It may seem like buying outdoor patio tables and chairs would be an easy task. Simply drive down to the home improvement shop and pick out a style that is attractive to you. But, in reality all outdoor furniture is not made the same. You need to take a little time before you buy to determine what you want and need from the furniture you will be purchasing. When you select the right patio furniture and provide the proper maintenance, you will be able to enjoy your patio furniture for many years.

The first and most important thing you must consider before you buy your furniture is what it is that you plan to do on your patio. Will you have regular meals on your patio? Or use it as an extension of the family room or an outdoor seating area? Will children or pets being using the furniture?

If you’re planning to use the patio for outdoor meals on a routine basis, decide whether it will be primarily for just your family’s meals or to entertain friends and extended family as well. Outdoor tables and chairs come in varying sizes. A general seating guideline is:

30-36 inch table = 2 people

38-48 inch table = 4 people

54-60 inch table = 4-6 people

72-80 inch table = 6-10 people

You can also choose bar-like outdoor patio tables and chairs. These sets give a more causal setting for outdoor entertainment. Bar height sets are smaller than regular table sets and usually seat two – four people comfortably.

Once you have figured out the right table size for your needs, you will need to choose the type of material you would like your table to be made from. You can find patio furniture in all types of materials from wood to wicker and metal. Traditional wicker is fragile and should not be chosen if you will be using the table a lot or have small children or pets. However, if you like the look of wicker, resin wicker furniture offers a very durable and excellent choice for families whose furniture must hold up under heavy use and the abuse of both kids and inclement weather.

Another durable choice for families is metal patio furniture. Some metal furniture, like wrought iron is very heavy. Wrought iron is not a good choice if you will be rearranging your patio space for varying events, you should choose a lighter weight metal like aluminum. Metal furniture can also rust easily, so be sure you know how to properly care for the furniture before you purchase.

If you prefer wood patio furniture, you will find outdoor patio furniture made from many different wood types from the more commonplace cedar and oak to more exotic woods like eucalyptus and teak. When purchasing wood furniture, it’s important to note that some woods must be treated with a protective sealant to avoid the risk of mold and rot.

Some homeowners use their patios primarily as an outdoor seating area or an extension of their home. In this case outdoor patio tables and chairs can be arranged to provide a comfortable outdoor living space rather than an eating area. You will find a large selection of patio chairs, including sectionals, rockers and chaise lounges to choose from. You can also add end tables, benches and other accents pieces to create a beautiful and inviting outdoor space for family gatherings.

Once you have determined what you need, you’re ready to go shopping! Take the time to go to several stores and compare prices and available furniture styles. Regardless of your personal style, you will find patio furniture that will match your needs. In styles from traditional to modern, patio furniture has a vast array of options to choose from, gone are the days of the basic picnic bench and table.

Author Bio: Regardless of whether you choose to fire up the grill or just curl up on a comfortable wood patio bench with a good book, your patio can offer a great space for relaxation and outdoor fun. Visit outdoor patio tables and chairs to get more information on turning your patio into your own personal oasis.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: outdoor patio tables and chairs, outdoor patio furniture