Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Purchasing, Cleaning and Maintaining Resin Patio Furniture


Entertain your guests in style with resin patio furniture in your backyard. Resin is one of the most popular materials for outdoor furniture, and it is easy to see why. It is durable, inexpensive and looks great in many different settings. Resin outdoor furniture is also known for being easy to clean, making it the perfect choice for those with busy lifestyles. Whether you want resin furniture to freshen your patio’s look, or resin garden furniture for your landscaped backyard, the following suggestions will help you find the right furniture that complements your home and make entertaining all the more easier.
Tip #1: Look for resin furniture in a myriad of  colors
White resin furniture might be iconic and give your home a quaint, old-fashioned touch, but you might want to buy wicker furniture in darker colors, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain. Look for reddish-brown furniture sets to give your space a laid-back, earthy feeling, or black or green pieces for a more contemporary look. Update  these resin outdoor furniture sets with thick cushions in contrasting colors as well. Consider putting cream or white-colored cushions on black wicker patio furniture for a fresh, clean vibe.
Tip #2: Buy wicker furniture finished with vinyl or resin for durability
If you live in a snowy or rainy climate, you will want to look at resin or vinyl furniture that has been treated with water-resistant coatings like the Ares Resin Square Dining Set with 4 Chairs by Compamia. Resin wicker furniture is also able to resist fading and cracking in extreme color or eat. You can also buy furniture sets that feature aluminum frames if you are worried about natural wicker pieces being damaged or growing brittle over time.

Tip #3: Find resin furniture that complements your home
Resin patio furniture might seem cozy and simple when loveseats and armchairs are grouped together, but you can also make your favorite pieces look sophisticated with the right styles and colors. Purchase resin furniture sets with angular, boxy shapes if you want modern décor like the Club 5-Piece Deep Seating Group by POLYWOOD®. On the other hand, go with chairs, side tables and rocking chairs with rounded, smooth edges if you want to set a more traditional space.

While resin patio furniture is generally easy to clean, it is still important that you keep it well protected.  Keeping them in the shade as much as possible will help preserve their color.  During the winter, store them covered to keep it clean, and make it easier to get it ready for another season. Contrary to what many might think, cleaning resin patio furniture is not hard, but it is important that you use the right techniques. Here are a few tips to help you out.
  1. Use a hose to wash off any surface grime and dirt. If you have one or you can get one, use a pressure washer set on the lowest setting.
  2. Rub the whole surface of the furniture piece with a damp cloth dipped in soapy water. Use a mild dish detergent to remove any stuck grime and dirt.
  3. Protect the surface of your furniture from getting dirty by applying a paste made from water and baking soda. Mix the paste together until it gets a thick consistency, rub it on the furniture, and rinse completely.
  4. Use a mixture of detergent, bleach and water to remove stubborn stains from your resin furniture. Mix a cup of bleach, a gallon of warm water, and a couple of squirts of your favorite dishwashing liquid. Apply the mixture to the stains, and let it stand for at least 10 minutes, and rinse it away. Repeat this as necessary.
  5. Remove scuff marks with a paste made from water and a quality cleanser like Ajax. Apply the paste and let it sit for 10 minutes before you hose it off.
  6. Let the newly cleaned furniture dry, and wipe away any remaining moisture using a clean, soft cloth.
Always wipe away any new spills so they do not have a chance to set it. Wash away tree sap or bird droppings before they  can damage the furniture’s surface or mar the finish. Clean every piece of furniture when you get the hose out to water your yard, garden or flowers. A few extra minutes a week can help keep your resin patio furniture looking like new, making the next spring cleaning a little easier.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Outdoor Patio Umbrellas - The Central Theme to Enhancing Your Outdoor Experience


Outdoor patio umbrellas are  a great way to help you enjoy your outdoor space and an investment that will add value to your home. With the right outdoor fabric, a patio umbrella can protect you from the dangerous UV rays which cause skin cancer while giving you and your family a great place to entertain and relax. Overtime, the designs of patio umbrella manufacturers have improved and become somewhat of a fashion statement for the outdoor room decorator. They have become a centralizing theme and a fun element to enhance  patio and home décor.
The wide range of fabric alternatives available today can be thrilling, but it can be a challenge to uncover wonderful bargains. But which of these choices is the right one for your home? With so many available options and so many materials, it can be a bit difficult to choose the right one.   By reviewing the basic umbrella categories, you should find the  style and feature that is best for you.
Garden Umbrellas
This is the traditional look of the patio umbrellas with an unmistakable feature: a unique bell shape appearance that hearkens back to a time when patios and backyards were the heart of a home’s recreation.  They  have adorned luxury garden furniture sets for years.
Typically small compared to modern day umbrellas, they are great enhancements to courtyards, backyards and small patios. For making the classic look complete, complement them along with rattan or wicker furniture for that  old world goodness.
Wood Market Umbrellas
Wood market umbrellas are  all about rustic luxury. They are inspired from the original DIY outdoor umbrella, which is the street market umbrella.  The timber market outdoor umbrella today has now come a long way. This creates a chic atmosphere, and are usually one of the more popular styles. It is the best way to create a relaxing environment in your home, perfect for those staycations. Choose an umbrella that made of teak or hardwood like the Square Wooden Umbrella by Jordan Manufacturing Company, as they are usually water repellent and bug free.

