Patio Furniture Key Terms

Help business customers choose patio furniture that meets their company's needs

By Deborah Barr

Today's patio furniture is all about options. Selling patio furniture means helping customers choose the options that will best meet their needs. To provide appropriate guidance, you need to gather some information, so engage the customer in conversation. Talk about the patio environment: would lightweight plastic be better than heavy wrought iron? Educate customers about each furniture material’s cleanup and maintenance requirements. For example, explain that outdoor wicker furniture can be cleaned with a hose, while an elegant teak wood patio ensemble requires more time and attention. Which is more realistic for your customer's business? Finally, don't forget to discuss function: is the patio used for business meetings, or is it just a relaxing lunch spot for employees?

Here are some of the key terms that you can use to help match patio furniture to your customers' needs:

Wrought iron

Wrought iron patio furniture is made from a very reformed type of iron that is extremely strong. Wrought iron furniture must be covered it when it rains to keep it from rusting. When the skies are clear, it must then be uncovered so that condensation under the cover doesn't cause rust.
Try: Get information about wrought iron furniture manufacturers at the Wrought Iron Crafts website.

Recycled patio furniture

If your customer's business is green, or if its leaders are passionate about the environment, then suggest patio furniture made from recycled plastic. Its right in line with their business values. It's colorful, durable and virtually maintenance-free.
Try: If your customers want to learn more about the advantages of going green on the patio, suggest Eco Living Furniture.

Teak

Outdoor furniture made of teak wood is gorgeous, but it may be high maintenance. Rain won't hurt it, but over time the weather makes it turn a silvery-gray color. If that's a look your customer likes, then teak can be a great low maintenance choice. To prevent the color change, however, your customer must be prepared to invest a little time. Outdoor teak requires sanding and an application of teak oil every year.
Try: Westminster Teak gives more info about teak.

Accessory pieces

Accessory pieces for patio furniture are items such as a serving cart, a buffet or a beverage bar that can add something extra to any patio. These stylish patio furnishings can help create a unique and inviting outdoor room.
Try: You can find accessory patio pieces at the Telescope Casual Furniture website. See photos of more accessories at All American Pool & Patio.

Outdoor wicker

Outdoor wicker patio furniture is both pretty and practical. It is woven from a poly-propylene resin that resists moisture. Many brands have aluminum frames. If your customer is looking for a low maintenance patio solution, outdoor wicker may the answer. Cleanup consists of spraying it with a water hose and your customer won't even have to bring it inside in the winter.
Try: To see outdoor wicker furniture visit WickerFurniture.com. To learn more about outdoor wicker, just scroll down the page.

Commercial grade patio furniture

Commercial grade patio furniture meets or exceeds American Commercial Grade furniture standards. Many people think of this sturdy furniture as "pool" furniture. For many businesses, it's the perfect patio solution. Commercial grade patio furniture has welded aluminum frames and strong vinyl straps.
Try: You can find a wide variety of commercial grade patio furnishing at the Dr. Strap Premier Patio Furniture website.