The Evolution of U.S. Presidents and Their Iconic Outdoor Furniture: A Historical Perspective

Posted on by

As we celebrate Presidents Day, a time dedicated to honoring the lives and legacies of U.S. Presidents, it’s fascinating to look at how these leaders have influenced American culture in ways beyond policy and governance. One such area where presidential influence is often overlooked is the realm of outdoor living. The furniture, gardens, and outdoor spaces at the homes of U.S. Presidents have played a subtle yet important role in shaping public perceptions of leadership, power, and style. From George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate to modern-day White House gardens, presidential choices in outdoor furniture have reflected both the personalities of the leaders and the broader cultural trends of their time.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how presidential homes and gardens have evolved over the centuries, and how the outdoor furniture selected for these spaces offers us a glimpse into the changing tastes, societal norms, and expectations placed on U.S. Presidents.

The Early Years: George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the Roots of Presidential Outdoor Living

When we think of Presidents Day, the first president, George Washington, is often the first to come to mind. Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon, which remains one of the most visited historic homes in the United States, serves as an example of early American luxury and style. During Washington’s time, the concept of outdoor furniture was still in its infancy. People used simple, handcrafted wooden chairs, benches, and tables, often designed to serve functional rather than aesthetic purposes.

At Mount Vernon, Washington focused on building a refined estate that blended European elegance with American sensibilities. While the outdoor spaces at Mount Vernon were not as expansive as what modern-day presidents enjoy, they did feature some early instances of outdoor furniture. Washington’s approach to outdoor spaces was influenced by the Enlightenment ideals of his time, promoting leisure, intellectual discussions, and a connection with nature.

Washington’s estate showcased meticulously designed gardens, where furniture was minimal but thoughtfully placed. Outdoor chairs and tables were used to entertain guests and engage in political discussions, making Mount Vernon not just a home, but a hub of early American politics. Washington’s love of nature also laid the groundwork for future presidents’ relationships with their outdoor spaces.

The Victorian Era: Expanding the Role of Outdoor Spaces Under Presidents Lincoln and Roosevelt

As the nation grew and the White House was rebuilt after the British burned it down during the War of 1812, presidential outdoor spaces became more elaborate. By the time of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, the role of gardens and outdoor spaces took on new meaning, especially during times of war. However, it was during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency that the idea of outdoor living became more prominent, with the president actively encouraging the use of outdoor spaces for relaxation and recreation.

Roosevelt’s White House garden was designed as a retreat from the stresses of presidential duties. He emphasized the importance of nature and fresh air in maintaining a healthy mind and body. His love of outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and hunting influenced how he thought about his home’s exterior spaces. Roosevelt also made sure that outdoor furniture was an integral part of his outdoor spaces, choosing pieces that were functional yet in keeping with the grandeur of the era.

During the Victorian era, outdoor furniture became more decorative, with pieces that featured intricate designs, wrought iron, and ornate finishes. The rise of industrialization brought a new level of craftsmanship and materials, making outdoor furniture more accessible to the upper echelons of society, including presidents. The use of wrought iron chairs, marble tables, and heavy, intricately designed garden furnishings reflected the prosperity and grandeur of the time.

The Mid-Century Modern Influence: The Kennedy Era and a New Vision for the White House Gardens

By the time John F. Kennedy became president, the country had entered the mid-20th century—a time when design and aesthetics were taking on new forms. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s efforts to restore and modernize the White House included a significant overhaul of the White House’s outdoor spaces. Jacqueline sought to blend classic American traditions with a fresh, modern vision, incorporating furniture that was more streamlined, functional, and comfortable.

Kennedy’s redesign of the Rose Garden, for example, included the addition of comfortable outdoor furniture that complemented the natural beauty of the surroundings. The furniture was carefully chosen to support the sense of relaxation and informality that the Kennedys wanted to project. Instead of grandiose, ornate pieces, simpler, more elegant designs—such as white wicker chairs and sleek metal tables—were added to the gardens to encourage casual conversation and outdoor gatherings.

This shift from heavy, Victorian-inspired outdoor furniture to lighter, more modern pieces signaled a larger cultural shift. The 1960s saw an increased focus on comfort and usability in furniture design, and this was reflected in the White House’s outdoor spaces as well. Furniture was now more about enhancing comfort and creating inviting spaces for the First Family to enjoy nature and socialize, rather than merely serving as a symbol of wealth or power.

The Modern Day: Outdoor Living Under Presidents Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Trump

Fast forward to the 21st century, and outdoor furniture has become an integral part of presidential homes and estates. During Bill Clinton’s presidency, for example, the outdoor spaces at the White House became places for both leisure and diplomacy. President Clinton often hosted outdoor events, and the Rose Garden, designed by Jacqueline Kennedy, remained a favorite spot for these functions. The furniture continued to evolve with trends, with Clinton favoring more contemporary pieces, such as sleek metal chairs and stone tables, that could accommodate large groups of people for formal events.

Under President Obama, there was a renewed focus on sustainability, which was reflected in the choice of outdoor furniture. Eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo and recycled plastics, began to appear more frequently in both the White House and presidential retreats. The Obama family’s home in Chicago also featured sustainable outdoor furniture, encouraging an environmentally conscious approach to outdoor living.

President Trump’s outdoor spaces took on a more grandiose style, with large-scale, comfortable furniture meant to create a welcoming, luxurious atmosphere for guests. Whether it was at the White House or his private estate in Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s outdoor spaces featured lavish outdoor furniture such as large lounges, elegant dining sets, and expansive poolside seating designed for entertainment and high-profile events.

Conclusion: Presidential Style and Outdoor Living Today

As we celebrate Presidents Day, it’s clear that the outdoor furniture choices of U.S. Presidents have evolved in tandem with changing tastes, societal values, and personal preferences. From the simple, functional pieces of George Washington’s Mount Vernon to the modern, sustainable designs of today’s White House gardens, presidential outdoor furniture has been a silent witness to the history of the nation.

If you are looking to create a presidential-inspired outdoor living space in your own home, it’s important to choose outdoor furniture that suits both your style and your needs. Whether you prefer a traditional, classic design or a sleek, modern look, the right outdoor furniture can transform your outdoor space into a relaxing retreat or a place for entertaining guests—just like the homes of our nation’s leaders.

At All American Outdoor Living, we specialize in providing high-quality outdoor furniture to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re redesigning your backyard or simply upgrading your patio, we offer a wide selection of products designed to help you create a space that reflects your personal style.Feel free to leave a comment or contact us today for assistance in finding the perfect outdoor furniture for your home!

Teak: Past, Present, and Future of Outdoor Furniture’s Most Versatile Material

Posted on by

Teak furniture has long been the material of choice for outdoor furniture, and for good reason. Known for its beauty, durability, and timeless appeal, teak has been a staple in outdoor living spaces for centuries. Whether you’re looking to outfit your garden, patio, or balcony with new patio furniture, teak offers a combination of style and practicality that few materials can match.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the past, present, and future of teak as one of the most versatile materials used in outdoor furniture. From its origins as a favored wood in ancient civilizations to its modern-day prominence in outdoor design, teak has earned its reputation as the best material for outdoor spaces.

1. The Past: Teak’s Rich History and Early Use

Teak’s journey as a key material in outdoor furniture can be traced back thousands of years. Indigenous to Southeast Asia, especially the tropical forests of India, Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia, teak has been valued for its strength and resilience. Historically, it was used for everything from shipbuilding to constructing ancient temples due to its resistance to rot, decay, and insects. Teak was highly sought after for naval vessels, as it could withstand the harshest marine environments without deteriorating.

In terms of outdoor furniture, teak began to gain popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Europe and America. During this time, teak was used for creating patio furniture, garden benches, and other outdoor furnishings due to its resistance to the elements. Unlike other types of wood, teak didn’t warp, crack, or split, making it the ideal material for pieces exposed to the sun, rain, and wind.

