Buying the Right Patio Umbrella

With so many choices on offer, you might be overwhelmed by the simple task of buying a patio umbrella.

There are two questions you need to ask yourself before going out and buying your new outdoor patio umbrella.

What do I want to use the umbrella for? And where will I be using the umbrella?

These two questions are key factors for choosing the right umbrella to meet your needs.

If you want an umbrella to shade you on the deck while cooking the barbeque or shading you and your guests while you sit at the patio table sipping cocktails and nibbling on a cheese board, then a market umbrella or regular patio umbrella will be just your thing.

If you're planning on taking the umbrella to the beach to sit under while you're relaxing on the sand reading a book, then you're going to need a beach umbrella - these have pointed umbrella poles which make sticking them in the sand easy. They look very similar to patio umbrellas, but can often be a lot brighter and more colourful.

If you want the umbrella to shade you while you're floating in the pool or Jacuzzi then an offset or cantilever umbrella is what you're looking for. These have a side post instead of a center pole which means they can shade an area off to the side.

All these different types of umbrellas vary in price. You can get cheap versions of beach umbrellas right through to designer ones. The same goes for the regular patio umbrella and the cantilever umbrella. The market and offset umbrellas are generally the more expensive kinds. So if you're looking for something cheap, opt for a plain beach or patio umbrella.

Tag : patio,patio set,patio table,patio umbrella

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anabel_Scott

Deck, Garden and Patio Ideas

Planning your deck, garden or patio in detail is the most essential part of any outdoor project. Creating a "Comfort Zone" isn't difficult when you determine what comfort levels most suit you or your family. Today's accent is on creating beauty with simplicity and simplicity with elegance and charm while extending comfort and tranquility.

The Outdoor Deck

An outdoor deck is a wonderful extension of the style of a home. However, a deck doesn't have to "match" exactly. A large, well furnished deck setting that offers a view is ideal. But, the "view" can easily be created with subtle landscaping, lighting and furniture accents like a fire pit, chimney, even the newest fashion trend, a "cairn" built from interesting rocks and a lantern included for subtle lighting.

Gardens of Delight

Gardens have many diverse themes incorporating and highlighting flowers, trees, bowers, trellises, arbors, pergolas and espaliers. Bring back the pleasures of garden charm that compliments each season of the year from any view inside or out. Symmetry is important to balance in a garden. Dark colors of evergreens should be located as a "base" for lighter color shrubs or flowers. Balance flowers that drink in the sun with a moon garden, flowers that bloom best when after the sun goes down, like primroses or moon flower. Remember vegetables serve as ornamental accents too.

Shopping for Unusual Garden Accents

It's possible to acquire unusual garden accents from pieces sold at garage sales and estate auctions. An outdoor accent bench or chair can be easily restored and used for potted plants. The same is true of old garden tools, like rakes. Reduce the handle size. Give it a brightly colored coat of paint, install the shortened rake on the side of a shed with the tines at the bottom. Then, hang potted plants from the tines.

Tag : patio,patio ideas,patio chairs,patio furniture

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Helena_Topolova

Patio Chairs - Outdoor Furniture Protection 365 Days a Year

Though wooden patio chairs are manufactured to be strong, good-looking and long-lasting, there is a basic level of maintenance required if you want to get the most mileage out of your purchase. And taking care of those chairs outdoor is not just a summer job; it requires a yearly commitment. A few checkups and some elbow grease administered throughout the seasons will keep old furniture looking like new.

Springtime:
As the winter frost turns into a spring thaw, all the animals start to come out of hibernation and that's when you can bring chairs outdoor too. Remove and store any tarps or covers that you used and fold them up neatly and keep them stored in dry, cool areas where they won't get wet or too hot. Moisture can lead to black mold, while heat can melt the tarp material.

Once you get chairs outdoor, wipe off cobwebs and other debris using a damp rag or even your garden hose. Once the major dirt is off, you will want to clean your chairs outdoor with soap and water or a mild wood detergent. At this point, if you've noticed any of the paint or varnish peeling or chipping, you will need to sand down the entire chair and repaint or re-coat it before proceeding.

