If your outdoor space needs a makeover, new furniture can do wonders for this important part of your home.

Before you decide which type of outdoor furniture to buy, there are some important factors to keep in mind.

Read on for some helpful tips when it comes to buying outdoor furniture so you’ll pick out quality pieces that everyone will enjoy.

Spruce Things Up with Pillows

Outdoor pillows are a fun way to give your patio pops of color and personality. These comfortable pillows should be weatherproof so you can leave them outside, even in inclement weather.

When you look at outdoor pillows, choose a quality brand like Elaine Smith that exudes modern style and laid-back living. These pillows can be layered on your outdoor furniture to add a comfy touch.

The pillows you pick out can come in vibrant colors with playful patterns or stripes. Solid outdoor pillows are a versatile choice that will enhance your current furnishings. 

Look for pillows featuring durable Sunbrella fabric so you know you’re getting a quality accessory. A removable cover with a zippered closure will make keeping your favorite outdoor pillows clean a breeze.

Create Some Shade with Umbrellas and Covers

If you love hanging out in the patio area but you’re not too fond of the sun, a patio umbrella is a perfect choice. These durable outdoor covers provide shade for you, your family, and your guests.

Use an outdoor umbrella to make your backyard area much more comfortable. These shade-providing covers make it much more pleasant to eat and mingle. They’ll also make you want to spend time outside.

Brands like Tuuci Umbrella provide stylish options available in a wide range of trendy colors. Spruce up your patio with a bold umbrella featured in a colorful design, solid hue, or a crisp, clean white color.

You want your outdoor umbrella or cover to be made of quality material that will hold up to years of use. From a poolside deck to your outdoor kitchen, shade makes spending time outdoors a lot more palpable. 

Key features of quality outdoor umbrellas include rust-resistant hardware, durable canopies, and simple mechanisms that make opening and closing the umbrella easy. You should also be able to mount the umbrella to the deck or patio so it stays in place.

A well-made outdoor covering brings beauty and style to your patio along with much-needed shade. Choose quality brand names that feature durable materials and versatile options to give you the perfect shade you desire.

Buying Outdoor Furniture for Entertaining

Spending time outside is a great way to relax, and it’s always much more fun when you have a few guests to entertain. Choose outdoor furniture pieces that offer your guests a comfortable place to sit and have a conversation.

The furniture you pick out should be roomy and accommodating as well as durable. Brands like Mallin use beautiful Sunbrella fabric cushions to offer durability and versatility in any season.

This brand also features gorgeous furnishings like loveseats, chairs, and tables. Create your own outdoor living space by mixing and matching a variety of pieces.

A swivel rocker is a wonderful option if you enjoy reading outdoors. These chairs are fun to use and make your backyard a comfortable place to relax.

Chaise lounge chairs make a cool piece of furniture for poolside relaxation. These long chairs include adjustable backrests so you can sit or lie back at any angle. They also include thick, comfortable cushions so lounging time is always a comfy experience.

Mallin offers a variety of fabric colors to help you create your own unique look for a backyard, patio, or deck area. The company sells everything from outdoor ottomans and sling chairs to replacement cushions.

When you spend time entertaining outdoors, remember to keep durability and comfort in mind before any purchase. These two qualities ensure that your new outdoor furnishings last a long time. It also gives you a comfy place to relax for years to come.

Make Outdoor Living Modern

If you have a modern home, sleek lines and clean details complement the space. Contemporary homes need a modern furniture solution for the patio or deck area.

For those who have modern in mind, try brands like Kingsley Bate that uses fine, premium teak wood. They use precise mortise and tension joints to give each piece a slick, unique aesthetic and durability.

Besides teak wood, this brand incorporates other modern elements. A blend of stainless steel and all-weather wicker adds a bold touch. The combination of materials creates a modern sight to behold.

Neutral tones in brown and tan intermingle with colors of cream. These hues are alongside metallic stainless steel for a modern aesthetic. Kingsley Bate crafts some of the finest contemporary outdoor furniture on the market today.

Add some corner ottomans and modular furniture to create your own custom configuration. It’s the perfect way to maximize your outdoor living space and create something unique to your home.

Angular seats and tapered legs on outdoor chairs make your space exude the epitome of modern style. Look for square frames and simple designs that bring your backyard area a splash of contemporary appeal.

Bring the Beach to Your Backyard

If you love the laid-back atmosphere of sandy shorelines, look for outdoor furniture that gives off a “beachy” look and feel. Colorful chairs and tables will add an element of fun to your backyard area, and they look great next to the pool, too.