By the mid-20th century, teak was a common sight in upscale outdoor spaces, with designers favoring its natural, golden-brown color and smooth grain. The material’s inherent ability to endure the outdoors, combined with its aesthetic qualities, led to its widespread use in patio furniture and garden pieces across the world.

2. The Present: Teak Furniture’s Enduring Popularity

In the present day, teak continues to be one of the most popular materials used in outdoor furniture. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to a variety of factors, not least of which is its unmatched durability. When properly cared for, teak furniture can last for decades, even in harsh outdoor environments.

Modern teak furniture comes in a wide range of styles, from classic designs to contemporary and minimalist pieces. The natural beauty of teak makes it versatile, allowing it to complement various design aesthetics. Whether you prefer a traditional or modern look for your patio furniture, teak seamlessly fits into any outdoor space. Its honey-golden hue adds warmth and elegance to gardens, patios, and poolside areas.

Another reason for teak’s continued popularity in the world of outdoor furniture is its sustainability. Teak trees grow slowly but can live for over 100 years. Because of its dense, oily nature, teak resists pests and doesn’t require toxic chemicals to protect it from decay, making it an environmentally friendly option compared to synthetic materials or pressure-treated woods.

In addition to these qualities, teak is often regarded as a “low maintenance” material. While it will weather to a silver-gray patina over time, many people love the natural aging process. However, teak furniture can also be regularly oiled to maintain its original golden hue, giving homeowners the flexibility to choose how they want their furniture to age.

3. The Future: Teak Furniture’s Role in Sustainable Outdoor Living

Looking ahead, the future of teak furniture looks bright, especially in the context of sustainability and the growing interest in eco-friendly outdoor living. As the world continues to focus on sustainable practices, more and more consumers are choosing outdoor furniture made from responsibly sourced teak.

In recent years, many teak manufacturers and suppliers have made a concerted effort to source their materials from certified, sustainable teak plantations. These plantations adhere to strict environmental standards to ensure that teak is harvested in a way that does not harm the ecosystem or deplete the forests. Organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certify teak as sustainable when it is grown and harvested responsibly.

The push for sustainability has also led to innovations in teak furniture designs. We are seeing more creative, eco-conscious pieces that not only look stunning but are crafted with a smaller environmental footprint. For example, some manufacturers are now incorporating recycled teak wood into their patio furniture collections. This reduces waste and gives a second life to teak that has been previously used, creating truly unique and eco-friendly pieces.

As outdoor living continues to gain popularity, the demand for high-quality, durable outdoor furniture will only increase. Teak will likely remain a top choice for homeowners and designers due to its longevity, strength, and sustainability. Additionally, advancements in eco-friendly treatments for teak wood will likely make it even more resistant to the elements, extending its lifespan and preserving its natural beauty.

4. Why Choose Teak Furniture for Your Outdoor Space?

The benefits of teak furniture go far beyond just its durability and aesthetic appeal. When you invest in teak for your outdoor living space, you’re making a choice that will serve you for years to come. Here are some reasons why teak is considered one of the best materials for patio furniture:

  • Durability: Teak’s natural oils make it resistant to weather, insects, and decay. Whether rain or shine, teak can withstand the elements without losing its strength or beauty.
  • Low Maintenance: While teak will naturally age to a silver-gray patina over time, this only adds to its charm. For those who prefer the original golden-brown color, regular oiling can maintain the wood’s rich hue.
  • Sustainability: When sourced responsibly, teak is an eco-friendly material. FSC-certified teak plantations are committed to sustainable practices, ensuring that teak production doesn’t harm the environment.
  • Versatility: Teak works with a variety of design styles, from traditional to modern. Whether you have a classic garden or a sleek, minimalist patio, teak can complement your outdoor aesthetic.
  • Timeless Appeal: Teak’s beauty doesn’t fade with trends. It’s a material that has stood the test of time and will continue to be a classic choice for outdoor furniture for generations to come.

5. Making the Right Choice for Your Outdoor Living Lifestyle

When selecting patio furniture, choosing teak means investing in a long-lasting, elegant, and environmentally conscious material that can enhance your outdoor living space. Whether you’re looking for a few pieces of outdoor furniture to complete your patio or are outfitting an entire garden or pool area, teak offers the perfect balance of form and function.

At All American Outdoor Living, we specialize in high-quality teak furniture that combines craftsmanship, durability, and style. Explore our selection of teak furniture to create a luxurious, sustainable outdoor living space that will serve you for years to come.

To learn more about the benefits of teak, and to find the perfect pieces for your patio or garden, visit All American Outdoor Living Teak Collection.

We’d love to hear about your outdoor living goals—leave a comment below or reach out to us today to discover how we can help you create the perfect outdoor retreat!

A Secret Ingredient for Long-Lasting Eco-Friendly Furniture: HDPE

Posted on by

There is a new secret ingredient in the outdoor furniture arena. It is long-lasting, easy to clean, recyclable, and can work as a covering for your furniture, or even as planks of lumber. This material withstands blustery winds, cold winter nights and the sweltering rays of Arizona’s hot summer sun. This material is HDPE, short for high-density polyethylene, and we love how it’s being used in outdoor furniture.

Cool Facts About High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

According to Acme plastics, HDPE is “made of a higher grade thermoplastic polymer that comes from petroleum. It resists corrosion and oils, is easily recycled, and is easily sanitized for use with food.

HDPE is currently in high demand. In fact, according to recent research from Byjus.com, this type of polyethylene accounts for more than 34 percent of the world’s plastic market. In fact, a recent market study from Cerasana stated that the worldwide demand for HDPE will increase by an average of 2.9 percent per year by 2026.

Although you might not have heard of it before, it is probable that you have HDPE in your home right now, and not just in your furniture. 

Common household uses for HDPE:

  • Food storage containers
  • Cutting boards
  • Plastic bottles
  • Milk jugs
  • Shampoo bottles
  • Bleach bottles
  • Drinking water pipes
  • Sewer pipes
  • Storage sheds
  • Plastic lumber
  • Kleenex tissues
  • Bottle crates
  • Shoe Laces

4 Benefits of HDPE Furniture

Although there are many many benefits to HDPE Furniture, there are four we think you’ll particularly appreciate.

  • Weather Resistant

HDPE can withstand much higher temperatures than other furniture materials, which makes it perfect for warm climates. It’s a great choice for the beach as well.

Other features:

  • HDPE Is UV protective so it maintains the color and stability of your furniture.
  • HDPE will not rust, which overcomes one of the biggest drawbacks of metal.
  • Long Lasting

HDPE is a strong, resilient plastic so it lasts a long time. Furniture made from or covered with this material can last for decades in harsh weather conditions. It’s so strong that it can withstand heavier loads than most of the other types of polyethylene due to its high strength-to-density ratio. It is also dent-resistant.

  • Easy Cleaning and Maintenance

HDPE furniture is simple to clean and maintain. It is resistant to many common solvents, acids, and other cleaning chemicals, including bleach. For example, our stain-resistant Adirondack Plus requires no painting or waterproofing and cleans easily with soap, water, and a soft bristle brush.

  • Environmentally Responsible 

HDPE is easily recyclable, making it an environmentally responsible plastic. Reclaimplastics.com shares that HDPE is “accepted by street pick-up recycling services almost worldwide and can then be used in the production of new products. 

HDPE Benefits in Brand-Name Furniture

HDPE is a great ingredient to have in your furniture. Brands like Tropitone, MAD Fusion and Polywood are marrying HDPE’s versatility with modern style and comfort. 

Tropitone

Tropitone’s polymer furniture is designed to revolutionize your water lounging experience. These pieces can rest directly in your pool without fading or degrading. We particularly love the Curve chaise lounge.