As part of regular patio furniture maintenance, oiling is important for chairs. Outdoor elements tend to dry out the natural moisture and oils inside the lumber's heartwood, so you will need to oil wood anywhere from one to a few times per year. Take into account that some woods, like teak and cedar, produce their own natural oils and that too much oil can actually have an adverse effect on lumber and cause it to turn black.

If you chairs have matching cushions, remove the waterproof nylon covers and toss them in the washing machine. They usually zip right off. The insides of cushions are also waterproof, made from a synthetic poly fill, but they aren't usually suited for machine washing. For stains and musty odors, you can use a damp rag or a disinfectant cleaner.

Also, it's important to look at the metal hardware on chairs, as well as the condition of the wood itself. Rusty joints, warped and broken pieces of wood should be replaced at once. Otherwise, small splits in the wood can usually just be sanded down.

Summertime:
Summer is often the easiest time to care for patio chairs because that's when you most use them, so you'll notice when things need work. Wipe up any spills as soon as they occur to minimize the chance of them setting into the wood using a damp rag. For stronger stains, try the same wood cleaner you used in spring, but is the stain is especially stubborn you may have to work in concentrated areas using a bleach and water solution. At the same time, wipe off chairs outdoor after rain showers so that moisture is not on there longer than necessary. Cushions should be brought indoors when it begins to rain, or else stored outside in watertight bins.

Autumn:
When the summer season comes to an end it's time to starting thinking about where you want to store your chairs throughout winter. Will you leave your chairs outdoor or bring them inside into storage? This is another good occasion to oil chairs outdoor as needed before they're stashed for the next few months, especially if your storage space has dry air.

Cleaning chairs off one last time is recommended so they won't have to sit all winter with stains or dirt just getting more embedded. Also, check to see that furniture is 100 percent dry before covering up. Damp furniture will develop mold, especially if trapped under a tarp. These tarps are ideal environments for mildew because they trap heat and moisture and let in minimal air.

Wintertime:
At the end of the year, try and get chairs covered before it gets too cold or wet to work with. You will then have to decide whether to keep your chairs outdoor or take them inside into storage. If kept outdoors, you will absolutely need to use a strong, waterproof tarp or chair cover that fits snugly over the entire piece. If, on the other hand you have space to bring your chairs inside, tarps are still a good idea, as they protect chairs from indoor dust and insects.

Tag : patio,patio furniture,patio table,patio chairs,patio heaters

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tonya_Kerniva

Keep Wooden Furniture For Patio and Decks Maintained

The summer is a great time to enjoy the hard work you've put into decorating and furnishing your deck area. It's also the perfect time to check that all furniture for patio and deck use is in tiptop shape. To keep the fun times rolling, you will need to care for furniture for patio setups or else an accident might ensue. Doing yearly checks and performing small amounts of regular maintenance will have furniture looking its best for years, while at the same time keeping everyone safe.

Cleaning and Finishes

Getting a splinter of wood lodged in your hand can be a painful and irritating experience. Try to keep all furniture for patio and deck areas as clean and smooth as possible. This will also ensure the coloration of your wood stays even, and that with a finish it will protect the wood as well. To begin with, you need a clean and even surface to work with. Sand down uneven wood and remove all traces of old varnish. Next, clean the wood of sawdust using a damp rag. Then you will need to clean the wood so that your finish will better stick. You can use a wood safe detergent cleaner or even simply soap and water. After the wood is clean and dry, apply oil or an oil-based varnish. Depending on climate and other factors, you may need to oil wood furniture one to a few times each year. You might also decide instead to paint your wood furniture.

Wood Condition

Because it's kept outside through all sorts of weather conditions, wood furniture will deteriorate. Rain, snow, dew, sunlight, temperature changes and insects all contribute to rotting, cracking and warping of wood. To protect your wood furniture for patio living, there are a few things you can do. After you take furniture out of storage for the summer, do a check of all the wood parts. Check for splintering, cracking and broken pieces. Small cracks and splits in the wood can usually just be sanded down to remove them and prevent them from spreading further. For anything bigger, you will need to replace the wood piece in question, either yourself or professionally.

