The Furniture Blogs

Isn’t nature wonderful? What better way is there for you to enjoy nature than from the comfort of your own patio. But if you really want to rough it and feel the roughness of the paving stones under your bottom, then you really need to consider investing in some furniture for those warm sultry summer nights. One of the best options now available is teak furniture for outdoors.

Teak furniture is renowned for being sturdy and durable and years ago it was the preferred material in many ship yards around the world for ship building. So if it good enough to be used on the seas and oceans of the world it is good enough for your garden. In fact whatever weather your part of the world can throw at it, it can cope.

You will find that most of teak used these days in this sort of furniture has come from either Indonesia or Thailand. Both these countries have tropical rainforest areas where the trees grow and mature under a number of different environmental conditions, and it is for this reason that they have become so resistant to harsh conditions and why this carries through to any piece of teak furniture.

Also teak furniture is more or less impervious to being attacked by either insects or rot and this is due to the high concentrations of natural oils within the wood that repel the insects, mould and fungus. These oils are not just present in the live trees but also in those that have been cut down to be used and so will definitely be present in any piece of teak furniture that you choose to buy. As you can imagine this is not good news for those homeowners who spent vast amounts of money of other wooden outdoors furniture and only to have it collapse or disintegrate in front them after a while.

So when looking for furniture for your garden or patio then you should definitely consider teak furniture to be the benchmark by with any other wooden furniture is judged. Although it is expensive you will find that there are large number of different variations of the furniture that you will be able to purchase such as teak chairs, teak tables, teak garden benches are just a few.

But there is one thing any owner of teak furniture should remember is the maintenance of it. There is one thing that not just wooden furniture but also teak furniture is susceptible to and that is moss. Not only is it unsightly but is dangerous if it gets wet. But don’t worry teak furniture can easily with just soap and water and that is really all you need to do to maintain your teak outdoors furniture.

So all you need to think about now is how great it will look in your garden and just how long it is going to last for you.

With a plethora of patio furniture options available for all budgets you really have a great deal of consideration to be had while you are emblazoned in the initial selection process. There are a number of potential options at your disposal and all of these require different budgets, different levels of commitment from the owner, and all the many different types of patio furniture will likely be found in various and different homes.

Finding The Furniture Suited To Your Patio

Once you have figured where you fall in the economic scheme of things now it’s time to make your deck a reality! The situation has a great deal to do with the fact that patio furniture is really one of the biggest draws to a deck in the first place. While yes, a great view is an amazing spectacle or the warm air are all fine reasons to visit the patio, none of that would have any longevity were it not for the patio furniture.

People would glance at the good view, nod and walk away were it not for the deck furniture; friends would enjoy the sun for moments at a time and then scamper back tot heir chair were it not for the ability of deck furniture to really be able to add on an entire new element to your home. For the truth as it is, many people would rather not even consider the fact that there are a whole lot of reasons to stay away from the patio, in reality. There can be no protection from the elements, you introduce the possibility of bugs, and the fact that it’s almost like you’re trapped in a cage is not lost on many visitors; having the proper patio furniture alleviates many of these concerns.

Cedar Furniture Can Last For Years

Many people opt for aluminum accoutrements when they’re first getting going on their decks; others opt for steel. But the truth is that there is not a finer option on your patio than cedar furniture to really spruce up your life. There are a number of people with many opinions and all of these are valid; however the fact remains that having the nice and well turned out cedar furniture on your patio will add a gravitas and understanding to your situation that just is not there otherwise.

So if you are feeling the strains of the neighbors glare at you as you manipulate your way around your barren deck which you’ve had that way for far too long then you should definitely consider switching that out at your earliest convinces. Getting yourself some nice and well appointed patio furniture is the best move you may ever be able to make.

Do you see yourself lounging on a Caribbean beach every time you close your eyes? If the answer is “yes” you probably need a vacation. With the pressures of modern life it can however be rather difficult to get away, and organizing time off a busy schedule can sometimes be a real headache. Still with the right outdoor décor you can create the illusion of a luxurious tropical hideaway in your own backyard. All you need to create you very own exotic retreat is a luxurious design and planting scheme, with matching patio furniture and accessories to recreate the magic of proper vacation. With a bit of creativity you can have your own private Caribbean island, even if you have precious little spare time to indulge in its sanctuary.

Nowadays patio furniture sets come in all shapes and sizes, so you should be able to find just the right design and material to set out your deck in style. From classic lines to luxurious materials there is a set out there that is a testament to your taste in exotic travels and your love for the the finer things in life.

By selecting luxurious patio furniture and taking great care with the finishing touches of your design you can have your very own tropical haven in the garden. You need not have the time to go on a proper vacation to reap the benefits from an exotic break!

The luxury feel is not limited to the priciest items and sometimes a relatively cheap wicker set can be just the ticket to provide that touch of exotic, long-haul feel. It can be accessorized to great effect with vibrant soft furnishings like plump cushions, perfect for you to sink into for a moment of blissful relaxation. Weather resistant rugs can also successfully add style and warmth to your scheme. With a bit of creative flair you can bring out your taste for comfort and luxury to your outdoor entertaining area, yet still have a space that is easy to maintain and keep in shape. A water fountain is a great addition to further enhance the relaxing effect, and simple items such as wind chimes and candles will also go a long way in carrying the theme. If so inclined you can also look into building your very own tropical cabana where you can seek shelter from the sun’s harmful rays on hot afternoons.

When looking at patio furniture you need to look at the different designs and types before making a decision on purchasing, you need to know the differences between wicker, teak, plastic or iron furniture. There is something dramatic and romantic about it that makes wicker quite unique.

You need to think of your patio as an extension of your house, so when choosing furniture or decorating the patio you need to make feel like you are in your house and make sure the patio mimics the other rooms of your home. After your patio or deck is complete bring your outdoor space to life by finding elegant designs of iron patio furniture, it is not only beautiful but weather resistant. When you place patio furniture outside it makes your outdoor are more enjoyable and will make your summers more enjoyable.

Many prefer the look of natural wood to aluminum or plastic, and there is nothing more beautiful than the natural look of teak patio furniture. Choosing the correct design or style for you home depends on many different factors, if you have a pool you will need to get the style that matches the pool design, if you have a deck you will need to find a style that compliments the deck.

In contrast to wrought iron sets, cast aluminum patio furniture won’t rust. When your furniture is aluminum this is as easy as one two three. Cast aluminum is the most popular choice because it is lightweight and sturdy. Your cast aluminum patio furniture needs to be top of the line.

Today’s the technology is so advanced that manufacturers are able to make resin and plastic patio furniture that mimic painted wood furniture, the detail is so close that at first look you cannot tell the difference. One of the most resistant materials for patio furniture is heavy plastic resin. If you are looking for furniture that can withstand the weather and climate changes one of the best types of furniture is plastic and corrosion treated metal.

After you purchased your patio furniture set many people decided to purchase cushions that compliment the set, this is a wise idea since it will make sitting all the more comfortable. When looking for patio furniture cushions they are not all created equal, you need to test the softness; weather resistance and you need to make sure that they match your set. Many people like the cushions that have that plump look and the feel of sinking into the cushions. The next thing that you want to look at when you are shopping patio furniture cushions is the type of foam used in them.

Another type of garden furniture that is more common is rattan or wicker. Depending where you live there are certain type of furniture that work better in different climates, for example rattan furniture works better in dry climates, while cedar or teak will work in any type of climate.

Many stores offer patio sets that are complete; they come with an umbrella the base and all accessories. If you get an umbrella make sure you get a base for a firmer footing.

While many materials for patio furniture are available at different designs and themes, dark wood with its quality and natural charm remains to be one of the most popular choices. Among the hardwood of desirable qualities is Teak with its strong yellowish-brown body, perfect for classic pieces of patio furniture, may it be a table, bar, bench or chair.

Found abundantly in East Ina, Western Africa and tropical America, teak is also resistant to insects including warps, thus, it can withstand being place outdoors. Teak has a composition of very dense grained wood that highly retains oil. This high oil content allows the wood to always be full of moisture, thus resist dryness, shrinking, decay, warping, termites and other natural festers. It is a trusted and tested material as it has been used in shipbuilding for centuries.

An appealing teak patio furniture is the Prairieland Picnic Bench with its rustic, outdoor theme. It has a two-wheeled design that suggests Western nostalgia. This aesthetic feature also keeps the double-seat bench firmly in place. The set has a smooth tabletop and comfortable seats that spell comfort and style.

The Teak Adirondack Chair provides a relaxed atmosphere for your patio, backyard or porch. This patio furniture is made of a high quality teak that can withstand even the extremes of the cyclic weather. With its inviting curves, the chair is comfortable even without a cushion seat.

The Samui Teak Dining Set will definitely stand out in your patio with its eye-catching design. This patio furniture set can accommodate up to six persons, with each person assured of utmost comfort. Made from a versatile teak material, its design can very well adapt to any patio setting. Its hard material also affords it to retain the original color of teak while it can be tinted with a colored or transparent shielding finish. However, this will weather to a classic silvery gray hue if left untreated.

