After we’ve finished building new patios, we always get questions on how one should furnish their new space. Are you having the same problem? In Colorado Springs, it can be a bit difficult to pick outdoor furniture due to the constantly changing weather. Below, we will show you what we think are the best choices for your new patio. We do this by rating cost, durability, and ease of maintenance for the different types of patio furniture out there. Keep in mind, these ratings are based on our findings.
When it comes to patio furniture, a lot of different items might come to mind. Chairs, umbrellas, tables, and even fire pits might be a few things you immediately think of. With so many different pieces of furniture, it can be annoying trying to find the right fit for you. We’ve compiled all you need to know to figure it out. So keep reading below.
Types of Patio Chairs
Chairs are an absolute necessity for any patio. If you are going to have guests out on the patio, they definitely are going to need a place to sit. So what type of chairs should you have? Below we outline three of the main chair types: plastic, wicker, and wooden.
Plastic Chairs
Cost: *
Durability: ***
Ease to Maintain: *****
While not the most aesthetically pleasing, plastic patio chairs get the job done. On a budget and have quite a few guests? Plastic chairs are a perfect option for those strapped on cash. Plastic chairs today are also very durable. If you need something that will last a while but on a budget plastic chairs are the right choice for you.
Wicker Chairs
Cost: ****
Durability: **
Ease to Maintain: *****
Mainly looking for something easy on the eyes? Wicker chairs are a great choice. Wicker chairs come in plenty of beautiful designs for you to choose from. That being said, some wicker doesn’t last as well in comparison to other styles of chair. If durability is a concern, you may want to shy away from wicker. If not, then wicker will help your patio look amazing.
Wooden Chairs
Cost: **
Durability: ***
Ease to Maintain: ***
Have a little extra to spend? Wooden chairs might be the way to go. Wooden chairs have great design options to select from. With that, they are also quite durable. If you don’t like the way plastic looks, but still want something that will last a while, consider choosing wooden chairs for your patio.
If you need more in-depth assistance on choosing from the many different chairs for your patio, check out this page.
Types of Patio Umbrellas
During the Colorado summer, there will absolutely be a need for some shade. You want to be able to hang out with your guests comfortably on your patio. Need to keep the sun out of your eyes? Here are three types of umbrellas to check out, table, cantilever and tilting.
Table Umbrellas
Cost: *
Durability: **
Ease to Maintain: *****
This is the first type of umbrella that probably comes to mind when you think of umbrellas for a patio. If you are planning on having a patio table, this would be a great purchase. Table umbrellas are umbrellas that are meant to be placed inside the center hole of a patio table. This will give your guests just enough shade as they hang out for a snack.
Cantilever Umbrellas
Cost: *****
Durability: *****
Ease to Maintain: ***
Cantilever Umbrellas, also known as off-set umbrellas, have their pole on the outside portion of the canvas. This allows for larger areas to be covered on your patio. If you have a patio that is wide in size, and you are looking for more covering that a table or tilting umbrella cannot provide, a cantilever umbrella is a good option.
Tilting Umbrellas
Cost: **
Durability: *
Ease to Maintain: **
Tilting umbrellas are as the name implies, are umbrellas that are able to tilt their canvas. These umbrellas are perfect for those who want a little more versatility. As the day goes on the sun blares on different points of your patio. Having the ability to tilt allows you to block the sun all the way throughout the day.
There are a few more umbrellas than the ones we mentioned in this post. You can read about them here:
Types of Patio Tables
Nothing tastes better than a meal you can share with friends and family. Why not do it on your brand new patio? For a place to sit down and eat, consider these three table materials: steel, wood, and aluminum.
Steel Tables
Cost: ****
Durability: *****
Ease to Maintain: ****
Steel patio tables are some of the most durable tables you can buy. Due to the way they are made, they don’t get dented or damaged easily. They will last a long time, and as long as they are coated properly, will not rust either. While they are heavy, they are a long lasting investment.
Wood Tables
Cost: **
Durability: ***
Ease to Maintain: ***
Wood tables give off a great homey, almost picnic table vibe to your patio. While the wood does look beautiful, they are a bit more difficult to maintain compared to other materials. If the wood isn’t sealed or finished properly, they are easily damaged by the harsh weather conditions in Colorado. If you aren’t up for the task of properly taking care of your table, you may want to pass on wood.
Aluminum Tables
Cost: *
Durability: ***
Ease to Maintain: *****
If you are someone who loves to change around their patio often, an aluminum table might be your best bet. With the way aluminum tables are built, they are much lighter and easier to move in comparison to other table materials. Aluminum tables are easy to clean and can withstand harsh temperatures. That being said, they are more prone to denting in comparison to steel.
For more information on the wide variety of materials visit here:
Types of Patio Fire Pits
If you want to hang outside in the brisk Colorado night, you’ll need a fire pit to keep your patio warm. Not sure which kind of heating element is best for you? Read below on propane and wood burning fire pits.
Propane Gas Fire Pits
Cost: ****
Durability: *****
Ease to Maintain: *****
Propane gas fire pits are very simple to maintain. All you really need to worry about is making sure you have enough propane for however long you want the fire to go. This of course leads to an extra expense that must be taken care of for as long as you plan on using your pit. Propane gas fire pits also have a wide variety of unique designs to give your patio that nice final touch. While a bit expensive at times, propane gas pits are easy to maintain and look beautiful.
Wood Burning Fire Pits
Cost: *
Durability: ****
Ease to Maintain: **
Wood burning fire pits offer the real campfire feel to your patio. However, they are definitely harder to maintain in comparison to other types of fire pits. Wood needs to be chopped and stored properly in order to make use of your wood burning fire pit. If you are up to the task, wood burning pits are a fantastic addition to any patio in Colorado.
For more information of the different types of fire pits visit here.
In Colorado there are a variety of concerns, particularly weather, when it comes to selecting furniture for your patio. It doesn’t need to be difficult though. As long as you keep in mind the pros and cons of the different styles, you can create an amazing patio for you and your guests to enjoy for years to come.