In addition to regular chairs and tables, you should take extra care with furniture that has moving parts. With porch and patio swings, regular chain maintenance is vital. Replace rusty chains at once, and make sure each side is even to avoid tilted benches and unevenness. With rocking chairs, you should look at the curved rockers on the bottom of the chair legs, as these are the parts that will receive the most pressure. If they break, you're in for a fall. And with gliders, you will need to make sure that the gliding track is regularly oiled to prevent the seat from locking up.

Hardware

Rust isn't normally something you would associate with wood furniture, but it's definitely an issue with all furniture for patio use. That's because most of the hardware that keeps outdoor furniture together is made out of metal, and if it gets rusty or breaks, you could hurt yourself, or even get tetanus. And outdoor exposure, especially with its excess moisture and saltwater, speeds up the oxidation process. If you notice rusty or broken pieces of hardware, replace them at once. When you originally go to buy furniture, ask the salesman about the hardware. It's something that's easy to overlook because it's usually not visible on a piece of furniture, but that doesn't mean it's any less important. Look for zinc hardware that has a rust-resistant powder coating on it.

Tag : patio,patio furniture,patio umbrellas,patio heaters

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tonya_Kerniva

10 Tips For Choosing Patio Lights

Before shopping for patio lighting, take a moment to review the lighting goals for the space. Patios and decks have unique lighting requirements. Lighting must ensure safety while also creating ambiance, meaning several different types of patio lights will be required in a variety locations.

1. First determine how the patio or deck will be used. For parties? For quiet, intimate dinners with a sweetheart? For the kids to run wild so they won't spend two hours plaintively begging for a glass of water from their bed? Be sure to also evaluate the lighting needs of sitting areas and functional areas such as the grill.

2. What areas need to be lit for safety? Steps are a given, but what about the path to the deck or patio? Don't leave people to trip in the dark, make sure high traffic areas have adequate lighting!

3. What is the decorative theme of the patio or deck? There are so many different styles of patio lighting that they have become a major design element in their own right. Select lighting that matches and enhances patio décor.

4. What are the major color notes of the patio or deck? Patio lighting comes in several different metallic tones such as copper or burnished steel, but there are also lanterns or string lights in a rainbow of colors. Spend some time researching options on the internet and select colors that complement the palette of your patio.

5. Do you want floodlights to highlight landscaping? Showcase a green thumb at night with strategically placed patio lights that add a nice decorative touch to outdoor living spaces.

6.What is the desired brightness of the lighting? Bright enough to read by? Or a soft, candlelight glow?

7.Where is the nearest plug-in spot for patio lights? If an outlet isn't available, can one be installed or will the patio be limited to solar lighting?

8. Consider purchasing patio lights to illuminate a pond or other water features in the yard. Floating solar lights are a great option, but waterproof spotlights are also available.

9. Remember, light attracts bugs so think about bug deterrents or other control methods in addition to patio lights so guests aren't fending off moths and mosquitos.

10. How handy are you? Most deck or patio lighting is simple to install, but for inexperienced homeowners, it may be wise to either hire some help or stick to simple, low maintenance lighting options. Handy homeowners may want to consider designing and building their own patio lights--all that is required is knowledge of basic electrical wiring.

Knowing the answers to these questions will ensure optimal patio lighting.

Tag : patio,patio lights,patio heater

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_Rasey

The Difference That High Quality Patio Covers Make

A couple of years ago, we had a patio professionally installed; our old patio had been crumbling and falling apart for some time, and we'd never bothered to invest in any nice outdoor furniture for it. With our new patio, though, that old furniture really stood out as an eyesore - within a short period of time, we realized that we'd need to spend a bit more money to get some high quality furniture to go along with our brand new patio.

Our neighbor had recently purchased an entirely new patio furniture set, so we consulted with him to get an idea about pricing and what kinds of styles were available. Armed with a lot of new information, I headed to a nearby furniture retailer and found the perfect set that complemented our new patio in a breathtaking way. Although the furniture was by no means inexpensive, I figured that it was a worthwhile investment and was assured that the furniture would last for many years to come - provided that I was careful about covering it up to protect it from the elements.