The Samui Teak Dining Set includes a table of a 60-inch diameter with an ample umbrella hole in the center.

Another teak patio furniture of celebrated comfort is the Teak Garden Bench, with its expertly contoured seats and backrests. This durable piece does not have to be treated while an occasional application of teak cleaners can further delay the weathering process. The Teak Root Garden Bench maximizes the freedom of art with its unique design that will fit any traditional or contemporary patio theme.

Patio furniture used to be just plastic lawn chairs and matching plastic tables but it has evolved since then. There is new outdoor furniture technology available and there are many new styles and materials to choose from, when planning what kind of patio furniture would suit you and your house. There are many types of outdoor furniture available, no matter what your budget is. Your personal taste needs to be taken into consideration, as does how often the patio furniture will be used and what kind of climate you live in. You need to think about how the outdoor furniture will be used, whether it is going to be used for dining, around a swimming pool or just a comfortable place to sit, relax and enjoy the sun. If you can choose something that looks good and matches your décor and surroundings, your friends and family will love visiting you and relaxing in your new outdoor garden furniture.

You could get, for example, a little bistro patio table or a larger one that can extend. It depends how many people live in the house but it is nice to have extra seating and tables in case you decide to have a party or some kind of outdoor celebration. Dining al fresco can be a lot of fun, whether the food is prepared on a barbecue or indoors then brought out. You can get a patio umbrella or awning for hot days where you want to enjoy being outside but do not want to burn in the sun. Or you could position the outdoor furniture so it is in the sun for most of the day and you can sit and relax and enjoy it. When you have the best patio furniture set you can find, something that looks great outside, you will definitely want to spend more time outside enjoying it.

How to Plan Your Outdoor Furniture

There are plenty of reasons to make sure you have the best patio furniture available to you. The right outdoor furniture will blend with your lifestyle and give you comfort and luxury. If you love your choice of outdoor garden furniture, you will want to use it more frequently. If the weather is beautiful and you only have uncomfortable patio furniture or none at all, you are going to waste all that lovely sunshine rather than be out there enjoying it. You can create your own personal space to relax in, using whatever patio furniture you like, perhaps a patio table and four chairs. Maybe a patio umbrella would finish off the effect and some plump cushions. Chaise lounges and patio rockers can add a quirky or stylish element to the finished design, depending on style and coordination. The patio furniture made today is created especially to be durable and look great for years to come.

Choosing the Right Style of Deck Patio Furniture

It is lovely to have a nice set of patio furniture available whenever you want to enjoy the outdoors. Many people work stressful jobs and have busy lives and coming home to enjoy nature and relaxing is something that is very important to encourage balance in our lives. Most people do not relax enough. You can choose from a comfortable patio furniture chair surrounded by pretty plants and scented foliage or a swing chair or rocker if you want to rock yourself into a better frame of mind while watching the world go by. You can mix and match both styles and even plan a water feature such as a outdoor fountain, to help set the tranquil mood. Outdoor fans and outdoor heating are both available to ensure you are comfortable even if the weather is a little too hot or a little too cool.There is no point in buying uncomfortable patio furniture just because it is cheap. It is well worth spending a little more to get the quality and comfort so important in outdoor garden furniture. If you are thinking of spending lots of time on the patio furniture, you will want something that looks good, matches your décor and is comfortable to sit in for hours. You should research exactly what you want, whether that is wrought iron or wood teak patio furniture, as your goal is ultimate relaxation and comfort.

Are you interested in redecorating your patio? If you are, have you given teak patio furniture a close look? If you have yet to do so, it is something that you may want to think about doing. Lawn and garden experts, as well as homeowners, have nothing but good things to say about teak patio furniture.

When it comes to teak patio furniture, there are many individuals who wonder exactly why it comes so highly rated and recommended. In all honesty, you will find that there are a number of different reasons as to why teak patio furniture is so highly sought after. One of those reasons is its natural beauty. Teak patio furniture looks natural, unlike many other patio furniture pieces. If your patio is decorated with garden plants or patio flowers, you will likely find that teak patio furniture just fits right into your already existing scenery. It looks so natural.

If you are interested in buying teak patio furniture for your patio or even if you are just interested in furthering examining teak patio furniture, you will need to find a place to shop at or a place to browse at. When it comes to doing so, you will find that you have a number of different options. Teak patio furniture is available for sale all around the world and it is offered for sale by a number of different retailers and suppliers. If you are looking for information on how you can go about buying teak patio furniture or how you can go about learning more about it, you will want to continue reading on.

When looking to buy or further researching teak patio furniture, many individuals make the decision to head on down to one of their local retail stores, like a lawn and garden store. Yes, this is more than possible to do, but you may want to think about your other options as well. What you need to remember is that many locally operated stores are limited on the amount of sales floor space that they have. For many, this means that they have to fit as many products onto their sales floor as possible. This often leads to a limited selection. While you may be able to find multiple pieces of teak patio furniture for sale locally, you may not want to limit yourself.

If you are looking for the largest selection of teak patio furniture, you will want to shop online. Shopping online is nice because it is convenient and it often gives you a larger selection of products to choose from, as you often have hundreds of retailers and suppliers right at your fingertips. Visiting the online website of an online home and garden store is a great way to gain access to a number of different teak patio furniture pieces, but you may find high prices when taking this approach. If you are looking for discount teak furniture, you may want to think about checking out teak patio furniture suppliers. Suppliers are often individuals or companies who get their products directly from the manufacturer. For you, this often results in lower prices.

Teak is an extremely dense [40lbs cuft when dry] coarse grained hardwood that is resistent to rust, rot, and termites. Teak wood is generally straight grained, but occasionally wavy. There are three grades of teak: A, B, and C with A being the highest quality. It has a coarse and uneven texture. Teak wood contains a high level of silica which causes rapid blunting of cutting edges. When fresh cut, the surface of the wood is dull in appearance, and the timber has a distinctive, pleasantly aromatic odor which has been likened to the smell of leather. Fresh sawn teak has a slightly ‘oily’ feel due to the high oil content. One of the most commonly quoted facts about the characteristics of teak is its durability. It is resistant to rot caused by fungal decay, and the high level of resinous oil present in the timber helps to act as a natural insect repellent giving the timber very high resistance to attack by termites and other wood boring insects. The timber is said to be resistant to water and many chemical reagents, including acids. It does not have a strong reaction when it comes in contact with metals. All these statements regarding the durability of teak are born out by the fact that we can see many instances of the timber which have withstood the test of time when used as key components in the boat building industry, or more sedately when used for making municipal furniture for our parks.

With all the online stores and retail outlets making claims about the quality of their teak wood used to make their teak furniture products.. How do you know how to determine if what you are paying for is really the grade generally accepted as ‘A’ grade Teak, or ‘B’ or ‘C’ grade teak? We have found outline below to be a very useful guide with respect to the quality and look & feel of the teak wood on teak furniture items you purchase.

Select: Grade ‘A’
No sap wood
No knot (live nor dead)
No black nature grain
Uniform in color
Uniform in grain (quarter cut)
No mirror (when the sun goes on wood, it will shine, on oak it like a shiny tiger mark).
No water grain
No pin hole
Zero defect

Nature: Grade ‘A’ or ‘B’
No sap wood
No knot (live is allowed 5%)
black nature grain is allowed
Uniform in color
Good grain (combination)
Small mirror is permitted.
Little water grain
No pin hole

Rustic: Grade ‘C’ sap wood
Generally, it is the lowest grade, on teak sometime factories uses chemical to manipulate it to look like ‘B’ ‘C’ grade.
Darker wood, grain is very clear and usually dark as well.

We hope you find this guide for buying Teak furniture products very useful. We have found this to be a very useful and objective tool for evaluating teak furniture products.

With spring approaching, many of us are dying to get outdoors, some of us are itching to refinish our wooden decks and others of us are resisting the urge to rush out and plant our seeds too early!

Decks usually need re-finishing every three years or so, and it will soon be dry enough to make a start. Preparation of decking (or any exterior wood) is very important. Wood is more prone to difficulties than other materials are and it must be well protected from the elements, particularly direct sunlight and heavy rain.

Decks cannot be finished until the weather is quite dry; this is because the deck wood needs to be completely dried out before applying sealers etc.

If you decide to re finish your deck, you will need to do it in two stages; first there is the stripping and cleaning and then there is the finish - either paint or stain. All decks need to have water repellent and preservative applied to them, preferably not by spray but by hand painting. Even redwood and cedar need a water repellent.

Common problems include flaking paint, mold and discoloration, usually from exposure to the elements.If you find isolated patches of flaking paint you can scrape and sand it off and simply re-prime it then paint it over.

Mold will usually indicate moisture from somewhere, so check your down pipes or see if your gutters are full of leaves. This can be remedied by washing the wood with a fungicide and then once you are sure it has been rinsed off and dried properly, apply primer and paint.

