How To Create An Outdoor Living Space By The Ocean
An outdoor patio space can be viewed as the perfect extension to your home. Luckily for residents of Southern California, we have the unique ability to take advantage of Mother Nature and enjoy our outdoor patio year-round!
During a nice, sunny, 75-degree day, few things are better than sitting outside with your group of friends, relaxing by the water and enjoying the nice weather with some wine and fresh food off the grill. To ensure you and your guests are comfortable, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing patio furniture for a property on or near the ocean.
WHICH MATERIAL WORKS BEST?
One of the first decisions you’ll have to make is which material to use. Popular materials for outdoor furniture include wrought iron, wicker, teak, and plastic, but not all of these materials are best suited for every climate.
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For residents living near the ocean, wrought iron may not be the best choice for your living area. For starters, if an outdoor patio space gets a lot of direct sunlight, the metal furniture can get extremely hot and uncomfortable to touch. Further, if you’re in a beachfront community such as Newport Beach, Laguna Beach or Del Mar, the salt water in the air can be rough on metal surfaces, resulting in rust and wear that can require additional maintenance.
Instead, an alternative metal like cast aluminum, or a solid wood material like teak can perform well in this environment. Although more difficult to move around, heavier materials are a better choice for ocean front residents as they are more resilient in the windy and shifty weather conditions common along the Southern California coastline.
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
A unique downside of living near the ocean is that the salt in the air can wreak havoc on your patio furniture. A good way to remove any salt buildup from furniture is to rinse it every week, and dry it with a soft cloth or towel. Protective sealants can also be applied to most materials to prevent further salt wear and accumulation.
Aluminum furniture can be treated with a thin layer of car wax, and wood furniture can be treated with special oils and sealants depending on the type of wood. Note: Teak furniture can actually be harmed by so called “teak oil.” Teak has natural oils that strengthen the wood, and any additional oil can make teak furniture more susceptible to mold and rot.
EXTRAS TO CONSIDER
Comfortable cushions and pillows can really add color to your space and create a more enjoyable atmosphere. Be sure to choose water-repellant fabric to protect against rain, ocean spray, and the inevitable wet bathing suit.
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Different patio accessories can also add some more charm to your outdoor space and enhance the experience for your family and friends. For example a hammock can be a fun, comfortable way to relax in the outdoors, and outdoor planters are a perfect way to add your own color and style.
A patio umbrella or alternative form of shade is also a must-have for most outdoor spaces in Southern California. The location and layout of your outdoor space will determine which type of umbrella works best for you, but fiberglass is often the best choice for ocean front residents because of its ability to flex instead of breaking against the wind.
When selecting outdoor patio furniture for oceanfront property, there are many different things to consider in terms of what type of furniture you want for your outdoor livable space, and how to make your living space really pop. Ultimately, your outdoor space should be a comfortable inviting extension of your home, and should reflect your own style.
Thank you for reading. I hope you found this information useful.
Jeff Pittman, Realtor in Ladera Ranch – Orange County, California