A History of Teak - How Teak Patio Furniture Became the Standard of Luxury

We all know that teak patio furniture has become the pinnacle of those who want to live the high life on their decks all summer long. But what many have forgotten is how this miracle wood became the standard for those who want to live the good life. Teak is known for resisting the elements, and the natural beauty it retains for years to come because of oils that the wood retains. But how did it get converted from a nice tree to look at, to becoming the best choice for your outdoor furniture?

Teak patio furniture is made of (naturally) teak wood. The trees that produce this wood (also known by the same name, strangely enough) can be found growing indigenously throughout Southeast Asia. The weather, combined with continuous rainfall, makes for the perfect place to grow the wood that will eventually become deck chairs and tables. There are three kinds of the tree that grow in this region - two of them are considered endangered, due to their rarity. The materials that will someday be harvested to sit on your patio is known as "Common Teak," and is the most popular (as well as the fastest growing) tree in the region.

Before people even considered building teak patio furniture, the wood was considered quite useful for hundreds of other uses. Teak is very malleable, yet retains natural strength. The first settlers in Southeast Asia used the wood to make tools and build shelter. And with the Common Teak trees able to grow over 200 feet high, cutting down one teak tree would give a high yield for their efforts.

While these settlers may have built simple teak furniture, the jump from the hut to the patio was not immediate. As early man became more advanced, they used teak to build more elaborate homes, and explore the world around them. The wood was a popular choice for shipbuilders, as boats made of this material could withstand the saltwater the best. Teak ships would last longer, and would hold up better in travels - making teak a natural choice for faring the seas.

As time moved on, and a demanding public cried out for luxury and style (now that necessities were being taken care of), teak outdoor furniture became more and more in style. And as the world became transformed into industrialized nations, people found themselves with more leisure time. And with the trials and tests that years of seafaring and history provided, it was a natural choice to recycle old wood into new furniture. Using teak for outdoor furniture became popular in the late 1800's, as British traders from then colonial India would recycle old boat decks and turn them into outdoor furniture. From here, the benefits of using teak spread like wildfire. By the turn of the century, it was a sign of luxury and wealth to have teak outdoor furniture sitting on your patios and decks.

Today, teak is not just used for outdoor furniture. While using it for patio furnishings is the most popular use, teak has a versatile function, from flooring to construction material. And because of its rarity in the world (only being grown in Southeast Asia), the wood comes with a high cost as well. Considering the benefits and the tests history have thrown teak, it remains a quality investment for the cost. And as technology continues to grow, who knows where teak and its uses will go next.

Joe Cortez is a freelance writer with diverse interests including home and garden, outdoor furniture and backyard living, with an interest in teak patio furniture As a media professional, his work has been featured on CNN and the CBS Evening News. He writes for In Style Patio.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Cortez

Patio Decorating - Ten Simple Patio Decorating Ideas

When Mother Nature begins to warm, thoughts of outdoor entertaining, including B-B-Qs, poolside parties, lunch (or brunch) on the patio, tend to get us thinking of decorating ideas, specifically deck or patio decorating ideas. Decorating doesn't have to be an expensive endeavor to spruce up an outdoor patio; a few simple changes can do the trick without breaking the bank.

With a plethora of decorating magazines on the stands, interior/exterior decorating websites and design blogs, it's easy to want more than what the budget will allow. So it is always a good idea, as you formulate decorating ideas for a patio, to determine what your budget can afford.

As you assess the outdoor area in need of a makeover create a list of things that need attention. For example, is the patio furniture looking a bit tattered? Are decorative plants healthy and thriving? What patio decor items could be added or replaced? Maybe a coat of fresh paint to outside walls or a trellis with climbing vines to make an unattractive area more appealing.

Reviewing visual resources such as garden and patio magazines and interior design websites can help generate ideas; use photos to assemble a theme or style suited to your desired effect.

If you, a friend or a family member, have a talent for crafty work, do-it-yourself (DYI) instructions are readily available for almost every type of patio, or deck, decorating project such as an in-ground pond or water fountain, a stone path or a mosaic tile table top. The options are endless. It helps to have a general plan before you begin to keep the entire project manageable.

