We recently bought steel patio furniture brand new. I know the downside is it will rust vs aluminum. I didn't know that after 1 month and some rain there is rust spots all over our cement patio. Can anyone recommend what we can do to avoid this? Should I buy deck tiles, patio tiles, etc...? I would have the same issue though wouldn't I? For example when I move a chair after rain the water slowly pours out on the cement patio and leaves a rust spot that is very hard to clean.

Looks great! If you are considering hiring fence, deck, patio contractors I can recommend Total Fence Inc. in the Ontario province. I recently got a fence installation done, along with an arbour. It looks amazing and I am pretty happy with their work.

Depends on if you want a grill on it. Plan on a table and chairs. Round will take up the least amount of space. A good umbrella for shade. Not necessarily one that goes in the table. A seating area or two with a small table in between for drinks. Ours is 16'X16', but we have a side deck that is 6'X12' for the grill area. We have a table and 4 chairs, a large umbrella, a steamer lounge chair and side table, MY rocking chair (that everybody loves and uses!!) with a side table, and a 2 chair seating area with a side table in between. We have 2 areas of egress.....a step to the lower deck and stairs down on the opposite side. We bought really nice patio furniture back in the day and have had it for 38 years. It has been painted and restrapped a couple of times. It has moved with us from Florida to Alabama and to Indiana.

@KW PNW Z8 Thank you! The color of the cushions is what made me buy this set. I’ll put up a pic once I have more of the pieces assembled. To give a general idea - the area is concrete and is located on my side yard. One end of the 12’x12’ space leads to a large side gate to get to the front of the house. The other end leads to a long concreted path with a long row of privets that I’m growing to make a hedge for privacy. Will post a pic ASAP. p.s. I‘m on the west coast. I just realized that is what you may have been asking :) @Maureen I love these pictures! So helpful!! Love the idea of adding accessories! And lanterns - love this idea!! Thank you!!! @Kate such a great idea to move it up and not put it against the wall. Thank you for your ideas! —— I’m feeling so much better and positive about putting the rest of the pieces together! After I assembled the first two pieces, I was so unsure and felt I made the wrong purchase decision and wasted so much money. Posting here was the best decision and extremely helpful! ! Now I feel more positive and am excited (and motivated) to open the other boxes and start assembling! This is such a wonderful forum! Will post an updated pic ASAP.