Patio dining sets usually come in pretty standard configurations. The first element is the dining table. You can find shapes that are round, oval, rectangles, hexagons and octagons. Tow of the key determining factors for choosing the shape of the table are first to make sure it fits well in your patio space and second to accommodate the right number of people you expect to be serving. Typically setting sizes start with the intimate bistro table that seats two people all the way up to 8 or more.

Patio dining chairs are the next element to look at when buying a patio dining set. I look first to find sturdy construction so the chairs will last and then look to comfort and aesthetics. Seating can range from a simple bench to high end office chair luxury. Look for light weight chairs if you plan to move your configuration regularly. If you have children durability and ease of clean up are musts. Even simple patio chairs can be spruced up with stylish patio chair cushions and you can have custom patio cushions made in the fabric of your choosing if you don’t find exactly what you are looking for pre-made. One of my favorites are retro plastic chairs because they are cheap and easy to clean.

Umbrellas are a great addition to a patio dining sets but they don’t always come with the dining sets. Check to make sure that your dining table has a hole in the center of the table top and a heavy base if you plan on using a patio umbrella with your dining set. Patio umbrellas come in a wide variety of styles and fabric patterns. Like patio cushions, you can also have an umbrella made with any outdoor fabric you desire to get just the right look to match your patio decor.

Common materials for patio dining sets include wicker, wrought iron, cast aluminum, plastic resins, and wood such as teak or cedar. As far as wood goes, you can’t go wrong with teak outdoor furniture. It is definitely more expensive than many other options, but its beauty and durability will make it a great investment for many year to come. Many patio accessories (planters, serving carts, storage bins, etc) come in teak so you will be able to match any teak furniture that you buy.

A patio dining set is a great purchase to get your patio a jump start to fine outdoor living.

Sunbrella patio cushions can be found in a very wide variety of patterns and styles. There are colors that range from bright and bold (Sunflower Yellow and Erin Green) to subtle and muted tones that accent other colors. There are a variety of textures (from satin smooth to strong weave patterns almost like corduroy) and patterns that run from solid colors to bold stripes and pattern images. By mixing and matching the color, texture and pattern elements across patio cushions to accent pillows the possibilities will seem endless.

The most important aspect of patio furniture fabrics is that they are suited to the harshness of the outdoor environment. Sunbrella Cushions offer mold and mildew resistance as well as very water repellent fabric. The fabric is also fade resistant so it won’t deteriorate as fast as some other fabrics.

Even with all of the advantages of this fabric, you still need to provide adequate care an maintenance to your Sunbrella Cushions by keeping them out of the weather when they aren’t going to be used for extended periods of time.

There are even some interesting Sunbrella Patio Cushion accessories. You can find throws, accent pillows, rugs and even pet beds that are made from the same fabric as your patio cushions. You can even make Sunbrella cushion covers to upgrade your old cushions.

Care and cleaning – The best solution is to prevent the dirt or stain from getting deeply embedded in the fabric so wipe of dirt or treat a stain as soon as possible. Most spills can be cleaned with soap and water.

You can even buy Sunbrella fabric by the yard to have your own piece of furniture custom upholstered to match your Sunbrella Patio Cushions. There is often a 3 yard minimum when purchasing the fabric by the yard. Sunbrella fabric comes in 46” or 60” widths and it has the same 5 year warranty that you would get if you bought your patio cushions directly from a store. You might have to search around to find all of the color, texture and pattern choices that you are looking for.

You will be glad to have Sunbrella Patio Cushions at the end of a long summer day of entertaining in your outdoor patio area. Take the extra time needed to get the perfect patio cushions to complement your patio decor and you will enjoy them for many years.