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.

Create a Balinese Garden : Backyard Ideas

For many Australians, their love affair with Bali is a life-long commitment. So it’s not very surprising that so many yearn to recreate just some of that lushness in their own backyards. But to capture the essence of the traditional Balinese garden, you need to look at it from a Balinese perspective. “Balinese look at gardens differently,” says Kerry Davies of Bali Gardens. “For the Balinese, the whole island is a garden. It is the gods who own the land, they are only the caretakers and it is the responsibility of the caretaker to tend that land and create beauty.” Because of this entrenched, long-held view, it’s not surprising to find that the key element of a Balinese garden or courtyard is spirit, says Kerry. “I use the word ‘spirit’ in the widest sense,” she explains. “It is the combination of dedication, love, sensuality and beauty in a garden environment. It is wellbeing.” As an expression of this sense of spirit, Balinese gardens often feature lit sandalwood incense or an offering of flowers, discreetly placed near a statue, as a gesture of thanks to the gods and goddesses. Expression through art “The next most important element is art. Artwork is a reflection of spirit and love and comes directly from the hands of the craftsmen and women of Bali itself,” she continues. Hand-carved timber and stone statuary play a vital role. Typically, figures of popular Balinese gods or goddesses will be set in a wall niche, placed in a far corner of the garden or set amid lush greenery. When it comes to placement, discretion is the key. For a traditional look, Kerry recommends statues of Rama, Sinta, Ganesha and Saraswati — all characters from the Ramayana — as well as warrior statues and Buddhas, whether standing, sitting or reclining.

More decorative options include statues of temple men and women, Gamelan players and Balinese dancers.

Authenticity is important if you want to capture the essence of a real Balinese garden, and thanks to the large number of garden art importers around today, securing a genuine Balinese artifact should be no problem at all. If you want to create the impression that your garden has been there for generations, take the time to search out a weathered statue or figurine. But this doesn’t mean you have to forgo colour in the quest for character. Some of the older timber figurines are vibrantly painted; some even have a gold lustre.

While reproduction pieces can still infuse your garden with the flavour of Bali, if you do decide to opt for handcrafted pieces you’ll find that each one will have something special to offer. Says Kerry: “Although Balinese artisans may be carving the same characters over and over, each face is different and each artist puts a little bit of themselves into its creation. One statue may have a wry smile, a shy look, a look of regret or a peaceful expression.”

The welcome of water
Water is the third essential ingredient. A mist-maker or even a bowl of water with floating flowers and a couple of lit candles can engender that sense of peace and tranquillity we have come to associate with the Balinese style of garden.

While fountains are not common in Bali, the waterspout certainly is. Handcarved waterspouts, typically featuring animal designs, are popular around swimming pools and ponds and add the ambient sound of running water — just the thing to conjure up memories of balmy island nights.
A pond is another way to introduce running water into the environment. For the best effect the pond needs to be natural looking and merge with the foliage and rocks in the garden. Once again, discretion is the key to success.

Building on the theme
Extend the Balinese theme even further with ceremonial accessories such as a colourful fabric temple umbrella and stand or a long, billowing flag that sits high atop a long pole, just like those that hang in the streets of Bali during festival time. You can also add woven sashes and sarongs, as well as traditional Indonesian masks, to the walls in covered areas.
Continuing to take your cue from Balinese religious and cultural traditions, a pair of temple doors can make for a highly evocative ornamental feature ... or a delightful way to mark the passage from one part of the garden to another.

To create a picture-perfect and practical outdoor living area, consider building a pavilion with either a vine-strewn timber beam roof or traditional Indonesian thatch. Thatch is an authentic material and a great insulator, so you’ll be cool and collected all summer.
In a covered area, rattan furniture conveys a lovely Asian flavour, while teak — whether a handcarved day bed or a dining setting — is an ideal choice for both covered and uncovered areas.

