Many people see their outdoor spaces as an extension of their home. You can furnish that space with loveseats, chairs, dining sets; even rugs and lamps. Your backyard can be the ideal place to “get away from it all” without leaving the house. There's a vast array of outdoor living furniture choices available to you. Where to begin?

If you think through exactly what you need, you can easily narrow down the choices and focus on finding just the right outdoor furniture pieces for you and your lifestyle. Let's start by asking a few questions:

* How large is the outdoor space?

* Do you use your outdoor area primarily for personal/close family relaxation, or large-group entertainment?

* Does the outdoor area receive a lot of sun?

* How often do you use your outdoor area?

* Do you frequently dine outdoors?

* Do you tend to use the space at certain times of day?

* Do you ever use the area in the evening or at night?

* Is the area sheltered, or is it completely open to the elements?

* What pieces of outdoor furniture do you have in mind? Do you want chairs only, or a dining set; or lounge chairs? Do you want a bar or cocktail arrangement?

* How formal or casual do you want your area to be?

* Do you plan to move or rearrange furniture often?

* Does your area experience harsh winters?

Answers to these questions will help you to identify the type of material(s) your new outdoor living furniture should be made from, how many pieces of furniture you need, what types and which accessories. You want outdoor furniture made with the comfort and style you desire as well as the strength and durability you need.

For example, if you plan to move chairs and other pieces around often for different needs, you may decide to choose lightweight materials like recycled plastic and aluminum. If you have young children, you may look for outdoor furniture materials that are very durable and clean easily. As you begin to identify materials like teak wood, outdoor or synthetic wicker, recycled plastic, aluminum or wrought iron, etc, you can determine how easy or difficult it will be to maintain your new outdoor living furniture at its best.

If you mostly use the area for casual breakfasts with your family, a bistro-style outdoor furniture set may be more appropriate than an elaborate dining set for twelve. Of course if you want to relax outdoors, you'll consider recliners and deep-cushioned seating with ottomans. Cushions should be made with fade- and weather-resistant fabrics, and allow for easy cleaning.

If your area is open and receives a lot of sun, you may want to think about adding a patio umbrella, awning; or if space allows, a portable gazebo for welcome shade. Nighttime use may call for lighting with torches, or electric or solar powered lamps. If your patio floor is a drab concrete slab or worse, cracked, dress it up or disguise it with an outdoor area rug. Rugs made today are easily cleaned with a hose and dry quickly.

Also consider the climate where you live. If you live where winters are harsh, will your outdoor living furniture be able to remain in the elements year-round, or will you have to store your furniture during winter? Do you have the required storage space? Perhaps investing in outdoor furniture covers can help maintain your outdoor furniture at its best.

Once you define your outdoor living furniture needs and desires, you can begin to compare against the wide variety of offerings and price points. Hopefully with these tips you'll be able to make the best furniture choice for you and your lifestyle. Happy summer!