleaning all those nooks and crannies is tedious.
Aluminum
Lightweight, affordable, and durable, outdoor furniture made with aluminum is a popular choice among homeowners. However, this highly conductive material can quickly overheat in direct sunlight, and a strong wind gust can easily tumble it into your neighbor’s yard.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is a sustainable outdoor furniture material that’s recyclable with minimal care requirements. And it's weather-resistant, wind-resistant, and watertight to boot. It does have a higher price point, however, and the extra heft can make moving larger pieces a two-person job.
Find What Fits: Outdoor Furniture Styles
You have a wide range of patio furniture options to choose from. Explore the various types to find what fits your needs.
Outdoor Dining Sets
Pick the perfect mealtime setup for your second home.
Dining: Dining sets are lower to the ground and often include versatile seating options like benches. They’re also great for creating accessible outdoor spaces for individuals with mobility concerns.
Counter: Counter tables and chairs are higher and occupy less floor space than their dining-height cousins. They work well in small spaces and sit flush with countertops, making them perfect for outdoor kitchens.
Bar: Bar-height furniture is a go-to for taller folks and those working with limited square footage. It’s also an excellent choice for experiencing unimpeded views from your balcony.
Kids: Don’t forget the little ones! Give children their own pint-sized place to enjoy meals, crafts, and playtime—no booster seat required.
Space-Saving Patio Furniture
If you have big plans for your small outdoor space, use versatile furnishings to maximize its potential.
- Foldable: Easily store folding furniture by tucking it beneath tables or leaning it against walls to make room for other activities.
Stackable: Open up the floor and reduce clutter with stacking furniture that occupies vertical space.
- Multiuse: When you think of adaptable furniture, benches come to mind. Available with or without backrests, benches add extra seats to outdoor dining sets, fit hard-to-style places like narrow porches or walkways, and complement larger pieces on spacious patios.
Lounge Chairs
Want a leisurely, laid-back aesthetic? Outdoor furniture designed for high-quality lounging is just what you need.
Adirondack chairs: The model for rest and relaxation, Adirondacks have reclined designs that feature slatted backs, wide armrests, and tilted seats that sit lower to the ground. If you prefer to stand taller, seek upright outdoor furniture styles with seats sitting level to the floor.
Chaise lounges: While chaise lounges are typically found in sunny spots or poolside patios, they’re great fits in other areas too, provided you have enough room. These elongated seats offer head-to-toe comfort, and many models come with adjustable backrests so you can choose your relaxation level.
Deep Seating
Looking for lounge furniture with a bit of extra luxury? Deep seating outdoor furniture brings indoor style and unrivaled comfort outside.
Sectionals: This versatile seating can be reconfigured to fit a variety of spaces. It fits best in medium or larger areas as the modular chairs are typically generous in both width and depth.
Sets: Consisting of chairs, loveseats, and/or sofas with matching end tables, deep seating sets deliver style you can sink into.
Tables
From storage solutions to ambiance enhancement, outdoor tables are essential to stress-free styling.
Accent: These smaller pieces complement the surrounding seats and keep your drinks, snacks, and cell phones within reach. Think side and end tables, and conversation and coffee tables.
Storage: Protect cushions, decor, blankets, and other outdoor essentials in the confines of a storage table.
Fire pit: Light up the night with fire pit tables, the perfect low-maintenance outdoor furniture that enhances ambiance with little effort on your part.
Motion Seating
Designed to sway you into relaxation, these seats require extra clearance to accommodate their movements.
Swings: With room for two or more, porch swings are ideal for peaceful moments with a loved one. You need a sturdy frame or ceiling joist to hang them.
Rocking chairs: Rockers are relaxing options thanks to their gentle back-and-forth motion—select this seat when you have babies to rock to sleep. Just keep in mind that rocking chairs don’t perform well on soft or uneven surfaces like sand, pea gravel, or brick.
Gliders: If you’re unable to accommodate a swing or rocker at your second home, try a glider instead. It’s an excellent alternative because it moves on a fixed base and works just fine on any surface.
Accessories
Give your carefully curated aesthetic the finishing touches with outdoor accessories designed to endure the elements.
- Umbrellas: Welcome shade and extra color to every meal with a patio umbrella. Standard and bar-height models allow you to take your comfort to greater heights.
- Pillows: Outdoor cushions increase coziness and provide extra support. They’re also a simple and inexpensive way to introduce new hues and patterns when you’re ready for a style update.