Description:

Our Curve chaise lounge mimics the contour of the human body with an arched back, low seat, and a bend for the legs. Made from an environmentally friendly, waterproof polymer, Curve is suitable both inside the water and for poolside lounging. Several bright color options make this a fun choice for homes or hotels.

Let’s face it, Tropitone is always a great choice for outdoor furniture.

“If you’re looking to spice things up around your patio, furniture from Tropitone is an excellent choice. This highly versatile brand boasts a wide array of styles to choose from that range anywhere from vibrant and tropical-inspired to sleek and contemporary. Each piece made by Tropitone is crafted of the highest quality with sturdy, weather-resistant frames. Colorful cushions lend a vibrant element to your patio, and you can integrate them into any outdoor space with ease.” – All American Outdoor Furniture blog post

MAD Fusion

We love this MAD Fusion HDPE Adirondack chair! This modern take on a classic chair works well in any environment. Arrange them around your outdoor fire pit, by the poo, or take them to your next beach BBQ to lounge in comfort. 

With more than a dozen color options, these chairs will complement your outdoor style. The MAD Collection also features an extensive array of modern tables and chairs in dining, balcony and bar heights, all constructed from EnviroWood¨ HDPE all weather lumber.

Polywood

Polywood’s HDPE Outdoor Furniture collection, featured by All American Outdoor Living, is a fan favorite on our site. Polywood patio furniture comes in a variety of colors including pink, tank, black, brown, gray, green, orange, red, teal, white, yellow and blue. 

In addition, HDPE patio furniture can be integrated in any modern, traditional, transitional, coastal or casual outdoor design. Their compact square or rectangular shapes make them perfect for lounges and small patios as well as at poolside. 

Final Thoughts

HDPE is a versatile material that is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. It works well as a covering or as planks of lumber and benefits like  being long lasting, recyclable, weather resistant, is easy to clean – make this the perfect furniture to add to your outdoor living space. Please come visit our showroom to see all of our HDPE furniture options.

Beat the Winter Blues with a Quick Ship Fire Pit

Posted on by

Outdoor fire pits add ambiance and warmth to your outdoor living area, elevating it to a luxury retreat. Especially during the cool winter evenings, they’re a hard feature to pass up! Add in quick shipping, with delivery in two weeks, and this offer is a beat-the-supply-chain-issues steal. 

Our stylish quick-ship fire pits include a variety of modern tables to make your outdoor living areas more appealing than ever. These unique outdoor fire pit tables can be inserted within any style of exterior space, modern or traditional and alter the atmosphere. 

Whether you’re warming a covered patio or an open area, the fire pits will elevate the look of a garden, a balcony or a swimming pool-adjacent deck. They also work successfully in commercial environments, attracting customers with their contemporary look and feel.

According to a 2018 study conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects, the top three most popular outdoor design elements include fire pits (66.0 percent), lighting (65.4 percent) and seating/dining areas (64.0 percent). 

As a bonus, these fire pits cost less than you think.

Design Details.

Our fire pit tables come in round, rectangular and square shapes so they can be integrated within any existing outdoor space. The variety of design features allows them to perfectly flow into your existing layout. Best of all they come with a variety of choices and arrive in just a few weeks. 

Features like durability, creativity and elegance are what make these fire pits stand out.

Durability

Our durable design includes:

  • Glass Fiber Reinforced Cement
  • Available in Hand Crafted Pewter Finish
  • 65,000 BTU Orifice
  • Propane / Natural Gas Compatible
  • 50 lbs Volcanic Rock Included
  • Stainless Steel Burner Insert
  • Key Valve Ignition

Creativity

We love that these fire pits allow you to showcase your own creative style. We’ve put the design choices in your hands, but our designers are still here to help if you need them. 

We offer options for everything from fuel type (natural gas or propane) to frame finish to the shape of the propane tank enclosure. Plus, our selection of six types of rock ensures that your fire pit design complements the look of your outdoor space.

Many of our customers love the volcanic rock included in the design, but many more upgrade to the various other fire rock looks available. We offer Tumbled Lava Rock, or one of four fire glass colors – amber, aqua, black or clear. 

Our goal is to provide you with a quick ship fire pit that fits your style and taste and lifts your outdoor space to its highest potential.

5 Other Reasons to Add a Fire Pit to Your Outdoor Space

It’s a given that a fire pit adds ambiance to any outdoor space, but that’s not the only extra benefit they provide.

1. They turn your patio into an all-season space.

Our quick ship fire pits will keep you outdoors on chilly winter nights and during changeable Fall weather. This alternative heat source lets you enjoy a no-maintenance cozy fire without having to worry about fire safety.

Because they’re so safely contained, you can easily use them on a covered patio. Chase the chill year-round and enjoy outdoor living even during inclement weather.

2. They’re better for the environment.

Not only are natural gas fire pits better for the environment than the wood-burning units, they are better for your health because you aren’t breathing in any of that ash or smoke. Better yet, you aren’t cleaning up a sooty mess or any piles of ash. 

An added benefit for the natural gas fire pits is that they cost less to use than either the propane or a wood burning fireplace.

3. They discourage bugs.

Most insects and mosquitos don’t care for fire or smoke. Because our fire pits are designed with tables, it is also easy to set out preventative candles or herbs as accents that also keep the pests away. Scents and oils like citronella, lavender, rosemary, garlic, basil, and lemon balm smell fabulous to humans, but not to those outdoor pests!

4. They provide alternative heat sources.

Fire pits provide heat on a cold winter night and many people prefer them over heat lamps for their outdoor spaces. The design choices are limitless with a fire pit and they are far more attractive. Plus, they are lower to the ground and make an easy focal point for outdoor seating. 

5. They promote social interaction.

Fires aren’t just attractive and comforting, they engage multiple senses at the same time. There have been medical studies that show fires help people relax and stay in the moment. It’s a pretty safe bet that your guests will want to gather around your fire to relax and be social.

Perhaps it’s time to revisit some of the options available and warm up your outdoor living area with one of our new, stylish fire pits! They’re affordable and attractive, and we can have one shipped to you within two weeks. 

Sometimes it’s nice to just sit, relax, and stare into a fire. 

About Us:

In the past 10 years All American Outdoor Living has become the second largest patio furniture retailer in Arizona. We are the 5th largest Outdoor Living specialist in the Southwest, and are among the top 15 outdoor furniture and accessory retailers in the nation. 

The Singer family has provided quality outdoor furnishings to the “Valley” community and all of Arizona for decades.

All American Outdoor Living proudly features many industry leaders including the trend setting, yet classic designed Brown Jordan, Tropitone, Castelle and Mallin collections. For those looking for quality affordable outdoor fire pits that ship quickly and transform your outdoor living, our Prism Hardscapes are the best choice.

ThanksgivingAway: Giving Back by Giving Away

Posted on by

We’re excited to announce our Thanksgivingaway event, just in time for the holidays. This event is our way of saying thank you for allowing us to do what we love, which is to transform outdoor living in the Valley. All-American Outdoor Living believes in community, and we deeply appreciate that you are part of our customer community. 

What Is Thanksgivingaway?

Thanksgivingaway expresses our strong desire to contribute to our neighbors’ health, happiness and well-being. For this Holiday Thank You Event, we are giving away two prizes in one: a Scottsdale outdoor furniture set and a great Thanksgiving meal.

More about the furniture

Our Scottsdale collection is “a wicker collection with flair,” which is why we chose it for this special giveaway. This six-piece Scottsdale resin wicker furniture set is perfect for any outdoor space. Natural all-weather wicker is handwoven over an aluminum frame and is adaptable to any sized space. Pairing this set with a meal is a perfect combination for a memorable holiday.

What Is Thanksgivingaway?

Thanksgivingaway expresses our strong desire to contribute to our neighbors’ health, happiness and well-being. For this Holiday Thank You Event, we are giving away two prizes in one: a Portofino® outdoor furniture set and a great Thanksgiving meal.

