For all seasons
Focus on creating a space you’ll use year-round. An outdoor fireplace provides warmth on cooler evenings (and adds to the overall value of a home). But weigh the costs and benefits: If you will only use it a couple times a year, consider a porch-safe heater or chimenea instead.

Ceiling fans provide valuable circulation, keeping porches cooler in warm weather. Plastic or stainless steel fans hold up well in damp, salt-air conditions. For safety and efficiency, ceiling fans should be positioned no lower than 7 feet and no higher than 10 feet from the floor.

For heaters and chimeneas: yardiac.com or frontgate.com. For ceiling fans: hunterfan.com (shown).

Size it up
When outfitting an outdoor dining room, consider size, height, and spacing. Deep, oversize chairs can be difficult to get in and out of, and take up valuable space. If you choose to have chairs with arms, make sure they can slide easily underneath the table.

The standard height for a dining table is between 29 and 31 inches. To avoid a crowded space, place chairs 4 to 6 inches apart, and allow at least 20 inches of space between each occupied chair and the wall.

For outdoor dining sets: whitecraft.net (shown); crateandbarrel.com.

Under foot
Tile flooring is easy to clean and virtually maintenance-free. With so many finishes available, it is important to choose one that suits your environment. Clay tile is a great choice for warmer climates because it stays cool. However, in areas prone to freezing temperatures, clay—and other semiporous tiles—can expand and crack.

Glazed tile is a good option for warmer and colder climates (use caution, because it can become slippery when wet). To give the floor a finished look, add a natural fiber rug like sisal, which will stand up to outdoor conditions.

* Bonus tip: If you’d rather have a natural wood floor, consider Brazilian walnut (or ipe). It is resistant to insects, rot, and even the harshest climates.

For tile: barefootfloor.com. For rugs: pier1.com.