It looks like summer may have finally arrived for many of us now the temperatures are beginning to rise and the days are getting longer and the nights shorter, barring any global warming anomalies we hopefully will be in for a lovely bright sunny few summer months this year. After being cooped up in the house for what seems like an eternity over the winter months it is like breaking free to finally be able to go out and enjoy some sun on your skin and warmth on your bones. This is the time of year where we start working outside in our gardens, doing the maintaining of the garden, hedges and the patio area in readiness for the forth coming summer. A nicely kept large patio area is becoming one of the most wanted things that people look for when looking to buy a new property as more and more people are spending larger amounts of time outside in the garden, entertaining and socialising so it is vitally important to ensure that your patio or decking area is always kept well maintained. So what should you do to ensure that your patio is kept looking at its best?
The winter months can take their toll on even the nicest and most well looked after patio area so making sure that you get to work on tidying it up as soon as the winter months have passed is very important, the longer you leave the job the harder it will be to get back to its original state and a well maintained, fresh looking patio area can complement the whole garden area and make it look fantastic.
Depending on what type of patio area you have is going to depend how you have to look after it, the two main variations are wooden decking and any type of stone patio flooring. Both forms of patio are as popular as each other but either one can look better in certain gardens. If you have a raised patio area a wooden decked patio area with guard rails looks better than a stone floored patio area and likewise a level garden area looks better with a stone floored patio. Both wooden and stone patios have different maintenance needs but both need a similar amount of work to keep them in tip top condition.
Wooden decking has a habit of getting very slippery if not maintained properly due to the build up of algae and moss, to eradicate this problem you need to make sure that you have a high pressure power washer with a suitable chemical additive to remove the build up and make the decking area less of a hazard. Because the decking is made of wood it will need an application of preservative every year to ensure that the wood is properly nourished, this can be a very laborious if you have a large area to cover but the rewards are appreciable when the task is completed. Even if you have a pressure treated decking area that has been impregnated with wood preservative it is always advisable to add an extra coat to keep it looking wonderful. As wooden decking is raised off the ground it is very rare to have problems with weeds coming through.
Stone patio areas are available in many different types of stone, such as slate, Indian stone, York stone and concrete flags, all of which need similar maintenance. The first problem that most people encounter with their stone patio area is a build of moss and weeds between the flags, this is generally caused by the pointing of sand and cement that joints the flags together has developed cracks to enable weeds and moss to get a foot hold. There are three ways to clear this problem, firstly you can manually get down on your hands and knees and clean all of the joints and then re-apply the sand and cement, secondly you can apply a weed and moss killer and the re-apply the sand and cement when the weed killer has eradicated the moss and weeds of finally you can clear the patio area using a high pressure jet washer, this is the easiest method but can lead to removing more of the sand and cement from the joints.
It is recommended to wash down your stone patio area at least once a month to ensure that not weeds, grass or moss can get roots set in and start to create a problem for you. It may be advisable to apply a coating to your patio flooring to protect the flags from the elements and keep it looking fresh; this usually needs to be applied once a year although there are products on the market which claim to do the job for up to 5 years.
So there you have it, a few handy tips on keeping your patio flooring and patio area nice and clean that will hopefully help you to enjoy your patio area as much as is possible this summer.
By Jonathan Scott
Sometimes it’s not a bad ides to start with the basics. We often use the phrase patio/deck, but there is an important difference.
A patio is a flat space, usually at ground level. A deck is an elevated space.
A deck is a good choice if your site is sloped or uneven. It can be built from a second (or even third) floor and provide a view if you’re lucky enough to have one. When you build a deck, you can use the elevation changes of the landscape to do and sorts of creative touches, like platforms, level changes, or interesting stair configurations.
Patios, on the other hand, can be made with a wider variety of materials than decks, materials such as gravel, concrete (or concrete pavers), bricks, flagstone, or tile, just to name a few. A patio doesn’t require a railing and leads directly into your yard or perhaps intriguingly into a woods or garden.
Most of the time, the situation of the terrain and the access to the house determine the choice of a patio or a deck.
If you don’t have an architect or landscape designer to do it for you, or if you have input into the design of your deck or patio, here are some things to think about.
First are the obvious practical considerations. How will you access the space? From which door? Since cooking outside is popular these days, you might want to consider accessing your patio from your kitchen.
How about the view? If your deck is lucky enough to provide a view, accessing it from sliding glass doors from your living room is a way to share the view from both places.
Not only is the way you get to your patio/deck important. It’s also necessary to think about how you want to leave it, and to where. Steps off a patio/deck can be a way to get to your backyard, so plan carefully where you want to wind up. You’ll want to avoid egresses that lead you to your heat pump or where your trashcans sit on pick-up day.
