Archive for the ‘Outdoor Furniture’ Category

The many options available for outdoor furniture

Friday, October 31st, 2008

Aluminum patio furniture is one option for outdoor furniture materials. It is easy to care for and comes in both traditional and modern designs. Simple to move around due to its light weight, you can arrange and rearrange for any and all occasions.

Though easy to store, it can be left out without fear of rusting in the cold and damp weather. There are different thicknesses applied during manufacturing and naturally the thicker the material the stronger it will be. There are some products that will denature the finish such as tanning oils and sweat, but simply washing with soapy water and rinsing once or twice a month will increase an item’s longevity. As an added step, wax can be applied protecting the finish from sun damage.

On top of its easy maintenance and mobility, aluminum furniture is often inexpensive making it an ideal choice for your patio. Another option is wrought iron patio furniture. This is a more traditional look that is both classy and durable. Iron is a heavier material that may be more suitable in weather more apt to heavy winds. Since there is a range of prices for wrought iron furniture, it should be noted that the cheaper the set, the shorter the life of the product since most often the price differs in manufacturing costs.

The welds and finishes may be the most obvious differences in these options. Maintenance is important to iron furniture as well. It is imperative that the owner fixes and chips that appear on the piece otherwise it will soon rust. This is not difficult and will make your furniture appear new as time goes on. Even more durable then both previous options, is concrete patio furniture. This is ideal for a someone looking for a permanent attractive design with durability to last a lifetime. This material is most often used as the table or accent pieces along with chairs or other like materials in a lighter material easy to maneuver. This is a great option that can be easily decorated with tile or moldings that add a superior quality over other materials. It is obvious that the strength of this furniture is second to none. Most often concrete furniture is reinforced with galvanized tubing or rebar to increase structural integrity.

Besides the traditional tables and chairs, concrete offers many additional options for patio furniture including birdbaths and statuettes. Finally, wicker patio furniture has proven a great choice for outdoor furniture. Unlike traditional natural wicker, this new synthetic resin material is well-suited for all weather conditions since it is UV, heat and frost resistant. Maintenance is very low on wicker furniture as well. The frames for these pieces are often made of either aluminum or rattan, both having its advantages. Also different finishes and weaves are available to suit all tastes. No matter your design tastes, physical situation or budget, you can be assured there is a patio furniture style that will work for you!

Redecorating your Outdoor Living Space

Friday, October 31st, 2008

With the winter months coming up, there is a nostalgic look back on the pleasantries of summer. We forget the mosquitoes, the sweat bees, the citronella candles and we instead remember the nights we spent outside on the deck with friends and wine. We remember the times we loved, and we long for the summer to be back. But not make this best summer even better than the last. Why not truly make your outdoor space an extension of your home? With the improvements in patio furniture the plastic pool chairs of the past are practically non-existant.

Furniture today is plush and fluffed, vibrant in color and unique to each owner. They come ready coated to withstand the elements. However, if you cannot afford to purchase a brand new and improved luxurious patio set, there are still many options. One of the most practical is to take a little used piece of furniture from your home and move it outdoors. Something simple like a table, or bench. However, this does require one to plan ahead and either put it under an enclosed area, or rush outside with every approaching storm and bring it back inside. Perhaps a more feasible alternative is to pump up the outdoor furniture you have outside. Simple additions like seat cushions, or throw pillows liven up a space as adding an element of comfort.

Also, if you don’t want to grab them each time it rains, it is easy to waterproof fabric at home. A can of waterproofing spray can be purchased at most local stores, such as Kmart, Wal-Mart of Home Depot, and while it will not extend the life of your cushions inevitably, they will more than likely make it through a season. Another great way to bring a sense of home to your outdoor furniture is to include things that enclose the area, without dividing you from nature. Screens are a great way to create an intimate and inviting area without secluding you from the rest of the yard.

Finally, one of the easiest and most overlooked of outdoor decoration is lighting. There are great alternatives to sitting in the darkness. Why rely on y our porch lights when you can create a mood? Chinese lanterns are a fabulous addition to any outdoor space. They are fun and personal, but still extremely efficient and affordable and can be purchased at most major retail stores. However, if you don’t feel like searching for the lamps, or maybe that just isn’t your style, candles are always a classic alternative. They can sit alone, or if you are feeling frisky, putting them in paper bags with designs cut in t hem is a fun way to space up the night.

Whatever direction you choose to take, let it be one that is truly your own. Let the prospect of redecorating your outdoor space pull you through the cold and dreary of these winter months, and hopefully on to relaxing summer nights.