Buy low-maintenance outdoor furniture.

For the 2007 HGTV Dream Home, in Winter Park, Colo., Linda Woodrum was looking for comfortable yet indestructible furniture.

"Great-looking outdoor pieces that are low maintenance was what I was after," Linda explains, "because you want to be able to entertain outdoors at a moment's notice without worrying that the furniture needs to be dismantled and cleaned first." These metal glider benches, dressed up with forest-green throw pillows, were the perfect year-round solution.

Get the look: Consider the climate before you purchase patio furniture. If your region has especially harsh winters, like Winter Park, the furniture must withstand ice, snow and cold temperatures. If you live near the ocean, make sure the furniture can withstand the wind and salty air.