Seaside Casual furniture makes unique pieces that boast brilliant colors, and materials that can handle the elements with ease. These furnishings are made from a material called Envirowood, a marine-grade recycled HDPE polymer.

Thanks to its unique construction, outdoor furniture from Seaside Casual is completely resistant to fading, insect damage, moisture damage, warping and splintering. Low-maintenance is a hallmark of high-quality outdoor furniture.

When you choose something that’s easy to maintain, you won’t have to spend your precious time worrying about your investment. Choose pieces from this brand to give you durable furniture that’s also beautiful to look at.

They offer everything from deck chairs and bar stools to complete lounge sets including tables and chairs. Pick out pieces boasting vibrant colors to make your outdoor space pop.

With any outdoor furniture, the goal is to find something that can handle all types of weather. If you live in a hot climate or one with lots of winter snow, your furniture should be able to stay outside and remain in good condition.

Durability and comfort are always important for any style of backyard furniture. Look for brands like Seaside Casual that combine new developments in materials with a classic style you’ll love.

Blend Function and Style Together

To get the most from your backyard furniture, look for items that blend beautiful design together with versatile function. Large coffee tables with drawers offer you a place to stash items and give you plenty of surface space.

Sturdy chairs with thick, weatherproof cushions ensure that all your guests stay comfortable while enjoying the beauty of your furniture. The brand Plank and Hide provide customers with gorgeous outdoor furniture that’s easy to maintain.

Mixing modern elements with comfortable options makes Plank and Hide’s “dream cushion” furniture a must-have for any backyard. The large, thick cushions look beautiful but can also be removed for easy cleaning.

Pieces made of wide, flat wicker are woven in intricate designs that give each piece a sleek look and durability. An aluminum frame ensures that this outdoor furniture will stand the test of time.

To get more from your backyard furniture, look for unique options from Plank and Hide like their tabletop fire pits. These unusually beautiful tables open in the center to reveal a stainless steel burner so you can stay warm.

Other furniture pieces include comfortable swivel lounge gliders, deep seating sofas, loveseat, and ottoman. The combination of modern design and comfort make this furniture a great option for anyone who plans to spend a lot of time outdoors.

Elevate Your Life with Outdoor Furniture

If you need outdoor furniture for your home, keep these essential qualities in mind. Durability and weatherproof features will ensure that your furniture lasts through many seasons.

Look for designs that incorporate modern lines or vibrant colors. Outdoor umbrellas will give you extra shade to entertain in comfort, even during the heat of summer.

For the best brand names and highest quality furnishings, visit our website and contact us today for more information. 

Before you haul your dingy patio furniture to the curb, try cleaning it using these common household cleaners.

Wicker

Wicker can be tricky to clean because the woven fibers create crevices where dirt can accumulate.

1. Using a soft brush, scrub with a mild oil-based soap.
2. Rinse the wicker with a hose.
3. Hose down every few weeks to keep clean.

Aluminum

1. With a dampened cloth, wipe the furniture with mild dish detergent.
2. Rinse with water.
3. To remove scuff marks, use a multipurpose bathroom cleaner and rinse clean.

Cushions

There are few things less welcoming than soiled and discolored outdoor cushions.

1. Create a solution of one-quarter cup of clear liquid detergent per gallon of lukewarm water.
2. Sponge the detergent thoroughly into the cushion.
3. Rinse with a garden hose.

Teak

In particularly hot and humid climates, teak furniture can suffer from mildew growth.

1. Sponge on a solution of one cup of ammonia, a half-cup of white vinegar, one-quarter cup of baking soda and one gallon of water.
2. Keep white vinegar in a spray bottle to spot clean any small mildew stains.

Wrought Iron

1. Wipe clean with a dampened cloth and a mild dish detergent.
2. Rinse with a hose.

 

To build your patio wonderland, contact All American Pool and Patio by calling 1-877-930-7070.

For people who love to entertain, the patio and its surrounding outdoor setting can make for the ideal backdrop when the weather permits. With some careful planning, homeowners can design a patio and outfit it with furnishings and accessories that complement the setting’s elegance and functionality. When creating and furnishing your luxury patio, be sure to keep the following ideas in mind.