Then there’s the question of size. Are you planning on entertaining on your deck? How large are your parties? Will you be cooking there? And eating? Might you want to have a large outdoor grill?
And don’t forget how your patio or deck will affect the view from your windows, or the views inside. Do you want your guests to see into a bedroom or bathroom from your deck?
Secondly, there are aesthetic considerations-an aspect of outdoor planning that is often overlooked. The best way to design your patio or deck is to take your house plan, the one that shows your house and property lines, and look at how the shape of your house relates to the shape of your property. The most pleasing desk or patio shape often coordinates with your property lines, mimicking the angle or angles.
You can sketch right over the plans or, better yet, tape some tracing paper over it and try different shapes until you get one that “makes sense.” If the design looks good on paper, it will look good when it’s built. This is the approach that landscape architects and designers use.
Once you have your basic plan established, then you can begin to think about things like materials, railing, and outdoor furniture. But, for many years after, you’ll be glad you had the basics right.
Jonathan Scott is a purchasing manager for Umbrella Market Place, an on-line store for discount custom patio, market, and commercial umbrellas. More information can be found at http://www.umbrellamarketplace.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Scott
http://EzineArticles.com/?Planning-Your-Patio-or-Deck—The-Basics&id=1168190
You can also visit Zoomer Outdoor Patio Furnishing. For more of the best deals and discount.
By Nicole Martins
If you’re looking to buy patio furniture and accessories this year — think comfort! And this shouldn’t be hard to do as most outdoor furniture manufacturers are creating comfortable pieces, similar to indoor furniture.
Favorite features such as “deep seating” and “plush cushions” make sofas, chairs and love seats so much more comfortable than a decade ago. The idea now is to lounge-away and enjoy life outdoors.
Want a comfortable outdoor kitchen? You can buy just about any interior kitchen appliance for your outdoor kitchen. These include wine fridge, dishwasher, sink, warming tray, television, refrigerator, built-in grill, fan and more. Just make sure that it is designed for outdoor use.
Select Comfortable Cushions
Forget the cheap plastic chairs you can buy at your local hardware store. These chairs offer little comfort, and they’ll be delivered to your neighbor’s house in the next wind storm. Instead, spend more and go for lounges and chairs with lofty cushions. Buy pieces or sets that offer deep seating.
For luxury, opt for cushions with all of the bells and whistles. Advances in the manufacturing of cushions use materials such as durable vinyl, polypropylene mesh covers as well as soft, foam cushions upholstered in acrylic fabrics that feel like cotton and can withstand outdoor abuse. These fabrics are water-repellent and the cushions are quick-drying so you can leave them outside rain or shine.
Other plush options include comfortable higher priced fabrics like outdoor chenille.
As described in Outdoor Living Magazine, “it feels almost like terry cloth.” And, along with the softer custom fabrics; look for attractive detailing and luxurious tailoring.
Comfortable Chairs
If the idea of relaxing by the pool or drifting-off into a good book appeals to you, raise your comfort level with a lounge chair. With a great cushion this could be by far your most comfortable chair. Others: a deep seated sofa, club or Adirondack chair.
Deep seated lounge furniture such as a chaise lounge, love seat or sofa have taking the place of battered folding chairs or a decaying wicker sofa with thin cushions. People are spending more on their outdoor space because they see the value in being able to use this space more. Outdoor furniture is looking more like our indoor furniture: matching, comfortable, cushy and stylish.
Comfortable Accessories
Repeat the creature comforts inside your home and make for a home outdoors! Find, larger all-weather, super bright outdoor televisions for a home theater experience. Colorful outdoor rugs and lamps can help to finish off the décor for an outdoor space, much like an indoor space. Add an outdoor ceiling fan and patio heater for temperature control.
For the outdoor kitchen island, everything from a portable dishwasher, sink, wine fridge, ice maker, rotisserie grill to a warming oven are available for your outdoor space.
Nicole Martins is an author for Everthing Patio Furniture. Read more about patio furniture cushions and wicker patio furniture by visiting: http://www.everything-patio-furniture.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicole_Martins
http://EzineArticles.com/?Raising-your-Comfort-Level-With-Patio-Furniture-and-Accessories&id=1165189
You can also visit Zoomer Outdoor Patio Furnishing. For more information on the latest trendy, best deals and discounts.
By Jennifer Drozd
If you just love wicker furniture and want to add some to your outdoor living area the following information is very important to know before you buy. Wicker is actually the process of weaving different materials such as vines, grass and other things into finished products like chairs, tables and benches and not a type of furniture, like many of us think.