Here, then, are ten simple and affordable patio decorating ideas to freshen or change an outdoor entertaining area:

1) Repaint or refinish outdoor furniture; consider a new color for a big change.

2) Hand painted canvas cushion pillow covers for outdoor furniture; use colors and designs to match or complement a theme.

3) Place larger potted plants of various sizes placed in unusual containers around the perimeter of patio area. Search out chipped pottery pieces at garden stores for marked down prices; a chip or two can be easily hidden or camouflaged.

4) Group furniture together creating one or more cozy/intimate spaces.

5) Consider making or purchasing a hand painted canvas rug; these are great for outdoor patios or decks and many artists will offer a wide choice of different designs with custom color options.

6) Add decorative lighting using unusual items; add garden lanterns or string twinkle lights around a tree or under the eaves of a garden umbrella.

7) Hand paint small to medium tera cota planters; transplant smaller flowers, herbs or leafy plants and use as table decorations.

8) Make or purchase tablecloths; oilcloth is a great choice for casual outdoor tables, providing easy maintenance and available in a variety of colors and designs.

9) Wall art adds a designer touch to a patio and can be anything, from sculpture, to driftwood, to hand painted canvas wall decor. Use larger pieces on expansive outdoor wall areas or hang in smaller groups of three.

10) Statues, waterfalls, ponds all add an interesting focal point to a patio. Their size should be in balance with the size of patio or entertaining area. Look for an unique piece or create your own.

Generating and planning patio decorating can be a fun, creative process. New patio decor can be an extension of the interior of your home or something uniquely different creating an oasis for you, your family and your invited guests. Break down each aspect of patio decorating ideas into small steps so as not to overwhelm yourself. Then get ready to plan the party!

Want to see canvas design ideas for patio decorating? Author has an entire web site with painted canvas designs as well as canvas wall decor and canvas pillow cushions to help generate lots of patio decorating ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laurel_Anderson

Outdoor Patio Furniture - How to Choose For Your Outdoor Patio Furniture Set

Yield out the penalize make of outdoorsy furnishings for the out of your domestic can be exactly as determining, and occasionally ossified, as determinative accoutrement for the domestic. When interpretation your area or tract, you should postulate in mull the connatural criteria you made when beautifying your domestic. This is important because you'll most probably desire the out of your bag to reflect your life-style and personality, just analogous to the upcountry plausibly makes.

You can create so many different layouts for a terrace or a lanai, but the furnishings you purchase will be constrained if you have a front porch instead. For example, while you might want a full table-and-chairs set for a patio, a rocking chair or glider would be more appropriate for a porch. On the other hand, sometimes a porch can accommodate at least a small end table.

A lot of people spend a lot of time on their back decks, far more time than they do on their front porches, that's why there is lawn furniture back there. Backyards are also very private and have space for fun activities. It doesn't matter if you are a frequent entertainer or you just enjoy the quiet, calm atmosphere of your backyard, you want something that is comfortable and appeals to you.

How you place your wicker furniture makes all the difference. For instance, a seat which is set under a leafy tree greatly enhances your yard. Before you begin, think about the most appropriate spots for your new outdoor furnishings. That will make it much easier to decide exactly what items you require and how many of each you should buy.

When selecting your outdoor furniture, conceive the aspects you'd like to love. If you live along or close the body of water, you may prefer to keep your tables and chairs in a position that admits you this scene. Conceive every alternative before arriving at a conclusion.

Keep in mind the way your patio is situated with respect to your house. For instance, if your patio furnishings are going to be placed close to it, you need to make sure the styles of both go well with one another. The farther away your pieces will be located, the greater your opportunities for diversity. With enough space, you can be creative and not have to be concerned about any visual architectural clashes.

Aspect at laying bushel of furniture at a focusing. E.g., aiming a worktable in the out size can be eye-catching, tempting, and attracting. Conceptualize the meet of the make of furniture that give be most easily reckoned. If you'll see the elevate of the textile of furnishings, conceptualise the visible vista of that grappling of apiece entity. If you similar to impel your way extent around oft, conceptualize buying lightweight wickerwork patio furniture.

