For many households, summer is viewed as the season of outdoor recreation. From beach trips to barbecues to pool parties, families tend to spend a fair amount of time outside during the summer months. Additionally, because summer brings warm weather in abundance, lounging needn’t be done exclusively indoors during this time of year. That being the case, if your home features a patio, why not turn it into a summertime hangout spot for you and your family? Basking in the fresh air as you unwind after a long day can prove both invigorating and deeply relaxing for your entire crew. Anyone interested in getting their patio into shape for summer can benefit from the following tips.
1. Invest in the Right Outdoor Furniture
No patio is complete without comfy, resilient outdoor furniture. Since the vast majority of patio activities involve sitting, it stands to reason that you’d want to enjoy maximum comfort while engaging in them. When seeking out the right furnishings for your patio, make a point of emphasizing both comfort and durability. In the durability department, look for chairs, sofas and tables with frames composed of such resilient materials as stainless steel, wrought iron and aluminum. This will ensure that your furniture frames are able to stand up to the elements and endure a variety of weather conditions. Furthermore, if you have a fully exposed patio, take care to invest in protective furniture covers to keep your new furnishings safe during periods of extreme weather. If you don’t live in an area that receives warm weather year-round, these covers can be used to preserve your outdoor furniture during the off-season.
2. Buy an Outdoor Dining Table
Outdoor dining is a staple of summertime enjoyment. That being the case, you and your family should use summer’s arrival as an opportunity to shake up your usual meal time routine. Enjoying a delicious meal outside can be the perfect way to start or end a summer day. So, if your patio currently lacks a dedicated area, a good outdoor dining table is liable to prove a solid investment. However, if insects are a big problem in your area during the summer months, it may be a good idea to install screens or take other measures to enclose your patio.
3. Install Protective Screens
As previously stated, insects – particularly mosquitos – can be a persistent annoyance throughout the summer. Since the presence of bugs can put a damper on virtually any outdoor activity, you’d do well to minimize their presence on your patio. If you have a fully enclosed patio, you may not have much to worry about, but if your patio is exposed – or even partially exposed – you’ll need to take measures to keep insects out. Fortunately, insect screens for porches and patios are easy to install and affordable on virtually any budget. Most screens retail for between $20 to $100 and can effectively prevent bugs from ruining your time outdoors.
4. Install a Dependable Awning
If you have a full exposed patio, it’s imperative that you provide some degree of sun protection. Failure to do so will make you and your family less safe on the patio and pave the way for sunburn, heatstroke and a variety of other sun-related ailments. This is where a dependable awning can prove useful. Available in both single-length and retractable varieties, awnings can provide ample shade and help turn your patio into a refreshing oasis from extreme summertime heat.
5. Install Outdoor Ceiling Fans
Outdoor ceiling fans are sure to make a welcome addition to your summertime patio setup. These fans can be particularly helpful in areas that are prone to relentlessly hot summers. In addition to helping circulate outside air, outdoor ceiling fans can create downward-flowing cool breezes when their blades are set to spin counterclockwise.
Spending ample time outdoors is a staple of summer. However, not every form of outdoor recreation needs to involve physical exertion. The consistently agreeable weather that summertime brings is ideal for outdoor relaxation, dining and reconnecting with the other members of your household. When seeking out the right space for such activities, you can’t go wrong with a nice, roomy patio. If you’re looking to set the stage for a summer full of outdoor recreation and family fun, consider giving your patio some much-needed TLC.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
