Comfortable Patio Furniture To Unwind On The Weekends

The advent of spring brings along with it an enjoyable time that can be spent with your family outdoors. After enduring a biting winter, the season of spring brings along with it much respite in the form of warm weather and lots of sunlight that is best experience on your patio. In order to make the most of the spring season it is best to invest in inexpensive and versatile patio furniture that looks great and provides you with a memorable outdoor experience on the weekends.

Patio furniture has come a long way since the 90s when it was very limited in variety and design. Today due to the advancements in technology, patio furniture is designed to emulate the luxury that is provided by the sofas in your living room. Now with the availability of stylish patio furniture you can enjoy a barbecue evening with friends or a tranquil candlelit dinner outdoors. The beauty of patio furniture is that you have the option to customize it to suit your needs and requirements. Whether be it in the form of a built in canopy to block out the sharp mid day sun or an inbuilt barbecue grill patio, the choices in patio furniture are seamless.

Patio furniture has the availability to transform your patio into a perfect recreational area. What was once just an outdoor facility with a nice view can now become venue for social gatherings and family get-togethers with the presence of luxurious patio furniture. Unlike traditional furniture, patio furniture requires very low maintenance and is easy to clean after organizing a party.

There are a wide variety of patio furniture styles and designs to choose from. You have the quintessential wrought iron furniture, which is the most popular among homeowners due to their durability and capacity to accommodate people of all sizes and body types. patio furniture, which has seat bases made out of plastic, is also equally popular. Wicker patio furniture also looks very elegant and chic and is usually a very affordable option. For those of you looking to install patio furniture for your holiday home, there are several customizable options that are available which include accessories such as hammocks for added ease and comfort.

Now with the wide assortment of inexpensive patio furniture available today homeowners can choose one for every season. Whether it is a barbecue dinner with friends on a cold winter evening or your kid’s birthday party, patio furniture is a splendid choice for every occasion and season.

Create An Ideal Outdoor Space With These Patio Design Trends

Trends often come and go, but when a trend is a particularly good idea sometimes it catches on and changes the way we live. This may be the case with the new emphasis on patio designs and the interest in outdoor living space.

These days a small concrete slab or a patch of bricks for a patio doesn't seem to cut it anymore. People are focusing on creating a nice environment outside where they can relax or entertain family and friends. There are a few specific patios design trends that seem prevalent.

Size & Shape Are Important

The words sensible proportion may not just apply to eating habits these days but also to the right size of patio for a yard. To create a nice patio design you want to avoid a patio that takes up the whole yard, but you also don't want a small concrete slab buried in a large lawn. People understand that planning the right size and shape of patio is the first step of creating an outdoor living area that will fulfill their needs while providing an attractive space to both relax and to entertain.

Cost Effective Environmental Friendly Design

Creating a space that is environmentally friendly and cost effective has become important as well. Many people have learned these things don't have to be sacrificed when creating a comfortable outdoor living space.

Using materials like stamped concrete instead of natural stone can create an authentic look all while costing less and without the environmental impact of quarrying. Using solar lighting or low voltage lighting also helps the homeowner save money with this ambient lighting that uses little or no electricity. In dry climates many people use xeriscape landscaping, to help conserve water.

A Nice Seating Area

You don't often see plastic patio furniture in the new style patio. It is more common to see something that more resembles living room furniture these days. The patio furniture of late is more comfortable and durable with colorful outdoor cushions and sometimes hidden storage areas. Many people even incorporate an outdoor fireplace into the design to make it feel like an outdoor living room.

Creating Your Own Getaway

Instead of expensive vacations more people are spending money on creating a comfortable get away in their own yard making use of water features, landscaping, outdoor fireplaces and outdoor lighting. Unlike a vacation this living space is available anytime, even if you only have an hour to spend there.

Creating an inviting patio design not only provides a great outdoor environment for you to enjoy, it also helps improve the value of your home.

Appropriate Teak Patio Furniture

In the past, home owners may have built their patio without considering the furniture that they will use. It happened most of the time. This must have change if you want to save on time and money. Choosing the best furniture for your patio is the best thing that you need to do. Make sure that it will last longer and easy to maintain. Teak patio furniture is considered as one of the best furniture for your patio. The appeal in patio furniture does not failed to combine all of one's desire and passion and worries into new atmosphere. Whatever model and style will do, as long as it is made of teak. You can purchase it made to order or buy it from furniture store. It will help a lot in making your patio area look better.

