Picking the Perfect Shade for Your Outdoor Patio

Posted on August 10, 2020 by AZ Patio

How Your Backyard Can Look Elegant and Still Keep You Cool During the Hot Arizona Summers

Summer is the hottest time of year and it is back again in full force. If you are an Arizona native like us, you know that we get some of the hottest recorded temperatures in the United States. If you aren’t a local, then you should know that Arizona’s daily temperature was an average of 110 degrees Fahrenheit last summer, with highs reaching into the 120’s. Now that’s hot!

The majority of people have been and will be spending their summer at home this year, not only to beat the heat, but also to beat the coronavirus pandemic. If you plan to enjoy your outdoor patio space this summer (and you should), you will need to plan properly for your patio shade needs. Nothing helps you enjoy the outdoors and escape the extreme heat better than relaxing in the shade.

There are several options for shading your patio from the sun, from the classic umbrella to fancy-custom, electric, retractable awnings. Let’s take a look at what is available and what you should consider when choosing an outdoor patio shade.

Types of Patio Shades

Three main categories of patio shades need to be considered when making your decision. There are umbrellas, awnings and outdoor blinds, all of which can protect you from the sun in their own way. Let’s break them down.

Patio Umbrellas

Umbrellas are the quintessential solution for your patio shade needs. Patio umbrellas come in all shapes and sizes and have varying levels of functionality depending on the style. They are also one of the more affordable solutions and add a nice visual element to your outdoor patio design.

Patio umbrellas are often made with aluminum, but many styles come in exotic woods as well. The color and style options for your umbrella fabrics are endless, but when choosing the right umbrella for your patio, you should prioritize functionality over design. There are three main types of umbrellas to choose from: tilting, wood market, and cantilever.

Tilting Patio Umbrellas

This style of umbrella allows the user to tilt the upper half of the umbrella toward the sun in order to create shade at the right angle. This allows you to strategically move the shade where you are sitting as the sun travels. There are auto-tilting umbrellas and button-based models, but they both ultimately serve the same purpose. These umbrellas are often made with aluminum and feature a weather-resistant fabric. If you’re looking to avoid the sun’s direct rays, this is the right type of umbrella for you.

Wood Market Patio Umbrellas

The Wood Market style of umbrella is (as the name implies) made of a quality wood. This style of umbrella stands up to harsh weather conditions beautifully and has a longer lifespan than most aluminum models. Most wood market umbrellas do not feature a tilting function and are therefore less flexible to the changing location of the sun throughout the day. This style is often seen in public restaurants and in corporate office spaces, so if that style speaks to you, these patio umbrellas could be your answer.

Cantilever Patio Umbrellas

Cantilever patio umbrellas, also known as an offset or side pole umbrella, provide versatility, form, and function to your outdoor living space. These umbrellas are made from aluminum and feature a cover that is offset from the base of the umbrella stand. They are suspended in the air and supported by a freestanding pole on the side of an outdoor patio area instead of the middle. Cantilever patio umbrellas are very low profile and stay out of the way of other patio furniture. If you have a lot of outdoor patio furniture, this umbrella might be your best option.

Patio Umbrella Accessories

Once you have chosen the style of patio umbrella that is perfect for your outdoor space, you’ll need to consider a few accessory options. Most importantly, you’ll need to pick the proper umbrella base (stand) for your unit. You want the base to add as much elegance and functionality as the umbrella itself.

Patio Umbrella Bases

When choosing the right base for your umbrella, consider the design and the weight of the base. Matching your umbrella to the stand design is nice, but more importantly the stand needs to be able to support the umbrella upright, even during windy weather conditions. Look for a stand that is uncomfortably heavy to lift on your own.

Stands often come in brass, concrete (usually with an aluminum shell), and galvanized steel. Also consider if you plan to move your umbrella to different parts of your patio. If so, you might want to look for a base that has wheels built in.

Patio Umbrella Lighting

Umbrella lighting is the newest trend in patio lighting. Several popular umbrella designs feature built-in ring LED lighting at the top of the umbrella to illuminate your shady space. Newer models have even begun to incorporate Bluetooth speaker systems into the design so you can stay shaded and illuminated, all while relaxing to your favorite tunes. There are also models that are sold separately and can be added to most umbrella designs.

Awnings

Awnings, sometimes known as an “overhang,” are coverings that are attached to an exterior outdoor wall. In terms of your outdoor patio, these can be elaborate electronic contraptions, or something as simple as wooden slats used to break up the direct sunlight.