Valuable features of Thanksgivingaway’s premium outdoor dining set include:

* All-Aluminum Constructed Frame
*All-Weather N-Dura Resin Wicker Weave
*Optional Sunbrella Outdoor Fabrics
*5 Yr. Limited Warranty

Click here to enter our Thanksgiving away drawing. Please read to the end of this article to learn how you can earn extra entries in the drawing. 

The Thanksgivingaway Dinner

Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude, and we are feeling a lot of that this year! 

Thanksgivingaway is our chance to show it and provide a fantastic turkey dinner to some lucky family for Thanksgiving, along with a chance to win a premier outdoor furniture set that will support your outdoor lifestyle for years to come.

5 Benefits of our Thanksgivingaway furniture

This comfortable outdoor dining set doesn’t just look good. There are five more notable benefits for you to enjoy.

1.Durable and Weather Resistant

Premium durable furniture with aesthetic appeal and minimal care is part of our customer promise. Scottsdale’s all-weather N-Dura resin wicker weave resists sun damage and is moisture resistant. It’s strong, sturdy, and rust-proof. Even Arizona’s heavy rains simply bead and stream off these chairs, making them mold and mildew resistant. 

Outdoor furniture must be strong enough to stand up the challenges of Mother Nature without fading or degrading. With the proper care, this set will stand up to the elements and look good for many years, even in our challenging climate.

2. Minimal Care Requirements

This dining set requires minimal care to retain its original beauty and appeal. Its design is built to withstand all the dust, dirt, and pollen our desert winds spread around. 

Cleaning your Scottsdale wicker set is as easy as brushing it off or hosing it down. You won’t even need to dry it – just let the sun and wind do the work.

3. Lightweight 

This dining set is lightweight and easy to move. Resin wicker furniture can be rearranged easily, with the season or with your mood.

4. Classic Style

Scottsdale’s classic style is a great fit for most outdoor designs. Wicker furniture has remained popular for centuries, and this set will only add to the aesthetic of your outdoor decor.

5. Affordable

Resin wicker patio furniture tends to be more affordable than traditional wicker furniture, and the above benefits support its long-term value. 

Additionally, our Scottsdale wicker sets are currently being offered at a deep discount. Even if you aren’t our random giveaway winner, you can still hit the jackpot this holiday season with a year-end purchase of one of these sets.

To Enter Our Thanksgivingaway Drawing

Our drawing is on Sunday, November 21 at 5 pm. The winner will be chosen at random. All Entrants must be present at All American Outdoor Living in the Norterra Shopping Center in order to win. 

Click here to enter, and don’t forget to share the drawing on social media to earn extra entries into the giveaway. 

Good luck and, again, THANK YOU!

About Us:

All American Outdoor Living proudly features many industry leaders including the trend setting, yet classic designed Brown Jordan, Tropitone, Castelle and Mallin collections. For those looking for quality affordable outdoor wicker designs that will transform your outdoor living room our North Cape collections are rivaled by none.

In the past 10 years All American Outdoor Living has become the second largest patio furniture retailer in Arizona. The 5th largest Outdoor Living specialist in the Southwest, and is among the top 15 outdoor furniture and accessory retailers in the nation.

The Singer family have been honored to provide quality outdoor furnishings to the “Valley” community and all of Arizona for decades. 

How Augmented and Virtual Reality Helps Landscape Designers

Posted on by

Landscape architects and patio designers may profit from virtual and augmented reality in a variety of ways. Although this technology is primarily used as a tool for a design review in the late stages of the design process, many of the benefits that make these technologies valuable in the later stages of the design suggest that they could be equally valuable in earlier stages. 

This article looks at how to include virtual and augmented reality into your home design phases of analysis and idea creation and assess its effects on a large-scale master planning project.

What is Virtual Reality?

The use of computer technology to create a simulated world is known as virtual reality (VR). In contrast to typical user interfaces, virtual reality immerses the user in an experience. Users are immersed and can engage with 3D worlds rather than watching a screen in front of them. The computer is converted into a gatekeeper to this artificial world by mimicking as many senses as possible, including vision, hearing, touch, and even smell. Near-real VR experiences are only limited by the availability of content and low-cost processing power. It’s easy to imagine how home design in VR allows you to see your end result before construction even begins!

A head-mounted display (HMD) is the most instantly recognizable component of Virtual Reality. Humans are visual animals, and the display technology that separates immersive Virtual Reality systems from standard user interfaces is typically the most significant distinction. CAVE automated virtual environments, for example, actively project virtual material into room-sized displays. Consumer and industrial wearables are the wild west, while they’re exciting for folks at colleges and huge labs. 

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality (AR) is a technologically augmented or altered representation of the actual world produced via digital visual components, music, or other sensory inputs. Augmented reality is a rising trend among businesses that deal with mobile computing and commercial apps.

One of the augmented reality’s significant aims, amidst the development of data gathering and analysis, is to emphasize certain aspects of the physical environment, enhance knowledge of those qualities, and extract sensible and accessible information used in real-world applications. 

Compared to virtual reality, augmented reality has a significant advantage when applied to landscape design: visual immersion. AR applications only appear on your smartphone or tablet screen, and even the HoloLens can only display pictures in a limited area in front of your eyes. Still, VR covers and replaces your field of view. When a hologram vanishes once it moves out of a rectangle in the center of your vision, or you have to gaze at a bit of screen while pretending that the item on that screen is in front of you, it’s not particularly immersive.

What is the Difference Between Virtual and Augmented Reality?

The terms “virtual reality” and “augmented reality” refer to essentially the same thing. Augmented Reality may be thought of as virtual reality with one foot in the real world: Virtual Reality provides an artificial environment to inhabit, whereas Augmented Reality replicates artificial items in the actual world.

The computer determines the position and orientation of a camera in Augmented Reality using sensors and algorithms. AR technology then superimposes the computer-generated pictures over a user’s view of the actual world, rendering the 3D graphics as they look from the camera’s perspective.

The computer in Virtual Reality uses similar sensors and math. Instead of placing a real camera in a physical area, the position of the user’s eyes is set in the simulated world. The visuals respond to the user’s head movement. VR technology produces a realistic, interactive environment for the viewer rather than combining virtual items and a natural scene.

How Designers Are Utilizing Augmented Reality Technology 

As competition grows and demand for landscaping services rises, firms must differentiate themselves by utilizing virtual reality and augmented reality technology. Virtual reality and augmented reality take customers on a trip beyond 3D drawings in an industry where your dreams are brought to life via design. This technology lets the consumer take things a step further and see a plan of their patio design come to life.

Companies across the country have taken the plunge into virtual and augmented reality for their lawn and landscape businesses to help bring their vision of landscaping to life. Augmented reality can assist in the vision-planning stage of development. When a customer feels like they’re in their backyard and can look up at the yard and look down at the future, an emotional connection is formed, leading to higher closed contract rates.

Landscape architects who are used to rendering farms, outsourced firms where graphic designers produce animated birds or walk-throughs based on their designs may soon discover that many of those companies can also build VR-compatible 3-D models. Designers may use AR technology to modify design aspects, completing the experience-compare-edit cycle directly. 

Another advantage of VR and AR in design visualization is that it allows for simultaneous comparison of multiple concepts. Designers and clients can, for example, explore and engage with numerous virtual places in 3D interactive virtual environments. They can also turn the data into a simulation and change the goals as needed in that simulation.

In terms of comprehending the core of a developed style, the use of virtual worlds in landscape design may help their clients. They can make better judgments if they can see the materials that have been placed. Designers can provide that information to a customer clearly and concisely.

Because of its intricacy, AR is particularly well suited to presenting hardscaping projects, particularly in outdoor living areas. Large, sophisticated designs, such as parks and golf courses, and residential landscapes, may be rendered using the program. People may be added to the space to see how it works when it’s busy, and it can be seen in both day and evening situations. By superimposing the render over reality rather than constructing up the area, augmented reality allows you to save time.

