Outdoor Furniture Deserves A Second Look At Your Next Estate Sale. Here's Why

Have you visited retailers specializing in quality outdoor furniture lately? You've probably noticed the prices can easily rival that of new indoor furniture. Especially If you're on a budget, you might decide to just wipe off those plastic stacking chairs you've had forever and make them last until you can afford an upgrade. Even if money's not tight, wouldn't it be nice to save a big chunk of change for something else instead of splurging on outdoor furniture? Saving money is one of the best reasons to shop local estate sales for outdoor furniture.

Yes, you can purchase brand name furnishings for your porch, patio, or backyard for less — sometimes much less — than heading to a retail outlet. Whether you favor cushioned furniture designed for hours of comfort or enjoy hunting down vintage pieces that will make a unique statement in your outdoor spaces, all these options are available at estate sales and it's easy to make used outdoor furniture look new again and ready for summertime fun.

When considering furniture available at estate sales, don't overlook name brands available for a fraction of the cost compared to retail. For instance, if you've been eying costly Brown Jordan or Castelle options, they can indeed be found secondhand at upscale estate sales. Even Woodard or Salterini's vintage wrought iron styles or metal chairs designed by Harry Bertoia back in the '50s can be garnered with some patience. If money's not a concern, you might opt for vintage originals, but copies are available secondhand for much less.

Estate sale shoppers also find many materials to choose from, such as aluminum, synthetic resin (such as Polywood), and teak wood furniture. In some instances, you might prefer a certain look, but it makes sense to choose an option suited to your environment, too. If you live in a rainy area or you have lots of pesky squirrels prone to making nests with cushion stuffing, removable cushions may be a wise choice, or you can consider a durable material like sling instead. Lightweight aluminum furniture is good when you need to move pieces around often, and synthetic resin furniture is great when withstanding the elements is a concern. You'll even find antique wrought iron chairs and garden benches available at estate sales if you want heavy furniture that will stand the test of time. Any of these options can be spruced up when you get them home and be ready for entertaining in no time.

Estate sale patio furniture usually needs a refresh when you get it home. Most materials like plastics and trim made of metal can be cleaned with mild dish soap added to warm water. Scrubbing synthetic resin or glass tops with a soft brush usually gets it squeaky clean. Use a soft cloth with the same soap and water mixture to rub down metal frames. Rinse the furniture with your garden hose afterward and let it air dry. Outdoor furniture made from teak may also need gentle cleaning. Most of the time, a light scrub with soapy water will do the trick, but adding a bit of bleach to the mixture will also take care of algae or mold. If you add bleach, consider protecting the surface beneath the furniture with a plastic tarp, and wear gloves while you're working. Be sure to towel the furniture down after hosing off the cleaning solution.

If cushions are dingy, you can try cleaning them before replacing them with new ones. Remove the covers first and read the laundering information on the label. Many are machine washable and can be air dried before reinserting the foam; others can be hand washed or spot cleaned to get them ready for use. If you want to avoid heavy cleaning in the future, consider purchasing some furniture covers to make your new-to-you outdoor furniture last and keep it clean all season long.