Simple Awnings

In the past, awnings used to be simple fixed structures above your patio (often made out of wood) that offered shade at certain parts of the day. Some models simply diffuse the light (and not very well). Nowadays, awnings are often made of aluminum and covered with fabric and are sometimes retractable. These are generally custom made for your outdoor patio and require the use of a contractor or company who specializes in custom retractable awnings, such as All American Outdoor Living.

Retractable Awnings

Retractable awnings offer widespread UV protection, they help to protect your outdoor furnishings, and they are a great way to keep your outdoor view of nature while still blocking out the sun. When selecting a manufacturer for your retractable awning, look for someone that offers Sunbrella fabrics and optional motion detection systems. Make sure that every product is TUV tested before delivery.

Outdoor Patio Blinds

Also known as Exterior Window Shades, patio blinds work to diffuse the direct sunlight coming into your patio area. They also help weatherize your outdoor patio by protecting your outdoor furnishings from constant, direct sunlight. Outdoor blinds are usually retractable so you can roll them up and enjoy the sun when you feel like it.

They are also great for reducing the glare of the sun, helping to protect your eyes. With so many people working from home these days, patio blinds have exploded in popularity. Consider these if you plan to build an outdoor patio office while working from home.

When hiring a company to custom make your outdoor blinds, look for designs that feature magnetic weights and cable guidance systems for superior wind stability. Also look for designs that can seal up enough to keep out insects, critters and dirt if so desired. The name of the game for patio blinds is customization, so if you have an idea, it can probably be done.

Relaxing in the Shade

Once you have chosen your preferred method for shading your patio, it’s time to relax under that shade in style. Here are some options for maximizing your newly shaded patio space.

Daybeds

Daybeds are the ultimate in modern-day patio luxury. These outdoor furniture pieces are perfect for lounging around the pool, reclining with a book or cuddling up with your loved ones. When choosing a daybed for your patio, look for models that are made with a strong and durable fabric. Make sure the design is entirely weather resistant and is easy to clean. Bonus points if the bed is made of a water-resistant material or that is quick-drying.

Outdoor Couches and Coffee Tables

A more classic option for utilizing your newly shaded patio space is an outdoor couch, or an outdoor couch and coffee table set. Recreate your indoor paradise outside with furniture that maintains its bold good looks, while keeping you extremely comfortable. Choose from different exotic woods, granite, cocoa, teak, and more. If wood isn’t your style choose something with a more modern style. Set up a couch with adjoining chairs around a coffee table so the whole family can gather around for an outdoor meal or cocktail.

Beat the Heat

Now, probably more than ever, is the best time to upgrade your outdoor patio space. Whether you get an umbrella or an awning, escaping the summer sun has never been easier. Avoid the Arizona summer heat by staying outside and out of the sun with the help of All American Outdoor Living. Let our experts guide your decisions and help customize the perfect solutions for your outdoor patio space.

Tips for Designing a Relaxing and Productive Outdoor Work Environment

Posted on August 10, 2020 by AZ Patio

How to Make Your Patio the Perfect Workplace of the Future

One of the silver linings about our current need to shelter in place for our collective safety is the opportunity to create a workspace at home. More and more people are working from home and companies all over are starting to see how cost effective and safe it can be to cut the commute to the office.

As a result, more people than ever are pursuing the idea of extending their living environment into their home patio and backyard in order to have the space and freedom to work in a peaceful and open-air environment.

An outdoor office helps home-based workers separate their work space from their living space. Research studies show that spending time outdoors helps us think more clearly and be more productive. Employees with views of nature also report they like their jobs more.

Now is the perfect time to consider upgrading your patio into an outdoor office. Let’s look at the things you should consider as you establish your outdoor work space.

Protection from the Elements

The outdoor elements need to be carefully considered in order to establish a productive workflow that won’t be continuously interrupted by mother nature. You’ll want to put in a work surface that is both comfortable and resistant to the outdoor elements.

An outdoor granite countertop or table is a perfect solution for an outdoor work surface. If you’re more inclined to a traditional set up, consider an outdoor patio table, preferably one that is designed for comfort if you plan to work or hang out for long periods of time.

Shade is the most critical element when it comes to being able to work productively outside. You have to be able to easily see your computer monitor and glare on your screen can make it impossible to work and can actually hurt your vision. Be sure to situate yourself and your equipment to take full advantage of shady protection from the sun.

You can also conserve energy and lower your carbon footprint by working outdoors with the help of awnings, umbrellas and blinds.

Patio Awning for Your Backyard

Your patio awning provides the majority of your shade during the day. If you plan to be outdoors in the evening, you might be better served with an awning that is retractable for when the sun goes down. There are models that are manually retractable and some that are controlled with electronics. Consider your lifestyle when choosing between the two options.