Landscape sceneries are more effective thanks to modern technologies. Because AR software and gadgets allow created projects and even locations to be examined faster in reality, it speeds up. It changes the design business, bringing the design process into a more cost-effective stage. Computer graphics, image processing and pattern recognition, intelligent interface technology, voice processing, audio and video technology, network technology, parallel processing technology, and high-performance computer systems combine to produce an immersive virtual environment system. Contrary to common assumptions, creating a virtual reality project does not need specialized knowledge; high-quality software with a VR/AR export option is all you need.

Try The YARD App

YARD is a revolutionary new approach to see and design a client’s future outside the living areas. YARD (Your Augmented Reality Design) is an AR design software that allows users to show their clients a fresh new perspective of their future pool, hardscape, or landscape that is accurate to scale and available to explore in real-time from any angle.

“After more than a decade of working with a pool designer, we’re thrilled to combine the incredible and intuitive power of the best design software with the best and most exciting new technology available today,” shared Structure Studios CEO Noah Nehlich. “YARD gives designers the power to take their clients beyond 3D and place their to-scale future outdoor living space right in front of them, in their yard.”

Show clients exactly what you can offer them. Draw pool designs, hardscapes, and outdoor kitchens when you use YARD’s groundbreaking new technology to move seamlessly between 2D drawings, 3D, and stunning Augmented Reality that you can explore with your client in real-time, from any angle, at an accurate scale.

With thousands of fully realized objects and materials from the extensive Vip3D library — each and every one ready for you to feature directly on your client’s lawn — YARD gives you the power to transform your client’s space in just seconds. The all-new Table Mode brings the great outdoors indoors — all the way to your client’s kitchen table. There is no need to worry about the weather or the lighting, and there is no need to track before you present.

Engage your client with an experience like none other. YARD works seamlessly with your current Vip3D workflow: import pools, hardscapes, outdoor kitchens, and more from Vip3D into YARD, place and rotate them directly onto your client’s property, and then walk around your scaled Vip3D designs, as easy to explore as if the project were already complete.

As you walk around with your client and explore their property with an iPad Pro in hand, YARD will automatically use the tablet’s camera to determine the scale. The scale is typically accurate to within just a few inches; if necessary, you have the freedom to adjust the size and scale of your home designs.

Designers may quickly draw short concepts in 3D on an iPad Pro while visiting a client’s house. They may place design components directly onto the property, giving clients a clear sense of size and allowing them to resolve issues or concerns in real-time. YARD empowers the customer to investigate every aspect of the design from any perspective. 

For fine patio furniture in Arizona, come visit our All American Outdoor Living showroom today!

How Furniture Complements Elegant Architectural Design

Posted on by

If there’s one thing luxury house builders can tell you, it’s that you should always design your home all at once. Instead of building a shell to fill, consider how each space will work, from the type of floor you want to the location of each plug outlet, to where you want to sit and watch TV, or how you want to move about the kitchen.

You may think more carefully about getting the correct sort of natural light in each space when you plan the interior and outside together. You may also determine which perspectives you want to frame and from where you will most likely be gazing. Many architects enjoy placing a window a bit lower down so you can see a beautiful view from your bed, but you’ll need to know more about your bed for it to function correctly.

Let’s discuss how furniture and tie the interior and exterior of your home together.

Why It Is Important for Your Home’s Exterior to Match Your Interior

Matching the inside of your home to the exterior design may seem difficult at first, but it’s necessary if you want to maintain your property looking beautiful. A home with too many distinct traits, colors, or design styles may be highly disorienting. When the exterior and inside of your home clash, it may negatively impact the property’s feng shui and overall atmosphere. Consider stepping into a home with a contemporary façade but a traditional inside. You’d probably be perplexed without even recognizing it.

By matching the interior and outside of your home, you may assign your house to a specific category. If you want to sell your house, this will help you since buyers will know what to expect based on the style of your home. It also enables people to see how the interior will appear depending on the outside.

People prefer to know what they are getting themselves into when moving to a new home. Your house will instantly feel more comfortable and welcome to newcomers if you style the interior to match the exterior.

Matching Inside with Outside

The greatest technique for executing a good design is to choose your furniture selections and styles while considering the architectural design of your home. You may either select furniture that complements the design of objects that oppose it after analyzing it. For example, it’s only natural to utilize Victorian furniture and accessories if you’re decorating a Victorian house. This approach is one way to add to the design’s appeal. However, that isn’t the only choice.

Even though it’s incredibly distinctive and intriguing, this style of design is sometimes neglected. Choosing elements that contrast with this style, such as decorating your home with modern furniture, will significantly enhance your design. By combining these two distinct styles, you may create a coherent design that stands out from the usual.

In this situation, you might potentially use a different method. In neighboring rooms, you may mix and match French and contemporary furnishings. Within the same home, you may select the most outstanding furniture pieces to complement one room’s design and things to contrast with another room’s design style. This method will result in a one-of-a-kind and well-coordinated interior design plan. Complementing or contrasting extends beyond design and furnishing styles.

Colors and textiles can be used in the same way. According to a well-known color theory, two contrasting hues on the color wheel help each other shine out. You may use this idea to help you choose the right furniture style for your home. Choose a contrasting color for your furnishings if the walls are painted in one hue. You may also mix and match by selecting certain things that complement the walls and others that clash with them. You can experiment with your design in any way you choose to achieve a pleasing result.

To design a house that is genuinely at ease with itself, its surroundings, and its occupants, you must consider all of the finishing as early as feasible. A sense of self-assurance is created in any property by matching colors and textures inside and out. Using local stone or matching your render’s color to the trees outside can instantly give your structure a feeling of the place. The sense of cohesiveness comes by drawing these colors within. It’s no accident that several interior and exterior designers have chosen to use the same tiles.

With the proper combination of complementing selections, your home may nevertheless seem ageless. Rather than constructing a design that will seem worn and obsolete in a few years, we’ve compiled a list of ideas and methods for building the perfect timeless home that will remain fresh and current for a long time. A classic design will not go out of style in a few years. It has the staying capacity to be contemporary, unlike ephemeral and popular types. It would help if you went for traditional designs, styles, and colors to build something relevant yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The timeless design will never go out of style. With its long, robust columns and stripes, the plan is reminiscent of Greek architecture.

Customizing Furniture is Easier Than It May Seem

Natural materials such as wood, stones, bricks, and cotton are excellent for interior elements. Modern houses are avant-garde and finicky, and they are all about following the soon-to-be-ended fad. A timeless home, on the other hand, is modest, simple, and elegant. Natural materials such as wood, stones, bricks, and cotton are excellent for interior elements. Outdoor furnishings such as come in metals such as aluminum, steel, and wrought iron. 

However, you may still include some fashionable aspects in your design, such as two beanbags in the outside area or an antique piece of furniture against a wall where a massive selection of contemporary artwork is hanging. The design has to be in balance in the grand scheme of things. Consider shopping from vendors who offer custom furniture creation or produce pieces that have customizable features. Popular brands include IKEA, The Inside, Campaign, Burrow, BenchMade Modern, Maiden Home, Civil, and Interior Define.

When in Doubt, Hire a Professional

For someone who has never done it before, hiring a landscape architect or interior/exterior design expert might be a daunting process. Several questions may be circling in your mind. To ensure that you choose the best landscape architect for the project, be sure you ask these questions first. 

A landscape architect is an expert in the field of outdoor living environments. Landscape architects, unlike landscape designers, have the legal authority to submit “Wet Stamps,” which are frequently required for commercial and public projects.

Landscape architects produce precise layouts and design plans. In basic terms, they draft blueprints and supervise subcontractors throughout the project. The demolition process, hardscape, irrigation, drainage, lighting, planting plan, and other design details are outlined on several pages.

