Inspect new furniture carefully

Porch and patio stores usually deliver the furniture. With the mass-market retailers, however, it's cash and carry. Either way, when you get the furniture home, examine it carefully. Before you buy, be sure the store will let you return or exchange pieces that are damaged or poorly finished.

• Check for finish flaws. Wood should be smoothly sanded even in places that don't show, such as the underside of the tabletop. Painted metals should have a uniform finish. Wicker shouldn't be unraveling or loosely wound on the frame.
• Joints in wood furniture should be tight and well-fitted. Metal welds should be fairly smooth. Make sure metal has no bare unpainted areas or, worse, rust spots.
• Be sure you have assembly instructions, all the necessary assembly hardware, and warranty information. Assembly instructions should tell you how many bolts, screws, dowels, and such are supplied.
• Check chairs to be sure they don't wobble or flex too much (some flexibility is OK, especially on tubular metal chairs designed to be springy). Do the same with the table after it's assembled.