The locating of your outdoor patio furniture in a certain area of you patio can create a great difference in the type of outdoor furniture you choose. When selecting your exterior furnishings, think about what you are trying to achieve. If you are using outdoor wicker furniture, you may raise your tables and chairs in a stance that admits you this environment. Conceptualize every alternative for your wicker patio furniture before placement. You should also conceive the particular position of your patio. E.g., if your patio piece of furniture will be laid near to the home, it should maintain the style of architecture in mind.

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Tips For Decorating Your Patio

Almost every family likes to spend time as much time as they can outdoors on their patios during the summer months. Given that it is used so much, there is no reason why the patio shouldn't be given as much attention when decorating as the rest of the home. There are a lot of different things that you can do to spruce up your patio and make it a more usable space.

Even something as small as buying new cushions for your patio furniture can make a big difference in making your space more livable. Cushions come in a variety of shapes, patterns and colors so you will be sure to find one to suite your needs, as well as your tastes.

You might consider some hanging pots for your patio as well. You can find these at your local discount store. If you have a green thumb you might consider designing your own hanging pots, using plants from your garden. If you are crafty you may want to paint the pots to match your landscape or your outdoor décor.

Candles look just as pretty outdoors as they do inside. Not only do they give the surrounding a romantic atmosphere, they can also serve the purpose of keeping bugs away. Outdoor candles that are scented with citronella can be found in the lawn and garden section of many department stores.

Bamboo rugs make a great accent for the patio. They are durable and easy to clean. They will also hold up to moisture. This makes them the perfect rugs for outdoor living. Bamboo rugs come in a variety of neutral colors. They also come in a variety of sizes. This means that they will fit on large patios as well as small patios. What's more, bamboo rugs are considered eco-friendly too!

Blinds are a great option for patios if you want some privacy. Outdoor blinds come in a wide range of colors and patterns. You can do a Google search for outdoor blinds and take a look at the wide assortment available to get a feel for what you like. When you find what you like order it online or look for it at a retailer. You might consider only hanging the blinds on one side of the patio to avoid making the patio feel too closed in.

Sometimes a little paint can go a long way. Give your patio a facelift by painting the railings that go around it. You might also consider painting to door that leads to your patio to give it a fresh look. Choose colors that match your house well. Consider using neutral tones. Tan, white and cream all look nice outdoors.

Wash down all your patio furniture. You will be amazed at how much a good scrubbing can do to make your furniture look new again. Use a mixture of mild dish soap and hot water, then rinse it all off with a hose.

Keep up to date with Home Design trends and enhance your home with white rugs.

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Patio Heaters

Patio heaters are a fairly recent development. They can make life outside more enjoyable in those chilly evenings in late summer and fall.

A Barbecue in the evening is one of the summer pleasures of life. So many summer evenings turn cold though that you do not do this as often as you would like to. Imagine being able to eat outside for 52 weeks of the year if you choose. A patio heater will not do anything to protect you from wind and rain though, so to be realistic you could eat outside through many spring and fall evenings, rather than just the few weeks in summer.

I can still remember turning the spit on the barbecue by hand as a child, with a couple of chickens cooking slowly. There is nothing like eating outdoors to whet the appetite. The food and beer tastes so much better.

You may prefer to use your new heater just to admire the stars, of course, or for romantic evenings with your partner.

Once you have a heated outside area there are all kinds of uses that it can be put to. It really does extend your living space for a very small cost.

You could make a heated smoking area outside and ban tobacco smoking in the home. Many bars, hotels and theaters do this where there is a ban on smoking inside in public places.

You could use your barbecue outside, then eat inside. You could go out there and sulk in comfort. You could have a popcorn maker out there, in a covered area and have popcorn much more often.

You can choose between electric and propane gas fuelled patio heaters. Electric ones are suitable where they can be wired into a covered area, otherwise the propane fuelled heaters are more suitable for most people.