You want to choose an awning that compliments your current design style and can span up to 20 feet. We also recommend looking for one with a 16-foot drop and that employs a magnet at the base of the cable guidance system to allow your fabric to hang flatter. This will keep your awning more stable on a windy day.

Patio Umbrellas

Patio umbrellas can be used for cover from shade all year round, but they are critical when it comes to being able to work outside.

Of course, you want your umbrella to look elegant and match your current patio design style, but also consider that you need a quality, outdoor fabric (such as Sunbrella) that will last a long time and stand up to the sun’s powerful rays. It won’t do you any good to get a fancy umbrella if it doesn’t effectively cover you and your work space.

Look for an umbrella with the ability to tilt so you can get a good angle of shade any time of the day. Don’t forget to get an umbrella stand that can support the weight of the umbrella.

Patio Blinds

When it comes to patio blinds, looks are important, but functionality is key. Look for blinds that fit your design style, but also ones which feature an HD magnetic lock system that uses magnets to hold the fabric in place. This will reduce movement in windy conditions and keep your blinds from flapping all over the place.

Another extremely important detail to remember when picking out patio blinds is the fabric retention track shade. A fabric retention track shade holds fabric on the inside of the track and will create a seal, keeping out insects, critters, dirt and weather.

Outdoor Fire Pits

Here’s your chance to live the dream of having an outdoor firepit. You may not have it going all day, but what a wonderful and relaxing element to have as the sun starts to set and you are still working.

You can choose from a vast array of fire pits made from marble, slate, concrete and cast aluminum. Fire pits come in all different shapes and styles.

Outdoor fire pits are available with natural gas, propane and ethanol to complement any patio furniture setting. They are an amazing conversation piece and a place where your family can join you at the end of a long work day.

Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens are all the rage right now. Why not incorporate one into your outdoor office so you can cook lunch and do your video conferences at the same time. Add an outdoor bar and happy hour can start early every day!

There are some practical and affordable all-in-one outdoor kitchen units that can create a luxury outdoor space without the need for a large construction project. They come in designer colors, stainless steel, and realistic wood grains. With a BBQ and bar in your outdoor office, you will have everything you need to create a premier outdoor dining and work space.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is available in many contemporary and modern designs. Look for options that are durable and water-resistant to hold up in all climates. Lighting needs to be reliable so interruptions don’t break up your workflow. If you are working around dusk time, you will need extra lighting for your outdoor office. Ceramic outdoor lights are a great choice for this as they are practical and add a “wow” factor to your outdoor office.

Noise or No Noise?

Do you work better with music and ambient noise or are you better with silence?

For those who prefer relaxing noise in the background, the easiest way to create a relaxing environment outside is to buy a high-quality portable loudspeaker system with a weatherproof design.

For those who need a quiet work space, there is no better place to be than outside. Just make sure you can close the patio door and white out the noise from inside the house. If you have noisy neighbors, you may need to consider some noise cancelling headphones.

More Practical Elements

WIFI is essential for today’s digital work environment. You need to make sure you have a strong signal to the area you will be working in. Range extenders can be useful if your patio is far away from the router.

Plan for your need to access electrical outlets. Avoid grass areas where landscaping features require regular irrigation. You may need to invest in some extension cords and surge protectors.

Will you use existing outdoor furniture or possibly create an area where you can have a standing desk? Why not plan for both so you can move around every few hours and give your body a chance to stand and sit?

You will need storage for files that can be portable or you could invest in a cabinet that can be outdoors but covered from the elements. Don’t forget to create a system for yourself where you plan to put away your work at the end of the day.

How much equipment besides your computer and phone will you need? Maybe your outdoor office needs a printer/scanner. Can you find a safe space to have this outside, or maybe you can keep this equipment just inside the home close enough to access remotely? This design gives you a chance to stand up and move a few times a day which is great for your body.

Don’t forget to get a small waste basket so you don’t have to keep going inside or create a mess outside.

Create a Space to be Productive and Relaxed

Being close to nature is rejuvenating. It makes us happier and healthier and is definitely one of the highlights of having an outdoor home office. If you already have a beautiful landscape in your backyard, you may not have to add anything.

If nature isn’t nearby, there are always ways to add plants, trees and other decor to bring nature to your outdoor space. You can either create a permanent workspace in your backyard, or an outdoor getaway from the office when quarantine life gets too hectic.

Being able to relax, focus and be productive while connecting with nature is a truly life-changing experience. Once you build your outdoor office, it might be hard to ever go back and work in an indoor office again! However, you choose to design your backyard office environment, your work and health are sure to benefit.

