2. For many people, a patio is much more than just a ‘finished’ portion of your backyard.
For some, the patio is like an extension of the inside of the house, only on the outside. It
is where you seek refuge to get away from the real world, to entertain guests or to spend
some relaxing time outdoors in the warmer weather.
It’s no secret that adding patio furniture will enhance your patio and your backyard. Of
course, anyone can throw down some furniture. The trick is to go about it in the right
way for your property and your situation, so you’re adding to the backyard rather than
taking away from it.
Make a Plan
The first step to using patio furniture to enhance your backyard is to make a plan. Before
you spend any money, you’ll want to take the time to evaluate your space and your
desires, as well as figure out
how much you have to spend.
If you don’t set a budget at the
start, the likelihood of you
spending too much will
increase, and probably become
a reality at some point.
Once your budget is worked
out, you’ll have to decide what
you want to use the space for?
A backyard patio can be used
for a lot more than just
lounging. You can set it up
similar to a living room or as a
dining area or even add a fire
pit or some other accessory
that will define the space.
It’s important to take measurements and really do some brainstorming at the start, to help
you decide which approach is best, and which kinds of patio furniture will match with
your plan. Depending on your preferences, you may end up using benches, ottomans,
lounging chairs, tables, couches, swings or several other types of furniture to complete
the job. Once you decide on a direction, you’ll have to choose a material.
Materials
There are several different quality materials that patio furniture is made from, and that
you might want to use to fulfill your patio vision.
3. Plastic is one common material used on patios, and while it might not go very far in the
style department, it is inexpensive and it does last. If you’re looking for something that
will give a more high-end look, you may want to look elsewhere, but if you’re just
getting started and don’t have a lot to spend, plastic patio furniture could work.
If you’re ready to move up a level or two and want a more stylish patio, you might
consider metal furniture. Metal patio furniture might be made from things like treated
wrought iron or coated aluminum. If you choose metal, take the time to ask about
exposure to the elements and choose accordingly. There’s no use buying metal furniture
that has a tendency to rust if you’re going to set it in an uncovered patio that sees a lot of
rain.
Wicker is another popular material used for patio furniture. Today’s wicker is made from
synthetic rather than natural materials, but it does stand up well to all sorts of different
weather. If your budget is on the higher end, you may want to look at teak as a
possibility for your patio furniture. Teak is a wood that’s sourced from tropical areas,
and contains silica naturally. This helps to seal and protect the wood from fungus and
water damage, which makes it ideal for patio furniture.
Another element of an outdoor patio that is quite common are cushions. Regardless of
the material you choose for the furniture itself, you and your guests will likely benefit
from some decent cushions. Look for cushions that match the furniture, are comfortable
to sit on and are weather proof. Throughout the planning and selection process, try to
think of it as decorating a room, just as you would an indoor room.
Design Concepts
Even though you may have decided on what you want to use your patio for, and on the
materials you
want for your
furniture, you’ll
still have to
come up with
an overall
design concept.
Some
homeowners
will enlist the
help of a
designer for this
part, but if
that’s not in the
budget you’ll
have to do the
necessary
research and
work it out yourself.
4. You can actually take your earlier decisions into consideration to help you decide how
you want the overall design to be. If you have chosen to use the patio as a gathering
place for your family and friends, you may want to add coverage with a pergola. You
may want the fragrance of tress and flowers to be the overriding feature of the patio. You
may want to add weatherproof carpet, or set it up for primary use at night with creative
lighting. Lights can add ambience to the patio, or just illuminate the space if you’re
going to spend a lot of time out there when the sun goes down. The fire pit is another
addition that will draw in friends and neighbors at night, if that’s what you want.
Whatever design concept you decide on, make sure that it matches your theme, and the
materials of your furniture. Whether you’re dining, lounging, relaxing, hiding or
entertaining on your patio, your decisions have the potential to turn it into the focal point
of the yard and even the focal point of the neighborhood.
Considerations
Once it all comes together and your patio is complete, one of your main goals is to keep it
that way. This means keeping the furniture clean and cared for, even in poor weather.
Take the time to find out the best way to clean the material you purchased, and follow the
instructions carefully. It makes no sense to create a patio and a feel in your backyard,
and then let the furniture fall victim to the elements as you go along.
If you choose wisely and maintain your patio furniture well, you should have a backyard
that’s the envy of the neighborhood for years to come.
5. Cabana Coast provides the best selection of state-of-the-art patio furniture, commercial
and residential uses.