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Patio Ponds

Garden ponds and fountains were once mainly for the very rich. Today, anyone can have a garden pond. A fountain or waterfall can be included almost anyplace--even if your "yard" is limited to a patio or balcony.

Adding water to your patio can be as simple as setting out a shallow dish of water for use as a birdbath. Any shallow container at least 6 inches wide and a half-inch deep will work. Pie pans, garbage can lids, or flowerpot bases work well in small spaces. Fill the container with clean water and wash it every day or two. The wildlife attracted to the water will depend on where you place the container. Containers set on the ground usually attract the greatest number of wildlife species, from birds and butterflies to squirrels and toads. Hanging birdbaths or ones on pedestals will be restricted to those creatures that can fly or jump high enough to reach the water, and give birds a chance to escape from neighborhood cats and other predators.

If you want to grow water plants--and perhaps a fish or two--you can add a tub garden to your patio or yard. Many products are on the market today. Frequently, half whiskey kegs with plastic liners are used. Numerous plastic tub gardens are available in a variety of sizes and have the advantage of being lightweight and inexpensive. Small pumps can be added to any of these containers to allow for fountains or cascades of water. Moving water is pleasant to listen to and attractive to wildlife.

Here are some considerations before adding a small tub pond to your patio or yard.

If you want to grow water plants, choose a container that is at least a foot deep. While some water plants do well in shallow water, other species--including some water lilies--require deeper water.

Consider adding a variety of plant species. Depending on the depth of your tub, place pots of plants either on the bottom or on bricks to achieve the proper depth. Floating plants such as duckweed also can be added. Floating plants reduce the amount of sunlight that enters the water, which helps reduce the growth of algae. When adding potted plants, place a layer of stones on top of the soil before setting the pots in the water. This will help hold the soil in place and help prevent any fish from "digging" into the pots.

If you live in a cold climate, consider what you will do with the tub garden in the winter. Small tubs can be moved inside if a suitable location is available. Other tubs may need to be drained to prevent damage from freezing.

Caution: Use caution and take security measures if small children have access to your pond. Even small tub gardens can be hazardous. If you intend to have a fountain or waterfall, be sure a grounded electrical outlet is available.

Above all, have fun. Water gardens provide habitat for wildlife, but also can be an enjoyable hobby for you and your family.

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Careful Selection of Patio Furniture - Tips and Tricks

Your home's veranda is the perfect spot where you and your family can bond and relax. For this to be true, the patio furniture must be correctly selected. Eye catching pieces are not the only ones that are important; being comfortable with your choice is also crucial for you to be able to achieve your goal of having an extraordinary escape from the pressures of your busy lives.

Selecting furnishings for your terrace should also follow almost the same rules that you have for your living area, or even your kitchen. Pick those that will match your tastes as well as the present embellishments found indoors. Bear in mind too that they will be subjected to harsher natural conditions so go for articles that are proven to be long-lasting despite the rain, the changing of the seasons, etc.

Maintenance is also vital. The kind of material usually dictates how easy the preservation will be. More often than not, warm water and soap are recommended when cleaning those made out of aluminum. Routine washing is usually advisable. For the plastic and wicker kinds, hosing down may be enough to get rid of the accumulated dirt and dust. If you can just wipe those away and lessen the need to expose the said materials to water, then that will be a better step to take.

Repainting is recommended for products made from wrought iron as well as steel to decrease the probability of the formation of rusts. This may also be done to aluminum types to sustain their appearance. Most manufacturers even give buyers some touch-up paint to use for the purposes mentioned. If you want to do away with the hassle of doing retouches, purchase powder-coated things instead of those that are painted.

During your shopping activity to get decorations for your outdoor deck, never overlook the need to check for comfort. Sit on them to see if the cushions have just the right softness. The foams should also have the right fit and should also have enough padding.

Evaluate the height of the chairs and ensure that they match the tallness of the table as something too low or too high will not really be relaxing. Look into the legroom and the overhang as well as the roominess front to back and side to side. Pay only for those that are able to give ample space for everyone in the household.

