Patio Furniture Legs that Will Define Your Style!

Patio chairs  are typically made up of a back, seat, legs and, at times, arm rests. Chairs come in various shapes and forms, from simple to ornate, and are made from various materials.  With patio chair furniture it is the  leg that gives the most  information about its character - like its style and the period where it came from or was inspired from.

• Cabriole Legs. These are shaped in two curves: a convex upper curve and concave lower curve. The front of the legs might be a ball and claw or a club. The knee is usually carved with an ornament like a scallop shell. This is originally from the ancient Greeks and Chinese, but in the 18th century, European chairs and tables were popularly fitted with cabriole legs. An example is the Fleur de Lis Cast Aluminum Bistro Set by Alfresco Home.

• Marlborough Legs. These are straight legs that are heavy, fluted and fitted with a block foot. These types of legs were used in English and American furniture, especially during the mid-18th century. The leg’s name is derived from the Duke of Marlborough for furniture designed for him. Thomas Chippendale favored this style of legs for his furniture.
• Spiral Legs. These are straight and carved so they look like a twisted or spiral rope with a winding groove or flute. Their roots originate in India and Portugal, and were popular during the Restoration period in the late 17th century.
• Hock Legs. These are a variation on the cabriole leg, and feature a broken curve on the inner side of the knee. This means that the legs feature a straight, perpendicular section between the upper convex section and their  foot. An example is the The Djursholm Arm Chair by Control Brand.

• Lyre-Shaped Legs. These two legs come together to form the shape of a lyre, a hard-like instrument used in many French and English designs. The lyre motif is also used extensively in back chairs. These were popular among chairs in the early 19th to mid-19th century during the Empire Period;  often referred to as the Classic Style.
• Tapered Legs. These are wide at the top, gradually becoming narrower at the bottom. English furniture designed by George Hepplewhite in the 18th century usually had tapered legs. Shield back chairs made by Hepplewhite had tapered legs, as were many of the early-classical style chairs.

The tips that cover the feet of your patio furniture might seem insignificant, but they provide  a lot more than just extra flourish. Depending on the size of your chair’s feet and its construction, there are many available options for tips.

• Nail Head Glides. Wood and wood frame wicker furniture with rectangular or square feet may use nail head glides. These glides put a PVC plastic head on a nail that is driven into the foot’s bottom. When installed on larger feet, they are completely hidden and will not spoil the design of the furniture while protecting the chair and your patio.
• Plastic Leg Inserts. Steel and aluminum furniture made from hollow tubing usually use plastic inserts as tips on their feet. These inserts pound into the open end of the chair leg with an overlap on the top that covers the leg’s metal edge. Because these feet attach to legs through friction, you should size them exactly to  the chair’s leg.
• Teflon Glides. Traditional felt glides soak up moisture and do not give the protective barrier to maintain your furniture against the elements, but Teflon versions of stick-on glides work well in an outdoor environment. Available in many sizes, opt for a low-profile teflon glide smaller than the leg so it is hidden underneath the leg while the chair is placed on its feet.
• Crutch Tips. Rubber tips that slip over the outside of a chair leg, they are available in several styles and colors, and are sized to match the leg size of the furniture.
• Forever Glides. They combine  the sliding and durability aspects of teflon glides with a self-leveling foam pad.  Forever Glides directly affix to the base of your chair legs and are available in shapes that fit inside recessed leg tips or screw directly into wood or the plastic bottom surface if the feet.

Aside from protecting the surface of your deck or patio, chair tips also help keep your furniture off the ground, preventing the quick deterioration or oxidation that come in constant contact hard surfaces.

Aluminum Patio Furniture Offers a Variety of Options

When we hear the words “aluminum patio furniture,” many people envision  standard, relatively basic pieces that probably look something like your garden variety resort furniture. Many people also associate aluminum furniture with low quality, perhaps a small step up from the flimsy plastic variety often found in discount department stores.   And there is indeed an abundance, low quality aluminum patio furniture out there. But there is also low quality patio furniture made of practically any material used to make patio furniture, from wicker to wrought iron.

Aluminum has Real Benefits

Contrary to the negative beliefs, many patio owners selectively choose aluminum in both residential and commercial settings for the several very real benefits it offers.

• Does not retain heat like steel or iron
• Easy to refurbish
• Invulnerable to rust
• Lightweight, easy to move or stack
• Limitless colors and styles
• Requires very low maintenance

Interestingly, one of the biggest benefits of aluminum might also be one of its few drawbacks – its weight. Lightweight furniture has obvious advantages, but also makes it more susceptible to being blown around in even moderate winds. Closely related is durability, extremely lightweight aluminum furniture – inexpensive, folding camping chairs, for instance – is prone to bending under moderate use or if subjected to unusually heavy weight.

Again, both issues are largely a matter of quality. Although an aluminum chair is always going to be lighter than a wrought iron chair, for instance, a well-built aluminum product is not going to collapse under an oversize patron or blow away in the slightest breeze.

