Improvements in outdoor upholstery fabric lead to stylish selections

Thibaut Inc.'s Courtyard Collection is the company’s first indoor/outdoor offering of colorfast, stain-resistant prints and woven upholstery fabric. Patterns can be mixed and matched to create a custom look for porches, patios, decks, kitchens, family rooms, baths, bedrooms and more. Shown here, in the Aqua colorway, is Bolton–a large, Jacobean woven pattern with a modern graphic look.

Textiles designed specifically for outdoor use have been around since 1961– the year that textile manufacturer Glen Raven Inc. introduced Sunbrella®, a ground-breaking, solution-dyed acrylic able to withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight, water and other outdoor elements. However, for many years, outdoor pattern and color choices remained extremely limited, and the hand of these fabrics was far from luxurious.

More recently, the number of resources offering outdoor fabric options has surged, in keeping with the increased attention paid to the design of outdoor living areas in general. The same market forces that have been driving sales of outdoor furniture and accessories also have been driving improvements in upholstery fabric, ushering in a new generation of stylish performance products at home anywhere sun-, stain- and water-resistance is desired.

Among the most recent illustrations of this trend is Thibaut Inc.’s Courtyard Collection, the company’s first-ever outdoor offering of upholstery fabric. Developed in response to customer demand, the collection features colorfast, stain-resistant prints and wovens that are perfect for outdoor and indoor use.

“Two patterns in particular—Bolton and Gabriel—are suitable for indoor use because they don’t have an outdoor theme and are family-friendly, with a lot of charm,” said Thibaut’s Stacy Senior. Bolton is a woven upholstery fabric with a large, graphic, Jacobean-inspired pattern that pairs well with Gabriel, a modern trellis design with geometric, interlocking diamonds.

Meanwhile, Sunbrella originator Glen Raven is working hard to put a fashion spin—in the most literal sense—on its newest collection of woven jacquard performance fabrics. To call attention to the stylish new look of what used to be utilitarian outdoor products, the company is sponsoring fashion shows, in furniture stores, featuring apparel made from its fabrics. The events are hosted by home furnishings expert Joe Ruggiero, who designs Sunbrella fabrics and the outfits worn during the shows.

“The fashion shows are an example of taking a familiar product and putting it into a different context for a huge impact,” Ruggiero said. “Another benefit of the fashion shows is how they illustrate the crossover in design influences between home furnishings and apparel. Many of the fabrics that I am designing today are influenced by trends in apparel, and the Sunbrella fashion shows really bring that point across.”

Furniture Tips : Teak Care

In clean air untreated teak weathers to an attractive ash gray, but where most boats live, the assault of modern-day air pollutants quickly turns bare teak nearly black. Scrubbing tends to leave behind an unattractive mottled look, neither golden nor gray. Most boatowners eventually find themselves unhappy with either look and decide that some treatment is essential.

Paint provides the longest lasting protection but it hides the wood. If we want the natural beauty of the wood to show, we must apply a clear coating. The choices are oil, sealer, or varnish.

Cleaning
Before teak can be given any coating, it must be completely clean. Your expensive teak is literally dissolved by strong cleaners, so always use the mildest cleaner that does the job. A 75/25 mixture of liquid laundry detergent (such as Wisk) and chlorine bleach may be adequate, perhaps boosted with TSP (trisodium phosphate). Apply this mixture with a stiff brush, scrubbing lightly with the grain. Leave it on the wood for several minutes to give the detergent time to suspend the dirt and the bleach time to lighten the wood, then rinse the wood thoroughly, brushing it to clear the grain.

If the teak is still dark or stained when it dries, a cleaner with oxalic acid is required. This is the active ingredient in most single-part teak cleaners. Wet the teak and sprinkle on the cleaner. Spread it evenly with a Scotchbrite or bronze wool pad, then give it a few minutes to work. While the wood is still wet, scrub it with the Scotchbrite pad or bronze wool. (Never, ever, ever use steel wool aboard your boat-it will leave a trail of rust freckles that will be impossible to remove.) Oxalic acid will dull paint and fiberglass and damage anodized aluminum, so wet down surrounding surfaces before you start and keep them free of the cleaner. Rinse the scrubbed wood thoroughly-brushing is required-and let it dry completely.

