By Lynne West
It’s about that time of year that most of us are getting ready to prepare and protect our Cedar and Teak deck and patio furniture for the winter months and the sometimes harsh weather that can accompany it. The most common ways to do this are to use outdoor furniture covers or put the outdoor furniture in storage. However, before you do this, you want to properly prepare your deck and patio furniture or consider options that will allow you to continue using your deck and patio furniture throughout the winter, but protecting it at the same time.
Due to the natural characteristics of Cedar and Teak< deck and patio furniture, very little care is required during the life of the furniture. Some people prefer to let their Cedar and Teak age naturally to the sliver-gray. If this has not been your preference, you probably to want to protect it during the winter. Before covering or storing your outdoor furniture, you will want to thoroughly hand wash it with a mild soap, rinse it thoroughly and make sure it is completely dried. Then you can cover or store the outdoor furniture for immediate use next spring. Please note that you should never pressure wash your outdoor furniture. This may scar or damage the wood.
For those of you, like myself, who would love to enjoy the use of your deck and patio furniture year round, there is another option. This option will not only allow you to use your Cedar and Teak outdoor furniture comfortably during the winter, but it will also protect your outdoor furniture. This option would be using a greenhouse or canvas gazebo like structure along with patio heaters, fire pits, chimineas, etc. for warmth.
You should consult your local home and garden stores for canvas gazebo type structures which include the necessary accessories for the addition of side panels. You may also look into buying prefabricated greenhouses, outdoor fire pits or fireplaces and patio heaters. All of these items can also be found on the Internet.
Anytime you are using small enclosed areas with heating devices, please take appropriate safety precautions. I prefer to use larger enclosures that I have personally designed, rather than smaller enclosures due to safety measures, comfort and accommodating visitors. This may be something you might consider yourself.
Whatever your personal preferences are for protecting or using your deck and patio furniture during the winter months, you should take the time to hand wash your Cedar and Teak outdoor furniture at least twice a year. This protects the investment you have made and will add many years of beautiful, elegant comfort for you, your family and friends.
For more information related to Western Red Cedar and Java Plantation Teak deck and patio furniture, care tips and information on the characteristics of these woods and why they are excellent choices for outdoor furniture, please visit http://www.outdoorandpatio.com
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By Gordon Kaye
When you are shopping for patio furniture, what you do not see right away is just as important as what you do see. At first glance, the color or style might appeal to you, but it’s a good idea to “kick the tires” before making a decision.
You might find that you are inexplicably attracted to the pattern of the cushions. It is great that you have found something that you like, but take a closer look: Will the fabric resist fading? Will it stand up to being battered by bad weather? Is the material itself sturdy? Are the seams stitched securely? These are all important considerations, and may be the difference between one season of use and many seasons of enjoyment.
Check out the structural soundness of the table and chair legs. Are they solidly constructed? If they are metal, are they sturdy, and generously soldered? Some furniture is made of hollow metals which can bend under pressure. When you sit on the chairs, do you feel secure that the chair will hold your weight? Both lightweight and heavyweight furniture have their advantages. Lightweight furniture is easier to arrange, but it can also be easily blown over in bad weather. Conversely, heavyweight furniture stays where you put it.
Tables, too, come in many shapes, sizes and materials. Tempered glass, marble and stone might withstand the elements better than other materials, but they are among the heavier choices. It is important that any base or legs can support the weight of not just the tabletop, but anything put on it as well. A top-heavy table is more likely to topple over and cause injury than a table with an equally heavy base.
If an umbrella is part of your patio ensemble, make certain the shaft is solid, or at least flexible. If it is made of lightweight, hollow material, it can snap under pressure, causing damage to the table or injury to persons seated at the table.
With all the choices of patio furniture available, do not be guided by looks alone. Do a little homework. Sit on it. Test it. Research it. When you have it for years to come, you will be glad you did.
Gordon Kaye brings his advice to you after years in the [http://www.myperfectpatio.com/patiofurniture.html]outdoor furniture business. His website http://www.MyPerfectPatio.com specializes in the finest selections of patio furnishings.
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By Samuel Francis
Today’s home design favors the outdoors–decks, patios, pool bars, balconies, terraces. Nothing beats sitting back under the stars at the end of a long day. Particularly in the tropics, people are practically moving their homes outdoors to better enjoy the open air.
Of course, you can’t just whip out your old living room furniture and put it on your patio. Indoor materials will not last a week of constant sun exposure, moisture, and temperature changes. That’s why outdoor furniture tends to cost more–they are designed to hold up against the elements. And since furniture is also decorative, manufacturers have found ways to make them durable and stylish at the same time. Here are some of your options.
