This post is proudly sponsored by Raymour & Flanigan, a brand I deeply admire for their exceptional quality, stellar customer service, and dedication to community care. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Summertime in our home means a full house with our kids back from college, lively gatherings of friends and family, and endless outdoor memories. There’s nothing better than warm evenings spent around the fire, enjoying great food, music, and laughter while the kids toss a football, play cornhole, or relax on the trampoline under the stars. These simple yet meaningful moments are what life is all about, and we cherish them dearly.
However, as much as we anticipate the warmer months, spring always comes with a long checklist of outdoor chores before we can truly enjoy our space. Mowing the lawn, clearing garden beds, mulching, and planting flowers can feel overwhelming. And then there was our aging 30-year-old deck, which required constant repairs just to safely reach the grill. Our teak furniture also demanded significant upkeep, needing to be scrubbed and resealed annually. It was time for a change!
A Low-Maintenance Solution: Trex Composite Decking
With our old deck deteriorating rapidly, replacing it became an urgent necessity. This time, we opted for Trex composite decking in “Gravel Path,” which comes with a 25-year warranty and stands up to the harsh New England winters and hot summers far better than traditional wood. The difference has been incredible!
We love the natural wood aesthetic, but we knew it was time to say goodbye to our high-maintenance teak table and chairs. Our goal was to create a space that required minimal upkeep so we could enjoy it from the start of the season without constant maintenance.
Stylish, Durable, and Functional Outdoor Furniture
After much research, we found the perfect outdoor dining set from Raymour & Flanigan. We recently hosted a brunch for Hannah’s birthday when our rhododendrons were in full bloom, and this set was ideal for the occasion. It’s stylish, lightweight, and easy to move around, making it an excellent choice for our deck.
The dining table and benches are made of durable aluminum, but their finish resembles driftwood-stained wood. They’re neutral, elegant, and exactly what we envisioned for the space. For added comfort, we paired them with woven resin wicker armchairs at each end—perfect for lounging after dinner. The included cushions, along with a few throw pillows, provide a cozy and inviting touch.
The tiled tabletop is both beautiful and practical, making cleanup effortless after outdoor meals. What’s even better? All of these pieces are from the Raymour & Flanigan outlet online! We pieced together the perfect setup, opting for benches to maximize seating for our summer gatherings.
Enhancing Our Patio Space
Our deck overlooks a charming patio and fire pit area, which also received some low-maintenance upgrades. When we first moved in, this space was heavily shaded, featuring towering pine trees and a large fenced-in dog pen. Over time, we removed the trees, added fresh loam, planted grass, and built a pea stone patio with a custom stone-veneered fire pit.
Adding Adirondack chairs to this space was a long-time dream, and we finally made it happen! Many of you recommended composite material chairs, and I’m so glad we listened. These chairs, made from a heavy-duty material similar to our Trex decking, are built to withstand the elements without warping, rotting, or requiring paint.
Initially, I assumed “composite” Adirondack chairs referred to lightweight plastic versions sold at hardware stores. While those work well, we wanted something sturdier and more substantial. These chairs are incredibly comfortable, and it brings me so much joy to see our loved ones gathered around the fire.
Incorporating Lush Landscaping
Throughout the summer, our garden thrives with hostas, tiger lilies, seagrass, ornamental grasses, and spirea, creating a lush outdoor retreat. This year, we also added a trellis for our clematis, which is bouncing back beautifully after being relocated.
Looking ahead, we plan to plant a mature river birch or a flowering pear, cherry, or apple tree in the patio garden bed. This will add dappled sunlight and shade, enhancing the ambiance of our outdoor space.
Cozy Additions for Chilly Evenings
To make our fire pit area even more inviting, we picked up a few soft chenille throws—perfect for cool summer nights. I also couldn’t resist a classic blue-and-white striped picnic blanket. Paired with summer cocktails, a stack of firewood, and s’mores ingredients, we have everything we need for an evening of outdoor fun.
Speaking of s’mores, have you ever tried making them with Ghirardelli chocolates? The variety pack is a game-changer, though I have to hide the caramel ones from my kids—they disappear too quickly!
Setting the Mood with Lighting
As the sun sets, our outdoor space transforms into a magical retreat. While we haven’t put up string lights yet this year, we added woven candle holders with citronella candles, creating a warm, inviting glow. I love the textured design and the ambiance they bring.
We also picked up hydrangeas for only $20 each, inspired by a post from Jessica at Four Generations One Roof. They’re currently in pots, but we plan to plant them in the fall once they’ve finished blooming.
The Reward of a Thoughtfully Designed Outdoor Space
From our deck to the patio, every inch of our outdoor space has been designed with comfort, style, and low maintenance in mind. While it’s been a gradual process, seeing our vision come to life has been incredibly fulfilling.
Our Favorite Outdoor Products
Here are some of the pieces we used to bring our outdoor space to life:
- Beachcroft Dining Table
- Beachcroft Armchairs (Set of 2)
- Beachcroft Bench
- Generations Adirondack Chairs
Expert Tips for a Low-Maintenance Outdoor Living Space
Creating a beautiful and relaxing outdoor space doesn’t mean spending all your free time on upkeep. Here are some practical tips to make your outdoor living area as low maintenance as possible:
1. Choose Climate-Resistant Building Materials
If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions—like the freezing winters and hot summers of New England—consider synthetic materials instead of wood. Composite decking and other durable materials hold up better against ice, snow, and heat, ensuring your outdoor space looks great for years without constant repairs or refinishing.
2. Invest in All-Weather Furniture
Opt for furniture that doesn’t require annual staining, sealing, or refinishing. While natural teak and other hardwoods are elegant and timeless, they demand a lot of upkeep. With the variety of all-weather furniture available today, you can enjoy a stylish, long-lasting setup without the maintenance hassles. Composite materials provide the look of wood without the added work.
3. Use Weed-Blocking Landscape Fabric for Stone Patios
If you’re installing a pea stone patio, be sure to lay down at least one, if not two, layers of weed-blocking landscape fabric before adding the stone. This simple step will save you hours of weeding in the summer. You can find more details on how we installed our pea stone patio and expert insights we gathered along the way in our dedicated installation guide.
4. Choose Perennials for Lasting Beauty
Annual flowers can be beautiful, but they require replanting each year. Instead, consider perennials that will return season after season, saving you both time and money. This year, we opted to place hydrangea plants in pots, and by next year, they will be brightening up our garden beds. When selecting plants, choose varieties suited to your yard’s light conditions—whether full sun, partial sun, or shade—and aim to plant them in early fall while the soil is still warm. Read more about when to plant here.
Thanks to Raymour & Flanigan
A huge thank you to Raymour & Flanigan for helping us create a stylish, low-maintenance outdoor living space! While I had the chance to explore their showroom, I felt completely confident ordering online from the Raymour & Flanigan outlet after seeing the quality of their furniture firsthand.
For in-stock items, Raymour & Flanigan offers free delivery in three days or less, seven days a week, with no assembly required. Their outstanding service, from showroom associates to delivery professionals, made the entire process seamless. With such a vast selection at various price points, there’s truly something for everyone.
Enjoy Effortless Outdoor Living
Here’s to a summer of relaxation, fun, and making memories in a low-maintenance outdoor retreat! If you have any questions about our new furniture or decking, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help!
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