- Ottomans: Enhance the comfort of your Adirondack chair or deep seating set with complementing outdoor ottomans.
Space Planning for Your Second Home
Measure Your Outdoor Spaces
Once you have full ownership of your second property, take an afternoon to accurately measure all the outdoor space you can furnish. These measurements should include obvious spots like your front porch, deck, and patio, as well as areas like an open stretch next to your garden or the space alongside a pool.
Write down your findings or keep a record saved on your smartphone. When it’s time to shop, keep the dimensions on hand to help you find pieces that fit your outdoor spaces just right.
Possible Uses for Your Outdoor Spaces
Look through our list of suggestions that complement your second home's primary use.
Vacation Retreat
It’s where weekend getaways and summer breaks start, and work and worries end. We suggest durable vacation home outdoor furniture that can be left outside for long stretches. Items crafted from all-weather materials such as HDPE are low-maintenance and clean up fast, allowing you to start relaxing sooner rather than later.
Seasonal Home
You’re in your snowbird era, escaping the cold temperatures in favor of warmer weather half the year. For second homes like this that are only used occasionally, we advise choosing furniture you can store in the off-season.
Folding Adirondack chairs and tables, stackable chaise lounges, and other adaptable pieces that can be protected in a shed or garage last longer and clean more easily. If you’re unable to store your furnishings, invest in durable, well-fitting covers that will shield them from the elements while you’re away.
Investment Property
Whether your aim is to create an income-generating vacation rental property or you’re flipping houses, you’re going to want furniture that can handle repeat use. Invest in pieces that require minimal care, bring value to guests or tenants, and easily integrate into the home’s aesthetic, such as:
Durable outdoor dining sets where a vacationing family can fuel up with breakfast before a day of hiking, mountain biking, or sightseeing.
A relaxing deep seating loveseat that’s perfect for newlyweds on their honeymoon who want to sit close and snuggle up.
Colorful Adirondack chairs that stand out in photographs and pose perfectly when it’s time to show the home to potential buyers.
Low-maintenance outdoor furniture that provides comfort and durability for long-term tenants, such as a swing that makes their porch feel like an extension of the home.
Family Gathering Spot
Reunions, birthday parties, and other get-togethers happen here. This might be a larger home with spacious outdoor areas you want to fill with enough furniture to accommodate everyone. Look to deep seating sectionals and conversation sets to bring comfort to a crowd. Invest in a few fire pit tables too, as they’ll warm up the aesthetic and offer light late into the night while loved ones reminisce and reconnect.
Mobility- and kid-friendly outdoor seating options are great additions too. Choose upright Adirondack chairs that make the transition from sitting to standing seamless, swivel dining chairs that move with you, or dining sets sized perfectly for your little ones.
Set Yourself Up for Success
Make your design vision come to life with our outdoor planning tools!
Second Home Outdoor Furniture Ideas Based on Location
Here are our curated furniture picks for homes in various climates.
Coastal Haven
Select coastal outdoor furniture with laid-back, airy designs that can withstand heat, humidity, and salty sea breezes. Think ultra-durable Adirondack chairs on the beach in oceanic blues and greys or a citrus-inspired bar set for your Florida vacation home’s waterfront balcony.
Mountain Getaway
Your property will undoubtedly be surrounded by trees and incredible scenery, so you’ll definitely want mountain home patio furniture that allows you to enjoy both while standing up to the elements.
Bar or counter sets offer unobstructed views from your balcony, and rocking chairs are perfect for watching the sun rise over the tallest peaks. Opt for easy-to-clean HDPE furniture that’s resistant to damage from sap and pollen, wildlife, or fallen branches.
Modern Escape
A sleek high-rise short-term rental in the city calls for space-saving patio furniture with minimalist vibes. Consider a bistro set where guests can sip coffee and people-watch from the comfort of their balcony or a pair of Adirondack chairs dedicated to relaxing after a day of shopping and sightseeing.
Desert Oasis
The best patio furniture for second homes in the desert is resistant to heat and fading. Shop for pieces crafted with UV-resistant HDPE, which handles hot temperatures better than aluminum or wrought iron and will stay bright and vivid year after year without the need for refinishing.
Lakeside Retreat
Lake life is all about slowing down and enjoying the moment (and the views). Choose durable, weather-resistant Adirondack chairs you can sink into and watch the morning mist roll over the water or your grandkids splash in the waves come mid-afternoon.
