Looking to make the most of your backyard but don’t have much space around your pool? There are plenty of ways to make the most of your pool area. Here’s a few tips for maximizing your outdoor living space:

Shape your pool

If you’re building a new pool for fun in the sun, consider the shape carefully as the size of your backyard will likely be the biggest factor in what type of pool you choose. Freeform or kidney-shaped pools can provide a more natural, organic look, but often come at a cost of taking up more space. Rectangular or square pools can be installed on almost any sized property. A spool, or a combination spa/pool can also create a relaxing area for guests to enjoy the summer and maximize the space around the pool.

Use vertical space

If you’re working with limited space, use vertical space to your advantage. Install a fence or privacy wall around the pool area or create a vertical garden to make a natural privacy screen. This not only provides space and privacy but adds a beautiful visual element to your pool area. Check out our previous blog on privacy walls and vertical gardens.

Choose the best furniture

When you’re adding furniture to your pool area, choose pieces that are equal parts functional and stylish. This could mean selecting compact pieces that can be easily moved or folding chairs that can be stored when they’re not being used. Additionally, adding built-in seating around the pool area is a great way to maximize space while providing seating for guests.

Add lighting to set it aglow

Outdoor lighting can create a beautiful ambiance in your pool area. Add string lights, lanterns, or other outdoor lighting fixtures to the space to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests and extend the use of your pool area well into the evening.

With a little planning and creativity, you can create a pool area that is both beautiful and practical for your needs.

Texas weather can be brutal on your outdoor furniture, from Houston humidity to the Dallas sun, keeping your furniture looking nice can be tough. We have some tips and tricks to try, so that you can feel good about investing in your outdoor style.

Let’s start with buying the furniture, don’t fall for the cheap stuff, you will only need to replace it every season. By investing in nicely-made and designed furniture and taking care of it, you will save you money in the long run! By spending a little extra money at the beginning, you will save your money (and time) and end up with something more comfortable and most likely require less maintenance and repair.

As we cannonball into our tips, you must know that different material requires different levels of after-care. Aluminum for example, is not great for H-town because of the moisture that is in the air. Humidity… great for our skin, not for our furniture. But Teak on the other hand, holds up a little nicer.

A Crowd Pleaser … TEAK

We will start with an easier one to manage. Teak is a go-to material for outdoor furniture of all kinds, from side tables to dinner tables, benches to couches. This durable; water-, pest- and rot-resistant wood gets a bad wrap for it’s high price tag, but a solid piece of teak furniture will have minor shrinkage and will weather beautifully.

Taking care of it is even easier, you can almost set it and forget it. Leave it alone through cold winters and hot summers alike. Just be sure NOT to cover it in wet climates: direct exposure to rain and and random snow flurries is fine, but covering it while the wood is wet can actually do more damage than good by creating a space for mold to grow. 

To keep the grime away, simply wipe it down with a teak furniture cleaner a few times a month, this will keep it looking new and of course help it last longer!

Minimal Maintenance – Man-Made Wicker Style

The “wicker vibe” is all the rage, but the man-made version as opposed to its natural rattan counterpart is much easier to maintain and more affordable, too! The man-made version is built to resist elements and deterioration. It’s lightweight, so super easy to move around. If you’re one to move things around a lot, to get a different feel in your own home, this style of furniture is for you!

This type of furniture does well in any climate, it’s flexible, yet strong! Ready for the best part? To clean it, all you have to do is hose it down, crack open a cold one and call it day!

A+ For Aluminum

In the beginning we talked about the down side to aluminum, but it does have an upside, especially if you’re a “Do It Yourselfer.” If you enjoy DIY projects, this metal furniture can serve as a blank canvas to paint any color of the rainbow. Many outdoor paints are powder-coated and have UV inhibitors to help minimize damage from the sun. Repainting is always easy and can serve as a fun weekend project, so change it up as often as you would like.

So it’s light, it’s stylish, but is it easy to clean? The answer is, YES! Just a little soapy water and a little rub down and you’re back in business.

A Concrete Choice

Concrete tables, chairs and benches have become increasingly popular in the last five years because of its blend-ability and contemporary look. It’s heavy, but durable!

Because concrete is so porous, you will want to place a sealant on it to prevent damage from spills and stains. If you forgo this step, expect some beer can rings and marks that will last longer than the memories made there.

To clean this rock-hard furniture, wipe it down with a damp cloth and let air dry. If there are some deeper stains on the untreated parts, use a soft brush, some soapy water and a little elbow grease to lift the stain. Wear and tear due to weather won’t be an issue for concrete furniture.

Patio furniture is meant for a good time, but it can last a long time too, you just need to take care of it!

As our focus turns toward mothers this month, we want to stop and honor the women in our lives. Her job is never done and she does it with such love. She deserves a chance to take it outdoors and relax in a beautiful space. We chose this collection of gift ideas for her to give her even more enjoyment in her own back yard.