An Abundance of Options

Options in aluminum patio furniture are every bit as versatile as in other materials. You can get it in classic vinyl strap, or a more heavy-duty version with aluminum straps for added durability. But this is just the beginning.

Aluminum starts to get interesting in sling-style seating, from the startling severity of modern pieces to the gentle suggestion of traditional design. Some of the coloring options are also evident in aluminum sling furniture. Darker colors combined with lighter material can give the impression of wood. By using a combination of contrasting or coordinating textures and colors, aluminum furniture gives you the choice of making your furniture stand out or blend in.

If you are looking for something more comfortable, where you can sit on or lie on for hours on end without ending up with aching backs, aluminum with cushioning like the Kingston Loveseat by Meadow Decor should be a good choice for you. For something more ornate and offers unique elegance, you can go with furniture pieces with detailing like the Lipari 24 Inch Round Bistro Table and Base by Alfresco Home.

The above examples only scratch the surface of what aluminum patio furniture has to offer. These are all high quality pieces which will not bend, collapse or bow under moderate use. On the contrary, there are many which are extensively used in commercial applications.

Some Tips on Maintenance

Aluminum does not rust, making it perfect for use in outdoor furniture. However, this metal can get affected by moisture and pollution, and its surface can get rough or discolor. Below are some tips to help you take care of your furniture and make it last for as long it as possibly can.

• If you see that your furniture is slightly discolored, you need to wash it with some soap and water. Remember to add some gentle household acid, like vinegar, lemon juice or cream of tartar. Do not add ammonia, soda or TSP. Always perform this cleaning after the end of any particular season.
• If you notice that the aluminum has become pitted or is rough, you can smoothen or polish the surface with steel wool soaked in soap. Remember to remove all traces or the steel wool from the surface of your furniture. Otherwise, it can rust and stain the surface of the aluminum.
• If your furniture is extremely dry, there is a wide range of commercial cleaners available that can be used for cleaning. Remember to not use commercial cleaners on anodized aluminum.
• If you see that your furniture is prone to corroding and pitting, you can use a coat of car wax or silicon spray to protect it.
• If your furniture is made of colored anodized aluminum, take extra care to use only mild detergent and water to wash it.

Whether you enjoy entertaining guests on a bright sunny day or just want to enjoy a solitary day with a cup of tea and your favorite book, it is important that you are comfortable in your aluminum furniture and that it stays in prime condition for a long time.

Ideas for Replacing Glass on Patio Dining Tables

Glass patio dining tables are a reliable piece of furniture for the outdoors. They are relatively easy to clean, as opposed to a wooden table that is prone to  warping  and weathering over time. These also look very stylish and are much easier to maintain than most of the other table styles. Here are a few beautiful examples of glass outdoor dining tables.

• Bermuda Dining Table by Nuevo Living. With a frame made from natural and durable Teak wood, this dining table has a clean brown finish that is topped off with a rounded clear glass top. It suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

• Venice Round Dining Table by Vifah Modern Patio. Made of cast aluminum, this modern dining table features a Desert Bronze finish to complement your outdoors. It captures a piece of that wonderful California sunshine and casual lifestyle.
• Kross Square Table Incl. Glass Top by Sifas In-Outdoor Living. Authentic and weather resistant, this table offers rustic simplicity and expressive strength. This creation in "ultra light" forged aluminum allows it to resist the worst outdoor conditions.

The glass from  a patio table, however, can become scratched and worn and may need to be replaced. There are a few ways to do this, including changing what the surface of the table is actually made from.

Replace the Glass

By simply replacing the glass in a patio table, you will have removed the weathered look and made your table look as good as new. Depending on the size of your table, replacement glass, textured or clear, cost around $250 to $350 to cut and ship to you, complete with a hole in the center for your umbrella. You might also want to consider buying colored or painted glass to change up the whole look.

Replace with Synthetic Resin

Because glass tables are a bit fragile, replacing a glass patio tabletop with a plastic one  might appear to be a great option. These table tops are more durable to shocks and scratches penetrating  their surfaces. Plastic tabletops are made of acrylic Plexiglas and are almost unbreakable. They can be patterned, textured  or clear in their design. This is an inexpensive option that that will save you in the long run.

Stone Tabletops

A much more expensive but also more expressive and aesthetically pleasing alternative to a glass patio is a round stone-top patio table. These tables are usually ornately designed out of mortar, stones and cement, with patterns of different colored tiles and stones decorating their tops. Durable to both weather and human abuse, these tables will outlast the house itself, if given the opportunity. However, if you are just replacing the glass on your patio table, a stone tabletop may not work, as they need rather specific frames. Most stone tabletops have supports holding them that are made out of a strong metal. Many glass and plastic patio tables have plastic supports holding them up, as they are designed to hold much less weight. 

