4 Must-Have Amenities for the Perfect Patio

You’ve got the home of your dreams, or the condo with a view. Maybe this isn’t even your forever home, but you’d like to enjoy it while you’re here. If you’ve got a patio, you’ve got a leg up on a number of Americans who live in apartments without the outdoor space. Get out there and enjoy your patio. Outfit the patio with four key features, and you’ll find yourself out there more often, eating good food, enjoying good company and relaxing.

1. The Awning

Some days you want to sun bathe. A lot of the time, the sun’s so bright; it keeps you from spending much time outdoors. A retractable awning allows you to let the sun blaze on you when you need the warmth and keeps the patio cool and shady when you’re not in the mood to lather on the sun screen. An awning’s even useful when you’re not using the patio, as it cools the large sliding glass door window and keeps less heat from reaching your home – saving you money on cooling bills.

2. The Outdoor Dining Set

The centrepiece of most any patio is the table and chairs. An outdoor dining set is a key for enjoying a cook-out, and even for sitting down and enjoying a cool drink with friends. People who love indoor activities – reading, doing crafts, trying crossword puzzles – might work on the table dining set offers while they get some fresh air. The dining set is the first thing anyone sees when they step out onto your patio.

3. The Grill

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association reports that 82 percent of American households have a grill or smoker. Between charcoal and propane, grilled vegetables and meat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on a grill. Without a patio, you couldn’t cook outside, so be thankful you have the space and add a grill, even if it’s just a small one. Dining outside will become a habit in the warm weather, especially since you can eat in the shade beneath your awning.

4. The Lounge Chair

To fully relax in the outdoors, you need to be able to put your feet up. Include at least one lounge chair so you can nap, read and sip a drink comfortably on your patio. The patio lounge chair is a perfect place to unwind after a hectic day.

A patio is as versatile as you let it be. It can be a private retreat where you enjoy the fresh air without the blazing sun. It can be a social hotspot, where you entertain friends and family or cook a delicious family dinner. There are just four must-haves on most any patio, but you’re free to spice it up and add the little details that make the space more yours. Add a plant, a work of art, or whatever you need to transform a blasé outdoor space into a perfect patio.

About the Author:

Arthur Rowe is an exterior designer and blogger on design and living topics. He recommends Sunesta Awnings for home owners looking for quality awnings that will stand up to the weather.