METAL:
Metal is the obvious choice if you’re after durability and function. Most metal furniture comes with rust-resistant coating to make it suitable for outdoors. With the right weather protection, metal furniture can be left out all summer or winter and still look good as new. The only downside is its weight. A wrought iron chair can weigh five times as much as PVC or wicker. This is why it’s best for deck and concrete patios, as it tends to sink on soft surfaces like grass, dirt, and turf.
The most common outdoor metals are aluminum, steel, and wrought iron. Aluminum is lightweight and makes for excellent folding chairs for your poolside, but if you live in a windy area, you might want to invest in something heavier. For easier maintenance, go for a powder-coated finish because it is baked onto the metal rather than brushed on. An aluminum chair or bench can cost from $100 to $500, and a set can go from $1,000 to $2,000.
If you want something with more class, go for wrought iron. Wrought iron is made from iron or steel bars about half an inch thick, and worked into intricate designs. It has a classic, elegant look perfect for large lawns, gardens, and balconies. It is also very sturdy, so you can leave it out all year. It comes at a price, though. Individual pieces go from $80 to several hundred dollars, and a wrought iron set can go upwards of $2,000.
WOOD:
Most woods can’t handle outdoor exposure, but those that can are remarkably sturdy. One example is teak, a hardwood native to South and Southeast Asia. Teak has natural protective oils that make it water-resistant, and doesn’t need oil or varnish to maintain its durability. It’s also one of the most expensive; a single bench can set you back $800, and a set can cost as much as $3,500. Vintage teak furniture, made from the now-endangered old-growth teak, is one of the most valuable.
Cedar is another popular outdoor wood. It is naturally scented and has an attractive color and grain. It’s not as strong as teak, but if properly treated, cedar furniture can withstand rain, sun, and snow. Cedar absorbs and releases moisture slowly, which reduces the cracking and splintering that can occur in extreme temperatures. Perhaps its best feature is its scent, which serves as a natural insect repellent. Expect to pay $700 to $1000 for a four-piece cedar set.
If you can’t splurge on furniture just yet, there are also less expensive woods to choose from. Eucalyptus furniture costs about 1/3 as much as teak but is just as attractive, although it will not last as long. Bamboo is also great if you like to move your furniture around, or if you’re going for a breezy Asian look. Just make sure they are properly treated, and reapply the varnish periodically.
WICKER:
If you’re after comfort and relaxation, then wicker may be your best bet. Wicker is made from hard woven fibers, which may be plant-based or synthetic. The main advantage of wicker is its natural “give”–it yields to the shape of your body for extra comfort. The open weave also makes it cool and breathable. Antique wicker is highly valued by collectors and makes great patio furniture.
Plastic fibers are normally used for outdoor furniture, as plant fibers are organic and will easily rot. Natural fibers can be made into loom wicker, which has a tighter weave and more resilient finish. However, wicker is generally weak and cannot be left outdoors for very long. Be sure to move them indoors when it rains, or at least to a shaded spot on very hot days. If you live in a humid area with heavy rainfall, choose vinyl wicker–a synthetic variety made from plastic strands.
One problem with wicker is that dust and particles can get in between the weaves. A little grain shouldn’t be a problem, but it can build up and damage your furniture. Dust it off once in a while with a feather duster and remove stains with a soft cloth and mild detergent. To keep out dust, try placing cushions or draping sheets over them.
Wicker furniture is usually cheaper than wood or metal, but the price varies widely according to size and construction. You can get a vinyl wicker chair for about $65, or a premium fiber chaise lounge for over $3,000. A set with a table and several chairs can cost from $500 to over $1,000. Steel frames and protective finishes can add to the price.
PLASTIC:
Plastic furniture is great if you’re on a tight budget or just want to use them occasionally. Plastic is lightweight and water-resistant, so it makes sense for poolside sets. If you like to host large backyard parties, try a set of stackable or collapsible plastic chairs. You can fold them up and put them away at the end of the day, or leave them out if the weather is good. Don’t expect them to last more than five years, though. Some of the tougher pieces can, but plastic is naturally flimsy and just not designed for heavy use. Look for UV-resistant plastic to minimize damage from the sun.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) a type of hard plastic used in everything from credit cards to water pipes. It makes sense–if you want waterproof furniture, use the same thing used in your plumbing. As outdoor furniture, PVC works well because it’s extremely durable, lightweight, and inexpensive. Not surprisingly, it’s the best material for poolside and wet weather conditions.
One good thing about plastic furniture is the range of styles, designs, and colors to choose from. It’s extremely flexible, mixes well with dyes, and is light enough to work into large pieces. Extruded plastic–soft resin shaped into a tube–can be worked into just about any shape. Plastic also holds color well. Paint will peel off wood and metal, but plastic has the color blended in. “Colorfast”plastic will keep the color from fading or running when washed.
A plastic chair can sell for as low as $40, and a PVC table goes for $150 or so. You can purchase a plastic furniture set for under $400.