In some cases there may be mold or rotting wood from termites, in which case cut the wood, burn it and replace. Keeping the paint jobs up to date is often a deterrent for termites. Bare wood soon turns gray but the color may be able to be brought back with wood cleaner and then you can apply a natural finish.

Bad cracks need to be filled with filler that has some flexibility before priming the area and repainting. When you apply stripper, roll the stripper onto the deck (water based stripper will not harm plants) and force yourself to wait 20 minutes.

Use a garden hose to wash off or a power washer. (Note: if you use a power washer you may have to sand the wood afterwards to get rid of the fuzzy effect from the friction of the washer.) After two or three days to let it dry you can finish off the prep.

If you are using paint, the higher the price - the better the quality, the words premium or quality may be an indicator. Of course, you will pay more, but how long does it take you to paint a deck? Maybe you will save yourself extra labor time if you do not have to repaint it for five years instead of three. Look for water repellent qualities and UV blockers.

Some painters recommend two coats of primer sealer and one of top coat and some recommend two coats of top coat and one of primer! It would seem that one or the other of the paints better have two coats! Using a quick drying self priming alkyd paint is ideal.

If you want to go with staining, a stain that is heavy bodied will show up the grain but not the texture, whereas lighter bodied will still show the texture. Coat the stain with a sealer once it is dry, one that says it is ‘non chalking’ to avoid your finish being rubbed off with wear.

A protective finish will make your work last longer no matter which effect you are going for. If the deck is new remember to let it weather for a month or two so that it will better absorb the stain; also seal any knots in the wood before you primer.

If your deck is new redwood or cedar and you want it to have that bleached and weathered look, you can now buy decking bleach to get this ‘aged’ look almost instantly (well overnight!). Well, now you know how to make an old deck look brand new and how to make a brand new deck look old. Yes, life is strange at times.

Teak wood has long been treasured for the beauty of its grain, golden color and timeless durability. Teak has been a favored material for use abroad ships and yachts and for use in outdoor furniture.

When teak patio furniture is exposed to the sun and weather, the natural oils migrate to the surface of the wood. The sun then oxidizes this oil and turns the surface a silver-gray color. Over extended periods of time this process depletes the wood of its natural oils causing surface roughness and checking (cracks along the grain of the wood) and the oxidized surface oil provides fertile ground for the growth and mildew and fungus. This process, along with the erosion caused by the wind and rain, will eventually make the surface dirty, unsightly and very rough to the touch.

Most authorities on teak denounce the use of teak oils. Because teak oil is usually solvent based, the use of such oils can actually destroy the natural oils in the teak wood. Also, once you begin using it, you will need to continue applications which can be as often as once per month. I also dislike the reddish colour you get after treating furniture with teak oil.

A much better option is to use a teak sealer. Teak sealer is extensively used in the yachting and marine circles. (If its good enough for marine type environment where the Teak wood is exposed to seawater, then imagine how good it really is!) It leaves the furniture a golden brown colour which is much more attractive and keeps the ‘expensive’ look of the teak. It is the only product I recommend to use on teak furniture.

There are a variety of “teak oils” on the market for the protection of teak which usually consists of linseed or tung oil mixed with mineral spirits. When first applied to the wood these oils impart a nice finish, but left outdoors teak oils wear away in weeks and require re-coating. With each re-coat, the oiled finish becomes darker and the surface becomes sticky and collects dirt. The organic waste from these oils provides a wonderful garden patch for the growth of mold and mildew. In a very short period of time the wood requires a complete re-cleaning.

If teak has been allowed to weather, the gray color and any mildew must be removed before finishing the wood. Prior to any application of teak sealer, you will need to clean the teak wood with washing and mild detergent prior to seasonal recoating with a teak sealer. This will preserve the teak in its natural state for many years.

I personally much prefer the silver colour teak eventually turns to. Remember it is not the same dull grey that you tend to see with cheaper furniture. It is much more vibrant silver then grey. With very light sanding to take the rough edge every few years, the furniture really looks beautiful.

The stress on outdoor furniture in modern times is not out of place. After all, the outdoors gives out the first impression of the home. And as they say, “First impression is the last impression!” Patio furniture forms an integral part of your outdoor furniture plans. For starters, a patio garden, as defined by wikipedia, is an outdoor garden space generally used for dining or recreation that often adjoins a residence and is typically paved. Specifically, it may refer to a roofless inner courtyard of the sort found in Spanish-style dwellings. Patio furniture provides you with an opportunity to present your creative talents first up to your esteemed guests.

Since patio furniture is, essentially, outdoor furniture, the aim should be to go for all-weather furniture. It can be a tough choice since most so-called all-weather furniture articles disintegrate with the change of weather. It won’t be a bad idea to concentrate on appropriate furniture for the appropriate weather. Your decision about the choice of patio furniture also depends a great deal on the kind of activity most likely to be undertaken in your patio garden. For instance, if you intend to use the patio for extensive cooking or barbeque, then plastic furniture, a popular choice, may not be an ideal choice. This is because the heat generated by cooking may cause extensive damage to the plastic furniture. Instead, low-shine and rustic Amish made furniture can be given a try. The grace and appeal of Amish furniture is global.

The availability of patio furniture is not a major worry with the local furniture showroom displaying the choicest varieties of patio furniture. However, shopping for patio furniture should not be a routine exercise and all care and precautions should be taken before settling on either the wooden or steel or plastic or wicker furniture. A fine blend of all or some of these core materials could, in fact, lend class to your patio garden. Remember to have the dimensions of your patio in mind before setting out to the market. There is nothing disconcerting to the eyes than a protruding table or a small stool. Always make room for some open space as primarily patios are meant to be free from clutter.

If you have a pool adjoining the patio garden, heavy-duty plastic furniture will lend just the right kind of feel. The patio can also be decorated with tailor-made cemented pieces that will lend it a natural look. No matter what style of adornment you adopt for your patio garden, just make sure that patios are meant for relaxation and the furniture, also, should resonate all the relaxing vibes. Lighting, painting, shading, decoration etc. should complement the overall mood of relaxation in a patio. The patio furniture need not be too glossy but it should not be too rough either. The golden rule is – ‘the more natural looking, the more relaxing’!

Finally, while selecting the dealer, make sure you are getting the best deal in the market. Always compare the facilities like finance options (if buying in bulk), guarantees, warrantees and suitability and settle for the best dealer. There are many wholesale Amish furniture dealers whose wares can be checked out online. Quality should never be compromised in the entire purchasing process.

Teak is a high-quality wood that retains its natural oils - prized throughout the world for its beauty and durability. Premium commercial grade A teak is the most sought-after tropical hardwood for prestigious furniture, shipbuilding and decorative use in construction. Indonesian exports of teak furniture approached US$800 million in 2001 and have grown every year since. Because of this demand, the market for teak in Indonesia is very well established and an important source of employment and income for the people of that country. Elephants are still used to haul teak from inland jungles to the waterways. Transporting teak has always been a difficult problem because of the heavy weight of the wood. The logs are so heavy they will not float. Instead the elephants drag the teak logs through the thick undergrowth in the rain forests. These forests are usually a great distance from the coast. The elephants have even been trained to stack the logs in even piles. And when a bell sounds to end the day, the elephants know to stop their work, without any human direction.

TEAK: A hardwood known to last a lifetime! Teak furniture made from quality Grade A teak has qualities unlike any other wood and is dense, rich in oil, almost impervious to splitting, buckling, and rot which makes teak wood termite proof. Teak has been prized for centuries as one of the worlds most durable and stable woods for outdoor use. Ever since ancient times, civilization has been aware of the long-lasting benefits of teak wood. Dutch shipbuilders first employed teak wood in manufacturing their sailing fleets because of its strong structural properties and resistance to insects and decay. For shipbuilders, the most important property of teak wood is its ability to prevent rust and corrosion when it contacts metal. Teak wood is extremely easy to work with, and its resistance to decay due to its natural retained oils after being cut has made it not only a popular timber tree, but also a valuable resource.

Characteristics of Teak: Teak is an extremely dense [40lbs cuft when dry] coarse grained hardwood that is resistent to rust, rot, and termites. Teak wood is generally straight grained, but occasionally wavy. There are three grades of teak: A, B, and C with A being the highest quality. It has a coarse and uneven texture. Teak wood contains a high level of silica which causes rapid blunting of cutting edges. When fresh cut, the surface of the wood is dull in appearance, and the timber has a distinctive, pleasantly aromatic odor which has been likened to the smell of leather. Fresh sawn teak has a slightly ‘oily’ feel due to the high oil content. One of the most commonly quoted facts about the characteristics of teak is its durability. It is resistant to rot caused by fungal decay, and the high level of resinous oil present in the timber helps to act as a natural insect repellent giving the timber very high resistance to attack by termites and other wood boring insects. The timber is said to be resistant to water and many chemical reagents, including acids. It does not have a strong reaction when it comes in contact with metals. All these statements regarding the durability of teak are born out by the fact that we can see many instances of the timber which have withstood the test of time when used as key components in the boat building industry, or more sedately when used for making municipal furniture for our parks.