High-Functioning Outdoor Kitchen

If you entertain outdoors on a regular basis, you might think about installing an outdoor kitchen on a portion of your patio. To integrate your kitchen into the patio space, you might consider custom built-ins that can accommodate your cooking appliances (i.e. grill) and counter space for food preparation. The style of your patio can inform the type of design you choose for the space whether you opt for a modern style, traditional, or something more particular like a hacienda or Tuscan villa style. Naturally, you’ll want to choose accessories such like dishes, cushion fabric, and potted plants that enhance your chosen style.

Dining Area

Consider the type of entertaining you do before you outfit your dining space with furnishings. If you generally invite extended family to your home, you might want to opt for a grand outdoor table, one that’s large enough to seat the adults you typically invite to your home. If you, on the other hand, tend to host large events, you might opt for a series of café or bistro sets that encourage guests to mingle and even move from table to table. You can choose elegant table settings for this area of your patio along with table centerpieces like candles, vases, and even oil lamps.

Outdoor Bar

An outdoor bar is ideal for homes that do a lot of entertaining. It’s often easiest to site the bar near the home so that running water and electricity is less difficult. From small yet swanky to large and elaborate, outdoors bars run the gamut in terms of style and size. You can select one that complements your outdoor kitchen, but also provides a focal point for your outdoor entertainments. When it comes to bar accessories, you can opt for elegant stemware and glassware that match your decorative style.

Patio Furniture

From teak to wrought iron, patio furniture is available in a myriad of styles. You might opt for wicker, wood, or metal in a style that suits your decorative plan. You can create an outdoor family room with outdoor chaise lounges, chairs, and couches that are set out in a fashion that’s conducive to conversation. While the family room style might be fine for smaller gatherings, you may need more seating for larger entertainments. Stools, benches, and functional seating can be made more comfortable with outdoor cushions that can be easily stored when they’re not needed.

Other Considerations

When designing and decorating your patio, don’t forget to think about how to shade your guests during daylight events. You might want to include a pergola or gazebo in your plans. For night-time entertaining, you’ll need to infuse light onto your patio so your guests will be safe walking about. You can accessorize the space with gorgeous outdoor lighting fixtures that are both durable and functional. Finally, consider adding an elegant focal point to your setting like a fountain or outdoor fireplace.

Once you create your ideal outdoor setting, you’ll love entertaining outdoors where your guests can enjoy the outdoor climate in a beautiful setting. Keep these considerations in mind as you plan your patio and shop for outdoor furnishings.

If you want to expand your outdoor living space and make it comfortable when the weather turns cold, adding a fire pit to the back yard is a great way to do just that. There is nothing like sitting around a fire pit telling ghost stories and roasting marshmallows to bring the family together. Once it is in place, the fire pit will quickly become the focal point of your outdoor living space. When properly installed and well maintained, the fire pit will be both enjoyable and safe to use. Proper maintenance is the key to continued safety, so take the time to learn the proper techniques. Below are some easy ways to keep your fire pit in great shape.

Perhaps the most important maintenance tip is to make sure the fire is out before you leave the pit. Do not leave the area until the fire has burned out completely and the ashes are cool. Hot embers can still spark a fire, so always put safety first. Once the fire is out and the ashes have cooled sufficiently, you can clean the fire pit and get it ready for the next use. Cleaning the fire pit thoroughly after each use is the best way to keep it looking and running like new. It is recommend to wait a day after use, before cleaning your fire pit. It is very important you wait until the fire pit is completely cooled before cleaning.

Use an angled broom to seep the interior of the fire pit. Sweep in the same direction instead of moving the broom back and forth – this will keep the ash from being moved around and make cleanup easier. Use a dust pan to remove the accumulated ash and dispose of it properly. Again, make sure the ash is completely cooled off before disposing of it. Once the interior of the fire pit has been swept and the ash safely removed, you may also take a damp rag and wipe out any access ash that is remaining in the bowl. You want to eliminate any soot build up or any food debris; these can clog burners and cause stains to your bowl.

Check the perimeter of the fire pit carefully and make sure there is no debris that could spark and catch fire. Remove branches, leaves and other potentially flammable materials until you have a clear space at least 10 feet in diameter. Make sure to re-check the perimeter before using the fire pit again.

If your fire pit is made of decorative concrete pavers, you will need to seal them to prevent premature wear and tear. Apply a thin coat of stone or concrete sealant to the fire pit, making sure to use a product designed to withstand high heat. You may need to reseal the pavers from time to time – just check for wear each time you use the fire pit and reapply the sealant as needed.