This last warning took me by surprise; after all, my neighbor didn't seem to cover his furniture up. I brought my new patio furniture home and set everything up. In no time at all, my family and I were spending more time than ever before out on our comfortable patio, lounging in our elegant new chairs and dining regularly at our attractive new table. Meanwhile, I asked my neighbor about covering up the furniture; he shrugged, saying that he saw no reason for covering the furniture up since it was designed to be outdoors anyway.

One Of The Wisest Investments I Ever Made

Despite the way that my neighbor disregarded the idea of using patio furniture covers, I took the advice that I'd received to heart and decided to purchase a set of high quality patio covers from a reputable distributor. Although this meant spending even more money, I was promised that the investment would prove wise down the road. As it happens, this couldn't possibly have been more true - but at first, I was admittedly a little bit skeptical.

My neighbor saw me using my new patio chair covers and other items; he made it clear that he thought I was wasting my money, but ultimately shrugged and said it was obviously my own personal choice. I got into the habit of covering up my patio furniture whenever I knew that we wouldn't be using it for a while; in fact, I ended up covering it up each and every night. The patio furniture covers were easy enough to use that it was really no hassle at all to put them on the expensive furniture that I'd purchased.

Time passed by, and numerous seasons elapsed. During the long, cold winter I not only stacked my patio furniture and stored it in a safe place, but I also made sure to use the patio covers that I'd so diligently used even during pleasant weather. My neighbor, on the other hand, left his furniture out and exposed to the elements. As time went by, the colors of his furniture began to fade noticeably, and small details and embellishments began to chip and peel. Meanwhile, my furniture emerged every spring looking as new as the day I'd first purchased it - and the patio chair covers continued to hold up admirably, too.

How Patio Furniture Covers Increased The Longevity Of My Investment

The contrast between my patio furniture and my neighbor's patio furniture was stark: each spring, I set all of my furniture up and simply wiped it down to remove the minimal amount of dust it had accrued. He set his furniture up, and found a growing number of imperfections and problems with it. My patio covers had protected the furniture from UV rays and other harmful elements, allowing its colors to stay true and its small details to remain intact and unharmed; my neighbor's patio furniture began taking on a weathered and unattractive look.

Today, any stranger shown my patio furniture compared with my neighbor's would automatically assume that I'd just purchased mine; that's how good a job the patio furniture covers have done over the years. Meanwhile, a stranger would assume that my neighbor's patio furniture was years older than mine - when in reality, we'd both purchased ours around the same time! Needless to say, it was glaringly apparent that my patio covers were what made the difference in this situation.

Eventually, my neighbor's patio furniture became warped and faded to the point that he needed to buy a whole new set; mine continued to look stunning and like-new. When he brought his new patio furniture home, he immediately unfurled a full set of patio chair covers and other similar items; he'd obviously learned his lesson. I happily demonstrated how simple they were to use, and he shook his head at how easily he could have protected his previous investment.

Patio Furniture Covers Don't Detract From My Overall Style

One of my biggest concerns when buying my first set of patio covers was that they would be ugly, detracting from the carefully designed decor of my professionally installed patio. I was pleasantly surprised when I was presented with the many great options for patio covers, though; they came in a wide variety of patterns and colors, and were all very tastefully designed. Not only did they provide a valuable service, but they looked good doing it; I was sold, and have remained a fan ever since.

Today, I'll tell anyone who asks me that patio covers are definitely the way to go whenever you wish to protect the patio furniture you use. I always relate the story about me and my neighbor, and how dramatic the differences were between our two sets of furniture. I also refer my friends and family to the reputable dealer who sold me my patio furniture covers, and they are always incredibly pleased as well.

Tag : patio,patio covers,patio furniture,patio heater

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Labens

Finding Patio Door Suppliers

If you are looking for ways to improve your home, and bring some light into it, glass door is the best option. Usually, patio doors are used at the back of the house. But I have seen, on quite a few occasions, a patio door at the front of the house. There are a few things you need to bear in mind when buying a new patio door.

