Many homeowners these days extend their living spaces into the great outdoors with decks and patios setting the stage for cookouts, family get-togethers or afternoon naps in the sunshine.

Today’s outdoor living space can be just as comfortable and stylish as your home’s interior. There are nearly endless furniture options available to reflect your personal tastes and interests.

When selecting outdoor pieces, it’s important to look for dining and seating options that combine livable design with worry-free durability.

These tips can help you find the right furniture to make the most of your outdoor living space:

• Demand durability — Think about the natural elements your outdoor furniture will need to endure on a regular basis and select tables and seating options that can stand up to the sun, rain, wind, saltwater or snow.

Outdoor furniture should be both durable and weather-resistant. Also look for marine-grade cushions in all-weather fabrics that don’t need to be taken inside every time storm clouds threaten.

• Look for low maintenance — No one wants to spend more time maintaining than relaxing on outdoor furniture. Fortunately, wood-alternative materials require no staining, sealing and painting to remain beautiful over time — and they won’t rot, splinter or crack.

Their “like-new” appearance resists food spills, insects, mold and mildew. For extra protection, choose furniture with a five-year residential warranty.

• Go green — Eco-consciousness doesn’t have to be relegated to the indoors. Wood-alternative outdoor furniture is manufactured from a high percentage of recycled content.

• Design with distinction — Today’s outdoor furniture is available in a variety of frame and fabric colors to suit any taste, whether your style is urban modern or country classic.

For example, one company that makes outdoor furniture offers themed collections that make it easy to create a completely customized look.

Bold stripes and sailboat motifs represent the Nautical theme, while classic neutrals are prominent in Desert Safari. Ice blues and cool grays create the refreshing look of Glacier Mountain and vibrant greens and chocolate browns add a touch of the exotic to Tropical Palm.