If you like spending quality time outside enjoying the company of everyone in your family, including your furry friends, you want to be sure that you choose the right type of outdoor furniture.

It can make such a difference to how you enjoy your time spent relaxing on your patio when you make the right choice of outdoor furniture. Here are some pet-friendly pointers to help you get it right when you are buying outdoor furniture.

Give your furniture the protection it needs

As much as you love your pets they can quickly ruin your furniture if you don’t take steps to protect it from the threat of scratches, muddy paws, and hairs. Having spent good money on a nice set of garden furniture it would be wise to spend a bit more on buying a good set of furniture covers. Buying covers for your patio furniture is a real no-brainer.

These covers will protect your furniture from the elements, helping it to last longer against the threat of rain, sun, and anything else the weather can bring to your patio.

The other obvious benefit is the fact that you get to choose when your pet sits on the furniture. You can keep your furniture clean and protected when not in use and regulate how and when your pets enjoy access to the seats they like to spread across at any opportunity.

Pick the right material finish for the best protection

Wooden garden furniture can be very attractive to look at, but it really isn’t a practical solution if you have pets living with you. Wooden table and chair legs can soon get scratched and chewed by your pets.

It is usually a better idea to choose a material finish such as aluminum, or maybe wrought iron if you prefer. Metal furniture is just as great to look at but it is far more practical when it comes to resisting any urge your pet has to scratch or chew the furniture.

Choose a suitable fabric

You also want a fabric finish that looks aesthetically pleasing but provides a good level of protection from pet damage at the same time. You want a fabric that is comfortable and durable but is also easy to clean too.

Light fabrics are probably going to be far too susceptible to scratching. You also need to think about what color fabric you have. It is probably best to opt for a darker color finish as anything like a cream color is going to show up muddy paws and dirt far too easily.

Another option to consider when protecting your furniture fabric would be to ask for a stain-resistant option or some sort of protective covering so that you and your pet can relax without you worrying about damage.

You can even get an anti-scratch spray if your pet has taken a liking to your patio furniture.

If you pick the right finish and material for your outdoor furniture it should help you to enjoy years of rest and relaxation on your patio and some quality time with your pets, without the worry about what damage they are causing.