Wind Resistant Fiberglass Umbrellas
Fiberglass was traditionally the costliest building material for umbrellas. Fiberglass is stronger and better at tolerating  higher than average wind conditions compared to wood or aluminum. What makes them stand out is that fiberglass ribs can flex and bend under wind pressure, but snap back into shape quickly.
A fiberglass outdoor umbrella can easily withstand winds of up to 50mph, which is why they are called wind resistant umbrellas. Because they effectively flex, turnovers and forward falls coming from accidents or rough  play will not crack the ribs, which typically  send umbrellas to the trash.
Aluminum Umbrellas
Café-style modern aluminum outdoor umbrellas are very popular these days because of their durability and their features. Aluminum is lightweight and does not really rust. It is also available in a plethora of frame finishes that can go with just about any home’s  décor.
Aluminum patio umbrellas will usually have specialized characteristics, such as automatic tilting. Outdoor fabrics are available in so many varieties, so you can create practically any look that you like, like an elegant hotel or a sidewalk café.
Offset Umbrellas
One of the challenges with an outdoor umbrella is the middle pole. The shade covered by an outdoor umbrella is great, but the center pole gets in the way of conversation, or limits the usable surface on tables. Usually seen in stylish cafes and restaurants, offset umbrellas position to the side, or offset from the center, leaving the shade cover over you or in the place where you want shade. This frees up room and make new possibilities for creating room.
This umbrella like the Offset Umbrella by Jordan Manufacturing Company is great over the pool, or in a spa. You can shade your little ones while they are having fun without stressing about an umbrella falling over or getting in their way. Entertaining close friends outdoors will be an entirely new experience without having to look around a pole to have a discussion.

A patio umbrella was once treated as simply a useful accessory, but it can, and usually is, a key theme to your outdoor space. Take your time in choosing the best outdoor patio umbrella for your home. With the perfect choice, it can change your outdoor décor entirely, and you can be the envy of your neighborhood with a large, beautiful and comfortable umbrella.



Thursday, July 3, 2014

Patio Dining Sets to Suit Your Outdoor Space


The months of spring and summer signal the return of barbecues and enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends. If you are thinking of sprucing up your outdoor area for al fresco dinners in the coming months, a dining set that gives ample table top surface area and comfortable seating is essential. A nice patio dining set will make you and your family comfortable when you entertain or just choose to relax and unwind outside.
From bistro-style chairs and tables to more traditional wood pieces, the best patio dining sets are those that will fit your outdoor space without making it feel overcrowded. Also, they should also be able to withstand the elements of the changing seasons. Most importantly, your outdoor dining set should complement your preference and style. If you are considering one right now, here are some general things you need to keep an eye out for.
Choose the best materials. Sturdy metals and wood like powder-coated aluminum and teak are popular choices for outdoor dining furniture. Teak furniture, like the 5 Piece Extension Javenese Teak Outdoor Patio Dining Set with Solid Brass Fittings by All Things Cedar, stands up to the elements very well, and is more durable than most other varieties. After sunlight and rain exposure, teak also develops a nice, shiny patina, aging well over time.
Consider versatility. On the other hand, aluminum furniture is best for seasonal use as it is lightweight, yet still sturdy. Also, the powder-coated varieties are usually available in a wide range of colors, making it versatile for many different outdoor environments. Also, rattan and wicker pieces are easy to move, and outdoor chairs crafted from these materials can usually give the most comfort because of their tight cushy weaves.
Decide on size. The size of your dining set will depend on your outdoor space. Usually, bistro-style sets (which are made up of one table and two chairs) are best for small decks and patios. So if you are looking to create a small corner for relaxing, these can be a great option. However, if you are considering taking your meals outdoors, opt for a full dining set, which can range from four- to eight-seaters depending on the amount of space you have available in your garden.
Think of the surface. Wood table tops need the least amount of maintenance because they can easily be wiped clean with some mild soap and water. Metal tables can heat up quickly hen left out in direct sun for long periods, so it is best that you put them in shaded areas or under a patio umbrella. Glass table tops are also easy to clean and should make for a pretty accent in a garden. However, their fragile nature means that they are best for covered porches, decks and patios. Also, they are weak against the elements so they should be moved indoors during colder months.
Sometimes, particularly when it comes to outdoor furniture, price does matter. This means that quality patio sets can be expensive, but there are a number of ways to get a good deal on outdoor furniture. Here are some tips to help you find an inexpensive patio dining set.
  • Shop when summer is over. Many stores hold sales on patio furniture once the weather gets colder. You might get a good price as retailers would want space for seasonal winter items. Whatever the season may be, you can check for sales ads.
  • Price does not guarantee quality. Not all costly outdoor furniture is high quality. Do not judge the quality of a dining set just by the price tag. When shopping for a set, try to go with a durable and beautiful patio dining set.
  • Look for a set that lasts. Sit on the chairs to ensure that they are sturdy and comfortable. If the set comes with cushions, ensure that they are mildew resistant and are made to withstand outdoor conditions, like the ones in the Bellagio Dining Table Collection by Anderson Teak.
  • Compare prices. Take some time to look for different patio sets at different stores. Take notes when doing your research. Then make a short list of your favorite sets, and pick the one that offers the best quality for the lowest price.

Make sure that you pick a patio set that will look good with your outdoor space and landscape. Use the simple tips above to find the best patio dining set that is perfect for you and your family without having to spend too much.