Backyard and Outdoor Living

A LIFE OUTDOORS

If you spend any amount of time outdoors, furniture is a must — but you need to think about the practicalities, not just the looks. “Firstly, the function of the space you plan to furnish needs to be considered. Is the area mainly for dining or lounging or both? How many people need to be accommodated? Then there are other considerations, such as will the furniture be under cover or open to the elements,” says landscape designer Aaron Worth of Utopia Landscape Design.

Adds David Walker of Swifts Outdoor Furniture, “It’s also important to know the size of your area as it’s very easy in a big showroom to buy something that will be too big for your space. Another factor is upkeep. If your area is roofed, you can buy any quality outdoor furniture and need to do very little maintenance but if the area is unroofed, are you prepared to do what’s required, such as regularly oiling timber?”

Weight is another consideration. “Weight and what the

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