To light your way
“Use hanging bamboo lamps and lanterns to light the perimeter of
an outdoor pavilion or courtyard, or to light the way along a path,” suggests Kerry.
Lanterns tend to come in two basic types. A large traditional thatch lantern with a dori crown is ideal if you have a large outdoor space. They can be placed on a decorative, handcarved base and connected to the electricity supply for a spectacular night show. For smaller spaces and courtyards, there are miniature thatch and dingle lanterns that can also be ‘electrified’.
“Nightlights and traditional thatch lanterns add an authentic touch,” says Kerry. “Because it is made from stained teak timber and has a thatch roof, the traditional lantern may look too fragile for the Australian climate, but all it needs is a few coats of Estapol and it will last a long time.

“The ijuk black thatch is made from the ‘hairs’ on the trunk of a palm tree. These ‘hairs’ are pulled out one by one and worked together to form a deep thatch that never rots. The only trouble is that the magpies know that too, so it needs to be covered every August and September during the nesting season or a toy snake placed around the roof.

“Magpies aside, the lanterns stand up to Australian conditions very well. A 50W halogen low-voltage light is best under the large lanterns and a 15 or 20W under the miniature lanterns.”
Some Australians like to add handcarved stone lanterns, with or without a carved pillar, and while these can contribute a delightful Asian-flavoured ambience, they are decorative rather than traditional, says Kerry.

How green is your garden
We have all come to think of the quintessential Balinese garden as a haven of lush and lavish greenery occasionally punctuated by flashes of tropical floral colour. And while plants are important, they are there to enhance the art and water feature, whether it’s a natural pond with a rock cascade, a flower-strewn water bowl or a handcarved stone waterspout.

Plants, not manmade structures, define the architecture of the Balinese or sub-tropical garden. Structural plants with strong vertical and horizontal lines and bold, dramatic foliage — such as palms, bamboo, tree ferns, cycads and aloes — will create the most dramatic effect. Use plants with large leaves to create the framework. Look for plants with broad, shield-shaped leaves, eye-catching patterns and long stalks.
Use smaller plants with colourful foliage to fill in spaces and add interest. And to ensure a lush look, dense planting is the way to go.

To have the best chance of success, choose plants that are native to your area or at least suited to your local climate and soil conditions.
Plants can also have a practical purpose, helping to shade a fish-filled pond, create a privacy screen or divide different areas of the garden. For an authentic-looking screen, consider a stand of non-invasive, clumping bamboo or perhaps bamboo cladding or panels of thatch.
Ultimately, the key to success is to simply capture the essence of the Balinese garden and this can be easily done with a few carefully selected and placed statues, an ambient water feature and a planting scheme that is simultaneously serene and dramatic

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.

How To Choose Your Garden Furniture And Make It Last

Before you buy any garden furniture it is strongly recommended that you do some research. Doing so will greatly increase your chances of buying garden furniture that is right for you and will last you a long time. Following are some important tips you need to consider before you buy.

Firstly decide whether you want stackable or foldaway furniture that will be put away in the shed or garage in winter or if you want permanent solid garden furniture that remains in situ all year round. If you want your garden furniture to be a permanent part of your garden for esthetic reasons then it is recommended that you go for heavy furniture made from hardwood, aluminum or wrought iron with rust proofing. It is well worth spending the money on the heavier more durable materials as this will be much more cost effective in the long run.

Choosing the right type of material and construction is paramount. Decide what kind of material for your garden furniture would best compliment your patio or garden. Select a material that will stay in balance with your garden.

Wood is the best all round as it is lightweight, esthetically pleasing and comfortable but requires some maintenance. Choose a tropical hardwood which is high in natural oil content like teak, iroko or courbaril. These woods are weather resistant and can be left outside throughout the year.

Make sure that mortice and tenon joints are used for your teak garden furniture and not bolts which corrode. If any metal fittings are used in the construction make sure they are made from brass, stainless steel or aluminum which are corrosion resistant.

