With outdoor living spaces figuring so prominently in the modern home, you have the opportunity to create warm, inviting spaces for friends and family. Today's outdoor furniture can help you transform your patio, porch or deck areas into extraordinary open air gathering places. Places where the little moments … become the lasting memories.

Materials

Outdoor furniture comes in many different materials, and each has its own appeal. But the most important considerations after style are care, maintenance and longevity. You want to spend your enjoying your new outdoor spaces, not worrying about or fussing over your new outdoor furniture.

Wood: Outdoor wooden furniture adds both weight and warmth to any setting, lending it a substantial look that is also comfortable. Because of the extremes in temperature and humidity, wooden outdoor furniture is made from robust, tight-grained woods such as cypress, mahogany, teak, or cedar. These woods excel in outdoor applications, and some have natural preservatives built in. Look for easy-care finishes such as oil finishes which can be easily reapplied with a rag. Also look for responsibly-harvested woods, such as FSC-certified woods.

Wicker: A longtime favorite of porches and patios everywhere, wicker says "come and sit a spell." It's naturally inviting, informal, and simply elegant. Today’s wicker pieces can feature durable sprayed or dipped finishes that add years of life, and actually help keep the individual strands locked together for greater strength. There are also synthetic wicker furniture pieces woven from strands of high-tech polymers or plastics – giving that great, classic look, in a completely carefree construction.

Metal: Wrought iron, cast aluminum, and bent or shaped metal furnishings all have their place on the patio. So many looks are available from metal outdoor furniture, because it's so malleable and versatile. Always look for a quality, no-maintenance coating which will repel the advances of water and weather, such as powder coating. Painted coatings can also give you more flexibility to change your color scheme on a whim, but will usually mean a little more work to maintain.

Fabrics: With upholstered pieces being the norm in today's outdoor settings, a special word of caution is due. Always look for sun-resistant, weather-resistant fabrics that will stand up to the elements. Cushions that feature zip-off covers offer greater flexibility for cleaning or replacement. Most fabrics are also treated for water repellency, but it's a good idea to keep your cushions dry. This is where weatherproof furniture covers are worth their weight in gold, by extending the life of your outdoor upholstery. Another great idea is a weatherproof “deck box” where you can store your cushions safe and dry when not in use.

With a little forethought, your outdoor furniture can provide years of relaxation and enjoyment, creating havens of fresh air comfort and community for your family and friends.