The parasol or umbrella is usually sold seperately and intended more as a sun shade than for keeping you dry! They can look stunning next to a swimming pool, creating a very oppulent environment.

With new house designs and concepts, the patio has become an extension of our living space. Doors off the Kitchen now often lead onto a spacious patio with high quality furniture. If this is the case, comfortable furniture is important otherwise you will never use this asset. Sun loungers and cushions plus Barbeques equipment, hammock or Patio Heaters all add to making the space very comfortable and attractive.

An inportant item of patio furniture is the barbecue, which can range from a disposable tin foil to a brick affair. The best is probably the portable barbeque which you can hide away giving you more space and also store in the winter.

If you are lucky enough to have a Swimming Pool then patio furniture is an important accessory, including sun loungers, chairs and tables. In the winter, avoid storing cushions in a damp place as mildew can take hold.

Many patio furniture manufacturers sell their furniture direct with their prices much lower, this they can do especially if they are online but some maintain the higher retail price to avoid upsetting their furniture retailers.