The High-Quality Outdoor Furniture You Shouldn't Skip If You See It At Thrift Stores

If you've been looking for new patio pieces so you can finally ditch your dated 2010s outdoor furniture, there's a brand of patio furniture you definitely shouldn't leave behind when you come across it while thrifting. The high-quality furniture in question has a long-standing reputation as one of the finest in the world of wrought-iron furniture, particularly for outdoor use. We're talking about vintage Woodard patio furniture, with some pieces so sought-after they get snapped up for thousands of dollars.

Part of the reason these patio pieces are rarely left behind is their coveted status among vintage furniture collectors, paired with their durability. The brand's vintage wrought-iron furniture was crafted with intricate patterns and attention to detail, utilizing high-quality iron in its production. These pieces are said to withstand harsh weather conditions, meaning you can leave them out throughout the year and they'll still look as good as new decades later.

Woodard patio furniture may be particularly sought after nowadays, but its popularity dates back over 80 years. Originally founded by Lyman E. Woodward, who specialized in crafting wooden furniture and caskets in the late 19th century, his son and grandsons eventually took over the family business. It was in the 1930s that they first began working with metal instead of wood, partly due to the low supply of Michigan hardwood and pine, creating wrought iron patio furniture with ornate patterns that drew inspiration from the decorative Orleans style. This collection quickly became their bestseller, cementing the Woodard name in the niche of wrought iron and metal furniture.

What further adds to Woodard's coveted status among vintage furniture collectors today is the resurgence of mid-century interiors in recent years. One of the brand's most celebrated pieces has historically been the Sculptura chair, first created in 1956 and seemingly the first chair of its kind crafted without the use of molds. It's a staple of mid-century style, characteristic of the growing popularity of wrought iron patio furniture in the second half of the 20th century, and certainly part of the reason Woodard furniture is still so collectable today.

Vintage Woodard pieces can sell for very high prices, reaching thousands of dollars at auctions and potentially more at antique dealers. This is excellent news for those looking to sell their collectables, but not such great news for those looking to acquire vintage Woodard pieces for their homes.

To spare your wallet the hefty price tag, the best time to buy patio furniture — whether it's Woodard or another brand — is often at the end of the summer season, when the selection is vast and prices start to drop below their peak. Outdoor furniture is even more affordable in fall and winter, but the selection is often smaller, as many good pieces have already been snapped up. Don't limit yourself to thrift stores, either; check for outdoor furniture at the next estate sale in your area, where you may just find Woodard furniture at a reasonable price.

When browsing antiques, be wary of fakes and copycat designs. This is especially important with furniture attributed to popular names such as Woodard. Do your research before spending a large sum on furniture with questionable authenticity. You may be able to score a great deal if the seller isn't aware of the value and wants to clear the floor quickly, so learn to recognize Woodard features and keep your eyes peeled for a rare discovery. To complement your new outdoor furniture, always look out for some more patio finds you should never skip at thrift stores.