The Ultimate Guide to Pet-Proof Outdoor Furniture

Do you have a dog that considers the patio his territory? Maybe a cat that treats every chair like it's their own personal throne?

Pets don't make exceptions when it comes to furniture. And even the gentlest pet can cause wear and tear on fabrics and materials. So why choose between great outdoor furniture and your furry friend?

By investing in furniture with the right materials and using a bit of strategic design, you can make sure your backyard is ready to handle anything your pets bring its way.

 

Why Buy Pet-Proof Outdoor Furniture?

For the average homeowner, a backyard is a place to lounge, play, and host. Dogs love to nap on their chairs and jump on cushions. Cats often climb and perch on furniture, and if they can, use table and chair legs to sharpen their claws.

Outdoor furniture that isn't built for pets will wear out fast, and replacing worn pieces every couple of seasons gets expensive quickly. Investing in pet-proof furniture is about choosing pieces that you can all enjoy together.

• - Claws, teeth, and muddy paw prints can quickly break down outdoor furniture materials such as wood, wicker and delicate fabrics.
•  - Pet accidents and other bodily fluids can stain or soak into porous materials and furniture.
• - Investing in durable outdoor furniture means you can relax with your pets instead of policing them while you're outside.

 

What’s The Best Material for Pet-Friendly Outdoor Furniture?

When choosing pet-proof outdoor furniture, you want to pick the right material. Highwood furniture is crafted from high-density poly lumber with a NatureTEX surface. This means furniture looks and feels like real wood, but the synthetic material won’t crack, splinter, or peel.

With HDPS furniture, you won't have to deal with splinters or peeling paint. Plus, the non-porous surface won't absorb accidents, liquids, or odors the way natural wood often does. Best of all, maintenance and cleaning are easy with HDPS.

• - HDPS scratch-resistant surfaces withstand claws far better then softwoods like cedar or pine.
• - Non-porous polyethylene won't absorb fluids such as stains, odors, or moisture from wet fur.
• - There are no splinters, peeling paint, or chemical sealants to deal with, which is great for keeping pets safe.

 

The Best Outdoor Furniture Types for Pet Owners

Adirondack Chairs

One of the best types of outdoor furniture for pet owners is the Adirondack. The solid construction of an Adirondack chair won't wobble when pets lean against it, and the wide stance is hard to tip, keeping pets safe. Best of all, the space under the Adirondack can be a great shady spot for a nap!

 

• - An Adirondack's heavy, stable construction can withstand the wear and tear of larger pets. 
• - The chair's smooth, sealed surfaces help prevent pets from scratching or gnawing.
• - Both of you can enjoy the chair! While you sit in the comfortable Adirondack seat, your pet can nap below you.

 

Deep Seating Sets

Are your pets furniture sharers? Then make sure you have room to sit with your furry friend without getting cramped. Deep seating sets give everyone room to coexist without feeling bunched up. You’ll want to pick fabrics that are removable and washable if you like to cuddle up together on the seat!

 

• - The generous seat dimensions mean everyone has enough room to lounge on the seating.
• - Removable deep seating cushions are easy to swap, clean and replace as needed. 
• - Outdoor seating with sturdy frames can handle the ups and downs of pets who take a while to get comfortable! 

 

Porch Swings and Benches

Another great addition to your pet-proof outdoor furniture set is a porch swing. A swing allows you to enjoy gentle motion that won’t spook your pet (if they’re allowed on the swing!). They can also be installed high enough to keep pets from jumping up on the swing.

 

 

Benches are a simple and durable addition to your backyard. They’re easy to sit on and, depending on the height, allow your pets to get a bird’s-eye view of their domain.

 

 

• - The gentle swaying motion of a porch swing can be soothing for anxious pets (and their owners!)
• - Benches give pets an elevated space to rest and watch the yard while you enjoy outdoor time together.
• - Solid poly lumber porch swings offer the same no-chew, no-claw benefits of other seating.

 

Lounge and Chaise Loungers

Just ask any cat, and they’ll show you that sunbathing isn’t only for humans! Chaise lounges are a great addition to outdoor furniture, offering a variety of ways to rest outside. You can stretch out on the lounge while your pet claims the warm deck next to you. A smooth, easy-clean surface keeps everything looking nice and tidy year-round.

 

 

• - A lounge's low profile makes it easier for older or smaller pets to hop up on the furniture next to you.
• - Choose a chaise lounger with a smooth surface for easy cleaning and maintenance.
• - A lounge with an adjustable back gives you more seating and lying options (which your pet will appreciate!)

 

Tips to Protect Outdoor Furniture from Pets

Create Habits to Help Your Furniture Last Longer

Even the most durable outdoor furniture will benefit from a few smart housekeeping habits. The goal isn't to keep your pets away or off the furniture, but to make sure the space is easier to maintain no matter who is using it.

Keep a washable outdoor blanket on your pet's favorite seat or a dedicated pet bed nearby to give them options. A quick rinse-down routine after each use can help your furniture and outdoor area last longer.

•  - Place a washable throw or outdoor blanket anywhere your pet most likes to lounge.
• - Give your pets their own designated spot in your outdoor space, such as a bed or a mat near your seating.
• - Create a routine of rinsing or wiping down surfaces regularly so fur and dirt can't build up.

 

Adjust Your Furniture Through the Year

You'll find that your pet-friendly patio or outdoor space will shift with the calendar. The summer is all about shade and water access, while fall will bring more mud tracking everywhere (so a doormat and washable layers are a great idea!).

Since Highwood furniture is built to stay outside year-round, your setup will be ready anytime your pet decides it’s time to get out and play.

• - In the summer, prioritize shade, cool water and heat-safe surfaces for pets' paws.
• - During the fall and spring, keep washable mats and blankets around for mud season.
• - Poly lumber is built to stay outside year-round, so space can also be used during the winter, just keep everything clean after snow or ice.

 

Designing a Stylish Pet-Friendly Outdoor Space

Create Relaxation Zones

Pets settle faster when the space is built in a way they can use easily. One way to help is to arrange a conversation seating area for the humans, with a pet zone just beside it. Position seating to take advantage of natural shade, or add an umbrella over a side table so that there’s always a cool space somewhere.

• - Position pet beds adjacent to, not away from, your main seating area.
• - Keep water bowls in shaded, accessible spots near the action.
• - Choose furniture surfaces that won't scorch paws the way metal can.

 

Choose Practical Colors and Patterns

Color choice still matters, even when it comes to pet-proof furniture! You’ll find that mid-tone hues hide fur and dust far better than stark white or deep black. Highwood’s color range gives you plenty of options. You can even order color samples and hold them up against your pet’s coat before committing.

 

 

• - Mid-tone colors weathered grays and warm browns disguise shed fur between cleanings. 
• - Match or complement your pet's coat color for the most forgiving look.
• - Patterned outdoor cushion fabrics hide minor marks better than solids.

 

Shop Pet-Proof Furniture and More at Highwood USA

The best outdoor spaces are ones where every member of your family can rest and relax. So choose furniture that’s built to stay comfortable and withstand the wear and tear of pet life!