Some Tips for Furnishing Your Outdoor Garden Space

Jul 21
08:14

2011

Graeme Knights

Graeme Knights

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Now summer is here, we all flood outside for the precious days and evening of outdoor living! Barbecues, parties and general lounging are the order of the season, but if you haven't sorted your garden area, you may need some ideas...

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All Weather SeatingWoven outdoor furniture has become extremely popular,Some Tips for Furnishing Your Outdoor Garden Space Articles especially in a natural looking wood color. Furniture made with a fully a welded aluminum frame will offer a great choice for year round outdoor use because it would remain completely rust free.Swing Seats and SwingsA swing makes a gorgeous centerpiece to a garden or backyard and adds a touch of youthfulness to the atmosphere. Wood is a classic material for swings, but many swings are now being made of copper as well. Decide if the swing will be free standing, or if it will hang from a tree. A free standing swing could be positioned almost anywhere. If the swing will hang from a tree limb, call a professional to help test the limbs strength and to install the swing.Bistro Style FurnitureMetal furniture has become widely used to replicate the old time cast iron furniture that was beautiful, but rust prone. Today’s furniture can be made to look like the old cast iron furniture, with either aluminum or stainless steel that resists rust. These metals are also very heavy, which are great for really windy areas. Traditional Teak FurnitureTeak furniture, over time, allows its wood to lose the reddish brown hue it has when it is new and take on a beautiful silvery, grey finish. To avoid the silvery color of the wood, apply a brightener to the wood after it has been sanded to restore it to its original state. The furniture resist moisture, frost, and sun damage which makes it perfect for outdoor use. Another thing teak naturally does as it ages is produces hairline cracks; these do not affect the strength or stability of the furniture at all. Parasols and ShadesShade is an extremely important element to any garden or patio. Shades can either be fixed or freestanding. Fixed awnings or wall-mount umbrellas can attach to a house. Freestanding shades can either be slotted into a table or be placed on a flexible arm to allow the shade to be positioned differently as the sun moves. Outdoor BenchesA beautiful way to end a garden pathway is adding a bench. A bench will work best placed away from noise; a place that allows for a mixture of sun and shade through the day. With a variety of wooden and metal benches available, consider the size and location of the area where the bench will be placed and use those surroundings to guide your decision on which bench will fit in best.Steamers and Sun LoungersSun loungers offer a great way to relax in a garden. Loungers are multi-positional so it’s easy to find a way to get comfortable. Loungers often come with wheels and are stackable, making moving and storing much easier. Many loungers also come with coordinating tables and chairs to make a complete backyard set.DaybedsDaybeds are a magnificent way to relax outdoors in style. They are great focal points because of their large size. They come in a traditional rectangular shape or a more modern circular shape. Daybeds should be stored indoors during winter, although there are models made with weather proof materials such as poly-rattan.DeckchairsA new take on deckchairs is the double deckchair, made with the recycled sails of yachts which provide strength and weather-proofing. The deckchair receives a stamp which identifies the original sail with the option of adding a name.Garden StorageGarden storage is an important addition to any outdoor entertaining area. A trolley can be a great item to use to move things from kitchen to outside. A shelf mounted to an outside wall will add storage space. A cushion chest could be used to hold toys, games, or gardening supplies.How to Look After Your Garden Furniture• Canvas should be brought inside at the end of season. Remove dirt with a stiff brush.• Parasols may be washed with mild soap and cold water.• Teak should be cleaned every six months with a special teak soap or mild soap and brush.• All weather weaves (such as rattan furniture) can be washed with soap and water, and may also be jet washed at the beginning of every season.• Metal furniture that is painted can be washed with soap and water.

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