You should also make it a point that the seats you select have backs that are slanted at angles that bring you relief instead of muscle pain. The armrests also have to be comfortable enough for you which may actually depend on the width you prefer. Those that have wicker material most of the time are able to give wider support as compared to the ones created from wrought iron.

When shopping around for patio furniture, remember to inspect each and every piece and check even the littlest details to ensure that what you buy is really worth it.

If you want to learn more about patio furniture, visit http://www.buypatiofurniture101.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Albert_Lee

Outdoor Patio Furniture Choices

Picture the scene, you have spent months planning your new patio, paid the salesman to measure up and ask you your desires. Its been a hard few months waiting for all the mess to be cleared away, but now, you have your new patio fitted. You have got some lovely patio doors overlooking your patio - clear glass ones of course - and now you are waiting for that next sunny day to take advantage of your new space.

If you are in the UK, you will be less expectant than others for that next sunny day, but eventually, it will come! Before the great weather does arrive, you need to think about the furniture you are going to need in order to have the perfect afternoon for you to sit out on your new patio.

You have several choices when it comes to patio furniture, a selection of the most popular and benefits are listed below.

1) Table and chairs, in either plastic, wood or metal. I think it goes without saying that you will always need a table to and chair to enjoy your outside experience on a patio. As I always heard as a kid, sitting on a cold stone floor will give me problems I do not want! So decide on which medium will suit your outside space (and budget)

2) BBQ either gas powered or standard coal burning. This decision comes down to a couple of choices in my opinion. Can you afford a gas powered BBQ and do you like the taste of the food on a gas powered one?
I sometimes prefer my food done on a coal BBQ for the smokey flavor.

3) Outdoor heater. This is one item which will increase the amount of time that you can use your patio area. If you have an outdoor heater, you can entertain at night time without your guests getting cold. The only problem with these heaters is the environmental cost - now that can be a concern.

I hope this article gives you some pointers on how to accessorize your outside area.

Bespoke Patio Doors. Folding Sliding Doors. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Schofield

Luxury Patio Furniture and You: How to Decide What Luxury Patio Furniture is Best For You

So you have decided that its time to live in the lap of luxury, and you need the patio furniture to match. Congratulations: you have decided to make one of the biggest investments in your home for years to come, in purchasing fine luxury patio furniture. But with the options available to you in different styles and designs, it is hard to tell which is right for you.

Before you make an investment in luxury patio furniture, it is always a good idea to do research into what you need before making the purchase. Knowing what your options are before investing will help you pick out the best furnishings for your outdoor paradise.

As you consider purchasing luxury patio furniture, consider what material you want it made out of. Furnishings come in four categories: plastic, metal, and hardwood.

Plastic furnishings are the lowest cost of luxury patio furniture you will find on the market. When taken care of properly, these furniture pieces can last a significantly long amount of time, due to its strong nature and structure. However, plastic furnishings are not the most comfortable you will find on the market, and are very susceptible to the elements. If they are not taken care of properly, as well as stored & covered, plastic furniture will constantly need to be replaced, taking the luxury out of your patio furniture.

Metal luxury patio furniture can last a significant amount of time, because of their construction and finishes. When properly maintained and stored during the winter months, metal furniture can withstand everything thrown at it. Finished aluminum furnishings are also lightweight, and easy to move from one place to another. However, metal furnishings are more susceptible to rust and wear in joints over the years. And when not inspected and refinished on a regular basis, can break due to normal wear over the years. Unless you are a master welder, metal furniture can not be repaired when broken, costing you more in the long run.

Hardwood luxury patio furniture is the most cost efficient furnishings for the price, and will last the longest when compared to similar products. Made out of materials like Cedar and Teak, hardwood furniture is built to last throughout the harsh elements from the factory straight to your patio. Furthermore, as time goes on, hardwood furnishings can be repaired with ease. Hinges and screws can be replaced with simple house tools. And as time goes on, renewing your furniture is as simple as sanding down and resealing the hardwood. Rather than plastic or metal (which absorb heat), hardwood stays cool throughout the seasons, giving your family and guests a welcoming place to sit, regardless of the weather. Investing in hardwood for your luxury patio gives you a renewable investment for years to come.

