From fledgling spring, to bright, gorgeous summer and deep into the fall months, the outdoor area of your house often becomes an essential extension of the home. Whether it be the go-to place for family dinners and community barbecues or a relaxing respite from everyday responsibilities, make your outdoor area a hub for entertaining, relaxing and soaking up the sun. With the right furniture, you can transform your outdoor living space into a warm and inviting place to gather with friends and family. From patio furniture to seating around a pool, outdoor living is all about finding that perfect balance of style and comfort to help you get more out of your outdoor space. The outdoor furniture you choose will help define your sense of style, while providing a place to call your own.

When it comes to patio furniture, cushions should never be overlooked. The right cushions can give your outdoor seating area the ability to relax and sit back, but they can also serve as the foundation for that comfortable outdoor living space. There are a variety of cushions available that offer the protection you need, but also the ability to create that special outdoor feel. From sturdy vinyl cushions to soft and flexible foam cushions, there is a type of cushion that is right for every type of outdoor seating needs.

If durability is an issue when choosing outdoor seating, then consider furniture constructed out of synthetic wicker or plastic. These types of materials provide durability that is a notch above the synthetic counterparts. They are resistant to sun, water, wear and tear, and more. And because they are typically lighter weight than their synthetic counterparts, they don’t require as much anchoring or stapling to the frame of the chair or bench. Synthetic furniture made from synthetic resins may be more expensive but choosing this type of material will allow you to rest easy knowing your outdoor seating investment will withstand many of the elements that Mother Nature bestows upon us. However, synthetic resin wicker furniture may not be the right choice for everyone.

Some types of furniture, such as wrought iron and aluminum, are prone to rusting. If wrought iron or aluminum is your favorite, think again. Aluminum is extremely heavy, and it is susceptible to rust if left outdoors without protective aluminum covers. Even the lightest aluminum frame can quickly succumb to corrosion if left in standing water for any length of time. And wrought iron, although durable, will require welding that adding extra cost to your project.

Another concern with choosing a lightweight option for your outdoor seating is how well the furniture will age with age. Steel and aluminum are extremely durable materials, but they are not completely weatherproof. In fact, rain and snow, as well as most outdoor sunlight, can damage the finish on steel and aluminum. For this reason, you should consider getting cushions for your wrought iron and aluminum furniture that are specially designed for all types of weather. You should also make sure you get cushions that are fade resistant and won’t dent due to heavy traffic.

Weather-resistant outdoor cushions are the ultimate solution to all of these problems. Choose a fabric with a waterproof, fade resistant finish and you can rest easy knowing your wrought iron or aluminum outdoor patio furniture will last through anything Mother Nature wants to throw at it. Remember to ask your manufacturer or retailer what kind of material the cushion is made from. Most good brands will be able to provide you with details about the materials used to make their cushions.

For additional seating, you can opt for comfortable and stylish folding chairs and umbrellas. As long as you choose cushions with waterproof, fade resistant fabrics and durable, weatherproof materials, you won’t have to worry about your seating staying weatherproof for long. These chairs and umbrellas are great additions to any patio design because they allow you to sit back, relax, and enjoy your surroundings while getting some much-needed fresh air and sun.

Don’t forget the most important part of your patio set, your tables and chairs. If you choose attractive, durable garden furniture with a nice, wide surface, you’ll be able to enjoy your table and chairs for years to come. You can find tables and chairs in different styles, colors, and materials. Table tops can be made from various materials, including wood and wicker, glass, and aluminum, and seating can be found in cushioned bean bags, wooden, wicker, and other fabrics. If you really want to create a stylish look for your garden, consider purchasing a decorative wrought iron garden umbrella so you can enjoy all of the sights and sounds of your garden in the warmth of the sun.