Once spring arrives it's hard to think of anything other than heading outdoors and enjoying outdoor living in style.
Yes, yards have been transformed from the utilitarian square grass canvases of yesteryear to gardens with spaces for entertaining that can include everything from pools, outdoor kitchens, verandas and water features.
Choices abound now for outdoor living and that means homeowners take a ho-hum patio and turn it into an outdoor dream room.
Patio furniture Good outdoor furnishings create instant entertainment spaces to cook out, relax, or sit and watch children chase summer fireflies.
But choosing the right furniture is important - and it's worth the time considering the investment that patio furniture can often require.
Patio furniture comes in a variety of styles and finishes.
Selecting the right furniture set should be made on value and upkeep and where you plan to place the furniture.
If placing furniture on a covered patio or veranda, there are more choices available to you.
Seating sets are available that include sofas and side chairs.
But, if you're looking for furniture to go poolside, look for heavier metal furniture that won't blow over into the pool and for chair pads made of outdoor fabric that will drain water quickly and won't mold or mildew.
Aluminum is the new metal of choice for outdoor furniture because it won't rust, making upkeep much easier.
Choose value When it comes to seating, determine what will hold up best in the long run.
Sling style seating is very comfortable, but may not hold up as well as a traditional style chair that only needs the chair pads changed every few years.
That's because the sling style seats sometimes come out of the frame and if that happens, the chair becomes useless.
If wood furniture appeals to you, go with teak.
This long-lasting durable wood ages well and withstands both sun and rain easily.
The only problem is that teak is expensive and should be considered an investment.
Wicker is another outdoor option, and with the new styles available in resin, you can have the wicker look without the upkeep.
Resin wicker looks almost identical to real wicker, but withstands sunlight and rain without fading.
It's a wonderful product that brings a wide array of furniture options for decorating patios and porches.
Cool stuff But don't stop at just a patio set and an umbrella.
Really work to create an outdoor living space on your patio or porch.
If your patio is too sunny, string up a Coolaroo shade sail to make it a shady spot.
These shades block over 90% of UV rays and can be strung from posts, the house, or a tree.
If you have a gutter at the corner of the patio, why not put it to work and turn it into a water feature? All you need is a rain chain (rainchains.
com).
By removing the downspout from your gutter, you can add a chain of copper bells that tinkle when the rain comes down the gutter and that provide visual entertainment as well.
If nothing else, a rain chain makes a wonderful conversation piece for your patio.
Make nooks Every space - even outdoor ones - need large areas for group gatherings and small, intimate spaces for solitary pleasures like reading.
Divide your patio or porch into group and solitary areas by placing single chairs for reading or a chaise lounge for relaxing in a quiet corner.
Surround with some lush planters and you have a mini-retreat in the backyard.
With some smart furniture choices, you can pull your patio into a living space that allows you to entertain or relax smartly and comfortably.
Yes, yards have been transformed from the utilitarian square grass canvases of yesteryear to gardens with spaces for entertaining that can include everything from pools, outdoor kitchens, verandas and water features.
Choices abound now for outdoor living and that means homeowners take a ho-hum patio and turn it into an outdoor dream room.
Patio furniture Good outdoor furnishings create instant entertainment spaces to cook out, relax, or sit and watch children chase summer fireflies.
But choosing the right furniture is important - and it's worth the time considering the investment that patio furniture can often require.
Patio furniture comes in a variety of styles and finishes.
Selecting the right furniture set should be made on value and upkeep and where you plan to place the furniture.
If placing furniture on a covered patio or veranda, there are more choices available to you.
Seating sets are available that include sofas and side chairs.
But, if you're looking for furniture to go poolside, look for heavier metal furniture that won't blow over into the pool and for chair pads made of outdoor fabric that will drain water quickly and won't mold or mildew.
Aluminum is the new metal of choice for outdoor furniture because it won't rust, making upkeep much easier.
Choose value When it comes to seating, determine what will hold up best in the long run.
Sling style seating is very comfortable, but may not hold up as well as a traditional style chair that only needs the chair pads changed every few years.
That's because the sling style seats sometimes come out of the frame and if that happens, the chair becomes useless.
If wood furniture appeals to you, go with teak.
This long-lasting durable wood ages well and withstands both sun and rain easily.
The only problem is that teak is expensive and should be considered an investment.
Wicker is another outdoor option, and with the new styles available in resin, you can have the wicker look without the upkeep.
Resin wicker looks almost identical to real wicker, but withstands sunlight and rain without fading.
It's a wonderful product that brings a wide array of furniture options for decorating patios and porches.
Cool stuff But don't stop at just a patio set and an umbrella.
Really work to create an outdoor living space on your patio or porch.
If your patio is too sunny, string up a Coolaroo shade sail to make it a shady spot.
These shades block over 90% of UV rays and can be strung from posts, the house, or a tree.
If you have a gutter at the corner of the patio, why not put it to work and turn it into a water feature? All you need is a rain chain (rainchains.
com).
By removing the downspout from your gutter, you can add a chain of copper bells that tinkle when the rain comes down the gutter and that provide visual entertainment as well.
If nothing else, a rain chain makes a wonderful conversation piece for your patio.
Make nooks Every space - even outdoor ones - need large areas for group gatherings and small, intimate spaces for solitary pleasures like reading.
Divide your patio or porch into group and solitary areas by placing single chairs for reading or a chaise lounge for relaxing in a quiet corner.
Surround with some lush planters and you have a mini-retreat in the backyard.
With some smart furniture choices, you can pull your patio into a living space that allows you to entertain or relax smartly and comfortably.
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