Knowing what luxury patio furniture to invest in will create a welcoming environment, and ensure a long return on the money you spend. While plastic and metal can provide cost effective alternatives, hardwoods will give you the longest life on your return. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each will make sure you buy the best equipment for your needs, and provide you with patio furniture that will be enjoyed by your friends and family for years to come.

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The DIY Patio Grill and Fireplace Double

When you walk onto your patio, is there anything missing? Do you wish something was there but you just don't know what? All you need are some good ideas and you can have a late Spring project that will make your summer hopping this year.

I think that an outside fireplace is the perfect idea and it doesn't take much to put together. But before you get started and run out to buy all the materials you need, I think you should strongly consider creating a fireplace that doubles as a grill. Now, that's an idea that can really add some class to your backyard or patio.

Over the summer, you'll have twice as many barbecues because every weekend will be the perfect time for you to throw some steaks on the grill and invite some friends over to your house. You'll never get tired of it. But then when fall rolls around, you'll be able to enjoy some warm evenings in your backyard because you'll have a fireplace that will light up any evening when you want to relax outside with a cup of coffee and some friends.

So, let's get started.

The materials you will need vary in your style and budget. But, what I suggest will be easy on both. You can learn how to build a brick structure if you want. It's not hard to stack bricks and make sure you cement them correctly. Then, wipe away excess cement so that it's not a sloppy build.

But, I think that you can build your structure with 2X4s and plywood. Of course, most people will shy from this solution because of the fire risk. But if you do it right, you can bring the risk to a minimum like they did in the old days when they built wood structured fireplaces in the home.

The base will be a 4 foot wide by 4 foot long structure that rises about 2 feet from the ground. It should be made completely with brick. Then, you can build upon that the rest of the Fireplace / Grill structure. After the2X4 and plywood structure has been built, we protect it with rock or brick veneer. This is a small layer of the brick or rock that makes up your design. But, you don't have to learn how to master the art of creating brick and rock structures.

To address the safety issue, the fire should never be left unattended. This wouldn't happen if you are cooking steaks on the grill anyway. But if you are enjoying the fireplace and you want another drink from inside your home, there should be company outside to keep an eye on the fire. Furthermore if you are enjoying your fireplace alone, check the fireplace before going inside to make sure you don't see anything unsafe. Then, make your visit inside as short as possible. If you are going in for the evening, make sure your fire is out completely and you should never encounter any problems. Fires in traditional fireplaces are risky and yet, we live with the risk every day. So, just be safe and you should be able to enjoy your fireplace for a long time to come.

Make your overall height of the project about 6 feet and the width about 4 feet. The back part of the structure should be about 1 foot in depth. Then, you will build 2 foot high walls on both sides of the fireplace so that your structure has a place to hold the grill and surround the fire that you will build inside the structure. The face will be open for easy access so that you can effortlessly change your grill into a fireplace and vice versa.

You'll want to build a shelving solution for a griddle. This will hold your charcoal about 6 inches to 1 foot below the grill. You'll also need to get the grill accessory that holds your steaks or hamburgers above the charcoal flame. These can be found, sometimes somewhat remotely. But, I have a friend who tore about an old grill and simply used those accessories. It seems everywhere I look I find old grills that can serve this purpose for your project.

To keep the project completely safe, you should use a fireplace insert and gel fuel from Ventless Gel Fireplace. This is an environmentally friendly gel fuel that burns into water vapor and can be put out by simply placing the lid on the can. Granny Gel Fuel will produce a very large flame and will burn for hours while you enjoy your evening. You won't have to find firewood and you won't have an unpredictable flame that can possibly pose a fire risk.

You can get plenty of other unique fireplace ideas by visiting Ventless Gel Fireplace and downloading our reports. You can take these reports and use your own imagination to create just about anything you want. It's up to you how far you can go.