In regards to shipbuilding, the main advantage of teak is its unique ability to prevent rust and corrosion when in contact with metal. It is said that the first outdoor teak benches were actually made of the decking from old sailing ships. The decking on these ships was in such good condition when the ships were about to be scrapped, the wood was recycled and remade into outdoor teak furniture. Public parks all over England are furnished with teak benches, some of which are nearly a century old! An outstanding material, teak continues to be a choice for boat materials even in this day and age. You can see this in the modern skiff at the right. The foredeck hatch consists of teak. More and more farmers, villages and communities in Indonesia, China, Puerto Rico, and other smaller countries are planting teak ( Tectona grandis ) trees as an investment for the future.

There are thousands of furniture-making enterprises in Indonesia. Jepara, one of the most important furniture-production districts on the island, had more than 3000 legally registered establishments in 2000. Additionally, up to 3 million unregistered establishments of all sizes probably exist, employing 6 million people or 6% of the total population of Java. These establishments are engaged in a range of livelihoods, with a significant number undertaking teak-related activities. The figure is further increased if we include Illegal cutting of teak in the wild. On a recent 2500 km trip through west Java, Julia Maturana, a researcher in CIFOR’s program on environmental services and sustainable use of forests, found privately owned teak plantations everywhere. “We saw a lot of teak growing in gardens with other useful species, as we expected,” she said. “But we also found large areas belonging to villages or communities dedicated just to teak. Several were very well managed, with good spacing and showing a considerable investment in labour and capital.” The State-owned company Perum Perhutani has 3 million hectares of forests and forest plantations in Java and dominates the teak market. And before 1998, private sales of teak wood were forbidden. Even now a private agent wanting to sell the wood needs at least three special permits. “Despite these disincentives, people have planted teak in their own gardens to supply their own requirements of wood, as a â€˜savings account’ for their children and to use in special cases of need,” said Maturana. “Most of the plantings we saw were small and recent with trees ranging from 6 months to 5 years old. This suggests a new system is developing using new areas of land, adding to the already existing areas of teak.” Teak is an attractive long-term investment, with a first class 80-cm diameter log worth $830 a cubic metre in 2001. A fourth class log 4-7 cm in diameter brought $14 per cubic metre. “Chiefs of district forestry departments in west Java told us that the local people usually harvest teak early. The usual rotation period is 40 years or less,” said Maturana. “So privately grown teak is sold in local markets at 20-50 percent below the official price. Even so, it still represents an important but sporadic source of income for rural people.”

Despite constraints in market access and wood quality, the number of areas recently planted with teak shows it to be an attractive option for people’s investments. High market prices and a well-estab.ent, are attracting investment in teak plantations. Doors are open for rural agents because of the low capital requirements, for seeds and labour, that are mainly concentrated in the first 3 years. “But both of these are plentiful in rural Java areas,” said Maturana. Because of its slow growth cycle and the type of final products , teak wood plays an important role in soil and water conservation and sequesters considerable amounts of carbon. Maturana, with other researchers, has started researching the location and extent of privately managed teak plantations to understand their dynamics and the factors influencing their development. “We want to analyze these systems to understand their importance in the rural economy, their potential for wood supply and the kind of incentives needed to promote such systems,” said Maturana. Can these areas spread and become an important source of income for the people as well as an extensive, financially driven, reforestation effort? Is that even possible in an island with one of the highest population densities in the world? “How can we help this become a success story combining social, financial and ecological benefits?” asked Maturana. “This is the question donors, research institutions, governments and NGOs need to ask. We are working on it!”

Today teak is used principally in furniture, shipbuilding and in the construction of expensive boats and yachts. Currently, teak can be found on modern cruise ship decks, in parks, used as flooring, and as home outdoor furniture. Teak can be transformed into a unique style or more traditional & classic style peice of furniture. In the United States, teak benches, teak chairs & tables, and multiple teak accessories can be found throughout resorts, hotels, and parks. Teak steamer chairs can be found on almost every cruise ship worldwide and at most upscale resorts. This is an indication of the most popular uses of teak products today.

What would you say if somebody told you that they could sell you a set of patio furniture that would last you the rest of your natural life, and that you would never have to buy another set of patio furniture as long as you shall live? Chances are, you probably wouldn’t believe the person. If you have the trouble with traditional outdoor furniture that so many other Americans do, you can probably use the benefits of teak patio furniture. The wood is known to last up to 75 years without breaking, so if you are looking for a more permanent solution to outdoor seating, teak patio furniture is the only sensible option for you.

People understand now why teak patio furniture is such a popular option, but its plain and clear that teak patio furniture resists the elements very well and it lasts a long time, holding up a great deal of weight along the way. For those people who like to put a lot of wear and tear and use into their patio furniture, teak is for you.

One of the beauties of teak patio furniture is the value in how it stands up to the weather variations, and in spite of getting abused by mother nature, it doesn’t show water marks or takes on water damage. It can snow or freeze and thaw and melt and your teak furniture still keeps it comfort and beauty. The teak wood has a maturity about it that overcomes what ever the climate so desires to throw at it making teak patio furniture the perfect fit for patios across the midwest and mountain states.

Another popular feature of the teak patio furniture pieces out there is that they can hold a great deal of weight. There are many different types of teak patio furniture out there, but most of them are designed to withhold great amounts of weight and stress. Teak patio furniture is the only way to go if you want furniture that will hold up to everything you and your family can dish, without you having to replace a thing.

Before beginning construction on your deck be sure to check with your zoning laws for regulations regarding your deck. Most deck projects will require you to get a permit.

Some good reasons to build your own deck would be to save some money by doing the work yourself. Another reason would be to add more value to your home, give your home a nicer look, have a great outdoor space to relax, and also have a nice spot to barbecue and entertain.

Before beginning you will have to figure out which tools you will need for this project. One of the most important tools you will need is some plans. Having some deck plans and following the instructions will make building your deck allot easier. If you feel you are not skilled enough to build your own deck, you should consider hiring a general contractor. It is a good idea to talk to some contractors and get about two or three estimates. Even if you plan to build the deck yourself, you can get an idea of the money you will save by building it yourself.

Always take your time when you are choosing the design and style for your deck. Make sure to think things through with some careful planning. Asking family and friends for their opinion is a great way to get ideas for the design of your deck. Looking at other decks is another way to come up with a design you might like. Seeing how other decks are built, and asking the homeowner questions can help you avoid mistakes when building your own deck.

The location of the deck can affect the way you use your deck. Take into consideration how the sun, wind, and other natural elements will affect how your deck will be used.

Natural elements such as the sun and moisture is the most common reason for damage to the deck. Applying sealer or stain to your deck is a good way to protect it. A good finish will repel water, and protect the wood from the suns UV rays.

The type of wood you choose for your deck is very important. This will decide how your deck will look, how long it will last, and how much money you will need to build your deck. Choose the best wood you can afford for best results. The most common lumber for building decks are pressure treated lumber, redwood, and cedar. When buying lumber give it a good inspection. By inspecting the lumber at the lumberyard one by one you can get the best boards possible. Hand picking the lumber will make your deck last longer, and it will also make it look more attractive.

By doing some research, and some careful planning, you will avoid mistakes and have a beautiful safe deck that will bring you and your family years and years of enjoyment.

The garden has always been an important part of a person’s home. Most people would desire a large open garden with some grass, some plants and a few trees. For those people who are unfortunate enough not to have a garden then their desires are no different. Over the years a garden has always been seen as something of a status symbol, going back one hundred years or so the only people who could afford any land at all that could be called a garden were the rich and upper classes in society. For this reason the garden has always been seen as something very desirable when buying a house.

As the times have changed and more and more houses have been built with a garden to either the front, the rear and in many cases both and people have their own plot of land to work however they choose. Many people cherish a lawn that they can keep in immaculate condition for the duration of the summer, some people long for a vegetable patch so they can grow their own food and some people just want to look after beautiful flower beds that attract all manner of beautiful flying creatures.

But for more and more people the garden area is becoming an extension to their indoor living area, an inside outside if you like. We are spending more and more time outside in the garden but not toiling away as much, of course a certain amount of work needs to be done to keep the garden looking in tip top shape but when the work is done we are relaxing on our garden furniture and enjoying the fruits of our labours.

Garden furniture comes in many designs, materials and qualities, obviously the better the quality the more expensive the furniture is but you do not have to spend a small fortune to get a fairly decent set for your garden. If choosing a wooden garden furniture set you should always look to buy one made from a hard wood as this will withstand the weather better than a softwood version and should last for much longer. Hardwood garden furniture is more expensive but in the long term it is worth paying the difference. Any quality of wooden furniture will need a coat of wood preservative at least once a year and depending on the climate of where you live it may require one more often.

Some people choose to opt for cast iron. This may be in many cases more uncomfortable to sit on but will out last any wooden furniture as long as it is looked after with the occasional lick of paint to keep any rust at bay.

