Originally Published on October 18, 2023. Last Updated on October 19, 2023.
Deep seating furniture is unmatched in coziness and comfort. Having one (or two) of these sets in your outdoor space amps up the aesthetic and offers space for year-round relaxation. But with so many options available, how do you know which products to pick?
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What Does Deep Seating Mean for Furniture?
Choose the Right Materials
Research & Read Customer Reviews
Play the Long Game with Lounge Furniture
Think About Your Overall Space
Carefully Consider Your Cushions
Select Your Deep Seating Style
Dress (Your Furniture) for Success
What Does Deep Seating Mean for Furniture?
Deep seating furniture is not quite the same as standard cushioned styles. These particular designs feature extended seat depths, offering extra space to curl up and providing more legroom for taller folks.
1. Choose the Right Materials
The first thing to consider is which material is best for outdoor deep seating furniture. This factor significantly impacts the price, quality, durability, and comfort of your selections. Here’s a rundown of the main material types and what you can expect from each.
Hardwood
Teak, ipe, and other hardwood varieties grow slowly, which makes these materials rarer and more expensive than softwoods. Known for its durability and superior density, hardwood has considerable heft and resilience. It’s resistant to strong winds, intense weather, dents, and scratches, but it still requires regular refinishing to maintain its looks and longevity.
Softwood
Because softwood trees grow faster than hardwoods, these materials are readily available. Less expensive and lighter than hardwood, softwoods like pine and cedar are common selections in deep seating furniture designs. However, this material isn’t as durable and falls victim to pests, warping, dents, and scratches if it’s not continuously maintained.
Wicker
Though beautiful and classic, wicker furniture does better in a climate-controlled environment. The lightweight woven designs are easy to move but susceptible to strong winds so they need to be anchored down. Without constant cleaning and conditioning, dirt and debris will quickly build up in hard-to-reach places, and the fibers can dry out and embrittle.
HDPE
HDPE is a weatherproof material that’s ideal for outdoor deep seating furniture and other backyard accessories. It’s weatherproof, low-maintenance, and highly durable, turning out long-lasting products that withstand the harshest climates. Though HDPE is on the expensive side, the offered benefits make it a worthwhile investment.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a popular deck furniture choice because it’s lightweight, inexpensive, and resistant to rust and most outdoor elements. However, the material’s feather-light nature makes it an easy target for strong winds. Plus, aluminum has high thermal conductivity, which means it easily pulls in heat from warmer objects and transfers heat to cooler objects.
For example, if an aluminum chair is left in direct sunlight, it’s going to absorb heat from the sun. When you touch the metal, it transfers the heat to your cooler fingers. Excessively high temperatures will burn your skin, which is why aluminum seats left outside on hot summer days are too hot to handle.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron furniture is a great option for adding elegance and a bit of whimsy to deep seating styles. The nearly black metal curved into delicate designs makes for an elegant contrast that many homeowners want for their space.
However, this luxurious look takes plenty of work to maintain. Wrought iron is highly susceptible to rust and requires consistent maintenance to keep moisture at bay. And like aluminum, wrought iron has high thermal conductivity so it can get too toasty to use if left under the sun too long.
2. Research & Read Reviews
Your deep seating deck furniture will see plenty of use throughout the year when you host parties, stretch out for an afternoon catnap, or snuggle into its coziness near the fire on a cool fall evening. Knowing this, you’re going to want sofas and chairs crafted with durability and quality in mind.
Do Your Research
While browsing products, look for the following terms that indicate high- or poor-quality products:
Scan Customer Reviews
To find out if the deep seating furniture you have your eyes on is both stylish and stalwart, read customer reviews and research the product’s construction and materials. If buyers who’ve had their furniture for years rave about the longevity, durability, and easy care, this is definitely something to pay attention to.
3. Play the Long Game with Lounge Furniture
Style is often the first thing you notice about furniture. On the other hand, durability and high-quality craftsmanship reveal themselves over time. The following factors are all indicative of well-made furniture that’s built to last.
- The furniture resists sun and storm damage.
- The frames don’t warp or crack from extreme temperature fluctuations.
- They remain unmoved on blustery days.
- Stains, mold, mildew, and pests are repelled.
- Care and maintenance are minimal and rarely needed.
Look at deck furniture as a long-term investment. This way, you’ll choose well-made products that—with proper care—will last for decades, saving a great deal of money and time in the long run.
4. Think About Your Overall Space
Deep seating deck furniture is bigger than other lounge pieces, and this is an important aspect to consider as you shop. We highly recommend measuring the outdoor space you’re designing before committing to any purchases. Knowing how much square footage you’re working with helps you avoid buying too many pieces or too big of sizes.
Here are the general rules for styling a space that’s not too cramped and not too sparse, but just right:
- If your setting is divided into multiple areas, have at least three feet of space separating them to create roomy walking paths.
- Sofas, chairs, and loveseats sitting abreast of one another should be about a foot apart.
- Areas immediately in front of doors, stairs, and other entrances need to be free of furniture and clutter.
- Coffee and end tables should sit between 14 and 18 inches away from furniture to keep drinks and snacks within easy reach.
- Furniture styled away from walls should have three feet of walking space on all sides.
5. Carefully Consider Your Cushions
Outdoor cushions should offer equal parts support, style, and comfort. They not only have to withstand Mother Nature but your discerning tastes as well.
Cushion Filler
You want cushions with a fairly firm interior. A higher-density filler made from synthetic materials is more resilient and resistant to moisture than a standard foam core.
Fabric
If you plan to leave your cushions outside, you need a textile designed for durability. We recommend performance fabric—it’s specially made for outdoor use. Cushions tailored in performance fabric have higher resistance to fading, tearing, weather, and stains.
Color & Style
Deep seating cushions and complementing throw pillows are ideal ushers for fresh hues and patterns. Pick shades that fit your deck’s aesthetic and your personal style, and don’t forget to ensure they match the frames.
6. Select Your Deep Seating Style
Deep seating styles are featured in multiple Trex® Outdoor Furniture™ collections, offering designs that meet a wide range of preferences.
Rockport
Rockport is a deep-seating-only collection that features elegant yet approachable styles. Curved arms and cushions combine with crisp angles to create visual treats and relaxing seats.
Yacht Club
Keep your seaside or poolside style on point with the exclusive Yacht Club Collection. Designed with clean, straight lines and topped with a unique headboard, this collection offers unparalleled class and waterfront style.
Eastport
Experience exceptional comfort and style with the Eastport Collection. Enjoy a fresh, modern look no matter where you live combined with the comfort your family can enjoy in any season.
Cape Cod
The Cape Cod Collection brings a bit of New England style to your space. The classic East Coast feel of the pieces allows our Cape Cod Collection to transport you to a simpler place and a simpler time.
7. Dress (Your Furniture) for Success
Deep seating furniture is a great foundation that you can build on to style an outdoor space that meets your family’s needs and tastes. Browse these outdoor ideas to jumpstart your style inspiration.
Fireside Family Time
A fire pit table styled at the center of your sectional, cozy throw pillows and blankets adding extra warmth, and landscape lights lending a low glow at the edges of the patio—what s’more could you ask for?
Digestif Destination
Style a deep seating set in the same space as your outdoor dining set. That way, when the meal ends you can take your after-dinner drinks to the deep seating sofa that’s mere steps away.
Mix & Match
Blend other furniture styles with your deep seating selections to add depth and contrast to your space. Add Adirondack chairs or chaise lounges nearby, with side tables dotting the room. Use color to connect all the pieces for an eclectic and cohesive experience.