Jessica Brylan has been a student of construction all her life, under her father who retired in 2004. Her passion turned to interior design and strangely evolved into becoming a fireplace expert. She has written such great reports as DIY Outdoor Fireplaces, Fireplace Ideas Report, and DIY Fireplace. Read further details about the Ventless Gel Fireplace reports at The Ventless Gel Fireplace Reports and sign up for the newsletter so you can be updated whenever Jessica Brylan puts out a new one.

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Ideas For Creating a Beautiful Summer Patio

Patios offer a great place to create a warm, welcoming area to invite friends and family. The materials most often used for patio foundations are stone, cement, brick and wood. A really great way to get an inexpensive look that appears to be stone but is created with cement is with a stamp. While the cement is wet a stamp that comes in various patterns is stamped on the cement. This can also be done on cement that is tinted so the final product looks like pink stone or grey marble. This can be done professionally or by the home owner with a stamp purchased at a supply store such as Home Depot.

Patios can be decorated with lots of greenery and plants. The first step to creating a great patio is adding lots of flowers and greenery. Set a budget for your patio greenery and head out to the local nursery. Choose a variety of annuals such Geraniums, Coleus, Zinnias, Petunias. Add a few patio trees as well for greenery and beauty. A budget is important also so that you do not use a huge chunk of your overall budget on flowers and greenery and not have the funds left that are needed for furniture etc.

Furniture should be comfortable and easy to care for. Consider high winds and rain and be prepared to store or purchase covers for the seats so that they can be kept dry in inclement weather. An ambiance can be created by using patio fire pits. These pits come in a variety of styles and shapes. They are a great center piece for patio furniture. They can create a style that blends or have a unique look that stands out. They even come as fire pit tables. Solar powered fountains and lighting are also great ideas for patios. Driving around various neighborhoods can give you great ideas for patios. Searching online as well as looking through magazines such as Better Homes and Gardens is a good resource of ideas for patios.

Another great idea for patios is insect repellant. There are a variety of machines that repel mosquitoes. They work through misting and also through other means. Machine works in various ranges so check to see if it is strong enough to work for your entire patio area. Here is an idea for getting rid of the little villains: place Listerine in a small spray bottle and spray around the furniture and the swing or any other garden furniture that you may have.

Want more info, tips and articles to get great ideas for patios? Visit http://easypatioideas.com today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cheri_Brennan

No Patio Furniture Should Be Without Patio Furniture Cushions

When you have guests over and they go to sit on your patio furniture, they’re not going to be very comfortable if they’re sitting on chairs with no cushions on them. You have patio furniture so that you can relax, so that you can enjoy the outdoors and to sit quietly as you read, listen to music or just bask in nature. Whatever you use your patio furniture for, you should make sure that you have patio furniture cushions. Help your guests feel comfortable by giving them something soft to sit on. Get some patio furniture cushions so that everyone can rest comfortably.

Adds Style To Your Patio

Another advantage of patio furniture cushions, besides the comfort aspect, is that they add style to your patio, especially when you choose a design that really stands out. The great thing about patio furniture cushions is that you can get any style you want to change the look of your patio to a style that you are happy with. There are many selections of patio furniture cushions to choose from. All you have to do is visit your local department or furniture store to see the many styles of patio furniture cushions that you have available to you.

Keep Them Looking Nice

When you have patio furniture cushions, you want to make sure that they stay looking nice. You can do this by keeping them covered to protect them from the elements. This can be done with a normal sheet or, if you want, you can get some stylish patio furniture covers that will protect your patio furniture cushions from bad weather, such as rain, sleet or snow, as well as keep other dirt and debris from collecting on them. You can get patio furniture covers anywhere they sell patio furniture.

Patio furniture cushions are the perfect way to spruce up your patio while also giving your guests something comfortable to sit on when they come to visit. Shop around and try to find the best deal you can find on patio furniture cushions. If people are going to sit on them, they should be adorned with patio furniture cushions.

To find great deals on cushions, check your local furniture store, department store or try the internet. The internet is full of internet stores who are more than willing to sell you cushions and at a price you’ll love.

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Can Cheap Patio Furniture Be Quality Patio Furniture?