Two-part teak cleaners are dramatically effective at restoring the color to soiled, stained, and neglected teak, but these formulations contain a strong acid-usually hydrochloric-and should only be used when gentler cleaning methods have failed. Wet the wood to be cleaned. The cleaner will dissolve natural bristles, so use a nylon brush to paint part one onto the wet wood. Avoid getting the cleaner onto adjoining surfaces. Remove the dissolved surface by scrubbing the wood with the grain with a stiff brush or a Scotchbrite pad.

Part two neutralizes the acid in part one, and it usually has some additional cleaning properties. Paint a sufficient amount of part two onto the teak to get a uniform color change, then scrub lightly. Flush away all traces of the cleaner and let the wood dry.

Oil
Oiling teak on boats is a time-honored tradition. Oil intensifies the colors and grain patterns of wood and gives the wood a rich, warm appearance. Because it simply enhances the inherent beauty of the wood-more like salt than sauce-oiling is arguably the most attractive of all wood finishes, and it restores some of the teak's natural oils and resins. Unfortunately, the benefit of oiling exterior teak is extremely transitory. The sorry truth is that teak will last just as long if you don't oil it-longer really, since repeated between-coat scrubbing wears the wood away. But oiling teak isn't about protecting the wood; it's about recovering and maintaining that golden glow that made us want teak on the boat in the first place.

Teak oils are primarily either linseed oil or tung oil, bolstered by resins to make them more durable. Linseed oil tends to darken the teak, but it is significantly cheaper. Tung oil doesn't darken the wood, and it is more water resistant than linseed oil-a notable advantage for boat use. However, a month or two after application, it may be hard to discern that much difference since both oils carbonize in the sun and turn dark. Proprietary teak oils address this problem with various additives, including pigments, UV filters, and mildew retardants. Some that perform admirably in one climate are reviled in another. If you are going to oil your teak, make your teak oil selection based on the recommendations of other boatowners in your area.

Apply teak oil with a paint brush. Immediately wipe up (with a spirits-dampened cloth) any drips or runs on fiberglass or painted surfaces, or the resins the oil contains will leave dark, nearly-impossible-to-remove stains. Watch out for sneaky runs below the rail.

Oiling requires multiple coats. The wood will initially "drink" the oil, and thinning the first coat about 20% with mineral spirits or turpentine encourages it to penetrate the wood more deeply. By the third coat, oil will begin to stand in some areas. Wipe up excess oil with a cloth. Continue to brush on the oil and wipe away any excess until the wood is saturated. The wood should have a matte finish without any shiny spots.

Sealers
Another approach to achieving a natural look is the application of a sealer. Durability and ease of application have made some sealers very popular with boatowners.

Sealers don't feed the wood but, as the name suggests, they seal out moisture and dirt, and seal in natural oils and resins. Unfortunately, the oils and resins may already be lost, so the first step in applying a sealer to old teak is to restore the oil content with a thorough application of teak oil. Clean and bleach the wood to a uniform color, then oil it until it refuses to accept more. Now wait at least two weeks to let the resins dry before you apply the sealer.

After two weeks, wash the wood and let it dry completely. Sealers need an oil-free surface to attach to, so wipe the wood heavily with a rag soaked in acetone to remove all oil from the surface. The oil the wood has absorbed will be unaffected by this quick-flashing solvent. Unless the can instructs you otherwise, apply sealer exactly like oil. A throw-away brush is adequate for the job, and brushing technique is not a concern. Wipe away all excess with a cloth. Apply additional coats until the surface shows a uniform matte finish.

Maintain sealed wood by washing it and applying a fresh coat of sealer every two to three months.

Varnish
Aside from its much-admired appearance, varnish offers genuine protection for the wood. Wood coated with varnish will not dry out and split, will not absorb moisture and rot, is unaffected by dirt and pollution, and will be untouched, thus unstained, by oily or greasy spills.

The absence of pigment in varnish means it does not shield the underlying surface from the sun. Ultraviolet radiation penetrates the coating and carbonizes the oils in the wood, causing the wood to darken beneath the varnish. To minimize this effect, varnish makers add ultraviolet inhibitors-sun screens-to their products. For exterior brightwork, select a quality spar varnish (not urethane varnish) heavily fortified with UV inhibitors. As always, get local recommendations from other boatowners before selecting a specific varnish.

Teak doesn't hold varnish as well as other woods due to its oil content, but a long-lasting coating is possible with the right technique. Books have been written about applying varnish. You may not get that perfect, mirror-like finish on your first try, but as long as the wood is ivory smooth, the weather is warm and dry, and you don't "worry" the varnish with too many brush strokes, you should get admirable results. Plan on applying at least six coats.

