Enjoy the hot weather with outdoor seating

Under the Radar Restaurant along Argwings Kodhek Road in Nairobi. Photo/SALATON NJAU

By DOREEN WAINAINAH

IN SUMMARY
The hot months of January up to March are the time to invest in comfortable garden furniture so that you can spend more time outdoors with family and friends.



The January heat is the best weather to entertain in the garden under the canopy of greenery, or by the poolside.

Taking a tour of boutique properties and restaurants around the city, most of the high-end ones have invested in small garden parasols and canvas gazebos for their guests to lounge in.

Take a visit to Under The Radar restaurant along Argwing’s Kodhek road and you will find a canvas gazebo with rattan furniture for their clientele. You can also do the same and take your seating outdoors in order to enjoy the cool breeze outdoors.

Using these types of gazebos which are foldable and portable or permanent structures in the backyard can add a homely feel to the garden.

Garden canvas gazebos can cost anything from Sh25,000 for a simple portable one. The portability allows them to be moved from one part of the garden to another. They, however, are not very stable in areas that experience strong winds.

A fixed canvas gazebo will cost from Sh75,000 for a basic three metre by three metres tent. Other canvas gazebos have sides that can be closed to allow for privacy and to also keep out some of the elements like wind or too much sun.

Due to the more intricate design, these types will cost Sh100,000 and above.

Smaller shades like parasols and parasol tents made from canvas cost from Sh7,000. Just like the gazebo, they have a metal or wooden stand to hold them up but are much smaller and simpler in design.

To even out the area that the gazebo is being set up in, paving blocks do the trick. These are easy to place and do not need time to set up like concrete.

With a dozen of these blocks, you will have a foundation for the gazebo which will also protect the wooden or iron furniture from rot and rust due to the moisture in the soil.

Once the gazebo is set up, the next bit is to invest in the furniture that corresponds with the simple yet elegant theme. Rattan is the latest trend in outdoor furniture. Its light or dark brown hue and rugged yet refined texture make it a must-have for the outdoors.

Rattan, a type of palm, is used as an alternative to timber as it is easier to harvest, light, durable and flexible. Locally, rattan furniture can be purchased from different stores.

Throwing on a few bright-coloured cushions and pillows to the furniture, will add a splash of colour to the mini gazebo. Kay’s Outdoor Furniture in Nairobi deals with the different types of additions to your outdoor garden.

A rattan swing will cost about Sh40,000, a four-seater set with a table will cost Sh95,000 while a coffee table set will be Sh65,000.

The size of the furniture will determine the cost. For those seeking a more lounge-like appeal to the gazebo complete with a sofa, a two-seater and a table will set you back Sh195,000.