PATIO PANACHE ELEGANT OUTDOOR LIVING JUST GOT EASIER.

Byline: Barbara De Witt Staff Writer

Throw out the aluminum folding chairs.

Wrap up the hammock and hide the plastic flamingos.

This year, patios have panache.

According to Renee Williams, senior designer at Glabman's in Woodland Hills, ``There's a lot more interest than usual in elegant patio furnishings, and they often become an extension of the home's interior. And I think it's because people are entertaining at home more.''

The biggest trend in backyard couture is a return to teak, whether it's a garden bench, a patio dining set or the chaise longue reminiscent of those used on old steamships, says PatioWorld spokeswoman Roxanne Turnblom.

Teak is top of the line. It's extremely hardy, an East Indian tree with hard, yellowish-brown wood. Smith & Hawken's teak benches have elegant lines, with arching backs and contoured seats. But they come with a high price: $625 for a 4-foot bench and up to $1,695 for an 8-foot bench.

Also important on the outdoor decorating scene is cast aluminum.

``Cast became very popular a few years ago because it doesn't rust, and it has a beautiful Old World look,'' said Judy Rudrud, editor of the trade magazine Casual Living. Pouring the material into molds instead of bending it, as is done with extruded aluminum, ``allows for decorative styling.''

Not only are manufacturers making dining ensembles and settees, but there's a new interest in baker's racks again as well as white wire planters with a Shabby Chic influence.

According to Melissa Sheets, spokeswoman for Target stores, ``The new metal furniture will always look good in classic black or white, but the freshest designs have a weathered coppery finish.''

At Pier 1 Imports, spokeswoman Merianne Kimmel has also noted more interest in dressing up the patio, and the store has two summer themes: a romantic theme shown in hand-forged wrought iron in black or white that looks like something from a secret garden or dainty rattan settees and rockers, and a tropical or safari theme carried out in dark rattan oversize chairs with cushions in leopard or zebra print as well as Dutch colonial designs that combine dark wood and bamboo.

More wicker and rattan was seen at PatioWorld, where the looks were contemporary and sturdy enough for the family room.

Williams, who helps Glabman's clients with indoor and outdoor furnishings, recommends a continuity of theme when shopping for patio furniture. For instance, she says, a traditional indoor theme would be best complemented with the new-again teak furniture or the cast aluminum designs that look like wrought iron from a French garden with curvy details on the chair arms.

To be on the cutting edge, however, Turnblom says you'll need the new Euro-style that's a contemporary combination of metal and teak. ``The bonus is that metal weathers well and the teak insets give it warmth. And they don't require the upkeep that teak does, such as regular oiling to prevent it from drying out in the sun,'' she adds.

While you're shopping for the patio, think of accessories, too. Instead of tiki torches, go for decorative floor lamps, fringe-trimmed tents instead of umbrellas and urns instead of pastel-painted terra cotta pots.

Remember, the cheesy '70s theme is done. If you can't afford a fancy new table, cover that old resin model with an elegant tablecloth that hits the ground and use the good china.

Don't know where to put the citronella candles? Stick them in a silver candelabra, and your patio will be the height of fashion. Guests may even think you've summered in the south of France, when you've only been to the South of Santa Monica ...

Wire services also contributed to this story.

PATIO PARTICULARS

To create outdoor elegance, look for a dining set that resembles something you'd find indoors, advises Renee Williams, senior designer at Glabman's in Woodland Hills. For other tips, read on:

Concrete patios can be freshened up with a large straw mat or inexpensive dhurrie rug under the table, available at stores such as Pier 1 Imports or Cost Plus World Market.

Love the look of teak but can't afford it? For less than half the price of teak you can find similar designs in redwood and other woods such as nyatoh hardwood from Indonesia. Regardless of what type of wood you choose, remember that it dries quickly with constant exposure to the sun, so you'll want to oil it a few times a year.

Check out the newest table tops. Glass remains a traditional favorite for dining with or without a tablecloth, but inlaid wood and ceramic tiles in a mosaic design are trendy. You'll also find mosaic tile tops on baker's racks, plant stands and side tables.

Wooden chaise longues are a big deal this summer, but they're also pricey. To create a similar look on the cheap, try an Adirondack chair and ottoman, available at most home and garden outposts, including Cost Plus World Market, where it was spotted for $139.

Think wicker is too dainty? The newest styles have a sophisticated theme with contemporary lines created from all-weather resin wicker. Regardless of what type of wicker or rattan you buy (unless it's been permanently treated), you'll need to wash it every season; let it dry and then give it a fresh coat of enamel or varnish for maximum longevity.

When shopping for patio furniture, as with anything else, look at the high-end merchandise first, then the budget-priced lines. Always factor in comfort, workmanship and durability before making a purchase. Also keep in mind that the heavier the furniture, the less likely it is to be blown over by Santa Ana winds or sudden summer storms.

To freshen up old patio chairs and settees, look for cushions in geometric, botanical and animal print fabrics with lots of texture, including chenille.

Create an ambience with wind chimes hanging in a nearby tree or the sound of running water. If you can't afford a large Italian fountain or don't have the space, plug in an electric table top fountain in faux-stone available at drug stores for under $30.

Got a passion for plastic? The newest resin furniture has been treated to look like wood or metal, yet remains lightweight and waterproof. According to the new book from the American Horticultural Society ``Outdoor Living'' (Dorling Kindersley; $8.95), resin furniture does crack from sun exposure, so inspect regularly.

Don't forget accessories. Weathered statues (lions, gargoyles and cherubs), urns filled with cascading flowers, candles or a topiary with ivy and a birdbath will give your yard instant panache when nestled among flowers and shrubs.

- Barbara De Witt

CAPTION(S):

9 photos, box

Photo:

(1 -- cover -- color) Backyard luxury

Teak, rattan and aluminum add a touch of class to patio decorating options

(2 -- color) Teak chaise by Tropitone, $1,339 at Patio World in Canoga Park.

(3 -- color) Baker's racks are back, looking new with ceramic tile design, $399 at Patio World.

(4 -- color) Woven wicker for the patio or family room from the Delta Collection by by Kettal, courtesy of Patio World.

(5 -- color) Sleek wood and metal designs, like this chair by Veneman, $510, are among the season's trend-setters. Available at Patio World, Canoga Park.

(6 -- color) White, weathered wrought iron inspired by the Shabby Chic trend continues to be popular, available at Pier 1 Imports.

(7 -- 8 -- color) Gloster makes teak patio furniture in a variety of styles. This Madison set retails for about $5,680. Patio World carries Gloster furniture. Also carried at Patio World is furniture by O.W. Lee. This Bistro collection offers tables with metal, faux stone or mosaic tumbled marble tops and retails for about $1,280.

(9 -- color) Trendy patio accessories include an urn filled with an ivy-covered topiary and a birdbath to attract feathered friends.

John McCoy/Staff Photographer

Box: Patio Particulars (see text)