Make sure the construction is only premium grade teak for our garden furniture, so any knots, cracks and other defects are eliminated before the timber is used to build the furniture. Additionally, Make sure your teak garden furniture is kiln dried to optimise moisture content and ensure shape is maintained and cracks are eliminated.

Teak garden furniture that is assembled using epoxy based glues tend to have the best performance and durability of all the types of joints as the epoxy resin used will not be affected by rain or frost.

If your teak garden furniture becomes dirty it is easy to clean with warm soapy water and a scrubbing brush which will enable you to restore the beautiful silver grey weathered look. If required a pressure hose can be used at 60-80 bar [900-1200psi] at a distance of no less than 30cm.

Once your teak garden furniture has weathered the colour will be enhanced by an annual scrub. A small amount of bleach added to the water will suppress any algae growth.

Any stains and grease spots can be immediately removed by washing down using a light detergent then rinsing off with clean water as soon as they occur. However, this is not essential as nature will take its course over time.

In dry weather small cracks will appear in the end of the grain timbers. This is natural and no action needs to be taken as when the moisture in the atmosphere increases the timber will return to its original condition.

It is not necessary to use teak oil or varnish as these will not extend the life of your garden furniture and are purely cosmetic. However, if you wish to preserve the as new appearance of your teak garden furniture the application of teak oil when the furniture is new will give a more lustre finish than leaving untouched. Please ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions as usually this is a three stage process. Make sure the timber is completely dry when you apply the teak oil, otherwise the furniture will blacken.

Wrought iron garden furniture generally looks the best as it is usually hand crafted to give a unique look. The disadvantages of wrought iron furniture is that it is not as comfortable as wood and heavier to move around. Additionally, iron rusts so wrought iron garden furniture has to be especially coated to prevent it from rusting so make sure the supplier gives you at least a one year warranty against rust.

Finally, if you can, it is recommended that you invest in a cover for your garden furniture. Covers now come in all shapes and sizes and are well worth the money as they add years to the life of your garden furniture. Simply place the cover on your garden furniture every evening or when it rains, you will see the benefits in the long term.

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.

Adirondack All Weather Furniture - Choosing the Right Wood Type

Few people are aware of the fact that the idea for quality Adirondack all weather furniture began with a quest to find the perfect chair for relaxing on lazy summer evenings. This is why comfort is one of the very first things anyone thinks of when imagining an Adirondack chair or lounger. Aside from comfort, the other feature that most comes to mind when thinking about Adirondack all weather furniture is durability…why else would they call it all-weather!?

Because the original Adirondack chairs were originally designed for outdoor use at some lake cottage or similar retreat—the furniture had to be durable and was thus made from woods such as:

1. Cypress

2. Pine

3. Cedar

The use of cypress for construction purposes dates all the way back to ancient Egypt when the wood was a material for the construction of caskets for the first pharaohs. Today, cypress is a very common wood and used to make outdoor furniture like swings and various deck accessories. Cypress is also commonly used to make doors and windows as well because it has a preservative within the wood grain that helps it naturally repel insects and resist rot and decay which is why it is a popular choice when crafting quality-made Adirondack chairs and patio furniture.

Pine is another common wood used to make quality Adirondack all weather chairs and other seasonal outdoor furniture. Because of its abundance and relatively quick growth cycle, pine tends to be a cheaper wood and is used extensively in the construction of many outdoor furniture pieces, including tables, benches, swings, chairs, and loungers. Pine tends to have a relatively low oil content and tends to thus dry out easily, making it susceptible to cracking. However, when properly maintained, pine can be used to make premium Adirondack all weather furniture.

Cedar is a great wood when thinking about quality Adirondack outdoor furniture. Having a reddish brown color, cedar wood tends to be somewhat knotty and is actually a softwood. Cedar is naturally insect repellant and tends to have a very distinctive aroma which can be managed with a sealer. However, quality Adirondack all weather furniture made from cedar is both beautiful and very durable making it an excellent choice when buying patio or deck chairs, tables, or accessories.

