One of the most enjoyable parts of the Summer season is being able to relish the great outdoors from the comfort of your home’s backyard patio space. Nothing is more picturesque and idyllic of Summer than grilling some delicious food in your yard while spending time with family and friends.
If you are like most Americans who have been sheltering inside for the last seven months, you have probably spent quite a bit more time enjoying your home and backyard more than usual. For a lot of people, upgrading and then enjoying their patio space has kept them sane during these uncertain times of the pandemic.
Now that the sun is setting on the Summer season, people all across the country are beginning to prepare for the changing weather. For backyard lounging enthusiasts, this means either packing up the patio furniture for storage, buying a new set of weather-resistant furniture, or making weatherproof adjustments to your current set.
Whatever your specific situation might be, one thing is certain for everyone: now is the time to prepare your patio space for the cooling weather ahead. But you don’t have to let the cold weather stop your outdoor family dinners or cancel backyard movie night.
To help you adjust with the changing seasons, we have gathered a list of the top 5 clever additions for your backyard this fall. Use these ideas to build or upgrade to the perfect patio space and keep your loved ones comfy and cozy as we head into the holidays.
Patio Umbrellas
While it might seem counterintuitive to install a large patio umbrella right after the Summer sun has gone, remember that umbrellas do more than just provide shade. A large patio umbrella can be the perfect solution to keep you dry during the rainy weather that fall brings.
Protect yourself from the sun and rain with an umbrella made of sturdy materials and sun-resistant fabrics. As you begin to shop around for the right umbrella for you, consider the types and styles of umbrellas on the market. Here is a breakdown of the common choices you will find.
Cantilever Umbrellas: Cantilever umbrellas provide versatility, form, and function to your outdoor living space. A cantilever umbrella is different from a typical umbrella. This umbrella is suspended in the air and supported by a freestanding pole on the side, instead of in the middle. The standard size for cantilever umbrellas is between 9′ -13′ in diameter, which happens to be the perfect size for many patio seating and dining areas.
The best designed units are capable of rotating forward, backward and a full 360 degrees. This versatile shade structure comes in a variety of sizes and fabrics. The fabric choices are important as it will determine the lifespan of your umbrella. Look for brands that offer the patented Sunbrella fabrics as an option.
Automatic Tilt Umbrellas: Also known as “auto tilt,” these umbrellas are a great innovation that has quickly grown into one of the most popular features in any outdoor umbrella. Standard umbrellas usually open by turning a crank, but the automatic tilt umbrella does that and more. After you have cranked the handle to fully open the shade, you can continue to turn an auto tilt umbrella in order to adjust its tilt relative to the sun (or rain).
These umbrellas work by a series of mechanical levers and joints inside the umbrella pole. And because the tilting feature in automatic tilt umbrellas, the tilting positions run the full range. Generally speaking, you can tilt your umbrella to any direction or angle you see fit.
Wood Market Umbrellas: Looking for something a little more affordable? Look no further than a wood market umbrellas if you are out to cut costs. These umbrellas are made of a simple wooden pole, often with a basic pulley system for the shade.
These units are much more cost friendly and fit the decor of most environments. These umbrellas also can come in the recommended Sunbrella fabric and are highly recommended for entry level backyard enthusiasts.
Outdoor Rugs
You can really add a new level of comfort and luxury to your outdoor space by bringing a touch of the indoors outside. It might seem strange to think about putting a rug outside, but it is actually a practical and eye-pleasing choice. During the Summer, a rug can keep your feet off the hot ground; In the winter it will keep your toes from freezing to the ground. Outdoor rugs can add a pop of color or a vibrant pattern to really liven up your patio space.
When selecting an outdoor rug for your space, you’ll need to purchase a rug made to stand up against mother nature. The rugs in your house most likely won’t be suitable for outdoor conditions, so look for ones that are durable, low maintenance, and ties the room together.
At All American Outdoor Living, we have a selection of rugs to meet your preferred style. All of our designs are weather resistant, 100% recyclable, and made of a UV stable polypropylene construction. For a classic fall feel, try the Birmingham Almond Outdoor Rug, and if you’re on a budget, check out the Tuscan Birch Outdoor Rug.
Fire Pits
Nothing will help you prepare for the cold weather better than a backyard fire pit. Roasting s’mores over the fire, telling ghost stories for Halloween, and snuggling up with a good book are just a few of the fun activities a fire pit will allow you and your family. Fire pits can be custom designed to match most styles using materials like marble, cast aluminum, concrete, and slate. They can also be customized to your gas preferences, whether its natural gas, ethanol, propane or a true wood burning pit.
For the first-time, fire-pit owner, we suggest getting one that sits above the ground instead of committing to a fully dug-out pit. Think of it as getting the fire pit equivalent of an above-ground pool; it will do the job and requires a smaller upfront investment and long-term commitment. Concrete fire pits are a great place to start your search.
The Round Moderno Concrete Fire Pit is an affordable starting pit and comes with fifty pounds of stunning blue volcanic rock that will make your entire patio pop visually. This style pit is perfect as a functional pit for gathering around or roasting s’mores with friends and family.
If you are looking for a fire pit that is less about functionality and more about decoration, check out the Tavola Concrete Fire Pit. This pit is perfect for covering large areas of your patio and adding a really elegant ambiance to the environment. If your fire pit desires are purely about decoration, see the Pentola Concrete Fire Pit. A few of these strategically placed around your yard will warm your space and make it feel truly elegant.
Fire Tables
Fire pits are not for everyone as they can be a big commitment for your patio space and tend to be pricey. If this sounds like you, consider an alternative such as a fire table. Fire tables are functional pieces of furniture that feature a live burning centerpiece. These tables come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes and are usually powered by gas or gel canisters.
If your family enjoys dinners outside, consider the Trinidad Octagonal Gas Dining Firepit. It’s sturdy aluminum frame and powder coated finish make it ideal for the fall weather and is big enough to fit most large families. For those who enjoy a hot beverage in the morning or cozying up and watching the sunset, consider one of our favorite options: The Icon Rectangular Fire Pit Coffee Table. Perfect for coffee and snacks, this table can fill out your patio space in both form and function.
Patio Covers
Patio covers are important all year round, but especially so during the fall and winter months. Protect your furniture patio investment by covering your pieces with patio covers. Rain, persistent dew, falling leaves and branches, and wind are all factors that could damage your property in the long term. It is a good rule of thumb to be preventive about your protection practices instead of reactive. Some damage can’t be undone.
At All American Outdoor Living, our outdoor patio covers are constructed of top-grade fabrics and fibers, made of solution dyed acrylic and nylon fabrics. Our outdoor patio furniture covers are durable and breathable, water resistant, and will not crack or peel like vinyl. The patio covers are beige in color and have a variety of sizes that fit table and chair covers, individual covers like an outdoor sofa, or loveseat. We also offer fire pit covers, chaise lounge, and umbrella covers too. Our outdoor patio covers will fit aluminum furniture companies such as Tropitone, Mallin, Brown Jordan or Castelle, as well wicker manufacturers like Ebel, NorthCape International, and Lloyd Flanders, along with outdoor wrought iron companies like O.W. Lee and Meadowcraft.