Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Their Outdoor Spaces

This article was published on  2/26/2018  and updated on  2/11/2022

Homeowners are often dismayed to discover designing a functional outdoor space isn’t as easy as purchasing items that catch your eye online or in-store. Before you start running up your credit card balance shopping for outdoor living accessories, make sure you’re not making these common patio design mistakes.

Winging It

If you haven’t taken out the tape measure and chalked or taped in the placement of features you’d like to add to your deck or patio, you’re not on the way to superior outdoor design. Winging it never works. Careful consideration of clearance for doors, walkways, seating, and potentially dangerous appliances like grilles is essential to bringing a functional, enjoyable space to life.

Purchasing Poor Quality Patio Accessories

It’s easy to get enticed into purchasing interesting-looking, cheaply made patio furnishings and accessories. Keep the old adage, ‘Buy cheap, buy twice,’ in mind. You’re much better off purchasing quality options that offer far more comfort and lasting use. Before buying anything, be sure to research each item, including brand reputation and warranty, thoroughly. Don’t discount online reviews, Better Business Bureau, and other ratings.

Ignoring Climate/Location Realities

Certain furnishings might look amazing in photos – but how will they fare in real life? It’s essential to consider how the items or materials you choose will withstand exposure to sunlight, moisture, wind, and use and abuse by your family. How will those metal chairs feel in summer heat or winter's chill? Will that cushy sectional work poolside after your saturated kids climb all over it? There’s more to winning design than looks.

Not Trying Before You Buy

There may be facets to products you won’t consider until you use them. From sitting in chairs to lifting the lid on a grill, test driving the items you’re considering purchasing will tell you a lot. Don’t skip this step – take the test drive and research what other customers say.

Overlooking Care and Maintenance

Be wary of choosing high-maintenance outdoor living gear. Wood items require regular staining and sealing. Cushions require cleaning to remain mildew and stain-free. Each material has benefits and drawbacks to consider. Choosing low-maintenance options ensures you'll spend more time using your porch or patio than maintaining it.

Choosing “Cute” Over Functional

Real-life use should always trump looks when purchasing items to outfit your deck or patio. Boldly patterned plastic chairs might catch your eye, but will they be comfortable enough to relax in for hours? That huge, cushy sectional seems great – but will it leave room for side tables so you can comfortably access drinks, snacks, and your phone?

Not Investing in Protection

Like you and your family need outdoor shelter to ensure a lasting, enjoyable outdoor experience, patio furnishings and accessories also require protection from sunlight, precipitation, and wind. Patio shelter not only extends the lifespan of outdoor items but improves the functionality of your space. StruXure adjustable louvered pergolas from Denver Pergola Systems offer all the protection you need to safeguard your patio furnishings and make the most of time spent outdoors from day-to-day and season-to-season.

●       Dial in sun, shade, or shelter

Adjust louvers up to 170-degrees to the perfect amount of sun or shade, or seal out rain and snow, protecting patio furnishings with the built-in 360-degree gutter system.

 

●       Increase protection and comfort

Incorporate motorized screens, ceiling fans, infrared heaters, built-in lighting, and more, integrating your favorite pergola accessories into your design.

 

●       Operate with ease

Manage settings on your home pergola via wall switch, remote control, program using your smartphone, or upgrade your pergola with rain, wind, or freeze sensing technology for automated response.

 

●       Reduce maintenance

StruXure aluminum louvered roof pergolas offer lasting, low-maintenance patio shelter. Care is as easy as a simple soap and water wash. Featuring a fully extruded aluminum design and premium powder coating, they're built to last a lifetime, resisting damage from hail and standing up to hurricane-force winds and heavy snow loads.

 Create a beautiful, functional deck or patio space that boosts the enjoyment and value of your home. Design your dream outdoor living area with help from Denver Pergola Systems, Denver’s exclusive StruXure pergola dealer. Contact us at 303-505-6669 to schedule a pergola design consultation or learn more about our 3-D rendering services today.

This article was originally published at: https://denverpergolas.com/adjustable-residential-pergolas/designing-outdoor-living-space-dont-fall-victim-common-mistakes/