It is for this reason that the market has seen an explosion in the sales of garden furniture of all types, with the better quality hand made hard wood varieties showing a fantastic growth over the last couple of years. People are now, more than ever, willing to spend very large sums of money on garden furniture for their garden or patio area as outdoor living really has become a way of life for many. Where the evening meal may used to have been taken in the dining room people are more likely to transfer the meal to the garden if the weather is suitable.

So if you are looking to spend as much time as possible relaxing in the garden this summer look to buy yourself some good quality garden furniture that will last for years to come and give you many days of relaxing fun.

Getting into the Great Outdoors has never been easier or more relaxing than with outdoor furniture and accessories! Outdoor furniture and outdoor accessories personalize your space; relaxing touches allow you to laze in your outdoor environment, knowing that you are truly ‘home’.

Finding out about Outdoor Furniture

Perfect in the garden; as a gathering and sitting area at BBQs, pool parties and get-together; or as your own little oasis in the middle of your backyard, outdoor furniture is social, sophisticated and multi-functional. Available in aluminum, wrought iron, the highest quality teak, bamboo and other woods, you can find outdoor furniture to complete any outdoor living space.

The range of outdoor accessories is staggering. These are often designed to complement your outdoor furnishings. Consider solar-power or electric lights to line a pathway or any number of awnings or other shelter structures on your property. Add candleholders atop your outdoor tables. Pick up picnic accessories, chair cushions, outdoor games – no matter what type of luxuries you enjoy indoors, you can enjoy them outdoors, too, with outdoor accessories to fit every taste and style.

Outdoor Benches

Outdoor benches offer seating for 2 or more, depending on the style. Available with and without backs, outdoor benches are designed to accent and blend, and are the perfect accompaniment to furniture already decorating the space. Some people choose not to use benches for seating at all, but instead place an outdoor bench in the garden as a showpiece and setting for their prized plants.

Outdoor benches are available in a variety of materials including concrete, wrought iron, teak and other metals and woods.

Some benches offer the added benefit of extra storage. These benches are usually all-weather safe, and come in neutral-colored plastics designed to camouflage into the background. These benches are great for the garden and pool area, as they provide extra seating and a lovely place to store your stuff.

Outdoor Lounge Chairs

Outdoor lounge chairs are typically fashioned from metal – often wrought iron – although synthetic materials are on the rise and offer the sophistication of metal and iron at a reduced cost. Outdoor lounge chairs are also available in hardwood and teak.

Outdoor Sets

In general, there are three types of outdoor sets. All three are made up of tables and chairs, although the types of chairs and size of the tables vary greatly. Patio dining sets are ideal for larger outdoor spaces, such as large patios or back porches. Bistro sets are designed for smaller spaces, such as an apartment balcony. The third type of outdoor set you will find is called a conversation set. Conversation sets often include an outdoor sofa and a few chairs accompanying a coffee table. Conversation sets tend to be larger pieces of furniture and fit most comfortably in big spaces.

Final Considerations for Outdoor Furniture

When shopping for your outdoor furniture, think about the space you will be filling and the people who will be enjoying it. Also consider the weather conditions where you live. Outdoor furnishings should fit comfortably into the space, so if you are in the market for something to go on a patio or balcony, be sure to measure the area you want to fill. Is this furniture for BBQs and pool parties, or quiet coffee conversations with intimate friends? Do you experience long, harsh winters where you live, or are conditions generally mild all year long? Answering these questions will give you the information you need to pick the best outdoor furniture to fit your life and your style.

When creating a comfortable, usable outdoor space, nothing could me more inviting and warm than furnishing that space with natural products such as wood. Often, though, there are problems associated with wood furnishings. Wood is susceptible to the elements and can splinter and degrade if not cared for properly. That’s why many people choose teak chairs and teak furniture for their outdoor spaces.

Teak, a hard strong durable yellowish-brown wood, grows in the region of Southeast Asia, mainly in Java, Indonesia, and is harvested from the surrounding forests and teak plantations by the locals and the Indonesian government. The wood of the teak tree is naturally resistant to insects, warping, splintering and the elements, which makes it an ideal wood for creating chairs and other outdoor furnishings.

Many people choose teak over other natural materials because it requires no sealing, varnishing or finishing, and it only gets better as it weathers. A teak chair is able to withstand the elements for decades; retain its beauty, durability and smooth texture; and, over the course of time, weather to a gorgeous silvery color.

Not only are teak chairs durable, they come in a vast array of styles and designs to complement your individual personality and space. You can make your selection from numerous different pieces of teak furniture including teak Adirondack chairs, teak dining chairs, teak rocking chairs, teak swings, and teak folding chairs, just to name a few.

There are also a large number of teak chair styles to choose from. No matter whether you prefer the intricately carved designs often associated with country French designs or the sleek lines of the teak Adirondack chair, you will not be disappointed when you shop for teak chairs. Some of the styles available include Nantucket, Derby, Normandy, Mandalay and many, many more.
If you find that you are in the mood for a little color, you can add your own stylish flair with a couple of throw pillows or teak chair cushions. There are over 40 colors available, and you can choose from both solid colored fabrics and patterns.

And teak chairs are affordable. While you may find that you spend a fraction more on teak chairs than chairs made with other materials, you will be more than compensated by this furniture’s beauty, comfort and durability. To help put it into perspective, think of how often you have to purchase outdoor furniture because it has succumbed to the elements and is not attractive anymore. Wouldn’t it be worth it to spend a little more, but enjoy that furniture for decades? Not only that, but there is very little maintenance required for teak furniture. How much more will you spend staining and finishing weathered outdoor furniture made out of other kinds of materials? After you take all of this into consideration, you would agree that teak furniture is the better buy.

So remember teak the next time you shop for furniture for your garden or outdoor space. Whether you need teak furniture or simply a teak chair for your poolside or formal flower garden, you will be sure to find something that is perfect for you.

Patio, or can be called the outdoor space of the house, it is the area that for every family member use for social and relaxing activities. We can see that the house that has many members usually have patio area to perform such an activities. According to this reason, it is fairly to say that patio is the area in the house that mostly used so it needs kind of good furniture too. If
we talk about furniture that used with patio, we normally thing about the furniture that mobile and movable because when we occasionally use indoor furniture for patio.

However, it is still recommend that you should have fixed furniture for outdoor area too. And one of the most popular furniture for patio is teak furniture. As the material that suitable for the area like patio is they have to make from the material that could stand to extreme change of weather condition such as very strong sunlight or heavy rain. Just because of outdoor area is not covered by the roof and so the furniture will be damaged easily if they have to sit among those conditions.

There are some material that suitable for making patio furniture; metal, fiber glass and wood. Each type of material has advantage and disadvantage and in this article we will talk about having teal furniture, which is now tend to gain more and more popularity even though there is the trend of lower teak wood supply for furniture industry.

Using teak furniture for patio has a lot of benefits. The most obvious one is that teak is the only natural material that has last long durable use with outdoor area. Even though they are very expensive when compared to other type of outdoor furniture such as metal and fiber glass furniture, but the unique characteristics of teak furniture still very attractive. As teak wood provides very warm, welcome and luxurious look to the house so these are other benefits of using teak furniture. Metal furniture also good for place in patio area but using metal material may have disadvantage when the metal is wet, so great chance of rust if they are not properly maintained.

However, using teak furniture also has disadvantage. Due to teak furniture is heavy, so it is not flexible enough to move in and out from indoor to outdoor area, so it seems that if you decide to place them in one place so you may have to be careful to consider the location because it could not be moved anywhere else later on. Also, the price of teak furniture still expensive, so it is still not suitable for the person who has very limited budget and they have to choose other type of material in stead. Find the place to buy them is not very easy too. You can find some furniture outlets around your area but you have to be very careful before you decide to buy them. Just to make sure that the teak furniture that you choose has no marks or scattered damages on the surface and you have to make negotiation with the seller too.

When you’re looking for patio furniture you’ll want to choose furniture that is compatible with the design of your garden and the decor of your patio. Since there are so many different types of patio furniture to choose from you should have an idea in mind of exactly what you want before heading out to the store. If you don’t have a firm idea of your needs you could end up looking at patio furniture and liking everything that you see, further adding to the confusion. The first thing that you need to decide is what you want your patio furniture to be made of. The choices provided by manufacturers include aluminum, wicker, wood, resin, or iron. You’ll even be able to find patio furniture that combines some of these materials, such as an iron and wood furniture set. Consider how often you’re going to be using your patio furniture. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors on your patio you’ll want to think about spending a bit more for your patio furniture than if you’re only going to be using your patio on weekends.

Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of care that you want to apply to your furniture. If you purchase wooden patio furniture you’ll have to reseal it every year to protect it from the elements of the weather. If you live near salt water you’ll find that your iron patio furniture will rust and needs care to keep it looking nice. Don’t forget that you have to store your furniture during the winter months so you may want to buy something that is easy to put into your garage or other storage area. If you’re buying cushions for the seats of the patio chairs keep in mind that you’ll have to store these as well. Buying patio furniture isn’t an exact science but the above guidelines should give you some tips so that you make some of the right decisions.