Outdoor Furniture for your Cottage Garden

A blooming cottage garden is a show stopping garden. It has a natural whimsical feel and it picks the interest of all its visitors with the desire to identify the different intricately placed plants. The cottage garden is a collection of bountiful blooms that give an ever-changing feel over the growing seasons. Although the most of the cottage themed garden is away from the street, there some hints in the front yard of the back yard treasure.

A cottage garden is one of the easiest gardens to maintain as it has a natural feel. There is however a fine line between a well kept cottage garden and a garden jungle. Maintenance of your cottage garden includes regularly inspecting the garden and pulling volunteer tree seedling. Keep the plants that spread at an invasive rate under check. Every time you walk your garden, carry pruning shears to keep your plants dead headed to encourage blooming. Once the perennials are spent and done with their blooming cut them back when they are no longer attractive.

One of the best ways to enjoy your garden is by sitting on outdoor patio furniture in your backyard. Invest in nice outdoor patio furniture. Shopping for outdoor patio furniture can be a challenge as well because of the wide variety to choose from. Outdoor patio furniture can be made from aluminum, which is lightweight and allows you to move your furniture around as needed. The type of outdoor patio furniture comes with fabric padding in all different colors and designs.

Some outdoor patio furniture is made from aluminum mesh; this resembles wrought iron but doesn’t need the same maintenance that the iron needs. There is also patio furniture made of cast aluminum. This is heavier than regular outdoor patio furniture. It is however very ornate and beautiful and is available in many colors and styles. PVC has also been used to make great outdoor patio furniture. PVC makes for simple, durable and affordable patio furniture. Rattan has the more traditional look of patio furniture. High quality rattan is very durable. Other types are resin, steel; which can last a life time, teak, wicker and wrought iron. With such a variety, you won’t have any trouble finding a style and design to match your needs.

Wood benches in your cottage garden blend in well. You can use them for sitting while admiring your handy work, allowing you to sit in your backyard and take in the smells and sights of your labor. There are also wooden benches that seat two. These benches are perfect for a quiet chat in the backyard with a friend.

There are many types and styles of wood benches to choose from. You choice of bench will be determined by its function. Garden wood benches are made out of many different types of wood. They can be made out of oak, pine or chestnut. Whatever wood the benches are made of, they need to be sturdy and resilient as well as being able to survive the elements. Garden wood benches are also found in many styles, the standard backless bench, the planted bench, a love seat style bench, a Nantucket bench, Adirondack bench and the bench that wraps around a back yard tree. Whichever you choose, it will blend well in your cottage garden.

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.

Teak Patio Furniture For Your Life

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.

Some Tips For Finding The Right Patio Furniture

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.

Getting Creative With Your Outdoor Furniture

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.

Teak Patio Furniture: Your Buying Options

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.

Making the Most of The Outdoors - Decks Furniture

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.

All About Teak Wood Furniture History

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 ‘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.

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.

How To Choose Patio Furniture that compatible with the Decor of your Patio

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.

Discount Outdoor Furniture - Bargain Hunting Tips

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

Care and Maintenance of Teak Outdoor Furniture

Proper cleaning and maintenance will extend the life of your outdoor furniture.

There is a great diversity of opinions about how outdoor furniture should be cleaned and maintained. With proper maintenance, hoteliers can prolong the life of their vinyl strapped outdoor furniture. Using these care and maintenance tips can also reduce repair and replacement costs.

Taking care of vinyl finish
New vinyl and paint both have finishes on them. Pool chlorine, bleach, solvents and many commercial cleaning solutions will damage these finishes. This damage accelerates staining, fading and ultimate failure of the vinyl and paint. Cleaning with such chemicals can cut the life expectancy of vinyl and paint in half. The average life of vinyl in commercial use is about two to three years, and paint lasts about four to five years. Proper cleaning and maintenance may more than double these numbers.

