Let the Greenhaven Landscape team answer your most-pressing patio questions, so you can have the outdoor space of your dreams!
Patios can be taken for granted, but if the stay-at-home emphasis of the last couple years has taught us anything, it’s that we have the opportunity to make — indoors and outdoors — as comfortable and as luxurious as possible.
We tend to look at a home’s yard as an extension of home. Your home’s landscape is a living living room, and it’s our goal to help everyone who works with us to love the outside of their homes and much as they love the inside.
A key component in making the transition from inside to outside as seamless as possible can often be found in your patio. It’s the perfect place to entertain, relax, eat, drink, and yes, be merry. It can feel as “inside” or as “outside” as you’d like it to be.
And, judging by what we see out there, you probably have a ton of questions about patios. Luckily, the Greenhaven team is here to help answer all of your patio questions and then some.
What patio furniture is best for outdoors?
This is a great question for Pacific Northwesterners. Of course, the best furniture for you is going to depend on a lot of factors, including what you’re using it for, the aesthetic of your space, and so on.
Once you’ve made those determinations, we recommend searching for pieces or sets that can withstand our hot, dry summers and wet, cooler winters and spring seasons. While we don’t endorse specific brands, we can tell you that there are a number of options out there that will meet your needs.
One, look for resin-based materials or for those materials that are rust-resistant, since they’ll likely be exposed to rainy conditions. Similarly, look for fabrics that are stain, mildew, moisture, and fade-resistant. You still need to provide these pieces a certain amount of TLC, but, when properly cared for, you’ll have a great patio furniture set for years to come.
Want more specific guidance? Call us for your patio consultation!
What patio heaters should I choose?
One of the greatest developments in outdoor entertainment in the last decade or so has been the increased use of the patio heater and outdoor fireplace. We all have those friends or family members who have a tendency to get cold, and if you want to spend more time outdoors together, then you’re going to need to find a way to make these folks more comfortable. But which heating option is right for you?
The best answer to this question lies somewhere in the middle of your space’s functionality, the look you want, your efficiency concerns, and the investment that’s right for you.
For instance, there are a variety of propane-based options available on the market. You’ve likely seen or have been exposed to some version of the tower models at outdoor parties or restaurants. They come in a variety of sizes and prices to meet just about any budget, and they pump out a great deal of heat. That said, they’re not always the most energy efficient, and they’re typically going to take up a large footprint. If space is a concern, they might not be right for you.
One of our favorite patio heating methods is outdoor fireplaces and fire pits. The reason? They look beautiful and create warmth efficiently. So efficient, in fact, that it is a well known fact that an outdoor fireplace or fire pit is a natural gathering place for friends and family in all seasons. Many outdoor fireplaces can be customized to the size of your space so your yard is still functional in seasons that don’t need heat.
Want to learn more about patio heating? Contact us today to learn how we can transform your space!
What patio lighting is best for me?
As with most things related to your patio, this is a personal and largely aesthetic choice, but our recommendation is to seek out a solution that is versatile and functional.
Strings of patio lights can add a lovely element of drama to your space, but you need to be satisfied with the fact that that’s all those lights can do. You’re going to need an altogether different lighting solution if you want to play outdoor games, host a neighborhood party or a HOA board meeting, for example.
With a little imagination and investment, a custom lighting package can give your patio the right lighting for the right moments in your life. Imagine being able to easily transition from cooking dinner outdoors for the whole family to having a romantic drink with your partner later in the evening, and all it takes is a little adjustment to set the mood just right.
We specialize in creating custom lighting packages, and would love to help you light up your patio, and your life! Contact us to learn more about how we can help you light the way.
Ready to transform your patio? Contact us today!
We love working with clients on their outdoor spaces, because we get to witness first-hand how these projects can truly transform the way they live. Suddenly, you have a whole new world added to your home. We wouldn’t be surprised if your patio became your favorite part of your house! So call the Greenhaven team today. For over 25 years, we’ve been helping folks just like you turn your landscapes into dreamscapes. We can’t wait to work with you!