The advantage of purchasing a custom made to order furniture is that your designer may provide the appropriate dimensions for your patio furnishings. In other instances it really mean a lot. If people think of better design you will choose from thicker, shorter, taller, thinner furniture. You will find all of these design in a furniture store and all you need to do is to choose the appropriate design for your patio.

Extravagant teak outdoor patio furniture is not the things that most of us are aware of, its because most conventional retailers don't even offer it. In fact, shopping for outdoor furnishings could be depressing if you really take the time to consider about what the furniture are made from. The common kind of wood is pine it is the most abundant and cheap type of wood. But because it may have a low sap or oil content, pine wood usually dry out fast which it is known to splinter or crack easily. Also pine is very prone to insect damage and rotting. Even if you finish and repair at the end of each season.

In making outdoor furniture, teak wood is basically the best material known. Because of the rubber and high oil content, lovely teak outdoor garden furniture is the ideal wood with regards to insect damage and repelling rot. In ship vessels they uses this type of wood in making decks and railings on ships vessels for generations since it has the ability to survive the elements. With regards to furniture outdoors teak is the best chosen material and it produce a fine grey patina overtime thus it becomes even more beautiful. This type of furniture could be transferred from generation to generation. With less maintenance you can keep its look for a longer period of time. Your great grand children can still keep this furniture for a longer time.

Patio Design And Patio Furniture - The Use Of Focal Points

A focal point is an important design element; it is a place where the eye naturally comes to rest. In a well-designed patio there is always a planned focal point, such as a large dining set, perhaps with a well-selected umbrella. But a patio’s focal point could also be another interesting object or landscape feature.

Examples of landscape features that can be a patio’s focal point are an interesting pathway leading from the patio to an area beyond, a flower garden, a mature tree, or a dramatic view of the back lawn.

However, an outdoor dining table with chairs is often a natural focal point because of its size. If you intend to have a large outdoor dining set, there are several things to keep in mind.

Be conscious of the style of the table and chairs and try to keep styles the same. If you have a very rustic patio, then a contemporary table and chairs may not go well together. It is usually a good idea to maintain the same decor style.

Select the colors of the furniture and cushions with care. Visualize the furniture in the location where they will be used. The colors should be similar or complimentary to the surrounding area.

An umbrella is a good addition if it is appropriate. An umbrella in an area already covered may look odd. However, umbrellas usually work well in screened-in areas that are still exposed to direct sunlight. If you buy an umbrella separately from the table and chairs, make very sure the colors and patterns go well with each other as well as the surroundings.

A pair of chaise lounges with an umbrella could also be an interesting focal point. The umbrella would have its own stand. Of course, the cushions on the chaise lounges and the umbrella material would have to either match or be complimentary with each other.

A statue, fountain, or other ornament can be used as a focal point. However, several things should be kept in mind. If using a statue, the statue and its size must be in keeping with its surroundings, the style of the house, and the decor of the patio. A large statue of the god Jupiter would probably not look well on a patio with, for example, western decor. But a statue of Venus in a traditional English garden setting would be a pleasing addition. A graceful statue would bring an air of serenity.

Size is important as you would not want to overpower the surrounding garden features with a statue that is too large. One of the most agreeable placements for a nicely sized statue within a garden setting is placement by a wall, such as a red brick wall, especially where there are plants, including climbing plants. Never place a statue in isolation, but in an area where it can become part of its surroundings.

These are but a few examples of possible focal points in a patio or garden setting. There are many other possibilities. The important thing is to include the focal point naturally within the patio or garden environment so that it blends in and be in harmony with its surroundings.

How to Get Rid of a Leaky Door to Your Patio

Patio doors are the gates to a home's outdoor area during the most beautiful times of the year. But a home's doors may be underperforming, which means they are insufficiently insulated, possibly costing hundreds of dollars in unnecessarily leaked temperature-controlled air. An upgrade to a property's windows in doors is an investment that may be paid back in heating and cooling costs within a year or two, not to mention being gorgeous and complimenting the existing décor of your home.

Doors and windows are breaks in the continuity of a home's walls. Over time, important features such as weather stripping breaks down, which compromises the coveted airtight quality today's homeowners usually seek to acquire. While windows are an important consideration to stop any leakage from a home, doors are much larger. This means that if the weather stripping of a door is not functioning, more air can be lost here than in a window.