Sur La Table® Outdoor Stemless Wine Glasses, Set of 6

Price: $39.95

Why we love it: These wine glasses are shatter resistant, but they are designed to look like traditional glassware. Whether it’s a family dinner on the patio or a gathering with her girlfriends, these BPA-free stemless glasses are perfect for Outdoor Style entertaining.

Succulent Living Wall Planter Kit

Price: $100.00

Why we love it: It’s a green gift in more ways than one! The kit comes with plenty of succulents and instructions for planting. The frame is handmade from recycled wood and designed to either hang on a wall or fence or lay on a table as a living centerpiece. Succulents are easy to care for and ideal for busy people – like mom!

Cedar Wood Doormat

Price: $99.99

Wine of the Month Club Membership

Price: Starts at $21.95 monthly

Big Blue Party™ Indoor-Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker

Price: $299.99

Cotton Hammock

Price: $109.00 large / $119.00 extra large

Why we love it: L.L. Bean says this hammock has been a customer favorite for over 30 years. No doubt! There is a certain type of relaxation that only happens in a hammock. It’s almost as if a nap is a requirement. She works hard. She deserves it!

Stylish Monogrammed Hat and Tank Set

Price: $38.00

Drink Dispenser + Wood Stand

Price: $103.00

Why we love it: She’ll be able to serve up a cool and refreshing beverage all summer long right on the patio with this drink stand. Fewer trips to the kitchen = more outdoor style relaxing and talking.

Wood Slat Double Lounger

PRICE: $599.00

Solar Light Garden Stake

Price: $42.00

Why we love it: Hand-blown from 100% recycled glass, these orbs each contain a solar-powered LED light that allow her to enjoy the enchanting swirls after dark. It’s a beautiful addition to the garden surrounding her patio.

Which item in this gift guide would the woman in your life most want? Tell us in the comments below!

How can you make sure your patio furniture stays in tip-top condition when it’s always exposed to the elements and their associated dirt and debris?  While popular belief may convince you that a good rainstorm will clean the furniture for you, it’s not true.  Soap and water never fall from the sky together, and so patio furniture cannot get cleaned by merely sitting in a rainstorm.  In fact, rain can cause dust particles to float around in the air and can make furniture appear even filthier.  Instead, try to your patio furniture a good wash down once a week or so, inspecting for any lawn chair repairs that might need to be done at the same time.  You can expect some wear and tear on patio furniture over the years, but the condition can save you the embarrassment of having it fall apart when you’re entertaining.

Patio Furniture Maintenance According to Material

When it comes to repairing patio furniture, it’s important to take the building material into consideration.  The best way to maintain the furniture depends on what it is made from:

Aluminum

Aluminum furniture can have either a painted or an unpainted finish.  Cleaning both varieties is done in the following way:

• Use warm water and add a mild detergent to it.
• Scrub the entire surface of the furniture with soapy water.
• Rinse with clear water to remove soap residue.

Once the furniture is clean and dry, you can apply metal polish to aluminum that has not been finished with paint.  It shines it up nicely and will keep the furniture clean longer.

Plastic

Many people own plastic patio furniture.  It’s easy to clean, it’s affordable, and it can be fairly durable.  Cleaning plastic furniture can be done the same way you might clean aluminum, minus the metal polish.  Use warm, soapy water and then scrub the furniture clean.  Rinse with clear water and either let it dry in the sun or towel dry.  To keep it in good shape for years to come, move plastic furniture indoors during winter months.

Wood

Some enjoy the natural look of a solid piece of wood furniture.  Wood can be an especially attractive material used for pool deck furniture, and if it’s properly maintained it can last a lifetime.  Clean it with soapy water, rinse, and dry it.  You might want to treat the wood with a protectant of some sort a few times each year.  It’s also a good idea to store wood furniture indoors during the winter.

As you clean the furniture weekly, you might notice some damage that will need to be repaired.  Usually individuals are capable of performing minor repair work, the kind that you might anticipate on a piece of patio furniture.  If the furniture is plastic, however, you’re out of luck.  There really is no way to fix a broken leg on a plastic chair. Wooden and aluminum pieces, on the other hand, might be repairable and something that you can do yourself.

Do you ever wonder what outdoor decoration experts buy for their own homes?  So do we!  We asked the bloggers at Outdoor Living Blog to answer a few questions about their favorite products and personal style so that we could share their tips with you.  Read their answers below to learn about their recommendations for cleaning patio furniture, eco-friendly products, and DIY patio decorations.

Texas Custom Patios (TCP): What are your favorite new patio products this year?

Outdoor Living Blog (OLB): I love the growing availability of outdoor kitchen products. The number of grilling options alone has increased a lot over the past few years.  There are charcoal, electric, and gas grills to fit almost any budget now –  and lots of appliances.  Another fantastic new patio trend is the patio day bed. They are so comfy, and a great, relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors.

TCP: Your blog has a lot of tips for being more eco-friendly.  If someone wants to start making their yard more eco-friendly, what’s the first thing they should do?

