The Right Patio Set For Your GardenThe Right Patio Set For Your Garden

By getting the right patio set for the garden, one will definitely get to have the dream garden that he desired. The features that one decides to include in the patio will have the patio looking charming, graceful and out rightly attractive. The main point here is that the patio should transform the home into an attractive, peaceful and enjoyable place to relax for you and the family. It is paramount therefore that the right furniture and the right doors be chosen in order to make this happen. Some of the points to consider while doing so are given below.

One of the very first items one should decide on is the theme of the garden. The theme is what carries the garden to a better state. It will determine which design the patio set will have and will also help decide on the color of the patio set and patio doors. Whenever someone has gotten the theme, say "a 1950's look" the designer can get to decide which materials, designs, tones of color and effects will give this look. Next, one will have to look at what outdoor fixtures are required in making this theme come out as wanted. One of the best ways on how to go about this is to do a sketch of the whole garden. Evaluate each of the fixtures in the sketch and make a judgment on which of the fixtures need to be changed or not. Even on the sketch work, it is important to come up with a decision as if it will be the one to be implemented on purpose.

While making the patio sets, one should then decide on the designs that will be done to all the fixtures. Considering the theme that was stated in the beginning, the design is done. This will touch on the color, and subject of the outdoor work of design. It touches also on the materials that are needed to come up with the design. Some of the materials that can be used may contradict the theme of the garden area. It is therefore necessary to match this theme with the materials that are used on the fixtures.

Included in the making of the garden are the patio doors. There are some factors to consider before the door is fixed. These conditions, which by the way, will follow the exact same procedures as he ones stipulated above will cause a perfect harmony of the theme and the door as a fixture. One of these considerations will include weather. The weather condition certainly will affect the type of door placed on the outside of the home. If there is persistence of cold, long winters it will be necessary to place a door that is thermally insulated against the cold. One will also need to create room for smaller garden areas. Patio doors that use sliding are better than those that use hinges if space is to be preserved. The doors do affect the area of the garden.

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Protect Your Patio Furniture From Damages In The Winter With These Tips

Most homeowners who have a patio, also have patio furniture that are perfect for summer to sit out and enjoy the weather outdoors. However when winter comes, many times the furniture gets damaged due to the water, snow, humidity or too dry air, and most people have no idea how to protect their patio furniture from damages caused by winter.

So here are some tips that should help you ensure that your patio furniture will be unharmed this winter and every other winter that comes after that.

Furniture for the patio comes in several materials. You have furniture made of plastic, of wicker and wood, of metal, fiberglass and several others. Each of these needs a different kind of protection from winter. Many times what works for wood won't work for plastic and vice-versa.

Wood furniture is very easily damaged during the winter due to the dry air that tends to crack the wood easily. Snow will add to the damage due to the water getting into those fresh cracks, which will strain and buckle the wood, rendering it useless at times. So what you need to do here is first of all to get some patio covers that can protect the wood from becoming damaged in the first place. The covers can come off as soon as winter is over. Also you can move the furniture to a shielded room, or a closed patio or gazebo, somewhere where snow, humidity and extensive dry air won't touch the wood.

Plastic furniture is another popular one with many homeowners, particularly when they don't have much money to spend on hardwood. Plastic is quite economical and fun to have around. Unfortunately plastic and vinyl are very vulnerable to get snapped by extreme cold, so this furniture needs to be placed somewhere inside where cold can't get to it.

Metal furniture can really get damaged by being outdoors during harsh winter times, especially if the metal is not stainless steel. Metal can rust easily and it only takes a bit of humidity or water to start the rusting process. With metal, you should go about the same way as you did with wood. You either need to cover the pieces or bring them indoors. You could also coat the metal surface with a protective coating that keeps your metal pieces away from getting damaged.

Something else that we haven't really talked about but it's important is dealing with furniture cushions. These are made of fabric that can soil if left outdoors and unprotected, so you need make sure that they are either covered or even better, taken to a safe place indoors where snow, humidity and changes in the weather temperature can't get to them.

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Advice On Choosing The Right Garden or Patio Awning

A change of scenery is necessary every now and then, and how much easier does it get than simply getting outside of the house? It's hard to beat the simple pleasure of relaxing on the patio and sipping a drink with a friend or reading a good book. While you are enjoying the outdoors, a garden, or patio, awning keeps you protected from the weather. What then are your options?

Retractable awnings are one option and not only do they keep the sun and rain from beating down on you, but they keep your deck, patio, and furniture safe as well. The ability to control the amount of heat that gets to the house from the sun is one of the best aspects of a retractable awning. If it is a particularly hot day, the awning can be extended for a cooling shade. Your electric bill will lower considerably. When the weather turns cooler, simply roll up the shade of the awning and let the sun's warm (and free) rays heat your home. Whatever your needs, the retractable awning can be extended and retracted accordingly.

Stand alone awnings offer similar protection to that of retractable awnings, but they can be placed wherever you need it. Because they don't need to be attached to the house or other structure, you can cover up a vehicle, garden, or play area on any location you want. Though stand alone awnings lack the simple amenities of retractable awnings, they are not permanently attached to anything and can be relocated if needed. One other concern involved with stand alone awnings is that they do not receive the wind protection provided by a house or other building. Seek awnings with frames made from sturdy metals. It will be worth the extra cash.