3 Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas Recommended by the Pros

Posted on July 27, 2020 by AZ Patio

The kids are out of school, the days are getting longer, and temperatures keep topping the charts. This can only mean one thing: Summer has arrived! The best time of year to spend in your backyard has returned and there has never been a better excuse to consider remodeling your outdoor kitchen.

With concerns about the current COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people are choosing to spend this summer in the safety of their homes. Staying at home doesn’t mean you have to stay inside though. Don’t get stuck in the house when you could be enjoying the great outdoors of your patio! Now is the perfect time to enhance your personal sanctuary by upgrading your outdoor kitchen environment.

Considerations for an Outdoor Kitchen

When it comes to creating your perfect outdoor kitchen, it’s essential to focus on personalizing the design to your lifestyle. Consider how you plan to spend time on your patio. Will you be the BBQ master of the grill? The bartender serving up cocktails by the pool? Or maybe you want to do some socially distant entertaining of guests outside. You will be much more inclined to go outside and enjoy your space if you have customized your outdoor kitchen to meet your culinary preferences and entertainment needs.

Outdoor kitchens can be simple in design or quite complex. For some, a simple grill and dining area is perfect, while others may find having an entire kitchen’s worth of appliances an essential factor for an outdoor kitchen. Want to run a load of dishes outside? With the right design, it can totally be done.

Pro Tip: As you create your design, make sure to plan for features that you don’t necessarily plan to build (at least not right away). By doing this, you future-proof the space for additions later on. It can be very expensive to install plumbing and drains or run electrical after-the-fact, so it’s best to lay the groundwork for upgrades in your initial design. Trust us, your future self will thank you.

Here are some of today’s most popular outdoor kitchen design concepts to draw inspiration from.

Outdoor Kitchens for Masters of the Grill

Let’s start with the design that is most common among summer BBQ enthusiasts: The Grill-Master’s Kitchen. Whether it’s grilling up hamburgers or smoking salmon, these designs put the heat in the driver’s seat.

The All American BBQ

An open flame, raw meat, bottles of seasonings, and a cold beverage – what could be more summer than that? But before you can get your grill on, there are several factors you must consider. Do you want a gas grill, or are you a charcoal purist? How big of a grill will you need? Some grills are the perfect size for simply cooking hotdogs, while other grills are large enough to fit an entire pig on a spit inside. Will your grill be free-standing or built into a countertop? Will you also be installing a smoker? It is crucial to consider your available space and grilling ambitions when choosing what grill to install.

If you are looking to up your outdoor cooking game, one fancy addition you can consider is an outdoor burner. Some gas grills come with built in side burners, but with enough space you could consider expanding your cooking potential with a 2-4 burner set up, maybe built into a countertop. You won’t have to limit yourself to just grilling food while outdoors if you add a few burners into the mix.

The Pizza Oven

Grilling isn’t the only way to enjoy cooking with fire in your outdoor kitchen. Enjoy a taste of Italy at home any time with the hot new trend in outdoor kitchens: the pizza oven. There are options for all levels of pizza enthusiasts, from the small personal pizza ovens to the massive woodfire ovens that require a built-in woodpile to keep it burning.

The best part of an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven is that it brings everyone together and gets the whole family involved with the dinner making process. Have everyone custom build their own pizza and then all you have to do is man the oven. Start practicing your pizza dough twirl if you install one of these, because you will never have to wait for a pizza delivery guy again.

Pro Tip: Always be conscious of the placement of your grill, smoker, or pizza oven chimney. It could be disastrous to build your cook station in a poorly ventilated area or near a fire hazard. Try and account for where smoke will flow and if all else fails, consider adding a vent hood to your outdoor kitchen if need be.

Outdoor Kitchen Bars

Next up is the most popular design spaces amongst those who plan to avoid the coronavirus by “partying at the pad”: The Outdoor Kitchen Bar. As the name implies, these spaces are all about the beverages.

The Full Bar

Most outdoor kitchen bar designs feature a sink and a refrigerator, which is the perfect place to start customizing to your needs. The sophisticated wine enthusiast might consider installing a dedicated wine fridge, while beer drinkers might lean towards a beer dispenser (which is the nice way of saying “kegerator”). If you are a cocktail connoisseur then you will definitely want an ice maker, and don’t forget to design in several electrical outlets so you can plug in the blender when it’s margarita-o-clock. With the right bar design, every hour will be “happy hour” this summer.

The Pool Bar

If you plan on beating the summer heat by hanging out at your pool, you’ll want to make sure your favorite beverages are within arm’s reach. When people think of pools and bars, they often think of a “wet bar.” But if you’ve ever been to a wet bar, you know they aren’t extremely practical if you are lounging on a daybed next to the pool. A better and more affordable solution is a rolling cooler. It is the perfect solution to keeping you hydrated poolside all summer long and they come in all shapes and sizes.