Most of the wicker furniture we are familiar with and see at stores such as Pier 1 Imports is made of willow, rattan, bamboo or other natural materials. These materials make really beautiful indoor furniture but should not be used in making outdoor furniture. These types of natural materials will fade, crack and warp when exposed to direct sun and rain. This is why it is important to buy furniture made of resin if you are going to use it outdoors.
Resin is a synthetic material made from viscous liquids that eventually harden and can be used to make a wide range of products including wicker furniture that can be used outdoors. Resin is a great material because it is very durable, it resists fading, can stand up well to heat and frost and can be dyed a number of different colors. This means that you have a rainbow of colors such as tans, greens, yellows and blues to choose from to create the perfect look for your backyard.
According to randomhistory.com, this type of furniture has been around for thousands of years and can be dated back to the Egyptians in 3000 B.C. They used reed and swamp grasses to create boxes, baskets and chairs. Later these items were brought to Rome where they became very popular. When this furniture design made it all the way to Southeast Asia, they discovered that using rattan would build stronger more durable furniture. The original wicker pieces were brought to America by the Mayflower and built up in popularity. By the early 1900’s it lost its popularity but came back once an automated way to make the furniture came into existence and also the use of synthetic materials, which in addition brought down the prices.
Much of the quality wicker furniture we see today is built with powder coated aluminum frames which ensures the durability of the product. You will also be amazed at the selection of designs that you can find from ultra modern to the classic Victorian. This type of furniture is really a beautiful choice for furnishing outdoor spaces, such as patios, porches and gazebos, just make sure that you choose resin wicker furniture from places such as PatioShoppers.com and patioguys.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Drozd
http://EzineArticles.com/?Resin-Wicker-Furniture-is-Made-to-Last&id=1070721
At Zoomer Furnishing you’ll find a wide and unique selection of furnishings and furnitures ranging from vanities to wall mirrors, modern bedding to mattress, beds to sinks and more! With styles ranging from traditionally elegant to sleek and contemporary, you are sure to find the furnitures that complements your Home’s decor
By Jennifer Akre
Patios are becoming a necessary part of the house. In fact, they are now included in the plans when a house is built. Once you have a patio the question quickly becomes, what do we do with it. When looking for patio furniture there are a wide variety of choices. There are about five different types and a wide range of colors to choose from. Let’s explore the types of furniture and discover some of the pro’s and con’s of each:
Resin Patio Furniture - Resin furniture is very popular because of its low maintenance. It is lightweight so it is easy to move. It is also stackable. Resin furniture cleans easy and there is no need of re-strapping or refinishing. Modern colors and designs are very attractive. Be sure your resin furniture is made of “prime” resin material with commercial grade bracing and specifications.
Plastic Patio Furniture - Plastic furniture is also low maintenance and high durability. There are several different grades of recycled plastics. The material is almost indestructible and truly a long-term investment for a moderate cost. Any hardware should be stainless steel.
Aluminum Patio Furniture- Aluminum furniture is very popular because it is very durable, lightweight and comfortable. The Virginia vinyl straps have memory and do not sag or break for many years. This type of furniture does require the proper cleaning on a regular basis, but it is not too tough of a cleaning regimen.
Sling Aluminum Patio Furniture - Sling Aluminum furniture is growing in popularity because of its stylish look and comfort. It appears to have a cushion but it does not because cushions don’t hold up in the weather. Look for high quality sling fabric. This furniture only looks good as long as the sling is tight
Pay special attention to the construction of the frame. The slings are held tight with bolts that should be stainless steel and the bolt should go all the way through the sling and the frame. This is a moderate to high maintenance product, which requires a regular cleaning schedule and a higher level of care than other furniture types.
Rattan and Wicker Patio Furniture - This patio furniture type is good if you are looking for the high style tropical resort feel. There are two types of wicker furniture. First, full exposure is suitable for the outdoors. It has a powder coating, and the all-weather vinyl is woven on the frame creating the wicker look. Second, limited exposure is made of real wicker on a real rattan frame. This furniture must be completely covered or used indoors.
Once you have chosen the right type of patio furniture for you and the area that you are looking to furnish, the next step is to choose a color. You should try to make sure the color of the furniture matches the color of the area you are using it in. Remember, you are working to make this a part of your home, an addition to the space. Make sure it blends instead of detracts.
Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops that offer both products and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it’s your living, bedroom, or even your deck or patio, there are many tips you can use to make your space both functional and beautiful. Today, she gives advice on how to create a fabulous outdoor area by using lavish outdoor patio sets, durable resin patio furniture, and comfortable Adirondack furniture.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Akre
http://EzineArticles.com/?Patio-Furniture—Its-An-Important-Part-Of-Any-Patio&id=1160286
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