For a comfortable, homey feel to your outdoor spaces, take a look at adding something casual to your outdoor rooms. Teak patio furniture sets that look warm and inviting encourage your guests to sit for a while and relax. There are many styles of patio furniture sets that have a comfortable, casual feel to them. One of them may be just right for your patio area.

One great choice in casual patio furniture sets is the Adirondack style. This low slung, wide board style of furniture reminds us of weekends on the shore. And, not only does Adirondack style furniture look great, it’s incredibly comfortable too. Choose an Adirondack patio furniture set in teak and let it weather to a lovely gray, lending even more casual warmth to your furniture as the years go on. Regardless of your style choice, patio furniture sets in teak are a great investment. Teak is the most durable wood available, and can be exposed to the elements for a lifetime without cracking, warping or rotting.

Another great style for casual patio furniture sets is wicker and rattan. While many wicker and rattan sets have a very elegant feel to them, you can also find very casual wicker furniture. High armed wicker chairs seem to envelop your body, while wicker sofas with overstuffed cushions are just right for an afternoon nap on the porch. Check out the many casual styles available in wicker and rattan. Pair them with bright, cheery cushions, and you’re all set.

Finally, consider patio furniture sets made from aluminum. These lightweight sets come in many shapes and styles, and can suit any décor. They won’t rust, and many of them have seats or cushions made from Dacron, which is great for poolside gatherings. Water flows through Dacron, rather than getting caught in it, so your poolside cushions will dry out quickly.

No matter what material you choose, you can be certain that your patio furniture set with a casual feel will give your home just the right touch of warmth that makes your guests feel right at home.

Everyone loves a bargain! But getting a bargain combined with actually obtaining quality products can be a feat in itself. Often a bargain means bringing home a second rate product that will fall apart after a season (or even a few months) of use.

This theory applies with many types of goods being sold today – including outdoor furniture. But never fear – it doesn’t have to be that way. It is important to put in a bit of research when you are searching for discount outdoor furniture, and you should be rewarded with a great set of furniture.

Here are a few tips on purchasing discount outdoor furniture:

• Buy direct from the manufacturer

Cutting out the middleman will save you $$$, as there will be no extra margins to pay for their services. If you know exactly what brand of furniture you want, it can help by going straight to the manufacturer to buy straight from them. Most manufacturers will have a website to find the best way to contact them.

• Buy online

Since the Internet (also known as the ‘information super-highway’) has become an integral part of everyday life, nearly everything imaginable can be bought online – including outdoor furniture. To get a great discount on goods, search the internet. A little bit of time spent delving around outdoor furniture sites can unearth the bargain of the century. When buying online, make sure that the warranty is still effective when you are buying from that website. Also check shipping prices – some can be exorbitant and you may not be getting a bargain after all.

• Shop around

The age-old proven method of shopping around is a great way to get a bargain. The more you look, the more likely you are of finding decent discount outdoor furniture. Look in the phone book for furniture retailers, look on the internet, and don’t forget to look at advertisements in magazines and newspapers. If you are patient, and search far and wide, you may be successful in picking up an absolute bargain.

• Buy last season’s designs at discount stores

When furniture designers bring out their new season’s line, prices for the older line drop drastically. This is how a lot of discount furniture mega-stores can offer customers cut-price products. If having last season’s design doesn’t bother you, then take this opportunity to grab a set of it while you can.

Source : Guide4Home

Every year, teak garden benches, patio tables, chairs, dining sets, lounges, sun beds, and planters, are becoming more popular choices for furnishing porches, patios, decks, gazebos, gardens, and backyards. It’s easy to understand this trend, because teak makes the most gorgeous, exquisite outdoor furniture available. However, even though this may seem to be a recent development, our fondness of teak is nothing new.

For centuries, teakwood, which comes from the Tectona Grandis tree, has been prized for its radiant beauty, as well as its ability to endure climatic extremes. Indigenous to Asia, particularly Myanmar, Thailand, and India, it is also grown in Indonesia on plantations that were established by the Dutch in 1816, and are now managed by the government agency, Perum Perhutani. Its strict policies regarding the number and the size of trees that may be cut down, as well as its reforestation practices, help these plantations to produce some of the highest-quality teak in the world.

The rich soil in which it is grown infuses the teakwood with a high concentration of oils and minerals, including silica, that make it waxy and rubbery, thus rendering it naturally waterproof and invulnerable to insect invasion. They also make the straight-grained wood dense and thermally stable, which prevents warping. Usually golden to dark brown, but occasionally having a reddish hue, teak may be treated with an annual coating of oil to preserve its natural tones, or left unfinished, to weather to a silvery gray.

In the 18th century, teak was one of China’s major exports to Europe, where it was used for flooring, cabinets, closets, paneling, roofing, and more. It was also sculpted into art objects, although its abrasive properties could quickly dull a cutting edge, making intricate carving tedious. During the Victorian era, advances in technology made it easier to work with teak, and craftsmen began using it to manufacture ornamental furniture.

Teak has long been a favorite of the ship-building industry. Its natural resistance to salt water and spray keeps it from cracking and checking, while its peerless strength and durability enable it to withstand heavy cargo and foot traffic. While dismantling World War I warships, members of the British Navy noticed that the teak decks were still in pristine condition, and decided to save them. When some of the wood was used to construct garden benches, many of which are still in use, the tradition of making teak outdoor furniture began.

A similar example lies aboard the Charles W. Morgan, a historic wooden whaler that has been harbored at Mystic Seaport, in Connecticut, since 1941. Constructed in 1841, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, its 165-year-old deck, having survived over a dozen long voyages, countless crew members, and tons of whale blubber, bone, and oil, still looks like new.

Unrivaled in beauty, strength, and durability, teak has proven itself, time and again, to be the ultimate hardwood for making outdoor furniture.

Source: a1articles.com

When it comes to outdoor furniture, there’s almost nothing like the simple elegance of teak. It’s one of the most durable woods and, believe it or not, it’s easy to restore and maintain.

Even if your teak table set has faded to gray and looks as if it may be ready for the kindling pile, don’t strike that match. With the right sander, it’s easy to bring the teak table and chairs back to their glorious, golden days. Safety tip: You’ll be sanding the teak down to its bare essentials, so you must wear a dust mask and safety glasses for protection from the fine dust.

PROJECT STEPS

Step 1: Find a comfortable work area in a well-lit, well-ventilated space. Spread out the drop cloth and move your furniture to the center of it. If the drop cloth isn’t big enough for all the furniture, just work on one piece at a time.

Step 2: Put fresh pads on the orbital sander; don a dust mask, gloves and eyewear; and start sanding. The orbital sander is designed to move back and forth in a pattern that doesn’t leave discernible marks on the underlying wood. Let the tool do the work; avoid pushing down too hard on the sander. Keep working the wood until it’s no longer gray or weathered.

Step 3: Once you’ve covered all the surfaces you can reach with the orbital sander, use the sanding block on the remaining wood. Your block may not reach down into tight spaces, such as between slats of a chair. Use folded pieces of sandpaper to reach those tight spots. Keep working until the entire surface looks like raw wood. Take breaks often; your hands will need it.

Step 4: Using a barely damp rag, wipe down all the furniture to remove any remaining dust. After sanding, your furniture will be vulnerable, so don’t place anything on it or leave it in the rain. Water spots can form and leave permanent stains.

Step 5: Using a dry rag, apply the teak oil, one section at a time. Note how the wood glows as the oil brings out its rich, natural brown. Keep working the wood until all surfaces have been covered. Apply a second (and, if necessary, a third) coat of oil. Wipe down all surfaces with a clean cloth to remove any excess oil. Wait at least an hour before trying to use the furniture.

Step 6: Want to keep that new golden look forever? Keep your furniture lightly oiled with teak oil (once a month should be enough). Don’t expose the set to rain and snow (cover or store it when not in use). With good care, a teak furniture set can last for generations.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully saved a classic piece of furniture from the scrap pile.

Be Jane is an occasional home-improvement feature in digs. It’s adapted from www.BeJane.com, the online community created by Heidi Baker and Eden Jarrin.

Garden furniture has become more popular in recent years because more people have patios and decks.

By the 1800s, furniture often was used in the garden. Large estates might have chairs or benches in remote spots on which guests could relax or gossip.

This furniture was made to blend in with the greenery. Pieces were often made from iron shaped like vines or branches. Carved marble benches were used by the wealthy, while rough log benches were used by others.

Soon, potters started making replicas of tree stumps or trimmed branches that could be used for seats.

By the 1890s, willow and other flexible tree branches and roots were cut and assembled to make one-of-a-kind chairs for use in a yard.

Al Capone, the infamous gangster, had a house called “the Hideout” in northern Wisconsin. A table and chairs made from tree roots sat in the yard until they were later purchased from Edward O’Hare, an accomplice of Capone.

The chairs were sold in May at a Leslie Hindman auction in Chicago. The table brought $10,200, the large chair $7,200 and the smaller chair $3,360. The prices were higher than presale estimates — probably because bidders wanted something owned by Capone.

