Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Ideas To Furnish A Patio

Wood furniture offers a classic, natural look for your patio.


A backyard patio provides outdoor living space that can be used for entertaining and catching rays all summer long. When furnishing the space, you should view it as an extension of your home and choose pieces similar to those in your living and dining rooms, such as a table set, love seat and lounge chairs. The main difference with your patio furniture is the materials used to make it. Several attractive, durable options exist for patio furniture, so you should find pieces that match your patio's style. Does this Spark an idea?


Wood


Wood furniture is a traditional option for furnishing a patio. With its classic appearance and clean lines, wood coordinates with a variety of decorating styles and is available in many forms, such as patio tables, lounge chairs, Adirondack chairs and side tables. Several types of wood are used for patio furniture, with teak and cedar being two of the most common options. Teak furniture is typically more expensive but can provide an elegant look for your patio. Pressure-treated wood is a less expensive option and can be painted to give it a more stylish, decorative look.


Wrought Iron


If you want to create a sophisticated look for your patio, wrought iron patio furniture is a highly decorative option that often features curved or scroll detailing. Like wood, wrought patio iron furniture is available in a variety of forms, including table sets, lounge chairs, coffee style tables and benches. Cushions are often used with wrought iron furniture to make it more comfortable and to add a pop of color to your patio as well. Wrought iron furniture is usually expensive, so if you have a smaller budget, invest in a bistro style table set instead of a large table. The main drawback to using wrought iron furniture outdoors is that it is prone to rust. To avoid any problems, purchase treated wrought iron that has been sealed with a powder coat to prevent rusting. Purchasing covers for wrought iron patio furniture is still a good idea, though, so you can protect it during heavy rainstorms.


Wicker


Wicker furniture can provide a more casual look for your patio but still has a classic feel. You can find a variety of wicker pieces, such as lounge chairs, arm chairs, rocker and gliders. Wicker tables and sofas are available as well. As with wrought iron furniture, cushions are a comfortable and attractive addition to wicker furniture items, so add some brightly colored or patterned cushions for visual interest. If you do not have a covered patio, rain and moisture can be a problem for wicker. Opt for resin wicker furniture if you have an open patio because it is moisture resistant and more durable than traditional wicker.


Aluminum


For a budget-friendly, durable patio furniture option, aluminum may be your best bet. Unlike many other types of patio furniture, aluminum items are very lightweight, which makes them easier to store over the winter or during storms. Two different types of aluminum furniture are sold: cast aluminum and extruded aluminum. Cast aluminum has a similar appearance to wrought iron but is much less expensive. Extruded aluminum pieces tend to have a thicker, heavier appearance. However, both types of aluminum patio furniture are rust-proof so you do not have to worry about them getting wet. They are also easy to clean as well.







Tags: patio furniture, your patio, iron furniture, wrought iron, look your, look your patio