HE-309
March 6, 1957
Purdue University-
Home Economics Extension Service
LET'S LIVE OUTDOORS
Any way you look at it, it's fun to live outdoors. From the first warm day of spring until the very latest evening in the fall, we enjoy outdoor living, whether it’s for games, sun-soaking, dining or just visiting with our family and friends. Even our homes today are designed so that we can enjoy more of the outdoors with window walls, etc.
PLAN A SPOT FOR YOUR FAMILY
Every family can have some type of outdoor living area. A secluded porch when screened becomes an outdoor living room. For easy care, it should be "hose-able". A rug is not a necessity; walls should be washable; good drainage is needed for those unexpected showers. For those who like to relax without the company of insects, a screened area is a delight.

A brick or stone terrace provides an attractive outdoor carpet and is excellent for daytime use. Weeds between the stones will spoil its appearance (there are easy-to-use weed killers on the market). If the terrace is of masonry, make provisions for drainage.

If you enjoy relaxing on the lawn, select an area with some privacy (or make your own with shrubbery, an attractive high fence, or perhaps a portable folding screen). An area uncluttered with plantings, but with a tree or shelter near is excellent. Remember that heavy shrubs or foliage will attract insects.

You might like a grouping around an outdoor oven or fireplace.

FURNITURE THAT LIKES THE OUT-OF-DOORS
Furniture which will enjoy living out-of-doors needs to be easy to clean and care for, weather resistant, comfortable, and lightweight for easy moving.

Masonry furniture ideally meets the first two requirements but does not give comfort-and is very difficult to move. Furniture is available today which will give comfort and is more or less weatherproof.

Enameled steel is available with a spring seat or in a variety of folding tables and chairs. It will need repainting about every 5 years to retard rusting, but requires little other care. Its light weight makes it easy to move and pillows will add comfort.

Wood continues in popularity. Rattan and peel, which are popular today combined with wrought iron, look fragile but are fairly sturdy. Their open weave permits easy drying. Wood slat furniture is heavier to move but more sturdy than cane or peel. It is often foldable for easy storage. All wood used for outdoor furniture must have a hard, water-repellent finish — such as high gloss enamel or spar varnish.