There is that long standing joke that it isn’t the size that matters, it is how you use it.  Well, this is a ‘G-rated’ family article so we will rescue you from the gutter and let you know that we are talking about your patio.  At Patio Covers Place, you can find all sorts of information about patio living from the types of patio covers available to the various outdoor accessories you may need to get the best enjoyment from your outdoor space.  And, the key to all of this is the fact that you can enjoy all the benefits of what a patio provides in any size space.

Before you start thinking your deck is too small, consider the fact that many newer homes in the desert southwest – where patio living is an almost year-round possibility – are built with a 10’x10’ poured patio slab.  Now, this isn’t to say that you are confined to this space, but many people simply use what they are given to create their own inviting desert oasis out there.  If you want to go bigger, then you can simply lay some interlocking patio pavers or flagstone and create an extended patio space.

If you are really ambitious – and smart since you’ll need shade in the summer – you can see what type of patio covers would make sense to set up over your newly laid patio ‘floor’.  One favorite design element is the pergola.  It is very classic in design, using a simple post and beam construction with a lattice-type roof to it.  It is a fairly open structure, with plenty of potential to have vines growing on it or to place a misting system or other outdoor lighting features to create a more inviting space.

How you dress up your patio is up to you.  There is so much in the way of outdoor accessories for a patio, that you would be hard pressed not to find something that caught your eye.  Even if you have a very discriminating taste, there is certainly a design for some type of outdoor room that could be a great fit for you and your creativity budget.  As one example, outdoor kitchen designs are all the rage and likely will be for years.  What makes them so hot and getting hotter is the ability to create a kitchen that has all of the amenities of a modern home, that are made for the outdoors.  Think of things like outdoor refrigerators, sinks, wine coolers, granite countertops, and lighting.  There has never been a better time to bring your taste for a quality and contemporary kitchen space to be brought outdoors.

Just like inside your home, the outdoor kitchen will likely be the most popular gathering place on your patio.  You can take advantage of this with the right outdoor dining furniture and accessories to make your patio comfortable.  If you are talking about a summer get together or dinner party, then you will be thinking more about shade or insect protection.  On the other hand, if what you have in mind is more of an outdoor evening dinner engagement, you may be having issues with guests feeling cold.  This is the perfect time to have your patio heater or heaters – depending upon the size of your patio – fired up.  Since they can provide adequate heat for an approximate diameter of about 10-15’, one should be plenty for a dinner party.  Even if you have a smaller deck, you can still enjoy all the benefits that an outdoor room provides.

Getting cushions for patio furniture is exciting, tiring, and at times confusing. One has to pick from seemingly endless styles and design. You have to decide if it’s French edge or knife edge, button tufted and stitched, solid type or cartridge, and being able to tie it down to the furniture or not. Then, you have to choose which fabric. Fabrics are ultimately for protection and for style. Outdoor fabrics are specially designed to be resistant to mildew, mold, moisture and harmful UV rays. Sunbrella chaise cushions are made from their special outdoor fabric. They even have extra heavy duty outdoor fabric that is rated for marine applications. It is also surprising when you look into the huge variety of styles and colors that they have to choose from.

photo credit: SpecialKolin

A fire pit is a bowl or bucket-like shaped container or indentation that holds a fuels source for burning.  It is a handy and fun thing to have, especially if you have a patio, deck, pool, veranda, or backyard area to enjoy sitting in and around.  Fire pits can produce a good amount of heat.  They are essentially a campfire in a very safe, controlled environment.  In addition to heat, they can be used to do some minor cooking.  Depending on the type of fire pit you have, or plan to purchase, you will more or fewer cooking options.  For most, roasting something over the burning fire like you would over a campfire is your best option.  Some have small metal grills that can be set over the fire pit and then used as a grill.

Regardless of how you use your fire pit, you should a lot of enjoyment out of it.