Cozy Outdoor Kitchens

Not all outdoor kitchens designs have to be focused on making food and beverages or hosting parties. If you are the type of person who enjoys a quiet evening outside, maybe with a good book, then these designs are for you.

The Fire Pit

Fire pits are strangely magical. There is just something about a roaring fire that brings people together and invokes memories of summer camp. Gather the family around for ghost stories, skits, making s’mores; the possibilities are endless when you have a fire pit in your outdoor kitchen.

The Outdoor Fireplace

Imagine, the sun has set and the warm summer evening is upon you. What could be more idyllic and comforting than curling up next to a fire with a good book? With an outdoor fireplace, you can do just that. You can really cozy up the place with an outdoor couch and ceramic lighting to tie the whole space together.

Pro Tip: Outdoor Televisions

You can really lean into the relaxation with an outdoor television. Mount a screen (or several screens) around your outdoor kitchen area and enjoy your favorite shows while you unwind next to the fire. There are special outdoor covers that you can affix to your televisions to protect them from the elements when not in use.

The Outdoor Kitchen Dining Area

While not technically a category on its own, the dining area is an often-overlooked part of the outdoor kitchen design process. It’s all good and well to be able to grill up enough food for the neighborhood, but what good is that if no one has a place to sit and eat?

Whether you are planning an elaborate design or something more modest, it’s essential to factor in seating. Couches with coffee tables, full outdoor dining tables, bar top counters; the options are vast. One popular design is the half-moon outdoor kitchen island that often wraps around a bar or grilling area. Just make sure that your family has a place to enjoy the food and beverages you’ve whipped up for them in your outdoor kitchen. Throw in a couple of outdoor televisions and you’ll be the talk of the town.

Putting It All Together

So now that you are aware of some options and styles, it’s time to get to work on designing your custom outdoor kitchen. Will you go all out for the grill, or are you going to focus on the bar? Fire pit or outdoor fireplace? The options are endless, but it’s important to take into account your culinary preferences and plan out your party space accordingly. Make sure to plan for all possible appliance additions later on and don’t be afraid to focus your design choices on comfort. With the right design, you could be living the good life this summer in your outdoor kitchen.

15 of the Best Fire Pit Ideas for Your Home

Posted on January 24, 2020 by AZ Patio

Archeologists have used radiocarbon dating of charcoal found in old fire pits in centuries-old civilizations.

Fire pits have always been around, but now they are used more and more in the backyard to bring family and friends together.

In short, fire pits are becoming more popular. They bring people together. Fire pits are awesome for smores, for hanging out, for telling stories, and for essential family and friend time. There’s no doubt that fire pits have played a part in helping bring communities and people together for a good time.

The evolution of the fire pit has made finding a backyard fire pit a bit more difficult. There are different styles along with benefits that come with different fire pits. This is why you need to take your time and examine what kind of fire pit you want in your backyard.

The perfect fire pit provides essential qualities you can’t ignore.

Here’s a guide on the different fire pits you can invest in that can completely transform your backyard.

Some Considerations on a Backyard Fire Pit

Before diving into the style of fire pit you want for your backyard, it’s important to look at what makes a really good fire pit and then dive into the best kind of fire pits.

An excellent fire pit ranges in height about 20 inches. This is an ideal height for you and your friends and family to enjoy the warmth of the fire pit.

A well-made fire pit also contains drainage of some sort. For instance, you can have drain holes at the bottom of your fire pit to allow proper airflow and drainage.

Another consideration is figuring out what to put inside the fire pit. You may want to consider fire bricks, lave rocks or lava pebbles. If you put the wrong material inside the fire pit, you risk the material exploding and causing damage to your fire pit and worse bodily injury.

Lastly, prevent fire and chemical hazards. You have to be careful of what put into your fire pit because it can be toxin and cause harm to you and your friends or family.

1. Backyard BBQ

If you’re going to get a fire pit for the backyard and you love to bbq, you can kill two birds with one stone by getting a fire pit that also acts as barbequing.

A fire pit doesn’t just have to be a place where one gets warm, but it can be a place where one eats delicious barbeque and enjoys a warm fire.

2. Family Get-Togethers

If you enjoy family togetherness and love having them outside, then a fire pit is the ideal way to hangout and catch-up with family. You can all sit around the fire in the backyard and enjoy telling stories.

3. Stargazing

If you are in the mood for stargazing and smores, then a fire pit is a great way to unite both of them. You can enjoy a nice warm fie while you stargaze with a telescope or binoculars.

