Patio Furniture
Patio furniture is a great way to extend the living space of your home into the outdoors. You want furniture that is durable, functional, and comfortable so that it can withstand the elements and you can enjoy the outdoors. The basic pieces of patio furniture to consider are picnic tables and chairs, benches, and swings, rockers, and gliders.
Picnic Tables and Chairs
A picnic table is a standard piece of equipment that allows you to enjoy a meal outside on your patio. There are several different sorts of table to choose from, and different sorts of accompanying chairs as well.
A simple cedar or pine picnic table may be all you need. Rectangular in shape, with two long benches going along either side, this piece of furniture may be what you think of when you hear the words "picnic table." You can get them with the benches attached so that the whole piece is all one unit. Or you can get them with separate benches for added versatility and easier moving and storage. This also gives you the option of having benches that have back rests. And you can move the benches around to sit wherever it's comfortable.
The standard picnic table can also come in aluminum or vinyl. This may not be as pretty to look at, but it certainly stands up to the elements. It doesn't stain and it's very easy to clean. Just wipe the surfaces down with a damp cloth and you're done.
Other picnic tables may be square in shape or circular, or even six-sided. Again, you'll have your choice of whether the benches attach or are separate and whether they have backs.
Benches
Outdoor benches come in all shapes and sizes. The simples are just slats of wood supported by legs. They don't even have backs. But most of them will offer backs, and some of them will offer arm rests as well.
An outdoor bench can have a contoured seat and curved back for added comfort. It can be made of treated wood for a natural look. Or for greater weather resistance, you can get a bench made of aluminum or a synthetic such as polywood or thermoplastic.
Swings, Rockers, and Gliders
The classic porch swing is wide enough to seat three and is made of a contoured wood seat and slats along the back rest. It hangs on chains from the underside of the porch. You can get them in materials such as pine, oak, cedar, cherry, or wicker. The back slats can be horizontal or vertical, or they can be vertical but fan out as they rise upward for a bit of flair.
If you want an extra measure of comfort, you can purchase a cushion that ties on to your porch swing and adds some softness to the mix.
If you don't have a place to hang your swing, that's not a problem either. You can purchase a model that comes with its own frame from which the swing hangs. The classic design for this sort of swing involves two benches that face each other and a foot rest in the center. Or you can get a rocker or glider. These involve benches that glide back and forth along a frame with a gentle push.
