An inviting patio offers many advantages: relax with a glass of wine after an exhausting day or host a casual gathering for dinner outdoors.
Effective patio designs on a tight budget can be achieved using cost-efficient solutions like concrete pavers and DIY techniques, while stylish resin wicker or aluminum furniture offers both style and affordability.
Design
Patios add value to a home by creating an appealing outdoor living area, serving as gathering spots for family and friends, and increasing property value. Many potential buyers admit they would pay more for houses featuring appealing paver patios. To maximize its potential, it is vital that you plan for its dimensions and landmarks that cannot be moved around freely – this way your patio will bring maximum pleasure!
An inviting patio space should reflect its surrounding environment with color palette that promotes serenity and relaxation. When shopping for furniture and accessories, defining a general theme or style to guide decisions will help find complementary colors and patterns while remaining within your budget.
One of the best ways to ensure that your new furniture suits the style you envision is to obtain fabric swatches prior to purchase. Computer monitors don’t accurately portray true color, making samples an invaluable aid. Patio Furniture Supplies offers up to six generously-sized swatches free of charge; just pay shipping and handling.
If you have the confidence in your sewing abilities and ability to follow instructions, it may be possible for you to create replacement cushions and other accessories for your patio furniture yourself. To be successful at this, it is important that your skill level be realistically assessed; then choose patterns labeled as simple or easy; otherwise it would likely be easier just buying pre-made items from stores instead.
Materials
When shopping for patio furniture, the goal should be something durable yet comfortable. Look for pieces with sturdy frames; test out padded chairs and sofas to determine whether their cushions offer enough sink-in comfort but spring back with enough springiness; also, ensure the fabric used is designed specifically for outdoor use, resisting stains, mold, and water.
Consider how you intend to utilize your backyard patio: will it be used for entertaining, lounging outdoors, or both? If entertaining is what’s in mind, dining sets with tables and chairs could be perfect; otherwise if quiet time is what speaks to you then search for hammocks or porch swings instead.
People increasingly opt to replace thirsty lawns with low-maintenance patio surfaces constructed from loose materials like flagstone, pea gravel, pavers and tile that require less water while offering creative options such as herringbone patterns or random tiling designs. Flagstone is an increasingly popular option that comes in an array of colors and sizes; some types even go by geological designations or quarry names while others have generic terms like moss rock or New Mexico stone.
Instead, durable and stylish patio furnishings can be made of wood, aluminum or wrought iron. Metal pieces are often favored by contemporary homeowners due to their sleek elegance and practical stability in seating and dining arrangements. Aluminum makes an excellent choice if you live in areas prone to frequent rain or snow because it rusts less quickly than steel; Wrought iron may also resist moisture absorption but tends to be heavier and more costly than alternatives.
Wood patio furniture provides the ideal combination of form and function for casual or rustic outdoor settings, especially teak – which boasts hard and durable surfaces as well as an exquisite golden-brown hue to elevate any backyard scene. Untreated pieces may succumb to moisture intrusion or termite attacks; for added longevity consider purchasing treated pieces instead.
Maintenance
Patio furniture requires routine care and cleaning in order to stay in good condition, helping avoid expensive repairs while giving guests confidence that the furnishings were created with quality in mind. Wash or rinse your outdoor furniture regularly and inspect for signs of damage such as chipped coating, hardware issues or rust; metal patio sets in particular can become susceptible to corrosion and staining over time.