Patio chairs are a fabulous way to expand your living space.
Outdoors-and sometimes indoors-patio chairs can host spirited discussions or afternoon naps.
Even if you have a small outdoor space, like an apartment patio or deck, patio chairs can stay out there on standby for the next time you need extra seating.
Before you run out and buy whatever's on sale, though, stop and think for a moment about the climate where you live.
If you're within about sixty miles of a coastal area, be sure to look for weather-resistant material like plastic, fiberglass or aluminum.
Some types of wood are more weather-resistant than others, though all of them tend to be more expensive than more common types of wood.
Teak is a good option, as is cypress.
Both of these are slow-growing hardwoods, and their price reflects it.
Cedar can be a less expensive option than teak or cypress-just realize that you'll have to refinish it a little more often.
Wooden patio chairs can be built from any type of wood, of course.
So long as a good, sturdy finish is applied, oak, pine or redwood make wonderful patio chairs, especially if you live away from a marine environment.
But if you're not insistent on wood, there are many other materials available today that make outstanding patio chairs.
If space is a real issue, consider patio chairs that stack or fold up.
When not in use these can take up minimal space in a corner of your veranda, in a storage area, or against the back of your house.
Stacking patio chairs can be made of plastic, aluminum, wicker, teak, and more.
Folding chairs can be made of these same materials, or the frame can be built of the stronger material, with a seat and back of strong fabric, like canvas or ripstop nylon.
If you live in an area where your patio chairs tend to get put away for the winter, the lighter materials work just fine.
If your patio chairs tend to get year-round use, consider wicker or wood, perhaps with a seat cushion for comfort.
These tend to be a little heavier and less mobile, so you'll want to place these where they don't have to be moved around a lot.
If you have a backyard firepit or fireplace, this type of patio chair makes for fabulous seating, especially if hot dog sticks are handy! The seat cushions can be covered with vinyl, or canvas sprayed with a protective coating, like Scotchgard.
Especially for outdoor furniture that's probably going to see more spills and weather than indoor furniture, protecting your investment is a good idea.
If you like patio chairs with removable cushions, you can purchase more than one style of cushion and change it to instantly create a new look.
And don't forget that patio chairs can include loveseats and chaise lounges.
Combine one of these with standard patio chairs to create the seating arrangement that works perfectly for you and reflects your own unique style.
Choose carefully and your patio or back yard will be the place everyone loves to gather!