Quality always comes first when it comes to outdoor furniture, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up style. Even the most expensive wood bench is useless if it doesn’t suit your tastes, or if you’re not comfortable in it. There is a lot to choose from, so take advantage of your options. If you know what to look for, you’re sure to find something that not only looks great, but will stay with you for years.
Samuel Francis is an avid furniture collector who specifically enjoys outdoor furniture. For more of his articles on garden furniture, please visit [http://www.outdoorgardenfurniture.net]http://www.outdoorgardenfurniture.net, supplier of high quality [http://www.outdoorgardenfurniture.net]Outdoor Furniture, including [http://www.outdoorgardenfurniture.net/woodoutdoorfurniture.html]Wood Outdoor Furniture.
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By Mara Cachelli
We, as kids, loved the great outdoors. Be it playing in the rain or making hay in the sun or even swimming in the pool for hours on end, staying outdoors was what gave us all the excitement we ever needed. As we grew up, we lost touch with our basic need to live in close harmony with nature but somewhere, the desire remains. Even if we do not run around as rowdily as we did when we were kids, we can still breathe nature and be close to it. All we need to do is install outdoor swings in our houses. The palm valley patio swing is one such great alternative.
The outdoor swings or patio swings are great sources of relaxation. Just lounging around in a patio swing with your favorite book for company can be as rejuvenating as you can imagine. The patio swings are full of advantages. They are good to look at, are comfortable, are easy to install, are very easy to maintain too. All these characteristics make it sensible for you to buy outdoor swing. The palm valley patio swing is quite popular with people from all walks of life. In fact, after you install one such palm valley patio swing at your house, you will have to maintain a schedule as to who gets to sit on it for how long. Trust me, it is that addictive.
Kids love palm valley patio swings. They would never want to get off it. Everything from eating to playing should be done on the patio swings; this is what your kids will root for. It is not to say that kids are the only lovers of the great outdoor furniture. Palm valley patio swing can be great medium for reviving and re-kindling old romance. Sitting hand in hand, a slight swing and a nice breeze blowing through your hair and touching your face in an ever gentle manner can melt the staunchest of hearts and bring passion right back. Palm valley patio swing is a great hit with the adolescents too. If you feel that your teenage daughter or son does not enjoy much popularity, install a palm valley patio swing. Your son/daughter will surely prove to be famous and so will your swing. Great music and a great patio swing is the perfect recipe for instant popularity.
If you are wondering where you can get a patio swing, worry not. Patio swings being the most popular outdoor furniture, are available in all furniture shops. Whether you wish to go for a wooden swing, one made from metal or one that is made exclusively for you, you will never run out of options. Also with a range of patio swing covers available, you would not have to worry much about their maintenance too. Palm valley patio swings are your best bet if you are looking for ways and means to instill new life to your haggard soul.
Finding the “devil in the detail” is what Mara Cachelli makes her living off. A financial auditor by profession, Mara brings her incisive wit into play while evaluating lifestyle products which are more than a hobby for her. So in case you wish to read more of Mara’s astute and pinpoint takes on patio swings in the market, feel free to visit her page at http://www.e-patio-swing.com [http://www.e-patio-swing.com ]Patio Swing
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Using Flagstone Patio Design - Great Attributes
By Albert Lee
Flagstone is generally a thin flat stone which is used in patios. You can purchase this either as a man-made flagstone or a natural stone from a quarry or you can collect lots of these from creek beds. Many homeowners choose this material for their patio design because of its attributes. And one of these great attributes is that a flagstone patio design is extremely durable.
This does not easily warp and crack when exposed to damaging elements. Plus, this could not be damaged by termites or other insects unlike in wood patio design. If you need a long-lasting patio, this attribute of the flagstone patio design will definitely catch your interest.
Another great attribute of flagstone patio design is that it can handle different types of weather. Since your patio is located outside of your home, it is exposed to extreme weathers, whether hot or cold. Just imagine how your patio will be if you choose a design which is not as weather-resistant as the flagstone patio design. It will sure be very frustrating on your part because the weather will not only affect the level of comfort that you expect from using your patio but it can also lead to early damage of the patio and would mean an added expense for repair or replacement.
That is why if you really want your patio to be of service to you for a long time, make sure that you choose the option which is weather-resistant, and that is the flagstone patio design.
And last important attribute of flagstone is its flexibility when it comes to filling material. Unlike in other designs, flagstone allows you to use other materials to fill in the cracks. Aside from sand, you can also use forms of bark and moss. Some homeowners even prefer these types of filling materials because they provide a more natural look to their patios. And because of the stones’ size, you will not have a lot of problems to deal with when it comes to shifting.
These are the great attributes to using flagstone patio design. If you will keep these in mind, you will not have difficulty in choosing the right patio design that fits your needs. But since the options are many, and each has its advantages and disadvantages, you might as well do thorough research before you finally make a choice.
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