There are three general types of doors leading a homeowner to his or her patio or outside area. They are sliding doors, French doors and high performance doors. There are many features in a new door that a homeowner will likely appreciate. Quad seal weather stripping is an ideal feature in today's sliding doors that is necessary for saving money in the reduction of leaked air. This quad seal feature maximizes resistance to air and water infiltration.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the equivalent of nearly 200 gallons of gasoline may be saved with the replacement of old doors and windows. ENERGY STAR rated goods can help homes conserve that energy, thereby saving folks hundreds of dollars throughout the year. Additionally, tax credits and rebates (some of which are $1,500) are available through the government.

It is not only the leakage of costly interior air to consider, but also the leakage of rainwater and melted snow that may infiltrate portions of the home. This could mean significant trouble for the well-being of property and that of the occupants in a home. Fungal growth such as mold and mildew can get a foothold if water is allowed to settle in the interior. Microscopic spores are typically floating inside most buildings. If one lands in a puddle, this can be the beginning of allergic reactions, and even viral infections for the vulnerable.

New energy efficient doors also tend to feature advanced locks for security, too. There are many advantages in new patio doors.

How to Care for a Flagstone Patio

Adding a flogstone patio to your home will provide your household with a whole new living area and come in very handy when you want to entertain your friends or family. This type of backyard accent will boost the value of your home and at the same time provide an area for you and your family to enjoy.

Patios are normally built with pavers, concrete, or flagstone. Patios constructed with flagstone offer up a product that will hold for decades as long as the stones are well taken care of. Because flagstone is porous, it's susceptible to staining and breakage. Fortunately, flagstone is very easy to care for and maintain.

If you are going to invest in a patio, then there are certain maintenance steps you should take to protect your investment and help your patio hold up as the years go on. Without any type of protection, flagstone can begin to shed and the surface can stain and discolor giving it a dull and dingy look.

Flagstone is usually made from layers of sandstone that have bonded together to form rock. Over time, a shedding process begins. Spalling is the name given to this shedding process. The higher quality flagstones shed slower because the stone is harder and denser. The shedding is worse when the stone changes levels. Water can then work its way below the top layer. Then in the colder months, the water freezes and can cause pieces of stone to fall off.

SEALING A Patio:

You can add a sealer that is specifically made for any natural stone to help prevent the water from getting under the stone surface. If your patio has already started to shed, you should remove any weak pieces that are already beginning to break off. Remove the damaged stone first. If you need to, replace broken stone before adding the sealant.

Be sure the surface is clean and free of loose debris. Similar to waxing a floor, you always want to add the protective sealant to a clean floor.

CLEANING A Flagstone Patio:

You'll need a flagstone cleaner, an outdoor broom made with synthetic bristles, a bucket and a pressure washer.

It is recommended that you clean your flagstone patio twice a year but most people just give their patio an annual spring cleaning. Your local hardware store will sell cleaners specifically made for cleaning flagstone. You'll use the bucket for mixing the solution.

Using the bristle push broom, apply the cleaning mixture making sure you cover and brush the solution onto every stone surface and all of the connecting mortar. You may need to apply an extra amount to any areas that are stained. Then let the solution soak in for 5-10 minutes. If there are still some stubborn stains remaining, give them a second application.

Finally, use your garden hose or pressure washer to rinse off the cleaner. Once the area is dry, you are ready to put your furniture back.

Once you've invested in a flagstone patio, it's a good idea to take these easy steps to keep it looking like new.

Patio Accessories Make A Patio Look Aesthetically Pleasing - So Choose With Care

Designing a patio area can be a fulfilling and exciting task for it is the place where the entire family can congregate to rest, relax and entertain themselves. Carefully selecting matching patio accessories for your outdoor garden is very important for only then will it be cohesive and aesthetically pleasing. Examine all the patio furniture and accessories that you will pick out and get the family involved in this, so that everyone will feel that they have been a part of the planning and designing and therefore enjoy the place more.

While some homeowners may entrust the entire task of relaying and decorating their patio in the hands of a professional landscape designer, others would prefer to use their own creative skills to decorate their patio. The former method will give a beautiful, yet formal appearance to the patio, while the latter will bring a more cozy and comfortable appearance. Each homeowner must make their choice depending on their budget and even those who choose to go with a landscape artist can work closely with them so that their personality will be stamped on the patio decor.

