
Outdoor furniture on your deck, patio, in a clearing in the woods, and around the fire pit, makes your time outside more comfortable. And chances are, at your lodge or cabin, you are spending lots of time outside!
As we outfitted our lodge, one of my goals was to have enough outdoor furniture that we never had to drag chairs from one deck to another, or one part of the yard to another. My goal was to be able to follow the sun - or the shade - as the day progressed.
In good weather we eat breakfast at the log table on the south east porch where we soak in the morning sun. As the day progresses, lunch is usually on the north deck, happy hour in our outdoor living room on the west deck, and supper is spent watching the sunset. After dinner, a bonfire with roasted marshmallows for the kids.
Most of us have some old and very tired looking plastic and resin patio furniture around. Here's a tip: as long as that funiture is structurally sound (i.e., no cracks, not weakend by exposure to weather) you can easily rejuvinate it. Learn how in this short video.

Follow the same principles you use to decorate inside. Arrange your seating to encourage both conversation and relaxation. Have rustic coffee tables and end tables handy for that glass of lemonade, a cold beer, or snack. Have footstools for resting your feet (or extra seating).
To create a sense of intimacy, use patio umbrellas, trellises, and planters. You can even use hardy floor coverings to define an area and wall hangings or art for visual interest.
Many other outdoor accessories are available to help you create just the right look and feel for your outdoor living spaces.
Plan your rustic outdoor furniture arrangements to suit the size of your patio or deck. If the area is quite large, create two or more smaller seating areas or groupings within the larger space. Be sure to arrange your outdoor furniture to allow for easy traffic patterns.
It's all a matter of personal taste! There are so many options. You can choose outdoor benches (a nice touch is to place them strategically around your property), log, cedar, wrought iron, wicker furniture (resin is better than rattan for outdoor use), twig or willow furniture, or regular outdoor patio furniture. We have a combination of these, plus some wonderful pieces we've built ourselves, and some we've inherited along the way.
A patio or porch swing is a must for the rustic lodge lifestyle. Young and old love them! Hammocks are also a staple for a lodge or cabin. Both are great for napping! Adirondack chairs are not only very comfortable, but just their appearance evokes a sense of relaxation for many.
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| Outdoor Log End Table - Exterior Finish This table adds extra surface space and rustic design to your garden or patio. Individually hand crafted from Northern White Cedar logs, this table has an unfinished exterior stain and measures 20"W x 24"D x 24"H. more... |
Log Adirondack Chair - Exterior Finish more... |
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| Log Adirondack Settee - Exterior Finish You and your companion will love the comfort and convenience of this wonderful settee. The built-in table between the chairs is perfect for that glass of wine or cup of morning coffee! more... |
Rio Rancho End Table Twisted teakwood roots form the legs of this table for a rugged sturdy look and feel. This table can be used indoors or out. If used outdoors it will weather to a rich silver grey. more... |
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| Adirondack Rocking Chair Beautiful weathered patina adds rustic charm to home and garden. more... |
Adirondack Chair Classic Adirondack styling in rich aged wood patina. more... |
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| Water Bucket Planter Taking inspiration from an old well, this unique planter adds attractive wood tones to your living spaces. more... |