1) First of all makes sure that the company you are going to buy the door from as reputable. One indicator will be a 'Guild of Master Crafts Men' qualification. All the reputable companies should have some kind of qualification, and if there isn't any, you should ask why. By dealing with reputable company you have a good chance or avoiding problems such as wrong measuring for example.

2) Check if the company can fit the door for you. The fitting should be done by a company, unless you are a qualified builder and confident that you can do it. If you are going to do it yourself, make sure that all the measurements are double-checked. You do not want to waste money, and the door, because of wrong measurement. And I have heard that it happens sometimes. So make sure you have everything well measured.

3) Consider getting a color door. The majority of patio doors are white, and in my opinion it is getting really boring. Also, do not forget that dirt will show on white door much faster than ok colored one.

4) Check if the seller can provide you with self cleaning glass. If you are busy and do not have time to do the housework, self cleaning glass is a perfect option for you. Ask your supplier if they can fit your door with this kind of glass.

But remember, that all the changes you make, all the extra services you are going to get will cost money. Therefore, make sure that you stay within your budget.

Tag : patio,patio door,patio heater,patio furniture

rticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Westie

Patio Furniture For Your Garden

There are many different styles, types, and designs of patio furniture available. Ranging from the inexpensive but typically short lived and even flimsy plastic furniture, to the natural looking but heavy and potentially weather damaged natural materials you really do have a massive choice ahead of you when shopping for patio furniture or outdoor furniture of any description. One of the more recent and popular additions to this range is modern wicker furniture, offering flexibility, weather resistance, and durability with inexpensive prices.

Eating Out

Whether you eat alone or with the family, or even if you regularly entertain parties of people, outdoor dining furniture is a great way to enjoy your meals outside. Wicker patio furniture sets include a strong dining table and two or more chairs. The table and chairs typically utilise an aluminum frame for strength and weather resistance as well as a wicker covering which provides the same great benefits with a unique and contemporary look.

Sitting Out

The garden is also the ideal place just to sit out and enjoy the summer months. From sunbathing and relaxing to reading a book and having a drink you can choose between wicker chairs and wicker lounge chairs. Where the wicker chair offers a more upright and fixed position, a lounge chair provides several different reclined positions including one that is fully horizontal. You can also buy wicker coffee tables and end tables to add extra convenience to your patio set.

Entertaining

Entertaining guests in the garden allows you all to enjoy the weather and for parties it means that there is less danger of breakages and spillages causing damage to your home. Wicker chairs, a wicker dining set, and wicker tables are particularly useful for entertaining because they look good and work well outside, but also because they are easy to clean and simple to maintain. You don't need any special cleaning materials or detergents and can simply wipe down spills with a damp cloth.

Conservatory Furniture

The conservatory is another area of the house that requires special attention when choosing furniture. While it may not need to be able to withstand the rain, it will have to be able to cope with prolonged exposure to the sun and may even need to be able to withstand regular cold conditions during the winter. Modern wicker outdoor furniture offers all of these benefits and many more besides. Wicker sofa sets include one or more sofas, individual chairs, and tables, and are modular in design so you can get exactly the layout you want in your home.

More Wicker Furniture Items

End tables, coffee tables, individual chairs, and bistro style sets are all available in modern wicker designs. You can create a unique space in the garden by including these and other items of wicker patio furniture. Simple to clean and often including colourful and personalised cushions and cushion covers, they offer a very unique and contemporary design for the garden.

Accessories

Wicker dog beds allow the whole family, including your four legged friend, to enjoy the outdoors. Wicker flower pots not only use high grade synthetic wicker and aluminum frame but they also incorporate an alloy lining to prevent damage that might otherwise be caused by wet soil and other materials and flowers within the flower pot themselves. Wicker patio furniture enables you to design your garden, decking, and patio the way you want it to look.