For more information about oiling and varnishing brightwork, consult Sailboat Refinishing by Don Casey.

Buying Outdoor Furniture : Shopping Guides

Old Man Winter has finally packed his bags and moved out. Although his bite is still nipping a little at our heels, the promise of reuniting with the warm outdoors is so close. I'm now picturing lazy summer nights on my small patio. The kids are in bed, the Metro buses have stopped roaring past my house and the crickets are chirping. That's when my husband and I enjoy our small patio the most. But the right outdoor furniture is key. I talked to retailers and a garden designer about how to buy the right furniture for your patio. Here are their tips:

Tip #1: Before heading out to buy patio or lawn furniture, analyze the space where it will go. Think about what you'll need it for: Is it for lavish dinner parties or quiet newspaper-and-coffee mornings? Does the space get a ton of sun? Will the furniture be sitting on grass or on a hard surface? Your answers will help determine if you need an umbrella or if you need a lighter weight furniture for grassy spots. It can also help you decide if you need a large table and chairs or just a simple set of comfy chairs with an end table between them.

Tip #2: If you're buying a table for a patio or deck, measure the space that you're planning to fill. Keep in mind that the chairs around a table take up an additional 24 inches of space. And then you'll need an extra 24 to 36 inches from the back of the chairs to be able to walk around. Before you buy, go home with the furniture measurements and use chalk to draw the dimensions on your patio or deck to get an idea of whether it will all fit in the space.

Tip #3: Material is everything in outdoor furniture. You want it to be durable so it can withstand the elements but you also want it to look nice and be maintenance-free. "The reality of any outdoor furniture is that weather has a serious effect on it," says Ann Sulkie, owner of Gardens by Ann, a local garden design firm. "The summer sun is brutal on furniture." Here's the lowdown on some of the most common materials: Wrought iron is indestructible but should be washed before and after the summer season with warm soapy water. If the paint chips, it'll need to be touched up. It's heavy, so it's best for a patio or deck rather than grass. And if taken care of, it will last for decades. Aluminum is lighter than wrought iron and doesn't rust. But it certainly doesn't last as long as wrought iron. Wicker is more fragile against the elements of the outdoors. Some manufacturers sell resin wicker, which is wrapped around a steel or aluminum frame, making it more durable and easier to clean. Outdoor furniture made out of wood makes for a nice earthy look but it will change as the sun and rain hit it. Pine and cedar are softer and more affordable than shorea and mahogany. Teak is the toughest of the woods but probably the most expensive. And finally, recycled plastic is often made to look like wood without having to chop down the trees. It's also lighter in weight.

Tip #4: If you're going for pillows and chair covers, make sure you have a place to store them when you're not outside. Storing them during your indoor time will preserve the look and life of the pillows. "If you leave them out all the time, they're going to look shabby quickly," Sulkie says. Look for pillows that have some kind of color stay protection, as well as polyester fibers to allow air to filter through. Also, cushions with patterns on both sides can be flipped over when Junior loses control of his cherry-flavored popsicle and mommy spills her glass of red wine trying to save the frozen treat.

Tip #5: Go with an umbrella that's a lighter, neutral color. Otherwise a bright colored umbrella will look faded and dull by the end of the summer.

Tip #6: If you're buying a chaise lounge for stretching out your legs, make sure you spend a lot of time trying it out in the store before plunking down your credit card. There's nothing worse than an uncomfortable chaise lounge.

Tip #7: If you're working with a small space, consider a bar table set rather than a full-sized table. A bar set will hold about four people for cocktails or two people for a meal. Bar stools rather than chairs will also conserve space. If you must go with a traditional dining table, consider armless chairs. They'll take up less space around the table. If you're working with a small deck, consider taking out some of the railings and building benches around the border. That way you can put a table in front of the bench for a small dining area that doesn't take up a ton of space.

Tip #8: If you're working with limited funds, wait until after July 4th for sales on outdoor furniture. Another dollar saver is to just replace your cushions, umbrella and any other outdoor accessories rather than replacing the entire furniture set. It'll update your outdoor look without having to shell out the big bucks for new furniture pieces.

Tip #9: If you're handy and creative, check out yard sales and flea markets for old furniture that can be turned into a lawn or patio set with a can of paint.

Tip #10: Make sure you have a place to put the furniture during the winter months. If not, consider investing in heavy duty covers to protect each of the pieces.