How to Decorate with Modern Wicker Patio Furniture

Many homes feature modern wicker patio furniture. Aside from the fact that it is inexpensive and durable, it also lends itself to many decorating styles. Indeed, you can find wicker furniture in homes on the beaches of the East Coast as well as in homes that strive to recreate British Colonial décor. Wicker is a natural choice for many rooms of the house, because it not only looks lovely in its natural state, but it can also be painted and adorned with colorful blankets and pillows to completely change the look of your outdoor space.

Decorating your patio, porch or garden with patio furniture is pretty easy, for as long as you have a plan or vision on what you want your space to look like and you follow through with it. Still, many homeowners find themselves at a loss on how and where to get started. If you are one of them, do not get frustrated just yet. Read on and learn from these tips.

1. Decide how you would like to use the wicker furniture in your space. For example. Many decorating styles, including beach and British Colonial, use wicker furniture as a key element. Once you have made a decision about the decorating style, you will not have such a hard time choosing pieces that complement the wicker furniture.
2. Consider painting your picker furniture. Many pieces of wicker furniture are painted already (usually with white – like the Club 6 Chair by Lebello) but you can pull different decorative elements together in your space by adding a painted trim to your wicker piece.
   
3. Buy smaller furniture pieces made from wicker. Look for items like wicker trunks (the Lexington Wicker Large Storage Box by Tortuga Outdoor is one fine choice) or a wicker footstool (like the All-Weather Wicker Ottoman with 1 pc. Rave Cherry Cushion by Outdoor Greatroom Company). If you have opted to paint the trim on some of the larger wicker furniture pieces, consider painting these items completely one color.
   
4. Add an element of comfort to your wicker couch by investing in an abundance of throw pillows of various sizes. If you are painting your wicker furniture, look for pillows with patterns that feature your paint colors to pull the decorative elements in the room together. Then choose a few pillows in contrasting colors to add a bit of visual interest through contrast.
5. Remember the smaller details in your decorating scheme by incorporating pictures and mirrors with wicker frames into your room.
6. Break up the wicker-only look of the space by buying larger pieces of furniture that complement wicker. For example, British Colonial style decorating uses a lot of wicker, but it also incorporates heavy mahogany tables or dressers.
7. Shop for accessories like handmade quilts or cotton afghans at local flea markets or country fairs. These accessories add color to your wicker if you opt not to paint it and bring an inviting and homey look to the room as well.

How to Make Your Very Own Patio Bench Cushions

Cushions from patio furniture benches, dining chairs or  stools can have a limited lifespan;  especially when they are exposed to the outside elements for an extended period of time. Also, styles change and designs become outdated. Whether you need to replace them or simply want an update, you can make your own outdoor cushions actually quite easily.

1. Measure an existing cushion or the seat space of the  piece of furniture. You need to know the width and length, as well as the height if you are making one with side panels. Add an inch to all measurements for seam allowance.
2. Draw lines with a pencil onto the underside of the material to transfer these measurements. Cut the material along the lines.
3. Put two pieces of material together so the undersides are showing, lining up the edges so the pieces are even. Sew a basic running stitch ½-inch in from the edge, and another row of ¼-inch from the end.

• If you are sewing a basic cushion with only a top and bottom piece, sew three sides, with the fourth side 1/8 of the way from each corner to leave an opening in the middle.
• If you are sewing a cushion with side panels, sew all the side panels to the top edges. Sew the front and side panels to the bottom piece of the cushion, and then the back panel to the bottom piece 1/ of the way in from each corner.

4. Reach your hand into the opening and grab the material. Pull it through the opening to turn the cushion right side out.
5. Use a knife to cut a piece of durable foam the size of the cushion, and squeeze the foam into the opening of the cushion. Use your hands to tug and push until it is in correctly.
6. Fold the material of the opening in so that it matches the rest of the edge. Sew along the fold to close up the cushion.

If sewing or DIY projects are just  not your thing,  consider buying new cushions instead. With the wide range of selections available in the market today, you should have no problem choosing the one that fits your style, needs and budget.

Comfort Care Barstool Sunbrella Cushion Set by Infinita

Featuring seat bottom and seat back cushion, the Comfort Care Barstool Sunbrella Cushion Set by Infinita comes with straps so you can securely fix it to the barstool frame. It is available in six colors: Natural (white), Jockey Red, Cocoa, Parrot (Green), True Blue and Coal.

Folding Chair Cushion (Set of 2) by All Things Cedar

Make your folding chairs even more comfortable with the thick and washable Folding Chair Cushion (Set of 2) by All Things Cedar. Made with 2 inches of Hi Density foam and cotton canvas, this cushion is comes with reinforced piping on the edges and two tie-downs. Available in Blue, Green and White.

Patio Chair Cushion (All Sunbrella Fabric Choices) by Meadow Décor

Perfect for your dining chair, barstool and swivel rocker, the Patio Chair Cushion (All Sunbrella Fabric Choices) by Meadow Décor is made with polyester fiber batting, and polyester and olefin fabric covers. Generously sized at 6 inches thick, it has piped edging for a finished look.