Tag : patio,garden,patio furniture,patio umbrellas

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Jackson

Modern Patio Furniture Designs

Choosing patio furniture means finding a design you like but also selecting items that will last for years while continuing to look great throughout that period. As well as features that you would look for in any furniture, such as high quality materials and a resistance to regular use, you should also consider the furniture's ability to withstand the elements. Sets of patio furniture offer a uniform look and choosing wicker outdoor furniture enables you to include a contemporary but natural looking feel to your outdoor space.

Why Choose Wicker Patio Furniture?

Modern wicker patio furniture is quite different to the more traditional wicker pieces. Synthetic wicker is manufactured and treated in such a way that it will be able to withstand regular and thorough use. It is also weather proof so can be left out in the rainy season and throughout the summer months without suffering as a result. Strong and durable, synthetic wicker is also very flexible so a good range of wicker garden furniture designs are available.

Lounge Chairs

Wicker lounge chairs provide the kind of natural look that suits virtually every garden. A selection of colours is available but they all typically match the natural wood colours that are most often used in the design of outdoor furniture. Wicker lounge chairs are luxurious to look at and comfortably luxurious to sit or lye on. Cushions are available in a selection of colours to add a real injection of colour and character to your garden furniture.

Outdoor Dining Sets

An outdoor dining set usually consists of a tempered glass table and two or more wicker dining chairs. The tempered glass is designed for use outdoors so again you don't need to worry about fining storage space during winter and is also easy to care for. Various designs of furniture may be combined with interchangeable cushions covers so you can match the colour to your mood, your guests, or the occasion. Alternatively, you can use one set while you wash another.

Conservatory Sofa Sets

While the conservatory is, strictly speaking, an indoor space it essentially merges with the outdoors. Large windows that spread across the entire room allow a lot of light in and this adds a new element to selecting furniture for use in the conservatory. Where indoor furniture might fade when left in the window for a long period of time, wicker furniture will not. Wicker sofa sets are modular in their design and can include sofas, individual chairs, coffee tables, and even end tables.

Occasional Furniture And Other Items

To create a unique finish for your conservatory or to add extra functionality to your outdoor furniture set you may choose to include extra items as well as the main furniture items. Wicker outdoor furniture can include end tables, coffee tables, and dining tables as well as individual chairs and other useful and good looking pieces of garden furniture.

Dog Beds, Flower Pots, And More

As well as furniture, you can also add accessories like dog beds and flower pots that are made from the same synthetic wicker material. This offers a uniformity that you wouldn't get if you chose other accessories made from different materials and it allows your four legged friend to enjoy the fresh air at the same time as you. All wicker furniture and accessories are durable and easy to look after.

Outdoor furniture and accessories made from synthetic wicker can be found at the Bullz.ca website; filled with unique and great looking garden furniture ideas for your home.

Tag : patio,modern patio,patio designs,patio furniture,patio table

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Jackson

Contemporary Patio Furniture - The Perfect Recession Proof "Staycation"

You lay in a hammock, the sun beating down on your body and relaxing every muscle from head to toe. The smell of exotic foods on the barbecue grill in a distance hits and awakens your senses as the sound of your children enjoying the great outdoors puts true joy into your heart. You may think I'm describing the perfect vacation, but in fact, the picturesque scene just painted in your perfect "staycation". By adding contemporary patio furniture to your home, you can create a wonderful haven for you and your family that you can escape to all year round, saving hundreds, if not thousands of dollars each year.

What is the most treasured part of our past vacations? Could it be the long lines at the airport? Or is it the sound of your kids' voices constantly delivering the words we know so well. "Are we there yet?" Perhaps instead, it is stepping out of a hotel room into the summer sun onto a poolside patio filled with the most beautiful contemporary patio furniture and being able to lounge with family outdoors in an attractive, yet comfortable setting. With the current state of the economy many are starting to realize that creating the right vacation environment at home can be far more affordable, convenient and enjoyable than an actual vacation. By decorating a patio or backyard with the right contemporary patio furniture, the perfect getaway can be closer than ever imagined.