Q: During the early 1980s, I was working for a Chevy dealer on Long Island when the owners decided to sell out. They gave me an old Buick Dynaflow Drive neon sign 22 inches high by 33 inches wide. The glass is perfect, although some of the finish is worn. A repairman said that for a small sum the sign could be made to light up again. I have been told the sign is valuable. What do you think?

A: Collectors of automobile advertising memorabilia might pay $1,000 or more for your sign.

It dates from the late 1940s or ’50s and advertises the world’s first conventional torque-converter automatic transmission, dubbed Dynaflow Drive by General Motors.

The signs, made by Zeon Signs of Albuquerque, N.M., were marketed to Buick dealers for $42 each in 1948.

Q: I have my grandmother’s old treadle sewing machine. The name printed across the top of the black machine is “Silent.” It was manufactured by the Davis Sewing Machine Co. of Dayton. The cabinet is wrought iron and wood, and I have all the original bobbins and needles. What can you tell me?

A: Job A. Davis of New York City started designing his own sewing machine in the early 1860s. After moving to Watertown, N.Y., he and a partner, John Sheldon, sold their first machine — the Davis Vertical Feed — in 1869.

The business moved to Dayton in 1889 and made several different models until production stopped in 1923. The Davis Silent model is a 20 th-century machine.

Current prices

Prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States.

• Yardley Lavender Perfumery powder box, “Natural Face Powder,” circa 1927, 2 7 /8 inches by 1 1 /2 inches, $35.

• Effanbee Anne Shirley doll, composition, blue sleep eyes, closed mouth, circa 1930, 15 inches, $95.

• Boy Scout shirt, baseball style, short sleeves, patches, olive green, size 12, 1970s, $180.

• Steuben crystal beaver figurine, cranberry eyes, etched mark, 3 3 /4 inches, $315.

• Moorcroft porcelain tea set, Spring Flowers pattern, impressed mark, four pieces, $550.

• The Flying Nun brunch bag, vinyl, with thermos, image of Sally Field, Aladdin, 1968, copyright Screen Gems, $600.

• Roycroft fire-starter, hammered copper with spill tray, riveted, impressed “Head, Heart & Hand,” 12 inches by 10 inches, $1,300.

• Appliqued quilt, album pattern, green and red swag bud border, 16 album squares; potted tulips, flowers and berries; birds and leaves; white background, 1920s, 87 inches by 87 inches, $2,300.

• Pepsi-Cola dispenser bank, battery, “Deposit Coin, Get Drink,” white and blue with Pepsi logo, by Linemar, 1950s, 10 inches, $2,465.

• George III tall-post bed, mahogany, upholstered canopy, reeded foot posts, acanthus carving, square legs, brass cup casters, 95 inches by 60 inches, $3,755.

Ralph and Terry Kovel, authorities on collectibles, write for King Features Syndicate. Write to them in care of The Dispatch, King Features Syndicate, 888 7 th Ave., New York, N.Y. 10019. The volume of mail makes personal answers impossible. They cannot guarantee the return of any photograph but will try if a selfaddressed stamped envelope is included. Visit the Kovels online at www.kovels.com.

Source: www.columbusdispatch

Garden furniture is now available in all price ranges and comes in a wide variety of materials and styles. The present trend favours high-end furniture. Furniture made of good quality wood, such as teak, is both durable and inviting. It requires a little maintenance, but it is really worth the effort. Selecting patio furniture made of teak, particularly teak wood taken from the core of the tree, will ensure a high quality wood whose smaller grain is much more resistant. Preserve it with teak oil to protect it from the effects of weather and the sun, premature aging, and cracks.

Metal furniture is regaining its popularity. We can find corrosion-resistant cast aluminum tables with embedded glass, solid steel tables, rectangular tables with glass top and rotating platter, rectangular or round tables with tempered glass tops, and rectangular tables with embedded glass. The matching chairs and loungers can be made of corrosion-resistant cast aluminum with cushions, of aluminum and canvas, of lattice and cushions, or with the very popular canvas chairs. The market-style umbrella can be straight or bendable.

The most popular items are mid-backed chairs and high-backed loungers. Stacking chairs are most often chosen for their practicality. Gliding chairs, gliding rockers, and lounge chairs will sometimes complete the set. We are seeing more and more hammocks and suspended swings. Naturally, the bench is now well installed in our garden where it will stay, and the traditional swing adds to the serenity.

Homeowners want to transform a limited backyard into a lush retreat

A garden design focused on tranquility can be the perfect antidote as infill development creates smaller yards and increases the intensity of Portland's urban terrain.

"Small can be beautiful," says Ron Hampel, who shares a charming 1905 Southeast Portland home with his wife, Clare Midson, and their son, Andreas, 2. The couple envision creating a cool, contemplative refuge in the 16-by-28-foot backyard -- an area just under 450 square feet.

Small spaces are inherently intimate, providing a more direct experience with the garden than a more expansive space might allow. The quality of the small garden is less about the framed view from a fixed vantage point and more about being part of the space.

At its best, a small garden envelops you and hugs you close. But this requires creating a plan and then sticking to it because of the need for efficient use of space.

Taking the first steps toward the "lush, green oasis" of their visions, Hampel and Midson removed a graying cedar deck that once took up a good slice of the space. The lack of shade trees to the south made the deck unbearably hot in summer, and they liked the idea of a shade garden.

They put in a wood fence and an arbor gate and prepared the ground for planting and paving. The now-blank canvas is ready to be transformed into a garden with a patio to be used for small gatherings and outdoor dining.

"This is the kind of backyard many urban dwellers have," says Hampel. "It is small, enclosed and is the only land we have of our own."

GOALS

Create a lush, shady retreat that brims with green and encourages lingering.

The couple want to minimize hardscape elements, using soft edges, soothing textures and time-worn materials.

In addition, they would like a "cool and contemplative" space, implying that the garden should be a refuge from the hot sun as well as the bustle of life.

DESIGN SOLUTIONS

Yard map: The yard is a flat, empty rectangle that needs to be broken up according to its key uses -- such as patio, entryway and garden beds -- and how you will get to them. At the same time, it's important to think about such factors as size, sun vs. shade, degree of privacy and style.

Patio: To give a more intimate feeling, situate the patio as far as possible from the street and sidewalk; for convenience, put it close to the back door. By making the patio a step lower than the rest of the yard, it becomes further delineated as a "room" and feels more private.

Allow at least a foot between the patio and the fence to make room for plants that will edge the sunken patio and spill over its ledge. In general, patios should be at least 6 feet wide on all sides.

Path: The most interesting paths meander and obscure their destination from direct view but still provide an efficient route from place to place. A curving path is the perfect balance because it suggests a continuum of space and opens up room for a planting bed alongside the deck.

Trees: Trees delineate the spaces and provide structure in the garden. Two small trees, for example, placed on both sides of the path near the patio visually signify a transition into the private area of the garden. Small trees or shrubs around the patio give an added feeling of enclosure. A tall but narrow specimen at the south end provides the desired shade.

Plants: Generally speaking, the eye and mind prefer things to be presented in small, manageable units. In the garden this means planting in multiples -- typically three or five -- with a limited number of choice species. Plant collectors may scoff at the idea of sticking to a limited palette, but a quiet, restful planting scheme requires simplicity and repetition.

To add to the soothing effect, let plants with soft, feathery textures and rich greens and blues dominate the scene at ground level.

Plants for small gardens

Shade tree: A white-barked Himalayan birch (Betula utilis var. jaquemontii), with a mature size of about 45 feet tall and only 20 feet wide, would be tall enough to provide light shade over the garden but wouldn't grow too wide for the space. Birches are also fast growers, which means the full-sun yard will be a shady retreat in no time.

Small trees or multi-stemmed shrubs: Many shrubs can be limbed-up for a treelike effect. In the 8-10 foot range, try seven-son flower (Heptacodium miconioides), lily-flowered or star magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora, Magnolia stellata), fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus), silk-tassel bush (Garrya elliptica 'James Roof') or vine maple (Acer circinatum).

Vines and perennials: The options are limitless. Maximize the planting area with trellises and arbors to support vines such as climbing hydrangea for shade or passionflower for sun. Ferns, meadow rues, corydalis or bleeding hearts add to the soothing effect at ground level.

Lisa Russo

Source : OregonLive

Design professionals and furniture and gift retailers will find innovative lines at the San Francisco Mart during next week’s Winter Home Furnishings Show, Feb. 17-20. The show again is being held in cooperation with the San Francisco Intl. Gift Fair at Moscone Center.

Nationally recognized home decor, gift and decorative accessory leader Pacific Rim has opened a 6,500-square-foot showroom on the premier first floor at the San Francisco Mart, in space 105.

Another SF Mart newcomer, Transitional Designs, has opened a multiline showroom in space 133 that features furniture and accessories from AICO, Barrows, Butler Specialty, Chelsea House, Heather Brooke, J.D. Young & Sons, Kasmir Fabrics, Maitland-Smith, Merrimac Textiles, Pulaski, Robert Allen, Transitional Designs Upholstery and more.