A landscape architect is not required for every project. Because there is more money in this field, landscape architects generally concentrate on larger commercial projects. Consider if you genuinely need the services of a landscape architect or whether you only require them to produce a design plan for you. If you’re working on a large project, you might want to consider hiring a landscape designer.

You might want to consider hiring a professional if you belong to a Homeowners Association (HOA) that mandates the creation of a landscaping plan when you’re looking for something truly unique, when your ideas include intricate elements such as wheelchair accessibility, swimming pools, fireplaces, design, and an outdoor kitchen, for example. You must be familiar with safety codes and decipher all of the minor nuances that only an expert would be aware of.

Current Trends to Consider

People are gravitating toward color in terms of design trends, with warmer tones and brighter colors (such as jewel tones) becoming more popular. Gone are the days of neutral interior color schemes. Emerald green and blue-gray are still proving a popular favorite. The one-color trending out of vogue is purple, which saw the largest percentage decline year over year (down to 4 percent from 15 percent). Both modern (abstract, large-scale motifs) and traditional (floral) patterns are still popular.

The industrial trend is on the decline after years of reigning supreme in fashionable bars and chic restaurants. The most commonly used trends in 2021 are midcentury modern, Scandinavian modern, American modern, and Art Deco.

Whether you’re designing your own home or dealing with what you already have, every design should consider the structure. Your design should speak to the same concepts even when you’re using dramatic contrasts and pushing the edges of what works. But, above all, your design should give the impression that you have made this property your home.

For fine patio furniture near me in Arizona, visit our All American Outdoor Living showroom today!

5 Tips on Hiring a Patio Professional

Posted on by

The idea of hiring a professional landscape designer or a patio designer can be daunting to those who have never worked with one before. You may think that hiring a professional to plan your backyard design will be costly, and in some ways, you would be right. In reality, if you opt to plan your landscape and patio design on your own instead of hiring a professional, you’re likely to make some costly mistakes. Hiring the right patio professional will save your time, money, and a whole lot of headaches along the way. 

In this article, we will cover the do’s and don’ts, the ins and outs of hiring a patio design professional. 

What is a Patio Design Professional?

You may be familiar with a similar term, “Landscape Architect” or “Landscape Designer,” but they are often related or have a bit of an overlap. A patio design professional will fulfill both the role of a landscape designer and exterior decorator. 

Why You Should Hire A Pro

Hiring a patio professional helps you navigate the murky waters of planning a realistic and manageable design. They will also help you find the right outdoor furniture and accessories to match your lifestyle and budget. To get a sense of what you are investing your money in, here is a list of the general duties and services you will get from a patio design professional.

  • Research of municipal guidelines (before the design process) to make sure the proposed solution is a viable option
  • Signed design agreement that outlines the included elements of the plan within an agreed budget
  • Computer-generated landscape design based on exact measurements of your property
  • 3-Dimensional Rendering
  • Specifications of products to be used
  • Multiple meetings with your designer to keep the process on task to the agreed specifications
  • Estimate of Project Cost
  • Construction contract
  • Engineering as needed
  • Pulling city permits
  • Final walk-through with the designer and project manager

1. Questions to Ask Before You Hire

Here is a list of questions you should ask before selecting a professional to create your patio, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

  • When can you start?
  • When will you be finished?
  • What time will you knock on my door each morning?
  • What time will you quit for the day?
  • Are you going to work every day?
  • Can you finish before (insert any major holiday or significant family event)?
  • How much will it cost per square foot?
  • How long have you been in business?
  • Who will be assigned as project supervisor for the job?
  • Who will be working on the project? Are they employees or subcontractors?
  • Does your company carry worker’s compensation and liability insurance? Always verify this information by calling the agency. A copy of an insurance certificate does not let you know if the policy is still current. Even if the certificate has an expiration date, you cannot tell if either party has canceled the insurance. If licensing is required in your state, ask if the contractor is licensed and call to verify compliance with the law. Not all states offer or require licensing. Check with your local or state government agencies.
  • What is your approach to a project such as this?
  • How many projects like mine have you completed in the past year?
  • May I have a list of references from those projects?
  • May I have a list of business referrals or suppliers?
  • What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?
  • Are you a member of a national trade association?

2. Discuss What You Want with Your Design Professional

It is critical to have a clear vision of what you want the outcome of your landscape designer’s work to be. Do you want a new garden design from the start, a garden makeover, a pool built, or do you want to add stone paving or steppers?

It will be beneficial to understand your brief as possible before approaching a landscape or garden designer. Understand the size of your garden, how much light it receives, the soil conditions, where water flows from and to, and how wind influences it. Please clarify what you want from your outdoor area, how you want to utilize it, and your overall design aesthetics.

Prepare a detailed budget and timetable to submit to the landscaping team. In this manner, the team will inform you whether or not what you want to achieve with your garden design is feasible from their perspective.

3. Do Your Homework

Take the time to study landscaping businesses online and check for feedback from past customers who had a great experience. Request suggestions and guidance from family, friends, and coworkers, but always conduct your research.

Remember, the personnel of this firm will be working in and around your house, so learn as much as you can about them and determine whether you can build a healthy connection with them during the process. Please don’t be hesitant to request a tour of the company’s gardens to see the style and quality of their work for yourself.

Consider the type of garden you want when creating your brief for your landscaping. Visit Pinterest or Houzz to get ideas and grasp the aesthetics you want to see in your outside environment.

Find a landscape design team with a similar aesthetic. It’s pointless to hire a landscape design firm that mainly creates traditional gardens influenced by European settings if you want something modern with Australian indigenous.

4. Make Sure You Understand What You’re Getting Into

It would help if you established a strong working connection with your landscaper. Take notes on your discussion and write down your aims and ideas to present to them when you meet in person.

The greatest garden designs result from tight coordination between the gardener, the installer, and the customer. So, make sure you and the designer have a shared vision of what you want the end product to be, and then move from there. They should be available and able to speak with you at all times.

You must establish a strong working connection with your landscaper. Take notes on your discussion and write down your aims and ideas to present to them when you meet in person.

The greatest garden designs result from tight coordination between the gardener, the installer, and the customer. So, make sure you and the designer have a shared vision of what you want the end product to be, and then move from there. They should be available and able to speak with you at all times.

5. Three Lists You Should Make Before Hiring a Contractor

Before you commit to hiring anyone, it’s essential to make sure you do a personal inventory of what you do and don’t want to achieve in your yard. Three questions can be turned into three lists that you should ask yourself before proceeding further.

The first list should be everything that you want to remove from your patio area. Ask yourself, “what don’t I want in my yard anymore?” Look around and start writing down what won’t make the final cut—old plants, dead shrubbery, outdated furniture, or even removing an unwanted hot tub or grill. Make a list, make your peace, get rid of the old.

The second is created by asking yourself the opposite of the first question, “What do I love and want to keep?”. Don’t feel like you have to get rid of everything you ever owned because you are renovating. If you have an old faithful grill that is ugly but gets the job done, don’t be ashamed to keep it. Just make sure you incorporate these elements into the planning stages with your designer.

The third and final list is your wish list. What do you want to add to your yard during this process? What is your dream vision for how it will look or how you will spend your time outside? Take into account plants, gardens, pools, hot tubs, patio tables and furniture, televisions, and maybe even an outdoor kitchen! The possibilities are endless.

Make a list of everything, even if you have no idea how it will all go together. These lists are not required to be perfect or definitive. The goal is to provide some explanation for you. Choosing a landscape designer will be a lot easier if you have your three lists and your budget in mind.

More Than Just Casual Living

We know you have your choice of landscape designers in Arizona and are excited at the opportunity to work with you on your next project. Let us transform your outdoor space into a personal paradise. Whether it’s a simple re-design of your landscape plants or a total transformation of your backyard with a pool, pergola, and outdoor kitchen, our patio design professionals are up for the challenge! Contact us today to find out more.

