Living in the tropics is living outside. A lot of people create a second living-room on their back porch. However, purchasing patio furniture can be quite an investment, so you would want to be sure you buy the right things. Follow these steps and prevent disappointments.
Step 1: Make in inventory of the space you have on your back porch and/or in your garden. Picture the seating areas, how you would like to have them, what will you do when you're sitting there? Reading, watching television, eating? How many persons do you want to be able to seat there? Do you want privacy or not? What is your style? Don't forget to think about details like side tables and potted plants.
Step 2: Measure the space and consider what kind of furniture you need where. Keep in mind that you need to allow at least a foot of floor space around each piece to avoid a crowded look and 2 feet for traffic flow paths.
Step 3: Look around on the internet, in magazines, in stores what's available and what's the style you like.
Step 4: Compare prices and warranties, care instructions and durability of different products. Make sure you choose products that are easily to repair or to replace when something breaks or goes missing.
Step 5: Choose materials that are easy to maintain. Make sure that fabrics are treated with water and stain repellants or treat them yourself. Check if all hardware is brass or galvanized to prevent rust. Repaint wood and metal as needed to forestall weathering and rust.
Step 6: Try before you buy! A chair with a nice design may look stylish, but remember you want to be able to sit in it in a comfortable way for more than 10 minutes. Make sure all your furniture is handy in use.
Step 1: Make in inventory of the space you have on your back porch and/or in your garden. Picture the seating areas, how you would like to have them, what will you do when you're sitting there? Reading, watching television, eating? How many persons do you want to be able to seat there? Do you want privacy or not? What is your style? Don't forget to think about details like side tables and potted plants.
Step 2: Measure the space and consider what kind of furniture you need where. Keep in mind that you need to allow at least a foot of floor space around each piece to avoid a crowded look and 2 feet for traffic flow paths. Step 3: Look around on the internet, in magazines, in stores what's available and what's the style you like.
Step 4: Compare prices and warranties, care instructions and durability of different products. Make sure you choose products that are easily to repair or to replace when something breaks or goes missing.
Step 5: Choose materials that are easy to maintain. Make sure that fabrics are treated with water and stain repellants or treat them yourself. Check if all hardware is brass or galvanized to prevent rust. Repaint wood and metal as needed to forestall weathering and rust.
Step 6: Try before you buy! A chair with a nice design may look stylish, but remember you want to be able to sit in it in a comfortable way for more than 10 minutes. Make sure all your furniture is handy in use.