The Art of Shade: Umbrellas, Cantilevers, and Pavilions

Living in Inland Southern California has many advantages in regards to outdoor living.  Great weather and many warm sunny days affords us to take advantage of our outdoor areas often.  But, as the saying goes, one can have too much of a good thing.  The sun, as good as it feels can often be too hot and can cause skin and health problems if we get too much of it.  Thankfully, there is more than one way to get the shade we need and still be able to enjoy the outdoors.

There are many different varieties of umbrellas and shade structures that can add both functionality and style to your outdoor living area.  From the classic market style umbrella to the palatial pavilions, you can create a resort-like atmosphere at home.  Let us show you a few different styles:

• Umbrellas:  These are a very versatile type of shade structure because they can be placed almost anywhere, including pools.  They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and shapes.  Like everything, there is a variety of price ranges depending on the quality and function.  Some tilt for the evening sun (and there is a variety of tilting mechanisms), some are better suited for high wind areas, and some are designed to last for years of trouble-free use without fading or rotting.  We at Patio World carry all types, styles, and price ranges of umbrellas to fit everyone's budget, fit, and function.

•  Cantilevers:  These type of umbrellas have become popular because they offer shade by having the umbrella hang by an arm on the side, so there is no pole in the middle a table or conversation area.  Like standard umbrellas, these come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes.  They even have some with lights and a sound system where you can listen to the radio or hook up and iPad.  This type of umbrella requires a little more planning because you need to have an area that is large enough to hold the base that gives the umbrella the desired weight and support. 

• Pavilions:  These shade structures gives the sense of a true resort.  Outfitted with curtains gives you privacy and respite from the sun.  These come in round, square, and rectangle shapes and a variety of sizes and colors.  Anchoring or weighing the posts is key into assuring your structure does not become damaged.

All of the above shade solutions can both greatly enhance your outdoor "living room" and provide the shade necessary to protect you from the sun.  There are many accessories that you can add on to each such as lighting, music players, mosquito nets, and drapes to make you and your guests more comfortable.  We invite you to come and see all the varieties that are available and to help you create the most relaxing and functional outdoor space that you deserve.
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3rd Annual No Sales Tax Food Drive and Raffle Going on Now!

Help Patio World Help the Needy.  Our 3rd Annual No Sales Tax Food Drive and Raffle helps charities in our local communities.  More info can be found below:

Press Release

No Sales Tax Food Drive and Raffle Advertisement

Thank you in advance for your participation and generous donations.

Sincerely,

The Patio World Team

Fire Pits: The New Centerpiece of the Outdoor Room

Remember way back when, when all you needed for a fire pit was an old washer drum and a couple of seasoned wood logs?  Well, fire pits have come a long way since "the good old days".  From simple to fancy and with a variety of fuels and table top options, the choices are endless.

Let's start with fuel.  You can have the convenience of propane, natural gas, gel fuel, and wood.

• Propane fire pits are very versatile as you can move your fire pit from one place to the other in your outdoor living space. You can create a new and different "fireside look" for each occasion. The fuel is also relatively inexpensive and abundant in most areas.  The only disadvantage is having to take the propane tank to get refilled or exchanged every so often and having the possibility of running out of fuel midway during an evening function.  So either have an extra tank on hand or make sure you have enough in the tank to utilize your fire pit.
• Natural Gas is very convenient  and inexpensive.  No tanks to worry about, just turn on the valve, light the fire, and your ready to go.  The only disadvantage is you are relatively limited as to where to locate them.  You need to have a natural gas stub coming from a source relatively close to the fire pit for it to work.  Most will have a piped out source from the house or pool equipment when first designing their outdoor area.
• Gel Fuel has the convenience of propane without the tank necessary to fire it up.  Advantages of these pits over the first two mentioned is that the fire pits are often smaller and lighter in size and weight and can even be put on table tops.  Endless sizes and styles are available.  Disadvantage, is that the fuel can be a little more expensive and the "cans" that contain the fuel will usually last between 2-4 hours depending on the size.  A very distinct look though.
• Wood, the old standby.  You get the natural smell of the old campfires you have while camping or by the beach.  These fire pits can also give you a great deal of heat for those cold nights.  Disadvantages: too much smoke and sparks can reek havoc if not used in the correct location or manner.  Remember, safety first.

Fire pits can come with tops or without tops and you can get the tops in a variety of shapes and sizes.  You can dine on your fire pits, just use them to have appetizers and cocktails, or just kick back and enjoy the fire and a top may not be necessary.  Do some planning before you make your decision.

There is an endless variety of fire pit styles and prices available to the end user.  Fortunately,  Patio World carries a wide spectrum of them.  You can see a small sample of them here. If you are undecided as to which one you think will work best for you, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we can show you all the options available.

Whether winter, spring, summer, or fall casual fireside is the  perfect centerpiece any outdoor room of any size and budget.

All Outdoor Furniture is Not Created Equal

I hear it all the time.  Why is the furniture at (insert big box store name) so much less than what you have to offer.   My response, "You ever hear the saying, "You get what you pay for"?  Well the same is true with outdoor furniture.  Very inexpensive furniture (i.e. a 12 piece furniture set for $299.00) will give you a set that starts out fine, but within a year or two...well, let's just say you will be looking for a new set."

I have been in this industry practically all my life and have seen plenty of outdoor living sets come and go.  So you might wonder, "What do I need to look for when purchasing outdoor furniture?"  Well, assuming you want something that will last more than a year or two, here are a few suggestions.

• Warranty:  A good manufacturer worth their salt will usually have a 10+ year warranty.  Usually           covering the structural integrity of the frame.  Also, if something does happen, will the warranty give you the exact same piece of furniture or something similar.  Most U.S.A manufacturers have the ability to repair or replace the exact piece you have and not just give you "this year's model from China" which more than likely will not match at all with your other pieces.
• Sturdiness:  Does the furniture feel "tinny" or flimsy.  You can tell a lot by comparing different chairs by picking them up and moving them.  
• Manufacturer:  Has the company been around a long time?  Did they survive the recession we just had?  Most U.S.A manufacturers have been around 40+ years.  There are a couple of manufacturers that have been making furniture for 100+ years.  These are the ones to seek out in case you have a problem in the future or want to add more pieces of furniture.
• Fabrics:  Stay away from polyester, olefin, cotton.  Solution dyed acrylic is the way to go.  This fabric has been used on outdoor awnings and boat covers for decades.  We usually see this fabric last 8-10 years without fading or deteriorating.  It costs a little more, but will get 5-10 times the life.

• Choices:  Are you stuck with one color and that's it?  Will it match your outdoor living area's color scheme?  Can you get matching accessories like ottomans, umbrellas, chaise lounges, sofas, etc?  

These are just a few things to consider when making any outdoor furnishing purchase.

Now, does this mean you need to spend an arm and a leg to get a set that will last more than 2 years?  No.  You can  get some great quality furniture at reasonable prices.  No, they will not be $299.00, but you also won't be spending $299.00 every year or two.  You also won't be lugging furniture to the dump that often (which is also great for the environment).  A win/win for you and the earth.
 

Welcome to Outdoor Living with Patio World

Hello and welcome to our new blog, "Outdoor Living with Patio World".  Here we will discuss and discover all aspects of outdoor living from around the house to around the world.  Outdoor furnishings,  barbecuing and grilling, gardening, entertaining outdoors, travel, weather, and everything else outdoorsy will be covered.

We hope you enjoy our posts and welcome your posts and suggestions.  Again welcome and remember:
 Life is lived better, outdoors.