Decima Island Design is new in space 578. The company imports home accents and occasional furniture with Indonesian and Asian character.

Existing showrooms also are bringing in new lines. Long-time tenant Kessler has just completed a remodel of its showroom in space 190. Gail Belz, showroom manager, has added three new lines: DalMarko Designs, Global Accents and Padma’s Plantation.

Direct Designs Home, a contemporary resource on the Mart’ fifth floor, has brought in five new modern lines: DIA, Howard Elliot, Oggeti, Robert Abbey Lighting and Surya.

JNA Trading in showroom 239 has added Zuo Modern.

Augmenting these permanent additions are new products in the Design Collection, a showcase of temporary exhibitors in the first floor lobby. Design Collection exhibitors are Art Talks, Back to the Picture, Bradley Brand Furniture, Goldwood Furniture, Kaaya Home, Lizz Greer Artisan Textiles, Micaela Gallery, Nouveau Accents, Super Troupe Kini Kini du Benin and The Ugly American.

Attendees also can attend five outstanding educational seminars: “Managing the Collision of the Generations” and “Fifteen Things You Can Do Now That Will Pay Off Big Later,” both presented by Barbara Wold, an author, marketing consultant and internationally known speaker; “Make it Big Through the Media” and “Build Your Business on a Budget,” both presented by Laurel Tielis, a public relations consultant; and a panel discussion, “Reaching Gay Consumers,” moderated by Gay.com and sponsored by PlanetOut.com.

Call (415) 437-7100 or visit www.sfmart.com for additional seminar information.

Source : FurnitureStyle

Think about cover-ups

Check out the garden for large bare-soil areas that would benefit from ground-cover plantings. Areas with chronic weed problems or where existing ground cover is struggling are candidates. Note the soil, light and weeds that are present, and then look through garden publications for plants that match the growing conditions.

Aside from standard ground covers, some hardy low-growing shrubs may fill the bill: Russian cypress (Microbiota decussata), dwarf Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica 'Nana'), prostrate junipers, Rhododendron 'Ruby Hart,' Stephanandra incisa 'Crispa' or ground-cover roses.

In USDA Zones 4-6, wait to plant until soil warms up, but in Zones 7-9, planting of woody ground covers can begin during winter when temperatures are in the 40s, as long as the soil is not too wet. For herbaceous plants, start in early spring, or plant throughout the growing season as long as you provide mulch and water.

SOURCE: "Month-By-Month Gardening in Washington & Oregon," by Mary Robson

PLANT NEW GROUND COVER

The number of plants you need for a ground cover depends on the size of plants (flats, 4-6 inch pots, 1-gallon or No. 1 containers), growth habit and growth rate. Here's how to plan for a new area.

1. Prepare the area by removing weeds and mulching thickly with 4 inches of coarse organic material. This can be done weeks to several months before planting.

2. Measure the area. Then calculate the number of plants to fill it at the desired spacing. One hundred plants such as Ajuga or strawberry set 8 inches apart should cover about 44 square feet. A spacing of 18 inches for woody plants such as 1-gallon cotoneaster covers 225 square feet.

3. Use a triangular grid to provide equal spacing in all directions. Make a template of cardboard or bamboo stakes for large areas. Plan to add filler plants in the second year.

4. Plant through existing mulch by scooping away enough to expose a bare patch for each spot. Water in if needed.

5. Water smaller plants more frequently than larger transplants. Fertilize lightly during the first year or two. Weed new plantings three to four times a month during the first growing season. The frequency will slow as plants fill in.

SOURCE: "Month-By-Month Gardening in Washington & Oregon," by Mary Robson

TEXT: Diana K. Colvin

PHOTOS: Marv Bondarowicz/The Oregonian

AROUND THE STATE

This is a good month to get a soil test.

In Western Oregon, plant inside seed flats of cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts.

Plant early-spring greens later in the month when soil temperatures range from 50 to 60 degrees.

Plant onions outdoors as soon as the soil is dry enough to dig.

Plant new roses; prune established ones. Also, plant fruit trees and deciduous shrubs.

Prune deciduous summer-blooming shrubs and trees. Also, prune fruit trees and blueberries.

Prune and train grapes; prune and trellis trailing berries.

Prune clematis and other ornamental vines.

If weather permits and soil is dry enough, spade or till garden areas for planting later.

Fertilize rhubarb with well-aged manure or a complete fertilizer.

Stay on slug and weed patrol.

In Central and Eastern Oregon, plant asparagus crowns if the soil is diggable.

Cut branches of quince, forsythia and flowering cherry and bring inside to force early bloom.

SOURCES: Oregon State University Extension Service, Seattle Tilth's The Maritime Northwest Garden Guide

Pub tables give dining a casual flair

Designers are beating the stuffiness out of every piece of furniture in the house. Dining tables are the latest to go downbeat by going up -- in height, that is.

The trend has various names from pub tables to what Crate and Barrel calls high dining.

Customers at Tigard-based Paul Schatz Furniture like these tall tables for media and family rooms, says design consultant Sue Amos. They also work well in second homes and loft and apartment spaces that take the formal out of dining room.

Victoria Grace put one in her floating home on the Columbia River.

"It was a space saver and casual," Grace says of the pub-height table she picked up at Pier 1. "It all makes sense for anyone who lives on the river."

Most of the tables range between 36 inches and 42 inches tall, and they usually have barstools to match.

So relax, belly up to the bar and feel free to rest your elbows on the table.

Nanine Alexander

Source : OregonLive

The furniture industry spends a lot of time talking about product and advertising and consumer trends. But when was the last time we thought about the people themselves?

Every “consumer” and every “employee” is a person with basic needs and hopes for a better life for themselves and their families.

How well do you know the needs and desires of your customers and employees? Have you considered those needs in your human resource practices and work design or in your approach to merchandising?

You could engage in long academic discussions about Maslow and Herberg, you could study Deming and Kohn, or you could simply examine your own feelings and experiences.

Most people would come to some very simple (and rather obvious) conclusions.

People want to feel that they have value and that they are respected
People want others to listen to them, with earnest
People want to be trusted
People want to have a sense of pride
People want a balance of independence and a sense of belonging
People want a balance between work and personal life

Do your advertising messages appeal to any of these needs?

Certainly price and terms are of interest. Ye, as a consumer myself, I am far more interested in whether the furniture will make my home more useful, more comfortable, and more attractive.

Does the store experience appeal to these needs? In a recent customer satisfaction survey at a major retailer, customers referred to the salespeople as “vultures.” Of course, that’s not every store, but too many, for sure.

My own experience at that major retailer was illuminating. Salespeople were more in their wallets, as evidenced by their incredible interest in and desire to sell fabric protection and warranties than sofas. Why? It’s all about sales commission instead of customer satisfaction.

Does the merchandise meet your customers’ needs?
Is it structurally sound with durable fabrics and finishes?
Do you provide product information? (Some retailers actually remove manufacturer’s tags because the customer may realize they don’t need to purchase fabric or finish treatments.)
How about work systems?
Do you provide your people with the tools, training, and information to do their jobs?
Do they know the boundaries of their authority?

At the Ritz Carlton hotels, every associate is authorized to spend up to $2,000 on the spot to resolve customer problems. Their data indicates that this program has actually saved them money by resolving problems at the lowest level. More importantly it is part of a system that is responsible for some of the best customer loyalty in any industry.

Retail success requires stores to be open evenings and weekends. For many, this is time away from friends and family.

Do you address these issues with rotating schedules and flexibility for employees who occasionally have special events they would like to attend?

In a recent discussion with the President of a major retail chain I was told, “you don’t understand salespeople and delivery drivers. They don’t want to be home with their wives. They go to the bar every night to avoid them.”

This guy was insensitive, sexist, and completely out of touch with his younger workforce. He apparently only looked at the world through his own experience as an unhappily married parent and father.

Are compensation systems designed to encourage behaviors consistent with the rules and written philosophy of the organization? Or, do bonuses and commissions encourage people to cheat customers and/or fellow employees?

What about fun? Do customers enjoy visiting your stores, or is it like buying a used car? Saturn figured this out and took the mistrust out of car buying. I know I often put off purchases because I hate the buying experience.

Do employees like to come to work? At Disney, they used to actually count smiles. They knew that unhappy employees were not going to make their guests happy.

These concepts are pretty simple in theory but they require real work and a willingness to change.

Start with an employee satisfaction survey and commitment to respond to what you learn. Get your human resources department to do more than recruit and protect you from lawsuits.

Do the same for your customers. Ask them what they want and give it to them.

Benchmark against other organizations and find out why their customers and employees are loyal.

Or you can continue to blame economic conditions for your circumstances and only look for cheaper products and ways to cut labor costs. (How’s that been working for you so far?)

Calidad is a pseudonym for a friend and former vice president, performance excellence at a Top 15 regional furniture chain.

Source : InsideFurniture

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