Visit our All American Outdoor Living showroom for more than casual outdoor furniture in Scottsdale, AZ 

Best Choices for Outdoor Materials, Rugs, and Planters in the Desert Heat

Posted on by

While searching for Phoenix patio furniture, you’ll probably look for many of the same qualities in outdoor tables, chairs, and sofas that you would in interior tables, chairs, and sofas – durability, comfort, and style, all while meeting your budget. The main distinction you’ll face is that patio furniture must withstand exposure to the elements outside. While there is no such thing as 100% weatherproof outdoor furniture, there are significant variances in the materials utilized.

It’s critical to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the various materials available before making a decision. Assess how well each piece fits into your environment, as well as your tastes and needs. Since each material has intrinsic characteristics, choosing the “best” material for outdoor patio furniture is based on combining your unique demands with the unique properties of each material.

Desert Conditions

Homeowners who have established roots in the desert won’t have to worry about their patio furniture rotting due to dampness or decay. Extreme heat and relentless sun are the significant challenges you’ll face. Temperatures can change fast due to low humidity. The weather may decrease at night, but your furniture will have to resist the sun, wind, and dust throughout the day.

Because your local climate is unique, you should expand your study with knowledge relevant to your region. However, for desert furniture, the most important considerations should be sun resistance, ease of cleaning, and the extent to which the material absorbs heat.

There are many different factors to take into account while choosing your materials. 

Temperature & Sun: If your climate is subject to significant seasonal climate swings and constant direct sunlight, you’ll need to opt for materials that are UV resistant and can endure potentially extreme temperature variations.

Fading: Many materials fade and lose their shine over time when exposed to the light regularly. The visual shift might be attractive (for example, a lovely patina), or it can simply be a loss of brilliance or uneven spots.

Cracks, Splitting, and Warping: When heated or cooled, some materials expand and shrink substantially. However, when exposed to severe temperatures or abrupt changes, they can fracture, split, distort, or become brittle. Furniture can also flex and break due to dry air.

Heat Retention: Other logistical issues may arise as a result of the heat. Patio furniture exposed to the sun may become hot and unpleasant (or even dangerous) to touch. When sitting on or attempting to adjust a poolside lounge chair, no one wants to burn their flesh.

Wind: If you live in an exposed, windy location, your patio furniture must be substantial enough to prevent it from tipping over or blowing away. When confronting Mother Nature, it doesn’t take much to ruin a lovely lightweight deck chair or dining table, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Otherwise, you’ll have to keep storing or securing your belongings when they’re not in use.

Durability: Several materials can endure for years under perfect conditions, but they may need to be changed every couple of seasons when exposed to severe weather. Others can resist a variety of factors and still appear brand new after a lifetime. Usage is another factor that affects durability. Your patio dining table will be in better shape than the sun loungers and daybeds that line the poolside of prominent luxury resorts and hotels if you use it a few times during the summer. The materials must be sturdier the more frequently they are used.

Cleaning & Care: How well you care for your patio furniture impacts its aesthetic and practical endurance. Season after season, certain materials require very little maintenance and are quick and easy to clean with just soap and water. Others require more time-consuming maintenance and specialized materials to keep them looking good and functioning correctly. If you don’t have a lot of time or don’t want to deal with the bother, use low-maintenance materials.

Eco-Friendliness: Even if they are unaware of the details, everyone is conscious that there is an adverse environmental effect from many manufacturing processes and the use of certain raw materials. When all else is equal, most folks (ideally) choose to be environmentally conscious.

Most luxury outdoor furniture brands have thankfully adopted “green” production processes and use biodegradable, recyclable, or materials approved by eco-friendly groups like the Forest Stewardship Council materials (FSC). However, the renewability of many outdoor materials varies.

Cost:Most people consider the cost of picking one material over another for furniture at the end of the day. You must stick to your budget, but it’s also critical to understand how costly materials are in the long term and how their price compares to the worth of their advantages. Will it need to be changed regularly? Does it demand a lot of time and work to keep it up? These are important financial factors that you could overlook while weighing your options.

Wood

For millennia, wood has been a favored furniture-making raw material. It has a natural beauty, is relatively easy to work with, and provides a stable structure for tables, chairs, benches, and other furniture. When it comes to outdoor use, though, not all woods are made equal. Many softwoods, such as cedar, pressure-treated pine, and fir, are affordable and frequently used for interior furniture, but they do not stand up to the weather and must be securely stored while not in use.

On the other hand, hardwoods are far more resilient to weather and may survive for decades if maintained. Unfortunately, they are generally more difficult to mold and shape and more costly than softwoods on the flip side. And they have significant variations between them.

Metal

Metal patio furniture is the most durable and robust material for outdoor garden furniture. Metallic frames may be thinner and molded into more intricate shapes than other choices because of their strength, offering manufacturers more stylistic versatility. When combined with other materials with their own practical and aesthetic benefits, metal is an excellent choice.

Metal chairs and tables may be made using various manufacturing processes that do not need bolts, screws, or other fasteners that make other forms of furniture more prone to breakage. Metal, on the other hand, has several disadvantages. When exposed to the sun, it becomes hot to the touch. Certain metals are hefty and challenging to transport, and all metals are susceptible to rust and corrosion to some extent. However, each metal type has its own set of properties.

Resin & Plastic

In outdoor furniture, artificial synthetic materials like resin and plastic are becoming increasingly popular. These polymers may now take on forms and sizes that were previously impossible thanks to new production techniques and hybrid compositions. Synthetics are usually light and affordable, and they may be sculpted to fit any décor style.

In addition, they are fade-resistant and do not require paint or sealants like other materials since the color is intrinsic to the chemical make-up. They’re also simple to clean. There is an increasing number of plastics and resins on the market, but here are a handful of the most commonly used ones.

Other Materials Commonly Found in Patio Furniture

Luxury outdoor furniture, in addition to wood, metal, and plastic, uses a range of additional durable materials in a range of applications. Patio dining tables, for example, might have metal or wooden frameworks with different material surfaces. These materials have various properties that are suitable for multiple practical and aesthetic purposes.

HPL:This material is usually up of kraft paper that has been soaked with resin and aluminum, then heated under high pressure to form a modern layered material. HPL has a sleek appearance and is exceptionally durable, making it stain and scratch-resistant. Melamine can improve the durability of this laminate. In addition, it has antimicrobial and flame-retardant characteristics. HPL produced with pine kraft lignin is ideal for outdoor usage since it has a low affinity for water, leading to swelling, internal tension, and cracking. Although it is more expensive than other materials, high-pressure laminate makes an attractive surface for modern outdoor dining and lounge tables.

Tempered Glass: Because of its resilience to temperature fluctuations, tempered Glass is often used for outdoor tabletops. Glass can be lacquered to enhance its resistance to the weather. At the same time, acid cleaning makes it resistant to smudges and fingerprints.

Its smooth surface has an exquisite feel to it, and the transparency gives it an open, spacious sense. Where there is some cover to prevent the light from bouncing off it and blinding guests, Glass is a fantastic choice for sunroom or screened-in porch dining and coffee tables. Glass may be pretty heavy and difficult to move depending on its thickness.

Concrete: While specific minimalist contemporary spaces may have solid concrete outdoor furniture as a permanent design element, this composite is more commonly used than other materials. It may be used as a stable basis for glass top dining and leisure tables or as a commanding tabletop atop a robust metal frame. Concrete is durable, long-lasting, and can resist the weather for years. It may be poured into a variety of forms and molded into thinner structures when reinforced with fiber. Fibers are made of glass, steel, synthetic, or organic materials, improving the concrete’s structural stability. It also improves the material’s resistance to water and ice.