For further protection from the outside elements, a patio grade cover is durable, breathable and water resistant. Maintaining the fire pit the right way can extend its lifetime and make it safer to use.

With the holiday’s right around the corner, it’s a great time to plan some festive decorating projects. You can create an inviting front porch setting that is both welcoming and decked out for the holiday season. The following ideas can inspire you to decorate your front porch with a dramatic new look that is sure to help you ring in the New Year.

Restyle Your Seating

If you have a bench, chairs, or small café-style table and chairs on your front porch, be sure to add some holiday-inspired cushions to your seating. Even solid colors like red or green will infuse your front porch with holiday color. Changing your cushions seasonally helps you reduce their wear and tear while complementing your home’s exterior décor.

Dramatic Garlands

Simple garlands of evergreen can add visual interest to your front porch railings and door all winter long. However, you might want to enhance your garland with tinsel, red tassels, or gold ornaments to celebrate the New Year. For a more rustic garland, you can add pine cones along with dried red berries.

Light It Up

A great lighting display will help you to create a beautiful and welcoming front porch that will enhance the exterior of your home throughout the holiday season. You can add lights to outdoor garlands, wreaths, banisters, columns, or throughout your entire porch area for a stunning effect. While white lights will complement any type of home, you might prefer colored lights for a more whimsical effect.

Holiday Planters

Your planters can make a great display when you fill them with holiday plants like poinsettias, but they’ll also transform your front porch when you deck them out with some creative ideas. You can fill your front porch planters with small Christmas trees festooned with ribbon and bows along with other trimmings that will hold up to the weather. For something unique, pile some wrapped presents atop your planters or window boxes for a fun holiday look.

Metallic Touches

Accessorizing your front porch with metallic props is perfect for New Year’s decorating. Fill a large silver pail with logs strewn with holly. Hang over-sized ornaments from your porch roof. Add some bright gold or bronze planters beside your door filled with dried plants that complement your decorative plan.

Let It Snow

Even if you live in a hot climate, there’s nothing wrong with transforming your porch with an elegant snowflake display. White and silver are timeless winter colors that will add a beautiful touch to your New Year’s exterior display. From enhancing white wreaths and holiday trees to decorative snowflakes you hang throughout your porch, you can achieve a dazzling winter setting that you can even leave up long after New Year’s Day.

Decorating for New Year’s starts with your front porch. A great outdoor display will set the perfect tone for holiday celebrating as you welcome guests to your home. Keep these ideas in mind as you decorate your home for the upcoming holidays.

 

Adding a patio to your home is one of the best ways to expand your living space without breaking the bank. Putting an addition on your home could cost tens of thousands of dollars, but a high quality patio will cost only a fraction of that price. Although you are spending less, you are still making an investment, one that will add equity to your home.

When creating an outdoor living space, you will want to outfit your patio with a hot tub, a high end grill or just a quality furniture set to complete the space. It is important you take steps to protect your purchase so you can maximize its use. With the right care, a quality patio furniture set can last for many years, but if you neglect it those pieces could start to show their age after just a year or two.

First, make sure to regularly clean your furniture during the summer months. Wipe up spills immediately to avoid staining. Lay a towel down after getting out of the pool to avoid transferring left over tanning oil or sunblock. Keep your furniture out of the sun for prolonged periods of time. Also, apply a sealant to the wood to protect the stain color from sun damage.

One of the best things you can do to prepare your patio furniture for the long winter season is to give it a deep cleaning prior to storing it. Start by wiping the wood down with a quality furniture polish to remove dust and built-up dirt. Polish the wood carefully until all dirt has been removed, then apply a sealant to protect the wood from moisture. Even if you store your patio furniture indoors, moisture can still build up. Applying a protective coating can prevent serious wood damage later.

After the patio furniture has been thoroughly cleaned, you will need to store it properly. If you have a shed on your property, now is the time to clear out space and store your furniture. If you do not have a storage shed, you might consider buying one to store the furniture. Patio furniture will last much longer if it is stored out of the elements. If you do not have a way to store your patio furniture indoors, invest in a quality patio cover to provide protection from ice and snow. Patio covers should be tight fitting, durable, water resistant, and made from high quality acrylic, and nylon fibers. Be sure to remove any upholstered cushions and store them indoors, since excess moisture could damage them, making them unusable.

Taking time to protect your patio furniture from the seasonal elements and harsh winter weather will allow you to enjoy it once the weather permits. With the right care, your patio furniture will last for many years.