The best vacation spots create their breathtaking outdoor decor with stylish contemporary patio furniture, but can you afford to do the same? Let's crunch some numbers to examine this question. I'd like to welcome you to join me in examining the basic costs as I take a family of four from New York to Florida on a five day vacation.

Airfare: 4 people at $250 per person for a sum of $1,000 Hotel Room for Four: 5 nights at $175 per night for a sum of $875 Rental Car: 5 days at $25 per day for a sum of $125

Without factoring in food, gas, additional entertainment and all unforeseen costs, I've already spent a grand total of $2,000 and my family will have to leave the lovely setting behind us forever. Ouch! Now let's take a look at what we could do at home by jazzing up our space with contemporary patio furniture and some cool knick-knacks.

Four Piece Contemporary Patio Furniture Set: $500 Hammock: $100 Charcoal Grill: $250 Above Ground Swimming Pool: $500

We've just spent $1,350 to turn our home into the ultimate "staycation" where you and your family can visit time and time again. If you really wanted to spend $2,000 on your family vacation this summer and buying contemporary patio furniture foiled your plan, perhaps you should consider splurging on dining out, going out to a pro sports game and visiting the ballet or Broadway plays. Enjoy what your city or town has to offer. Enjoy your "staycation"!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=N._Hamilton

Choosing a Patio Cover That is Best For You

Summer is the time we like to enjoy the outdoors. This is also the time when most people start thinking of how they can improve their outdoor living area. You want your outdoor living space to provide shade and cover during summer rain showers, but you also want your patio furniture to be protected from the elements.

When choosing covers for both your patio and for your patio furniture, there are certain things you have to consider. Not the least of these is how much time you'll be spending on your patio. For the patio cover, the more time you're spending on the patio, the more you'll probably spend on the cover. For your patio furniture covers, the less time you spend on the patio, the more elaborate you're going to want your covers to be.

There are basically two types of patio covers to consider. There are permanent structures such as pergolas, arbors and gazebos or you can choose from a removable patio cover which includes retractable awnings, umbrellas and fabric canopies. Permanent patio covers are usually more costly and more time-consuming to construct. However, they can significantly enhance your patio or other outdoor area.

When you add a patio cover to your home you're not only providing shade and protection from rain and bad weather. You are also adding a new feature to your landscaping and adding to your home's appeal. If you are looking for something to build that will endure the elements, a permanent patio cover using wood has many benefits and adds value to your home.

You will also want to consider whether or not you will want to enclose your patio with either simple drop panels or screens. Another thing to take into consideration is whether you want to install electric lighting and power for any accessory you might like to operate. Wood patio covers are more expensive and take more time to build, but it is well worth it when you see the final finished project.

Metal patio covers are also popular; they require less maintenance than a wood patio cover. They usually have a finish to prevent rusting. The disadvantage of a metal patio cover is that it can be damaged in high winds or storms and is not retractable.

Pergolas and arbors are more for decoration than for protection against the elements such as; rain and wind. They will provide shade. They are a beautiful addition to your home and landscape. You can build a pergola or arbor to the design and style of your home. They also increase the value of your property.

A great alternative to permanent patio covers are canopy awning and retractable awnings. Retractable patio covers are easy to roll up and out of your way when not in use. You can keep these types of covers rolled up and protected when it storms and can be extended when you want some shade. There is a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from that will fit into your décor nicely. As you can tell there are many types of patio covers to choose from and there is a style to fit anyone's needs.

For your patio furniture covers you'll need to consider the weather of your area - do you get mostly rain, pounding sun in the summer months, or deep winters with feet of snow? The weather you have to deal with, and how much of it you get, will help determine the best patio furniture cover for you. Also, keep in mind that you can get covers for individual pieces of furniture, or combination covers that can protect a table and several chairs. However, if you have too many chairs you'll still need to get separate covers for them.

Whether it's a cover to protect your patio as a whole or covers for your furniture, protecting your patio area is important both during the warmer summer months when you're using it and during the colder, wetter months when the elements prevent you from taking advantage of it. Getting yourself a quality cover will ensure that your patio and its furniture will be usable for years to come.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Draving