Conclusion

You can prevent corrosion by treating materials that aren’t inherently resistant to water and rust. For example, aluminum, plastic, and HDPE timber are simple to clean, but teak and wicker require more upkeep. Aluminum is a great inexpensive, long-lasting, and easy to clean material, but it gets hot in the sun.

Consider your particular taste – what is your style? For example, do you like aluminum patio furniture and lumber’s modern designs and clean lines, or do you like the natural feel of teak and wicker? What material complements your desert home’s architecture and ornamental elements?

In the end, your selection will be based on your budget and the length of time you want your outdoor furniture to survive. Start decorating your desert retreat once you’ve decided on outdoor furnishings.

Visit our showroom to shop Phoenix Patio Furniture that is most than just casual.

What’s Trendy About How to Design Your Poolside Patio

Posted on by
Beat the heat this Summer by staying poolside at home

Your backyard or patio’s comfort level ultimately determines how much time you devote to outdoor living and enjoying your personal space. With Summer right around the corner, now is the perfect time to evaluate and upgrade your outdoor furnishings.

Your patio is an integral part of a poolscape because it can be used for sunbathing, eating, socializing, relaxing, playing sports, and more. The ideal patio design for your pool should match both your house’s theme as well as suit your lifestyle. Let us guide you throw the crucial things to know before you upgrade your patio.

Designing Your Deck

Above-ground pools are usually surrounded by pressure-treated wood decks, exotic woods like ipe, or decks made of wood-like composite materials like Trex, although there is no hard and fast rule. Go for it if you have an in-ground pool and want a wood deck. When it comes to wood decking, there is a maintenance problem in that it doesn’t last as long as natural stone. Since it is continuously exposed to pool water due to splashing, it can require regular power washing, staining, and sealing to maintain its appearance. 

Create a Patio Plan

A patio is often constructed next to an in-ground pool to provide a space for entertaining and relaxing where you can also enjoy fine outdoor furniture. Poured concrete, precast concrete pavers, or natural stone such as Pennsylvania bluestone or limestone may all be used. The materials you use for a patio should match the hardscape materials you use in your home to create a consistent design or look.

Allow enough space on the terrace to position the furniture, but not too much. You don’t want to be paving for miles. It’s unappealing. On one side of the pool, we recommend building a patio. Take cues from your surroundings and perspective. You could tuck a patio right up against the landscaping. You don’t have to walk the whole length of the pool. Sit on one side and take in the scenery.

Leave Room for Landscaping

The pool becomes an integral part of your home as it is integrated into the overall scheme of your landscaping. It’s a good idea to consult a landscape designer or architect early on in the pool-design process. You’ll want to make sure that everything you plant near a pool is far enough away from the edge that it doesn’t make it difficult to walk around it.

You’ll want a lot of summer color from flowering plants if you use your pool, mainly in the Summer, but you should know what you’re planting. Please make sure you understand what the plants need, how large they can grow when fully grown, and how much sun and shade they need. Planting shade trees by a pool is a bad idea because you’ll have to deal with dropping leaves that could end up in the pool.

Container plantings fit well around a pool. Tropical plants in pots will give you a tropical feel, but keep in mind how much care they’ll need. You must be dedicated to watering your plants every day, and if you go away for the weekend, you must have someone water them for you. 

Splurge on Furniture and Accents

Furniture is the key to any comfortable poolside patio. Once you’ve got your design figured out, getting furniture to match the style and comfort needs to top priority. Your furniture needs will depend on the design aesthetics and other factors, but there are some standard options to consider.

Fire Pits: Fire pits come in various options based on function and design, and there is undoubtedly one to suit your needs and tastes. You can install a purely aesthetic gas fire pit to warm yourself by or opt for a wood-burning one to roast s’mores over with family and friends.

There are options for portable pits that can be moved based on the occasion, but the more elegant ones are built-in as a permanent feature. A hot new trend in the fire pit category is coffee table fire pits. These tables are small and portable and feature a burning center to gather around. They are affordable and a great entry option for those with limited space or budget.

Outdoor Curtains, Umbrellas, or Shades: Outdoor shades might seem out of season for fall, but they are more valuable than just soaking up the sun’s rays. As the weather cools, the winds will pick up and bring with them a cool fall breeze. Outdoor shades and curtains can block those winds or at least drastically reduce their chilling impact on your relaxing evening. 

Shades are also a practical solution for strategically blocking out your neighbor’s views of your patio. Patio Umbrellas can still be a practical piece of patio furniture during the fall. The west coast is often sunnier for longer than other parts of the country. If you are out west, consider a patio umbrella to keep the sun off you until it sets.

Patio Design Ideas

If you aren’t sure where to start with your patio design, consider some of these popular styles as a starting place for your plan.

As an alternative to a conversation-style patio, the Garden Oasis: A garden oasis seeks to improve the pool’s natural environment. The number of seating areas is kept to a minimum, and the room is instead filled with lush plants and raw materials. A garden oasis concept will give you a sense of being away from home.

You can transform your patio into a serene escape where your concerns melt away by enclosing the pool in vibrant blossoms and flourishing greenery. A water feature, such as a waterfall or bubbling fountain, can soothe the soul with the soothing sound of cascading water. Even the most straightforward pool patio can be transformed into a garden oasis with containers or decorative planters. The lovely planters that flank this formal pool design help to anchor the room and create visual appeal.

The Covered Patio: A covered patio helps you to relax by the pool without overheating. It provides a relaxing outdoor living room, particularly for pools that are located further away from the house. A covered patio can be anything from a curtained cabana to a wooden pergola to a custom-designed pavilion. It can be used to relax, entertain, or enjoy the shade. The poolside loggia, framed by two stone structures and features a pergola, provides a cool respite from the heat. A fieldstone cabana offers a spacious changing area with outdoor showers built into the exterior wall.

The Backyard Retreat: A backyard retreat patio design can encompass several—or all—outdoor activities, from lounging in the sun to dining al fresco to entertaining friends, making it the ultimate in poolside living. When only the family is present, this grand poolside setting can comfortably host a large number of guests for a summer barbecue. Still, it feels intimate when only the family is present.

The Outdoor Room: The comfort and conveniences of your favorite indoor space are brought to your poolscape with outdoor room patio designs. An outdoor living room becomes a popular gathering place for family and friends. The design of this cozy indoor-outdoor environment requires deep-seating patio furniture and a custom fireplace.

An outdoor dining room is essential for pool owners who enjoy dining al fresco on the patio regularly. What is the most important aspect of an excellent outdoor space? During outdoor celebrations, an outdoor dining collection with a table wide enough to fit family members as well as guests.

The Outdoor Kitchen: An outdoor kitchen will complement the design of an outdoor dining room while still transporting food to the table a breeze. The outdoor gourmet kitchen can also have an outdoor TV for visitors to watch while relaxing at the swim-up bar adjacent to the kitchen. 

The Bistro Patio: A bistro patio is ideal for those with small backyards who want a peaceful place to relax and take in the scenery. This small patio design, which includes a bistro table and two chairs, can be incorporated into the pool area or separated by a small pathway.

Although a bistro patio design is suitable for small pool areas, it also fits more extensive settings. Three separate bistro patio areas can be found in the poolscape above. Each nook provides a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape while also creating a more intimate atmosphere. For summer nights spent al fresco, a fire pit adds a comfortable touch.

The Sun Deck Patio: A sun deck patio is ideal for unwinding by the lake. After a swim in the pool, it’s a great place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the sunlight. When lined with rows of stylish outdoor chaise lounges, a sun deck along the swimming pool perimeter may imitate the look and feel of a luxury hotel or resort. 

Another patio design for poolside lounging is an in-pool sun table, also known as a tanning shelf. A tanning shelf is a wide shallow area at the pool’s entrance that is usually 5 to 8 inches deep. It can run the length of the pool or just a tiny part of it.

Visit our showroom for more outdoor furnishings ideas for your poolside.