4. Pool Fun

Nothing’s better than enjoying some swimming with friends and set the mood with a relaxing fire pit next to the pool. It gives swimming a calming feeling that makes jumping a pool that much more relaxing.

You can also enjoy having a fire pit next to the pool.

5. A Backyard Theme

If you enjoy having theme parties, then you’ll find that there’s nothing like a theme designed fire pit to add some backyard flavor to the theme party. You’ll find plenty of fire pits designed for different themes.

6. Smores

There’s no better reason to have a fire pit in the backyard than enjoy some good ole smores. These delicious treats are a household delight and are a fantastic reason to have a backyard fire pit.

7. Backyard Decor

Sometimes it’s nice to have a backyard fire pit just to add to the decoration of the backyard. You may have created a beautifully designed backyard and having a fire pit is just the thing you need to complete the look you’re looking for.

8. Camping Adventures

If you’re looking to give your kids a backyard camping adventure, there’s nothing better than having a fire pit with smores before you sleep in the backyard with your tent.

If you’re unsure of what fire pit to get for your backyard, look no further than these fire pits.

9. Create a Cozy Atmosphere

There’s nothing better than having some outside furniture to relax around a fire pit. You can create a sleek look around the fire pit and have sofas around the fire pit to make for a very comfortable atmosphere.

10. A Secret Location

Another great idea for a fire pit is to have it in a secret location in your backyard. If you have a big backyard, you can lead your guest to a part of your backyard that is exclusive for fire pit hangouts.

Other Fire Pit Ideas

Now that you have some outdoor fire pit ideas and fire pit designs, here are some more backyard fire pit designs that can help you decide what backyard fire pit to buy that can fit into what you’re looking for in your backyard.

A Stone Stacked Fire Pit

This fire pit can be created with a set of stones in a circle and is often wider than other fire pits.

The stone is often made of flagstone, fire brick interiors, and pea gravel. It creates a cozy environment and is perfect for a backyard with lots of space.

An in-Ground Fire Pit

This fire pit awesome when you looking for an immovable fire pit. You make an in-ground fire pit with large boulders or stacked stones.

But before you start designing and digging this in-ground fire pit, it’s best to call the number 811 to ensure that there are no power lines where you are digging.

A Pirate Ship Fire Pit

This is a completely unique fire pit because of its design.

You can build or buy a pirate designed fire pit that holds wood and has enough depth to create warmth for everyone.

A BBQ Fire Pit

This is the perfect fire pit for the spring and summer, although nobody says you can’t use for fall and winter.

A bbq fire pit gives you the opportunity to cook hamburgers and or grill anything outside while everyone enjoys a cozy fire. A bbq fire pit is really the perfect multi-purpose fire pit that can be a great addition to a backyard with a swimming pool.

Fire Pit Tables

A fire pit tables are often rectangular-shaped and provide more evenly distributed heat. You can purchase this type of fire pit in different kinds of stones from concrete to granite.

Propane Fire Pit

Any of the fire pits already mentioned can be propane.

With propane, you don’t have to worry about wood burning or smoke. The fire is also more contained with a propane fire pit than it would be with a wood-burning fire pit.

You can also find a list of the best fire pits here.

The Benefits of a Backyard Fire Pit

Ultimately, the benefits of a backyard fire pit offer different ways to use fire pits, which include propane or wood. You can have smaller more delicate fires or giants backyard bonfires in your fire pit.

More importantly, each fire pit offers your backyard something unique, based on what you want your backyard to look like. You can have patio appeal with different types of fire pits that go with some furniture.

Other benefits of each of these fire pits are that they create evenings with friends and family without having to spend time inside and in front of the TV. Instead, you can spend time outside, gaze at the stars, each smores, and enjoy the company of good friends and family.

You can find more backyard fire pits on our website.

Why Is Choosing a Backyard Fire Pit So Important?

The ideal fire pit in your home creates a warm atmosphere in your home. It creates a glow, a friendly environment that encourages people to hang out around the fire.

Having a perfect backyard fire pit gives you something to do with friends and family all year round. You don’t have to wait until winter for a fire. You can enjoy backyard bbq’s in the spring and summer.

If you enjoy having a fire pit for yourself, then you can take this time to relax and unwind. It can also help you destress and possibly lower your blood pressure.

A final note on fire pits and why they are essential to your backyard is that they make each day longer. Each day can be longer and more enjoyable with family and friends or even by yourself. You won’t feel that the days are shorter.

If you are looking for a fire pit or for more information on patio furniture, check out our website to see what we have to offer.

Exploring the New Trend of Woven Rope Furniture

Posted on December 23, 2019 by AZ Patio

Over 66% of homeowners who take on outdoor projects use those spaces for relaxing, and 40% use it for entertaining.