So, what are your tips for buying outdoor furniture? Where are the best places to get outdoor pieces?

And on a different note... have you ever shopped at Bloom, the new grocery store chain that claims to offer a different shopping experience? I'd love to hear about your experience. E-mail me at shoptoit@washingtonpost.com.

Tips on using old odds and ends in your garden

Personalize your landscape with seasoned materials and objects. Here are some suggestions from designer Sandy Koepke (www.sandykoepkeinteriordesign.com):

Materials and finishes: Worn stone, recycled concrete, weathered wood and rusted or oxidized metal suggest a timeless feeling. "These elements are ideal for exterior use because you don't have to worry about further exposure to sun, wind, saltwater or rain," Koepke says.

Adornments: Functional objects can become garden artwork and containers. Any vessel can be transformed into a planter if there is enough space for roots and a drainage hole. Stone or porcelain sinks, metal drums and tubs, wooden boxes and metal pipes can be converted into containers.

Architectural fragments: Pieces of iron scrollwork, such as a fence panel, railing, post or gate, lend a sense of age to the garden. They can double as a trellis for a climbing vine. Shutters and old windows will liven up a wall or help screen utility areas. Jazz up bare spots in the landscape with collections that have a common history.

Furniture: Scout flea markets and architectural salvage sources for benches, stools and tables to add character to the mix. For example, an old chaise can find a home alongside newer furnishings; an old side table suggests a room-like feeling.

Lighting: Old lanterns and chandeliers can be wired for outdoors or fitted for candles. All kinds of odd containers can be appropriated for votive holders or larger pedestal candles.

Hardware: Aging and humble, old shelf brackets, hooks, chains, knobs, bells, wire and grates are visually interesting and potentially functional.

Water features: Stone or metal troughs can serve as catch basins for fountains assembled from old spigots or found objects.

Purchase The Right Furniture For Your Outdoors

Who doesn’t like the great outdoors? That light breeze, the warm sunshine and a great lounge chair - these are all you need to uplift your mood. While there is little you can do about the breeze and the sun, you can definitely select good outdoor furniture to make your day beautiful. Outdoor furniture pieces need to be chosen carefully because they are exposed to the ravages of weather much more than the indoor ones. You could try Amish made furniture as it is well known for its beauty and durability. This article will help you select sturdy and durable furniture for your outdoor rendezvous with nature.

For most of the outdoor furniture, it is the material that is most important. If you are considering traditional furniture, consider buying Amish furniture made of wood. Teak is a perennial favorite with buyers because of its lovely coloring and hardwood qualities. Teak is also capable of holding its own against all weather conditions and its natural oils act as natural deterrents to mosses. No re-polishing or painting is necessary for teak as it lasts long without excessive finishing.

Wooden furniture looks good but needs a lot of maintenance. The best type of wooden furniture for outdoors would be Oak furniture. Oak can be quite durable and come in various varieties like Chinese Oak and Red Oak. Again, Amish Oak furniture can be a great choice for your patio.

If you are going for wooden furniture, cedar is a good choice too. This wood is softer than Oak but looks particularly warm and inviting. Moreover, it is much lighter than Oak and thus it is easier to transfer this furniture from one place to the other in times of need. A popular form of cedar is Red Cedar. Both Oak and cedar are durable and have materials that keep fungus, insects and mildew away.

Since your outdoors is the first thing a guest notices, it becomes even more important to not only buy durable furniture but also furniture that looks good. You have to use your creativity to arrange your beautiful outdoor furniture in your courtyard or patio. You can use lovely Amish handcrafted furniture to create a formal look and make your guests appreciate your exquisite outdoors.

However, if you intend to use your outdoor for family outings like barbecues, it is better to use simpler furniture, as you do not want your high-end expensive pieces to get ruined by the heat. Similarly, if your outdoors includes a swimming pool, you should keep good quality plastic furniture to enhance the pool side effect.

The whole decoration of your patio should be as natural as possible. Too many decorative pieces will add too much artificiality to the outdoor look. Thus you will have to be smart in your selection of furniture and lighting so that they add to the natural surroundings as effortlessly as possible. Try not to clutter your patio with too many furniture, as this place needs to be very spacious. Also, buy furniture that fits well according to the size of your garden. An oversized armchair for a small courtyard or a tiny stool for a huge garden will be very odd looking.

Finally, always remember that your outdoor is meant for relaxation and rest and the ambience should always be inviting and simple.

