Choosing the Most Appropriate Patio Furniture For Your Outdoor Relaxing and Entertaining Space

Having a patio space to design as an extended living and entertaining area opens up a world of creative opportunities. There are numerous resources available for finding inspiration and suggestions for creating an impressive outdoor relaxation and entertaining area. One of the best ways to begin your outdoor living design is to decide on the type of furniture you want to include. Accents and accessories can be added later.

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting patio furniture is its ability to withstand outdoor weather related conditions. Plastic, resin and PVC furniture are all weather-resistant. All of these are considered to be affordable outdoor furniture options. Resin patio furniture is available in designs that resemble wood and wicker. Resin wicker can give your patio the same tropical, casual, relaxing and serene appearance as natural wicker. There are also resin wicker furniture sets designed to help you create a more contemporary style patio living space.

Plastic, resin and PVC patio furniture is ideal for situations where you may want to rearrange the furniture grouping to accommodate various activities. You have a multitude of seating options to choose from such as loveseats, single chairs in various designs, chaise chairs, tables, ottomans and bench seats with storage.

Teak is a more expensive patio furniture option, yet it is also exceptionally durable. Teak wood is not adversely affected by outdoor elements such as rain or sunshine. You can create an exquisitely impressive living area on your patio using teak wood furniture.

Metal patio sets are readily available and quite attractive. There are a few things to keep in mind if you are considering metal or iron patio furniture. Unlike teak and resin, it is not rust resistant. As time goes by, you may need to repaint the furniture to keep it looking good. Another factor to consider is its weight. Metal furniture is heavier and therefore, not as easy to move around to create various seating configurations as some of your other furniture choices.

Furniture construction material is not the only thing to consider when choosing patio furniture. You also need to select the appropriate amount and size of furniture that will fit comfortably and attractively on your patio. Trying to place too much furniture on a patio will make it look congested. A crowded space is not a relaxing space. Having too much furniture on the patio will make it difficult for guests to walk around and mingle.

How to Build a Fire Pit

An outdoor fire pit can be a great accessory for many homes. While it’s possible to buy a commercially-produced fire pit or outdoor fireplace, there are a number of ways one can build a fire pit on his or her own. The following guide provides simple tips and tricks on how one can build a fire pit.

When choosing a location for a fire pit, it’s essential to make sure that it is at least 50 feet away from a home. Since some hot ashes may become airborne, it’s essential to make sure that they won’t land on a roof or other parts of a home. If hot ashes landed in a pile of leaves in a home’s gutter, that home may be at a high risk of burning down. It’s also important to make sure that a fire pit isn’t near any overhanging trees or other flammable objects.

In addition, it’s a good idea to choose a location that is close to a water source. If possible, try to set up a fire pit near a swimming pool or hot tub. In an emergency, it’s possible to use water from a swimming pool or hot tub to put out a fire. If an individual doesn’t have access to a swimming pool or hot tub, it’s a good idea to make sure there is a fire extinguisher within 50 feet of a fire pit.

It’s also a good idea to check with an insurance agent before installing a fire pit. In some cases, insurance companies will deny coverage if a fire pit is built without approval. However, this policy can vary with different insurance carriers.

When building a fire pit, it’s a good idea to make sure there is no grass or other flammable objects on the ground for at least 10 feet surrounding the pit. If possible, try laying down stones and gravel around a fire pit. This will reduce the risk of a fire spreading.

It’s also a good idea to make sure that a fire pit is at least 4 feet deep. By building a very deep fire pit, it’s possible to ensure that flames can’t escape from the sides. In addition, this can make it very easy to add additional fuel to a fire. However, it’s important to make sure that a fire pit isn’t so deep as to make escape impossible. If an individual falls into a fire pit, he or she should be able to walk out of it with ease.

In addition, it’s a good idea to line the base of a fire pit with clay. Since some dirt can introduce moisture into a fire pit, it’s important to make sure that there is a barrier between a fire and the wet ground.

A fire pit can be a rewarding way to enjoy the outdoors. In addition to providing warmth, fire pits can foster a sense of community with one’s family and one’s neighbors. They can also be an excellent way to enjoy flame-broiled food.

The Best Patio Furniture for All Seasons

Comfortable and practical four season patio living depends upon making smart choices for your outdoor furniture. The beauty and diversity of each unique season of the year can be enjoyed and highlighted with a comfortable and well-chosen outdoor living space. There are essentially five primary materials from which patio furniture is usually constructed. Choosing among these materials is easy if you know what to look for. Before you begin, decide on how much time you will spend outdoors during the year and select the budget you have to work with.

The sturdiest and most durable choice is furniture constructed from steel. The upside of this furniture is that it will last year after year and looks fabulous. However, unless specially treated, this material may be inclined to rust when left out during the winter. Easy to clean with warm soapy water, steel furniture is an excellent choice if your budget permits. In the other extreme, plastic furniture is the least expensive. It is also lightweight and very easy to keep clean. The trade-off here, of course, is that plastic furniture may tend to look less elegant than its pricier counterparts. Nevertheless, if you are on very tight budget plastic furniture can be a practical and attractive choice.

Perhaps the most beautiful choice of all is natural wood. Both Teak and Cedar look gorgeous, wear well and are very comfortable. However, even these beautiful woods have their drawbacks. Over time their rich colors will fade from weathering. Ideally wood furniture should be stored during the wet and cold winter months. Your lovely furniture should be specially treated with sealants to keep water damage and rot at bay. Do consider the surface upon which you place your furniture as well, since damp ground can facilitate wood rot. Wood furniture is best when set on concrete or tile patio surfaces.

Another lovely choice in the light weight category is weather resistant wicker. Wicker is both attractive and portable but can be pricey. Easy to clean wicker can be quickly renewed with warm soapy water and careful drying. Wicker also lends itself well to gaily colored pillows and cushions to match any decor you wish. Wicker also comes in colors as well as natural hues making it easy to mix and match.

Last but not least is the reliable standby of aluminum. Powder coat finish aluminum is low maintenance, light weight, and usually quite inexpensive. It is a great alternative to steel furniture when your budget is limited. Although top quality aluminum can also be pricey, it is durable, cleans up easily and is comfortable and attractive.

The majority of the year is best spent enjoying the beautiful outdoor seasons. You might even want to have more than one set of outdoor furniture such as wicker for spring and summer and perhaps steel or aluminum for fall and winter. Whatever your preferences or budget you are sure to find the perfect outdoor furniture for your patio or deck, given today's diverse choices. Add a few personal items such as charming candles, a birdfeeder or two and some decorative touches and you have your very own outdoor Shangri-La any time of the year!