You may not realize it, but your outdoor space is extremely important in your day-to-day life. So the pieces you choose to decorate your patio with is vital to your quality of life and comfort.

Whether you’re experienced at designing an outdoor space or are brand new to it, an area worth exploring is woven rope furniture. This is a new trend that you definitely don’t want to miss out on. Keep reading to find out more about this type of furniture.

Why Rope?

There are so many materials to choose from, so why rope?

Well, first of all, it’s an exciting material to use because the possibilities are endless. You can create highly contrasting looks, all from one type of material.

Not only that, but it’s useful in both decorative and structural applications. You can use rope all on its own without any modifications, or you can weave, warp, braid, or knot it, like in macrame.

Because it’s such a flexible and strong material, rope can be used in conjunction with other materials to give your pieces breathtaking looks. For example, you can apply it around aluminum, teak, and steel frames. As a result, you’ll get some of the most interesting pieces around.

What Is Woven Rope?

Woven rope is a type of textile that’s been around for thousands of years because of how strong it is. It consists of individual pieces of rope that are braided and/or twisted to make a bigger, more robust piece of rope. Most people recognize it in nautical settings.

Before we had modern technology and manufacturing processes, woven rope played an important part in our daily lives, as it allowed for us to have sturdy materials for transporting goods (such as baskets) or securing things (such as nautical ropes).

As we discovered newer, stronger materials, woven rope quickly fell by the wayside.

However, that’s not to say it doesn’t have a role in modern society. It’s actually making a huge comeback lately, considering you can make all sorts of designs with woven rope. This gives designers a lot more room for creativity, which is why this is such a new and exciting trend in furniture.

Benefits of Using Woven Rope

Now that you know a little bit about woven rope, here are a few benefits of choosing this material over others.

More Choices in Style and Color

When you pick furniture that has woven rope on it, you have an endless amount of styles, looks, and colors to choose from.

This is because with rope, you can adjust exactly how thick it is, and just by doing so, you’ll create a whole different aesthetic. For example, you can use very thick cordage so any person who looks at it sees multiple strands tightly braided together. Or you can have thin cordage for a more elegant look.

Also, you can choose between round or flat rope strands; if you choose flat, these pieces are called “strapping.” Within the strapping option, you can have it either braided or looped around the frame of your furniture.

If you’d like weaving that’s more intricate and precise, you have the choice of crocheted pieces. This can really upgrade the look of your patio in an instant.

Not only that, but you can also customize the colors, textures, and patterns for each design. As a result, you’ll get pieces of furniture that are truly unique, where no one else has the same exact ones.

It Can Be Weather-Resistant

Remember how we said woven rope was used in nautical settings? This means it can be highly resistant to wind, rain, and other bad weather.

You won’t have to worry about having to bring your furniture indoors or into a protected shed when there’s a slight bit of rain. Nor will you have to worry about it becoming sun-faded. You can trust that your woven rope furniture will last you for years.

Get a Touch of Nature

With many materials (such as aluminum and steel), they can have quite a cold feeling to them when placed in a natural setting such as your patio. This may make any piece seem out of place.

When you add bits of beautifully woven rope on these materials, it can soften them up and make them warmer. Drape a throw on the arm of a woven rope sectional, and your patio will look extremely inviting to all your guests. If you have a fire pit in the middle, then it can be just like camping in nature, but in the comfort of your backyard.

It’s Highly Customizable

As we mentioned above, woven rope is a very flexible type of material for furniture. When you work with an experienced designer, you can tell them exactly what you want, and they can bright your thoughts to life.

If you’re someone who wants pieces of furniture that are unique to your home, then woven rope is what you want. Not only is this a new trend in furniture, but it can also be highly personalized to individual tastes.

Get a Few Woven Rope Pieces for Your Outdoor Space

Woven rope is an elegant furniture style that is sure to upgrade the look of your outdoor space. Considering it uses natural materials, it’ll fit right in with your beautiful backyard.

By picking furniture that utilizes a new and stylish design, you can give your patio a makeover without having to redo the deck itself. So if you’re looking to refresh your outdoor space, woven rope furniture is just the way to do it!

Are you ready to decorate your patio with some great woven rope furniture? Then contact a designer now to discuss your vision!

Classy Designs for Dinner on the Patio

Posted on November 23, 2015 by AZ Patio

You can revamp your patio to create a gorgeous outdoor dining space that is sure to complement any meal. When the weather cooperates, there’s nowhere more pleasant to dine than out on your patio that has been designed to exude relaxing ambiance. With the following ideas, you can create an attractive outdoor dining room on your patio that is ideal for entertaining or just enjoying daily meals with your family.