Top 5 Advantages Of Teak Garden Furniture

As warm weather approaches, you may find yourself searching for garden furniture. What is a backyard barbecue without garden furniture – after all, where would your guests sit? Though there is a wide variety of patio furniture, none is as beautiful as garden furniture made with teak. Why is teak a great material for garden furniture? Well, there are some distinct advantages, such as these:

Advantage #1 – Durable and Strong

Teak has many advantages over other materials used to make patio furniture. The first and most significant advantage is that teak is a strong, durable and beautiful hardwood from India, Thailand or Malaysia. This exotic material was first used in the Middle Ages as a shipbuilding material, so it had to be strong to endure the long voyages at sea.

Advantage #2 – Waterproof

After the ships were decommissioned, the boats made with teak material were still salvageable, since teak did not rot or rust, even when joined with metal. This is one of the reasons that teak is such a great material used to make garden furniture. So, if teak could survive long trips on the harsh ocean, image how well it will stand up in your garden—without rusting or rotting! These waterproofing advantages are what make teak garden furniture an exceptional choice for your garden furniture.

Advantage #3 – Low Maintenance

Garden furniture can be extremely high maintenance. Some materials attract dirt and grime more than other materials however, not teak wood. Teak, on the other hand, is very low maintenance, making teak garden furniture a great buy. If you are looking for a low maintenance material for your garden furniture, teak wood is the way to go.

Advantage #4 – Long-lasting

Since most people can’t afford to buy new garden furniture each year, another distinct advantage of teak garden furniture over garden furniture made from other materials is that it is extremely long-lasting. Teak garden furniture is so strong that it can stand the test of time, making it extremely cost-effective.

Advantage #5 – Stylish

If you’re looking for sleek and stylish garden furniture, look no further than teak garden furniture. To keep teak’s original color, all you have to do is use teak oil annually. Or, if you prefer, allow the color to change naturally over time. With so many finish choices, there is sure to be at least one shade and style to suit your garden furniture needs.

If you’re anxiously awaiting the warm weather season and especially looking forward to purchasing teak garden furniture, don’t forget the advantages that teak has over any other material—you won’t be disappointed. Durable and strong, waterproof, low maintenance, long-lasting and stylish, teak garden furniture should be your first choice when you shop for garden furniture.

Teak Garden Furniture : A smart Choice for Outdoor Seating

Who doesn’t want to own a beautiful garden? Those that are lucky to have a beautiful garden, spend a lot of time in their gardens to enjoy the beauty of nature. And what better way to spend you’re time in the garden, than to relax on you’re garden furniture. Wicker, wrought iron, bamboo and woods such as oak, teak etc are some of the materials, that are used to make garden furniture. Due to the many advantages of teak wood, many people nowadays opt for teak garden furniture.

Garden furniture selections include, tables, chairs, swings, garden benches, recliners, chaise lounges, sun umbrellas etc. All these are available in teak as well. People invest in teak garden furniture since amongst all hardwoods, its the most durable. And so despite the high costs associated with teak furniture, people don’t mind indulging on themselves. Really, this only adds value to your net worth in the end.

Choosing your teak garden furniture with attention and prudence will help you in bringing out the best of you’re garden, since teak is associated with luxury, elegance and style. Craftsmanship in the intricate work on your teak garden furniture stands out. Another great thing about this furniture is that it does not require a lot of maintenance.

Beautifully created teak garden furniture, intensifies the beauty of you’re garden. However certain factors need to be kept in mind while going in for you’re garden furniture. Firstly, its important that you’re furniture provides utility in addition to looking good. There’ little point of having something that looks amazing but is barely comfortable. Moreover the theme of your garden furniture should match with the theme of you’re house, or else it will only be like a fish out of water, no matter how beautiful it is. Bear in mind these important factors while choosing you’re teak garden furniture.

New trendy and stylish designs of teak garden furniture has come about, due to the high demand for teak garden furniture. Moreover due to this high demand, manufactures are cashing in on this and providing for customer’s personal choice. Customers inform manufacturers of their choice and manufacturers are creating individualized products as per customer’s requirements. This is a great benefit to customers who get exactly what they want in their teak garden furniture.

A Number Of Reasons For You To Invest In Teak Garden Furniture

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.

Find Your Teak Patio Furniture

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.

To Oil or Not to Oil Teak Wood Furniture

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.

All About Outdoor Furniture

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.