Need advice on patio furniture....

[Renee]

I know this isn't COMPLETELY hot tub related, but we just laid this brick patio near our hot tub last month, and now we're tyring to pick out patio furniture.  I need advice from some of you that have experience with patio furniture.  Should we get the cushion type, or the sling type?  I really like the sling type, but we're concerned how long the sling fabric will last.   Also, we'll be using a fire pit in the vicinity, if that matters any.  
Any help you could give would be great!

[jgirvine]

Sling.....

I am on my second set of sling back....how long did the first one last you ask, try 16 years and was still going strong, the reason we got new was a move to a new house and the current look in patio furniture is the dark bronzes and such and the old set was white with a very light color fabric...made it look dated.  The new set actually came with a certificate to get new fabric slings after 4 years of ownership.  Don't know that they will be needed, but put it away to save.

We stayed away from the cushion for several reasons.....we did not want anything we needed to carry in, them getting dirty, them feeling wet, and blowing away.

Good luck with your choice, you have a pretty setup going.

[kervis]

I do not have sling, only cushion, because I have those dirty silver maple trees.  We also have spruce and pines close by.  Everything gets a nice yellow coat of pollen in the spring, along with the brown thingies when the trees are budding.  Then we get the whirlybirds--that just ended.  When fall comes, then we get the leaves, and when they get wet and sit, they stain.

It's all I can do to keep the patio presentable without having to also worry about who is sitting where and is it dirty, and will they ruin their shorts?

We like to bring the cushions in and out and therefore are guaranteed they are clean and dust/dirt free.  I bought my last cushions at Target--if they get ruined they are relatively cheap enough to replace. (instead of a sunbrella type)

My friend who has slings goes to the dollar store and gets their version of scrubbing bubbles.  Spray it on, rinse it off, and every so often, a gentle scrub with a soft brush.

[Zep]

this is basically what I have with the waterproof
and removeable pillow seats and backing
it can be used with and without the cushions
very comfy with the cushions and a nice
look out on the patio in the Texas winter without cushions

of course everybody's needs are different in where they live
if they are outside alot or alittle, how they entertain and how
often they entertain

[kacrab10]

We have sling and they seem to dry quickly and I love the look.  I wouldnt go back to cushions they take way too long to dry and storage for winter is a pain!

[Gomboman]

this is basically what I have with the waterproof
and removeable pillow seats and backing
it can be used with and without the cushions
very comfy with the cushions and a nice
look out on the patio in the Texas winter without cushions

of course everybody's needs are different in where they live
if they are outside alot or alittle, how they entertain and how
often they entertain

Very nice Zep. I have the same chairs. Did you find those at Costco?

[dax]

We have sling and they seem to dry quickly and I love the look.  I wouldnt go back to cushions they take way too long to dry and storage for winter is a pain!

Agreed.  We went with sling as well.  Comfortable and easy maintenance.

[Zep]

"Very nice Zep. I have the same chairs. Did you find those at Costco?"

Thanks Gombo.....the one shown is not exactly my chair but very close.

I bought them on a closeout sale at a store in Dallas called Weir's.

Personally I prefer the cushions....I think they are more comfortable,
mine dry very, very quickly and in Dallas I actually leave them out all year.

I may see if Costco has them here in Dallas, I could use a couple more.

[spa-ing]

We have sling, Tropitone brand. They are very comfortable and we get a free replacement sling after 5 years if needed.  They weren't cheap.

[Zep]

spa-ing that looks nice!
pretty deck too.

[Steve]

We have sling, Tropitone brand. They are very comfortable and we get a free replacement sling after 5 years if needed.  They weren't cheap.

Tropitone is one of the best out there. Sling is the ONLY way to go unless you love running outside to remove cushions all the time. Mallin is also very good.

[Renee]

Wow Spa-ing...beautiful deck & view!

Thanks to everyone's advice, we've decided to go with sling furniture.  While the cushioned set might be a little more comfy, I'm afraid the cushioned furniture would be become a burden...especially here in Nebraska!  
I'll be picking my up my new sling patio set this afternoon...

[Steve]

What brand did you buy?

[Jacuzzi Jim]

 We sell Tropitone, Tommy Bahama, 2 different kinds of wicker, also Brown Jordon, Kettler, Gloster and a couple others I cant remember, all very nice stuff.   I think Tropitone is # 1

[Zep]

"Sling is the ONLY way to go unless you love
running outside to remove cushions all the time. "[/i]

wow that must depend on where you live
i never run out to remove cushions
in fact they stay out year round in Dallas
they are about 3 years old and still look great
if they get wet they dry super quick
and are sooooooo comfy!
But hey..."the only way to go" is the way that works for you!