OLB: Go solar! I think this is by far the easiest step to becoming more eco-friendly. There are so many great solar products now; there are solar fountains, solar lighting and even solar wind chimes. The best part is that these eco-friendly products will save you money on your electricity bills!

Solar fountain from Outdoor Living

TCP: It’s spring cleaning time.  Do you have any tips for keeping patio furniture clean?

OLB: The great thing about patio furniture is that most of it can be easily cleaned with a wet rag and a little soap. To keep your furniture protected from the harshest elements, patio furniture covers are a great option. To keep your cushions and pillows looking like new, be sure to put them away when they are not in use. Outdoor storage benches or chests are a great place to hide and protect them.

TCP: What’s the most useful item you’ve ever bought for your patio/backyard?

OLB: The best investment I made for my yard was the grill. There is nothing worse then having to heat up the oven on a warm summer day. It’s great to just fire up the grill and enjoy the outdoors. Some people find the menu options for a grill limiting, but the possibilities really are endless. You can grill vegetables, fruit, pizza, and even desserts!  (Read about their favorites here.)

TCP: You have a lot of DIY projects on your blog.  What’s the best beginner project for someone who wants to make patio decorations?

OLB: I think the easiest, most fabulous DIY project I have found is from In My Own Style.  Using a tuna can, old paint stick and a glass vase, you can create an amazing (and cheap) outdoor torch.

TCP: How have you decorated your own backyard/patio?  What’s your personal style like?

OLB: My backyard is still a work in progress. But my ultimate goal is to create a tranquil sanctuary.

I absolutely love the outdoors. That being said, I’m not what you call an “outdoorsy” person. I want my backyard to feel like an extension of my home, not like a campground. I want casual, relaxing furniture like patio sofas and chaise lounges. I would also love to have overstuffed cushions, toss pillows and a large, colorful outdoor rug. My dream yard would also have a large, wood pergola with soft, flowing outdoor curtains on all sides.

The Home Infatuation blog is full of great patio decor photos and inspiring design tips, and the Home Infatuation online store sells luxury patio furniture and outdoor living products.  We recently had the pleasure of talking to the owner of Home Infatuation, Mike Voyles, and asked him to share his knowledge about outdoor furniture and accessories.

Texas Custom Patios (TCP): What are some new outdoor furniture trends for 2012?

Mike Voyles (MV):  We tend to specialize in contemporary furnishings, whether it’s outdoor lamps or furniture.  Throughout the industry as a whole, you tend to see a lot of wicker, metal, and contemporary things.  Outdoor daybeds have become popular in the last few years too.

The trends aren’t changing that dramatically, but they’re shifting towards certain niches.  A lot of people are doing balconies and rooftop gardens.  There are more products aimed at urban living and smaller patios.

Also, there’s been a trend towards better quality.  Outdoor furniture keeps getting better—almost looks like something you can put in your house.  For example, there’s furniture that looks like leather, but can be used outdoors.

Another trend is lighting.  Outdoor lighting has gotten much better – more stylish.  You see furniture and accessories with LED lights.  Something that’s popular on our website is the furniture with lighted planters.

TCP: What’s the best way to protect patio furniture from wind, rain, and other weather?

MV: Everything we sell is durable and weather-resistant, but if you can afford to put a patio cover over your furniture, then definitely do it.  A patio cover will keep you from needing to clean your furniture all the time, and protects it from birds.  A lot of manufacturers make covers that are suited for their own pieces.

TCP: What’s the best way to clean your outdoor furniture?

MV:  Mild household cleaners are fine for the frames.  Most of the fabrics can be spot-cleaned with household cleaners.  Nowadays, there are plenty of cleaners out there, so it’s pretty easy to do.  The hardest material for people to take care of is stainless steel – mostly because they think they don’t need to clean it at all.  You need to wipe it down, especially if you’re in a coastal area where you might get salt spray.

TCP: We loved your recent blog posts on outdoor curtains.  They’re beautiful, but do they tend to get dirty?  How do you keep them clean?

MV: They’re machine washable.  Not only our brand, but all of them out there are made of machine washable fabric.

TCP: Can you hang them from most patio covers?

MV: Most people put up something to hang them, like a wire clothesline.  If they have a loop at the top, you can just put up a rod.  You can buy support poles and rods.

TCP: What are your favorite accessories for the patio?

MV: Pillows and rugs.  They have really come a long way in terms of their quality.  The pillows we sell can be used indoors and outdoors and look very nice.  They’re extremely durable and UV resistant.

Lighting is another favorite accessory.  There are lots of choices now and you can get electric or rechargeable.

TCP: How have you decorated your own backyard?  What’s your style like?

MV: Definitely contemporary, with a monochromatic, black and white scheme.  Not just contemporary furniture, but rugs, pillows, and lighting.  Also, you’ve gotta have an outdoor tv.  We sell them up to 55 inches now.  They’re weather-resistant and work well in the outdoor light.  They even work down to temperatures of zero degrees…if you want to be outdoors in that weather.