The different materials that awnings can be crafted from offer options as well. Wooden frames are perfect if you wish to add style as well as practicality. The wood makes the awning look natural and provides a rural look that other materials cannot. They need regular treatment, however, because wood will warp and splinter if unprotected against water and wind. Aluminum frames are lightweight, making them attractive to attach to a house or other building. High grade aluminum is pricier, but it can withstand the weather better. Vinyl requires the least effort to maintain, but it can be a burden to put up at first. Once it is erected, however, you can leave it alone for the most part.

Garden/patio awnings come in many styles and with several types of frames. Decide upon the look and style that is perfect for you and you will have protection outside from the weather. Awnings are a great way to enjoy the outdoors in comfort.

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Flooring For Your Patio - Here Is What You Should Do

What factors should you consider when choosing the flooring of your patio? The first and most obvious factor is comfort and convenience. If you have many kids and if they love playing in the patio every evening, you should opt for flooring that will not cause them to skid or slip very easily. This will help you avoid unnecessary injuries when kids run too fast on the floor of the patio.

Safety First

If it rains a lot, the combination of a slippery floor and water can lead to disastrous consequences. On the other hand, if you do not have any kids or if the patio is protected from rains, you can opt for expensive and smooth flooring to improve its appearance. Give equal importance to comfort, convenience and safety for maximum benefits.

Beauty Next

The second factor that you should consider is the beauty and the aesthetic of the flooring. Many persons opt for flooring that makes the patio look an extension of the house. Well, if you have a patio situated right in the middle of the garden, opting for mosaic flooring that resembles your drawing room does not make sense.

Why would you want your guests to get a drawing room feel when they are in the middle of natural surroundings? Should you not try to give a separate and distinct feel? How about earthen tiles? Opting for clay tiles can be a very expensive affair because it will break very often and lead to frequent damage and repairs. Well, you can opt for cement or other tiles with a clay or earthy finish.

Variety And Coolness Quotient Next

If you do not intend to walk on the floor of the patio very often, you can opt for flooring with design that may not be very comfortable for your feet but make the room look very good. If you are not keen on adding cement and concrete to the flooring, you can opt for hardened mud that is just an extension of your garden.

Of course, this will bring its own set of problems and complications. However, there is no denying that a well maintained earthen floor has a charm and appeal that no other flooring option offers.

Choosing the right flooring can be difficult unless you know what you are doing. Just make use of online resources to understand the various options before proceeding. You will have sufficient scope for getting the best deal at affordable prices if you use online tools.

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Teak Patio Furniture: How to Care for It

Now that you have some beautiful teak patio furniture, how do you make sure it keeps its natural beauty for a long time?

Teak is a very durable wood that wants only a little care. After all, teak was the preferred wood for the decks of sailing ships. It stood up to blistering tropic sun, howling gales and frozen artic spray for years. It will last just as long and just as well for you with minimal care.

Sorrento Furniture, manufacturer of teak patio furniture known round the world, has offered some advice on how to care for their fine products.

To know how to care for your teak patio furniture, you first need to know how it is finished. It will be one of two ways, fine sanded or oiled.

Fine Sanded Teak will show only the natural color and grain of the wood. If you keep it indoors, away from sunlight, in six months to a year, it will age from a its original yellow-brown-olive color to a darker shade of brown. If you use your teak patio furniture outdoors, in direct sunlight, the original color will bleach out to a soft silver-gray color. Many people find this color very attractive. Whether indoors or out, you should not have to treat the wood in any way except to wash off surface dust and dirt.

Oiled Teak is already a mid brown color and has a soft sheen because of the oil. Kept indoors, the wood will keep that same color for many years. If you use your oiled teak patio furniture outdoors, it will age to the same silver-gray as un-oiled teak, but the process will be much slower. Whether indoors or out, you will want to apply a fresh coat of oil from time to time.

Re-oiling teak patio furniture requires oil, a little time and some elbow grease. First, make sure the wood is clean and free of surface dust and dirt. We will discuss that more a little later. Inspect the furniture carefully and see if any areas need a little sanding. If so, sand lightly and carefully. Now, you will want teak oil, a clean 1 or 2- inch paint brush, some cotton rags and plenty of room to work. You will probably want to wear gloves to keep the teak oil off your hands. Brush on the oil, working from the top of the furniture down. Use just enough oil to leave the surface wet, but not enough to run. Now, let the furniture set long enough for the oil to penetrate the wood thoroughly. How long will depend in the temperature and the relative humidity where you are working. Five to fifteen minutes should be enough. When the surface of the oil gets tacky to the touch, wipe the wood down with a soft cotton cloth. Be sure to get all surplus oil off. Wait until the surface feels dry, then use another clean cotton cloth to buff. One coat of oil is almost always enough, but if you feel a second coat is necessary, wait at least an hour before you apply it.

Cleaning surface dirt off of teak, whether oiled or not, is easy. We live on a gravel road, so some dust likes to collect on our teak patio furniture. Most of the time, a soft cloth is enough to wipe off surface dust. If dust and dirt get caked on, or if the cats track dirt on it, we use mild soapy water, not too hot, and a medium to soft- bristled brush to get into the crevices. Never use steam or high pressure hoses. In rare cases, you may have gotten a stain in the wood. If that happens, use some fine sandpaper, always sanding with the grain of the wood. If the teak was oiled, apply fresh oil according to the directions above. The sanded area will be the original color of the wood, but it will age to match the rest of the piece.

With only a little care, you teak patio furniture will stay serviceable and beautiful for many years.

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