Vinyl is porous material
Vinyl pores must breathe and should not be clogged with suntan lotions and body oils. Damage to the finish due to improper cleaning, along with commercial use and exposure, results in mildew and other fungi becoming firmly rooted in the pores. The vinyl soon becomes stained and virtually impossible to clean. At this point, the damage is done and it is time for new vinyl. The use of vinyl “protectants” are not recommended because they may combine with other chemicals in the commercial environment, get baked in by the sun and clog the pores like oils. The furniture may look great for a while, and then the straps may suddenly start to break.

Suntan oil
Suntan oil contains iodine and other caustic chemicals that stain vinyl. Without proper removal, these chemicals will become baked in by the sun and will eat away the finish of the vinyl. Ultimately, the stains will degrade the vinyl, causing it to crack and break. The combination of sunshine, pool chlorine and suntan oil is fatal to vinyl.

Other sources of stain
Avoid using unfiltered well water or ground water when cleaning the furniture, and pay attention to where the wind blows the ground water from sprinkler systems. Unfiltered water often causes staining of outdoor furniture due to sulfur, iron oxide and other minerals commonly found in ground water in certain states. Only fresh city water or filtered well water should be used.

If your hotel is in a tropical area, pods and the bark of many tropical trees and shrubs can cause stains. Small pods from flowers fall to the ground and leave brown stains. The primary staining agent is tannic acid, which is used in the tanning of leather, dyeing of cloth, in the production .of paper and silk and as a coagulant in the manufacturing of rubber. Tannic acid is found in many trees and shrubs, such as:

• Most species of Oak trees
• Palm trees and Palmetto shrubs
• Most species of Mangroves
• Golden-yellow color pigment in autumn leaves
• Kola and Eucalyptus trees and shrubs
• Horehound and other plants in the mint family
• Hickory and other nut husks
• Galls — swelling of plant tissue due to parasites — and the bark of Tamarisk trees and shrubs
• Bark and foliage of Sumac and other trees and shrubs in the cashew family

If you see yellow or brown stains on decks, pump houses and outside walls, stains may also occur on nearby outdoor furniture.

Colors
Years ago, when the lead was taken out of gas, it was also taken out of vinyl. Without the lead in the vinyl, previously good vinyl colors, like browns and beiges, suddenly seemed to stain worse than usual. Today, we know that some colors react much worse than others to chemical staining due to the interaction of the color pigments with chemicals found in the commercial environment. Red pigment seems to be the source of the worst problems. Most browns and beiges, and all peach, rose, mauve, red, burgundy and orange shades are most susceptible to staining and degrading. Blues, greens and yellows are less susceptible. White and off-white are the most durable of all colors.

When choosing vinyl strap colors, keep in mind that the darker a color is, the hotter it gets, the more it will fade and the quicker it will break down. It is generally best to choose pastel colors rather than dark colors. However, there are some benefits to using very dark colors: they hide stains better and they get so hot, they force people to use towels.

Using towels
Hotel pools should have regulations that require all people using the pool furniture to lie on towels. These signs are an excellent idea and should be expressed in the strongest terms: “Do not use the furniture without a towel.” If firmly enforced, this practice may double the life of new vinyl.

Pressure cleaning
Perhaps the most efficient method of cleaning commercial patio furniture is with a pressure washer using plain water under low pressure. Mild disinfectant or detergent may be used, but do not use chlorine or harsh cleaning solutions. A mild disinfectant called “quaternary ammonium chloride” is used in pressure-wash solutions and is effective in cleaning and disinfecting patio furniture without harm, if properly used in moderate amounts. It is very important that low pressure be used in pressure cleaning. If the pressure is strong enough to blow the furniture around the deck, it may be strong enough to peel off the finish as well.