Here are some tips on decorating and choosing some simple accessories for the patio:

• Furniture ideas
• Landscaping ideas
• accessories

Before stepping out to choose your furniture, make sure how much space you have. Measure each area of the patio and make notes as to what furniture you want in each space and the size and number of pieces. Apart from home improvement stores, those on a tight budget can wait for discounts to buy their furniture.

Make sure you place the furniture at least 16 inches from the edge of the patio area. Make your choice of patio furniture material based on the climate in your area and the amount of protection your patio has. Those who have permanent concrete patio roofs or patio awnings can go in for wood or wrought iron furniture. Others who only have patio umbrellas for protection can choose aluminum, resin wicker or plastic furniture. Some people wish to enjoy the patio even during cool nights. They can opt for any kind of patio heater available.

If you prefer the traditional fire pit, you can go in for the four-seat patio table, which comes with a built in fireplace right in the center. On the other hand, if you do not want the hassle of starting and keeping a fire going, you can get a fire pit replica like the electric fireplace or go in for natural gas or propane patio heaters. All these will be functional and make the patio a cozy, warm place for cooler evenings and mornings. Get a beautiful water fountain that is available in hardware stores. This is easy to install and brings a certain charm and beauty to the patio.

What is more, listening to gurgling water is always a soothing and relaxing feeling. Those who have the space can create a small pond around the water fountain. This pond can be filled with ornamental fish or water plants like lilies. If you wish to create some privacy in your patio, get a readymade wooden fence that will look stylish and yet protect you from nosy neighbors. Get patio umbrellas or awnings in the right shade to match your patio furniture. Patio cushions and rugs are available in thousands of colors and patterns so coordinating them with the rest of the patio furniture will be very easy.

When landscaping the patio, you can choose the common square or rectangle shapes. Those who want a more chic appearance can add a slight curve that will give it a contemporary flair. Add shrubs and flowerbeds along the curve to make it stand out. The boundary can also have a border of big round pebbles or bricks to enhance the shape of the patio area. Choose your patio flooring carefully depending on the look you wish to give. E.g., terracotta is a Tuscan theme.

Apart from water fountains and fences, other patio accessories are available in plenty. Small garden gnomes standing around the shrubs look quaint. A chimenea is a freestanding terracotta fireplace used in Mexico that has become a popular garden accessory in the US. Those who want to add a dreamy, fairytale touch can go in for patio lights. These can be LED lights strung on the patio umbrella or solar-powered lamps that are energy efficient and available in many designs. Carefully matched patio accessories will make a patio look warm, inviting and stylish.

Caring Tips for Patio Furniture

Summer and spring time is when most people get their patio furniture and grills out of the dust so that they can put them to good use. patio furniture is now available in many forms and types, but most people have plastic and wood based furnishings. No matter the material, patio furnishings can be easily ruined if they are not properly taken care of. Knowing exactly how to care for your patio furniture is very important, since most models can easily, especially after exposed to more extreme weather. Keep reading and go through the basic steps on how to extend the life of your patio furniture!

Due to the nature of the material, wood furniture requires caring a bit more frequently than other types. The good thing is that the caring process only takes a couple of minutes and it is often times very rewarding in the end. Firstly, start by ensuring that the sealant is weather proof, you surely don't want the wood to soak up any water. Weather conditions are probably the dangerous enemies of patio furnishings! Cleaning your furniture is also extremely important and it should be done right before every season.

Start by looking for rough or damaged spots, sand them out and apply sealant again. This is a simple process and you can easily make use of fine sand paper to sand these spots and make them a lot smoother. Sanding is extremely important because it prepares the area for the sealant while it also protects the sitters by keeping the splinters off. You can easily tear your clothes if you sit on rough spots, especially when splinters are on. How you store your patio furniture is also very important since the winter season can really damage it.

Be sure to store your furniture inside a warm place if you don't want the wood to crack and break down. Properly storing your furnishings can also save you money since the sealant will last a lot longer. Resealing the furniture should be done every three years, while spot resealing should be done whenever required. Also, be sure to take the furniture inside every time it rains. Sometimes, applying sealant to wooden patio furniture that was made using logs might become difficult and require you to put covers over it instead. Simply follow these tips and your patio furniture will surely last for a good number of years!