Today’s modern home décor concentrates as much on the outside as it does on the inside. Exterior decorating has become big business with as much variety, themes and concepts as interior decorating. This is, however, where the similarities end – outdoor furniture has to be at least twice as durable and tough as interior furniture and may need a fair amount of maintenance. How much maintenance is really within your control. In fact, with some far-sightedness, a good deal of cost, not to mention effort and time, can be saved.

One of the most popular outdoor furniture types is those made of teak. Teak is highly recommended and much used on most patios and porches as it is a material that is naturally highly weather resistant. The fact that teak can withstand the harshest of weathers and last a long while without needing to be refurbished makes it an attractive option for most. This is probably one of the reasons why teak, although slightly more expensive than other woods, are still very much the choice for outdoor furniture.

Other choices for outdoor furniture are park benches. Whether metal or wood, these make great relaxing features in the garden and are conducive for group gatherings. Other equally pretty and practical outdoor furniture which will be loved by children especially are swings. Double or single seaters, swings made of cast iron are perfect outdoor furniture. Other types of furniture are whole furniture sets complete with chaise lounge, outdoor cushions and even coffee tables. To be weather resistant, they usually have either stainless steel or wicker frames.

Wicker patio furniture is also popular. Although they are available singularly, they are most appealing when in complete sets of single chairs, chaise lounge and coffee table. Most wicker patio furniture is at their best in their natural brown colors. However, there are equally attractive wicker furniture in white, black and even dark red or green. If seating sets are too much, then you have options ranging from loveseats to rocking chairs and from side tables to bar stools.

Market umbrellas also form part of outdoor furniture. Most umbrellas intended for private use are circular, as can be seen in places like the lawn, patio, poolside and garden. Commercial market umbrellas are often square shaped, much like those on sidewalk cafes and beach resorts. The size of market umbrellas also differ from one to another as do their types:
- Aluminum umbrellas are made of steel and are often used at places with both wet and dry climates. These are also the kinds of market umbrellas that often come with a push-tilt function that allows its occupant to tilt it at 45 degree angles in any direction they please.
- Wooden umbrellas are often the preferred choice for restaurants and cafes on the beach. They are considered more suitable for such outdoor environment as saltwater will not corrode the umbrellas as quickly as their metal counterparts.
- Lighted umbrellas come with little light bulb attached and a built-in plug. Some more advanced models even come with a dimmer so you can still conserve energy while taking shelter under it.

Outdoor events can still be enjoyed even on chilly evenings with the help of some outdoor heating. For this, outdoor propane heaters are the most popular as they are mobile, inexpensive, small and relatively easy to use. These use propane gas that burns to radiate heat and is effective in small, confined spaces.

Other types of outdoor heating are quartz heaters. These look like fluorescent lights but are shorter in length. These can be mounted on walls or ceilings, and are made for rooms with a lower ceiling height and for small spaces, provides additional lighting as well. These are safer options than outdoor propane heaters as there are no fume emissions – propane heaters release carbon monoxide which is very dangerous in high levels in confined rooms.

Patio heaters are another safe option – these are mobile heaters which are on wheels so they can be moved from room to room easily. As these are stand-alone appliances, they are suitable for rooms with low ceilings. Running on gas burns as well, these outdoor heaters often come with safety features like an automatic on-off switch, an anti-tilt feature that switches the heaters off when they are tilted or on uneven ground and automatic emergency off when there is little or no gas left.