Clean with mild soap and warm water
Absent a suitable pressure washer, outdoor furniture should be cleaned with a soft brush, using mild soap and very warm water. Soaps that have emulsifiers that break down common stains and are scum free are the best to use. After a few years, when the finish is worn and plain soap and water will not clean the vinyl any more, begin to add small amounts of household bleach. Start with a capful or two of bleach per gallon of filtered water, working up to half and half during the following year or so. When a half and half solution no longer cleans the vinyl, it’s time to start thinking about getting new vinyl straps.

The top surfaces of outdoor furniture, especially chaises, are most critical and should be cleaned weekly or bi-weekly. Simply wipe down the top surfaces and rinse with filtered water. Once every four to six weeks, wipe down the bottom and back surfaces to control mildew.

Taking Wax the frames
Just as your car benefits from annual applications of wax, so will the frames of outdoor furniture. Lightly wax the arms, legs and other non-strapped areas of the frame with high grade, non-abrasive car wax. Do not use compound wax and be sure to wipe off any wax that gets on the vinyl straps.

Commercial cleaning solutions and chlorine
It is a common misconception that pool chlorine, household bleach, chlorine-based cleaners, and other strong solutions and solvents are good for cleaning stained vinyl. Not true. These chemicals are fatal to the vinyl”s finish. They will clean well for a time, but they clean by removing layers of the finish along with the staining material on top of the finish. After a while, it becomes impossible to clean the vinyl. It becomes stiff and hard, loses its memory, and begins to crack and break. This is an inescapable process that is accelerated two to three times or more by the use of harsh chemicals. Pool chlorine is about four times stronger and much more caustic than household bleach. Outdoor furniture should never be cleaned with pool chlorine for any reason.

Do not throw furniture in the pool
Never throw your furniture in the swimming pool unless a hurricane is imminent and there is nowhere else to put it. Prolonged exposure to pool chlorine will severely damage the finish of the furniture and will cause corrosion of the aluminum inside the tubing. Also, it is not good for the pool itself, or for the water in the pool, and it certainly is not good for the furniture.

Following these simple rules will result in extended life for your hotel”s outdoor furniture. Annual costs will decrease substantially, the furniture will look good and your guests will be happy.

Source : contract-furnishings

Teak Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture, used to beautify the outdoor areas adjoining a house, can be made of iron, steel, bamboo, and teak. Even though teak outdoor furniture is more expensive than other hardwood furniture, most customers prefer teak to any other material. Teak outdoor furniture can sustain its strength and attractiveness for decades. It has the ability to withstand rust and corrosion when in contact with metal.

Benches, tables, chairs, lamps, planters and other ornaments for the garden, poolside, backyard, deck, and park decoration are counted among teak outdoor furniture. Teak garden furniture is best suited for improving garden settings. Teak patio furniture includes benches, dining tables, dining chairs, bar table, bar chair, steamers, and more.

The natural color of teak outdoor furniture may fade if constantly exposed to wind. A periodic application of teak oil helps to maintain the natural color.

Style, price, material, comfort, and size are the factors to consider when purchasing teak outdoor furniture. An extensive collection of fine, attractive, unique teak outdoor furniture is available, and can be found at reasonable prices. Custom designed teak outdoor furniture can also be ordered from various sources. Teak outdoor furniture is ideal for hotels and banks. Teak outdoor chairs, teak tables, teak benches, teak steamer chairs, teak stacking chairs, teak folding chairs, teak outdoor folding tables, teak rectangular tables, teak extendable tables, and other garden accessories impart an elegant and classy look to any place.

Country Casual, Kingsley Bate, Rock Wood, and Wood Classics are some of the leading manufacturers of teak outdoor furniture. Considerable artistic dexterity is needed to make outstanding teak furniture. Well-designed, chic teak furniture is perhaps the best choice in outdoor furnishings.

Source : e-teakfurniture