If you're looking for patio or garden furniture, you'll notice that where wood was once king, you have a myriad of choices to go with. While some of these may be cheaper and less maintenance-intensive, nothing beats the charm of a wooden outdoor set.

Hand-crafted wooden furniture has its charm; it can be the perfect finish to a professionally landscaped garden, increasing your home's curb appeal. If you're considering wooden furniture, the following tips will help you make the most out of your purchase.

1. Choosing your wood

Your choice of wood is a lot more important when selecting outdoor furniture compared with indoor furniture. Teak wood is a popular choice because it hold up to elemental exposure better than most woods, including hardwoods. You can leave your teak furniture unfinished or oil it to prevent natural fading from exposure to the sun. Plan to buy all your teak outdoor furniture simultaneously, however, so that they don't fade at different rates.

If you can't afford teak, you can still use any type of wood that has noteworthy resistance to pets and rotting – cedar, acacia and eucalyptus are a few options. In addition, ensure the wood is treated and sealed, and plan to have it resealed at least annually to keep from warping and other damage.

2. Planting your garden

Care should be taken when planting your garden if you want to have outdoor wooden furniture. Certain types of plants can attract pests that may damage your wooden furniture, so talk to your gardener/landscaper about choosing the right plants. Match your garden furniture with the overall look of your garden – darker woods are ideal for more wooded gardens. If you have lighter-coloured objects, a cedar furniture painted white or tan would do better

3. Installing a covering

If you're looking for furniture for a partially-covered patio, you have a lot more freedom regarding choice of wood. If you have no covering, consider investing in an outdoor blind that can be drawn when it's excessively sunny or rainy to preserve your furniture in top condition as well as increase your enjoyment of the space. Retractable outdoor blinds can be stowed away when not needed and they can considerably extend the life of your outdoor furniture.

4. Storing your furniture

You can add years to your outdoor furniture by storing away in a shed or garage during off-seasons such as winter. Even teak furniture will benefit from the storage when not in use. If you have limited storage space, you can invest in foldable furniture or furniture that can be disassembled for easier storage.