The Table

Your outdoor dining table is naturally going to be a focal point for your patio. Consider how many you need to seat on a regular basis. Then, you’ll want to consider shape. You’ll find many options including rectangular, circular, and oval table designs. Keep in mind the style of your patio; you might want to opt for a rustic set or something so formal and sumptuous it could almost work indoors!

Heating Element

When evenings begin to cool off your setting, it’s nice to have a outdoor heating feature. A fire pit adds both ambiance and heat to your backyard dining area. Some homeowners prefer to install outdoor fireplaces on their patio. A heating element is another great focal point that can complement the lounge area of your patio. You might even find that it’s enjoyable to dine in view of your fire pit.

Lighting

Even with a fire pit, you’re probably going to need additional lighting for your patio, depending on the type of ambiance you’re aiming to set. There is a wide array of outdoor fixtures to consider for your backyard setting. If you have a pergola, you can run electricity and install an outdoor lamp for added lighting or decorative lantern from one of the beams. You can create amazing ambiance by simply stringing patio lights above your dining area.

Outdoor Bar

When you’re entertaining company, the outdoor bar is sure to be the most popular feature on your patio. You’ll find that guests will congregate here. You can install a first-rate wet bar outdoors or simply set up a rustic bar with stools near your dining area. Make sure that your bar area also has plenty of lighting so that whoever is tending bar can see exactly what they’re doing. You can also forgo bar stools and simply add a couple bistro sets nearby, which will also provide additional dining space for those larger gatherings.

Other Ideas

For dessert, consider a tea cart with hot teas, coffees, and other after-dinner beverages. Use it to keep by your dining set and keep a chilled bottle nearby. If you often entertain your large extended family, you might consider adding a formal dining set for grownups with some rustic tables and benches for the children in the family. Be sure you opt for cushions that are easy to clean in case of wine or food spills. Additionally, you can tie all your different patio furniture together by choosing cushions in complementary colors and patterns.

Keep these ideas in mind and you can create the outdoor dining space of your dreams. If you love to cook and host company, you’ll find that it’s wonderful to dine outdoors under the stars with all the people you love to be around and All American Fine Outdoor Furnishings has all the accessories and furniture sets you’ll need to pull off a fantastic evening that your guests will remember for seasons to come.

Designing Your Patio Sets for the Change of Seasons

Posted on October 26, 2015 by AZ Patio

Arizona is fortunate enough to enjoy a patio-friendly climate year round, but that shouldn’t prevent Arizonans from celebrating the seasons. When you redecorate your patio setting for each season, you can make your backyard more enjoyable from month to month even though some seasonal changes may only be slight. With these color schemes and decorative tips, you can make the most of the holidays and seasons each year.

Spring

Spring is a glorious time in the Valley and a wonderful time to bring out pastels like pale blue, light green, and yellow. When changing your patio set’s cushions, you can choose colors that have traditionally been associated with spring. If you’re a fan of pink, pale pink is a great color choice that is sure to go well with teak or wrought iron furnishings alike. To complement your spring patio décor, be sure to add a vase filled with traditional spring plants like tulips, daffodils, and lilies on your patio table when you are entertaining company.

Summer

Phoenix summers are scorchers, so when decorating your patio, you might want to consider adding an awning in a bright summer shade to your patio area. When swapping your patio cushions, white is a smart choice if you want to deflect the sun (not that it will help a whole lot), but you might also consider a shade like Mediterranean blue to create your backyard oasis. Other bright colors like melon, yellow, and hot pink are also a few summery choices to consider. By adding shade and installing even a simple table-top fountain, you can make your summer patio more enjoyable.

Fall

Fall is a great time to bring in colors like orange, brown, tan, and burgundy to your patio setting. From solid colors to patterns, you’ll find a marvelous array of fall patio cushions to choose from. Fall weather is comfortable, so you and your guests might find yourself spending more time outdoors. Consider deep-seating patio furniture to create more of an outdoor room for your space. As it gets closer to Halloween, you might want to add some fun holiday decorations to your backyard space as well.

Winter

The winter patio is filled with shades of pine green, red, silver, and gold. These jewel tones add to the celebratory air of the holiday season. After changing your patio cushions for wintry ones, you can set out baskets or even bright silver buckets filled with springs of evergreen or pine cones. In fact, you might even opt for patio cushions that feature an evergreen pattern or design throughout the fabric.

Winter patio furniture Phoenix AZ

You can ramp up the enjoyment of your patio when you redecorate for the seasons just as you would indoors. These color changes will make a big difference in the visual appeal of your setting. Be sure to head out to shop for some seasonal patio cushions soon so you can give your setting a fun patio makeover!