September 16, 2011

If You’re Investing Money on Your Patio, Invest Your Time Too!

By: Jack Labens

Sometimes choosing patio furniture can be a very daunting and tedious task, but if you break it down into simple steps and guidelines, it's no problem at all! First, you want your furniture to be comfortable for your use. Sit in the chairs and at the table like you normally would, and see how you like the feel. Try out a couple of different styles and see what feels best to you. Stores put patio furniture on displays for a reason, so take advantage of it! Bounce ideas off of the displays for patterns and placement of furniture as well. If you're going to invest the money, you want to make sure you're comfortable!

Secondly, sometimes bringing pictures to the store with you can also be a helpful tool in deciding which patio furniture to purchase. By comparing the colors and designs of the furniture to what you have in the yard or patio already, gives you a better idea of what would look best in your environment! Being able to have the visuals in front of you, it saves time because you don’t have to worry about second guessing whether or not your new furniture will clash with décor you already have. Most importantly, you save money as well because if you purchase the correct furniture the first time around, there is no need to deal with the mess of returning it later on.

Thirdly, here are a few general rules of thumb for choosing an actual type of furniture for your patio. Wooden outdoor patio furniture is most used for country style patio designs. If you have an older, more classic looking patio set-up, then furniture with a wooden frame might be the way to go. On the contrary, if you have a more modern, Gothic or Victorian style Patio, then metal outdoor patio frames would probably be the best bet.

Protecting your patio furniture is important for a few reasons. First, various weather elements each have their own effect on the wear and tear of your furniture. In the summertime, when the majority of patio furniture is used, it tends to sit out all day in the hot sun. This can cause fading on both paint used on the fixtures, and the fabric and coloring in the cushions. By covering your patio furniture with protective covers, the coloring will remain intact for a lot longer.

Another weather scare is the rain. With enough rain coming in contact with your new furniture, mold and mildew can form causing it to rot and wear down. No one wants to use molding décor, and if it is used under these conditions, it can potentially be dangerous to your health. Covering your patio furniture when not in use greatly helps to protect against this, especially during those unexpected summer storms!

Make sure you take the time to get the best patio furniture covers to protect your new purchases. I find that EmpirePatioCovers.com offers quality covers no matter what protection you need. They also keep your furniture looking great even when it's covered by offering a slew of stylish patterns. There are all different varieties of protection for your patio, just like there are all different varieties of furniture, so be sure to invest your time wisely on both ends!