The term ‘cheap’ often has a negative connotation when you hear it out of context. It often implies the disadvantages before the advantages of a specific product; however, in spite of what it looks like, you can find some exceptionally good cheap patio furniture that looks great and serves a great function for your patio.

The Great Advantage of Choosing the Cheap Patio Furniture.

The most important and most striking reasons that you can have to purchase cheap patio furniture are: it saves money as well as makes the surrounding patio look excellent. By buying from discount sales, you might not have sufficient choice while choosing for your favorite furniture, and you may sometimes have to sacrifice your choice on certain details, BUT – and this is a big BUT – you will definitely save some money (sometimes a great deal of it).

Other Advantages of Choosing Cheap Patio Furniture

First of all, it is important to understand that cheap patio furniture does not mean bad quality. This is usually the result of some discount sales, or clearance sales that are announced from time to time in the newspaper or on the Internet. There is nothing like discovering a good bargain in the most unexpected place. One great place to avail of cheap patio furniture is at garage sales, or at sales that have people moving from one place to another, and they do not want to leave anything. This is the best way to get cheap patio furniture because these types of people actually want to get rid of their things and not the other way round.

More often than not, cheap patio furniture does not mean bad quality; rather just less-than-normal cost. You can use the Internet to seek bargains offers of sites such as eBay, but be careful when you do so because sometimes the Internet will toss out a lot of scams as well.

You can buy more for the same price by buying store with a furniture sale. Now that you have set aside $400 for a purpose and all of a sudden you find that you get the same thing fro $100, what will to do with the extra $300 you have left? This is where you can enjoy the additional sum and go shopping for something else.

Hence, you can get cheap patio furniture of the same quality as any other material you will find in the market. When you buy from a garage sale you may not get the showroom show, but you can definitely find some exceptionally good things.

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Teak Patio Sets and You: What to Consider When Purchasing a Teak Patio Set

So you’ve been seeing each other around at the same stores. You’re well familiar with what they have to offer you, and what you can bring to them. And lately, your life has felt just a little…well, empty. You go out on your patio, and you feel like something is missing. You feel like you need something – anything – to fill this void that you feel when you’re sitting outside. And, after getting to know each other from your chance (and not so chance) meetings, you finally have the courage and the investment to make the next step. That’s right: you are ready to bring that teak patio set you want home.

But how do you know that you’re ready for a teak patio set? Sure, it looks nice sitting in the display at the store. But will it be a good fit for your family? Will it work for your crazy lifestyle? Will your patio furniture work well with everything in your life? With so many questions, are you really ready to make the commitment to add a teak patio set to your life?

With so much to consider, buying a teak patio set can feel more like making an addition to your family. Especially when you consider that your teak patio furniture can have a life span of 30 years or more. But as you weigh the pros of how teak will benefit your life, you may want to get more serious about your purchase.

First off, many teak patio sets are family-friendly. And by family friendly, I mean it will stand up to everything you can throw at it. Spilled drinks are no problem for teak furniture – because of how the wood is composed and made, teak will stand up to spills and stains for years. Clean-up is a breeze with this furniture – use a warm, moist rag and a mild cleaner to take care of any mess.

As one of the hardest woods on the market, teak patio sets will also stand up to everything your pets can throw at it as well. Because of its smooth finish and durability, your pets won’t be able to sink their claws, teeth, or much else. And because of the natural oils that are buried within, your pets will be deterred from wanting to get near it.

As far as safety goes, a teak patio set is one of the most family-friendly investments you can make. As teak is one of the harder woods on the market, it naturally resists splintering and breaking due to natural wear. Whereas other woods will break with the seasons and time, teak will withstand everything you can throw at it and more. With a lifespan of over 30 years, this patio furniture will bring you overwhelming joy as time marches on. And as the elements wear down on your furniture, it won’t splinter – rather, it will harden to a gray, smoothing out as the sun beats down on your furnishings.

While it can seem intimidating and even scary, knowing everything you can about buying a teak patio set will bring you joy for years to come. Knowing why it makes a good fit will help you make the best investment for your lifestyle, giving your patio a storybook ending.

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