Choose The Right Furniture For Your Outdoor Retreat In 3 Easy Steps
By: Summer Hewitt
The great outdoors is the place to relax, but with everyone’s busy schedules, no one has the time to do that weekend trip to the mountains or the beach. After reading this article you should be able to create your own weekend retreat, right in your backyard. With a little bit of guidance on decorating themes, furniture selections, and placement, you should be on your way to have the backyard everyone envies.
STEP 1
The first step is to find the Decorative Theme. At this point you may want to determine what kind of theme or style you want your backyard to take on. Some examples may include, creating a touch of Paradise, Bohemian Chic, French Country, Southern Plantation, Classic Cottage, Shabby Chic and the list goes on forever. The main focus is to find the look that reminds you of relaxation and comfort. For this article, we are going to go with a Southern Plantation look.
STEP 2
The second step is to find the furniture that goes with your outdoor theme. While searching for the perfect furnishings, keep in mind that comfort should always come first before the appearance. Also, make sure to always do some research on the type of wood used in the construction. Wood choices to consider:
Southern Yellow Pine
Provides a long-term protection from rot, decay and termites. The yellow pine is from the southeast region, where temperatures range from extreme cold to extreme heat, this allows the wood to adjust to any climate. All wood patio furniture is subject to a natural process called "checking". Checking occurs when the wood releases its moisture through its growth rings. This is a normal process and occurs only on the surface of the wood. Checking does not affect the wood’s structural integrity.
Teak Wood
Contains natural oil and Silica (sand), which makes it impervious to insects, and wood rot. These substances also help it to maintain its luster for many, many years. Teak will turn to silver gray if left unsealed.
Cedar
Is a softer wood, but repels insects and rot just like the other types of wood. With Cedar being a very lightwood, it is easy to work with and will always have that uncommon smooth-surface. The two most used types of Cedar are the Western Red Cedar and Northern White Cedar, both known for their great color. Left outside in its natural state, cedar will change to silver gray. You can also stain cedar in the color of your choice to match your decor.
Cypress
Is extremely resistant to decay and insects. With its 'grown-in-the-wood' preservative oil, there is no further chemical treatment needed, unless the cypress lumber is in direct contact with the ground. It is dimensionally stable and naturally resistant to splitting and warping. If left unsealed cypress will turn silver gray.
Redwood
Is a natural alternative to pressure treated lumber. It is known that Redwood resists decay caused by the environment and insect infestation. Over time Redwood will weather to a natural silvery-gray tint.
Once you have chosen your decorating theme, the furniture selection should come naturally. Today’s interior designers have made it simple for people to find what they want, by making collections under a particular design theme. Since, we have chosen the Southern Plantation theme as the model, we need to look for furniture that represents the Old South. Rocking chairs or primitive furniture will give the look of old, yet classic.
STEP 3
The third and final step is to place the furniture to complete the atmosphere. Furniture placement is very important and one really needs to put some thought into the best place. If you put your furniture to close to the noisy neighbors, you will lose the feel of relaxation and maybe even privacy. The arrangement of furnishings should be tucked away in a spot where you can escape from the outside world. You want your nights of family dinners or reading a book to be enjoyable. Another issue is, if you plan to entertain, positioning the furniture to make a more welcoming setting is the key. Putting the furniture away from the house will make an open invitation to the glare from the sun or the army of insects at night. You want to create a feeling of comfort, so by doing that with the theme chosen, you would put the rocking chairs facing each other for the look of open conversations. By putting all the furniture in groups you are allowing guests to feel at ease to have a chat and the party will be a hit.
About the Author:
TotalBackyard.com is your complete source for patio furniture, rocking chairs, hammocks and more.
Read more articles by: Summer Hewitt
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
8/07/2007
The Cast Aluminum Patio Furniture Review
Today there are many types of materials to choose from when buying your furniture. It is no longer necessary to strictly think of wood when you think of furniture. Among many great and popular choices available on the market, there are: aluminum, brass, alloys, cast iron, etc.
Is Cast Aluminum Patio Furniture Superior to the Rest of the Materials?
There are mixed opinions regarding which material to choose when buying patio furniture. Some people believe that there can be no better choice for furniture than the cast aluminum patio furniture. This is because it is extremely light and easy to fashion into any type of model, even if only a limited amount of time is available before summer starts. The fact that aluminum never rusts gives a great advantage over all the other materials, and this means there is relatively low to no maintenance. It will be durable and look brand new after many years have past, making you happy to see and use it, just like when you bought it.
In order to keep your cast aluminum patio furniture functioning well, you will need to have stainless steel rivets and screws that will ensure the furniture does not grow skewed after a few years of use. There will be a lot of trouble if the screws rust, because the furniture will loose its original shape and comfort.
The best pieces are usually powder coated and colored in different colors to enhance its effects. It is beautiful to see, cheap to buy, and maintenance free. Can anything be better than that?
Aluminum came onto the market in the 20th century, and since its arrival no one can dispute the many advantages the material offers. Hence, the cast aluminum patio furniture is indeed the best choice among all the materials that are available today.
The cast aluminum patio furniture is elegant, easily movable from one place to another, can be bought in any color or texture whatsoever (powder coated), and is very strong and durable. Not even an elephant climbing of a patio chair made of aluminum could change the shape (as actually experimented). That just goes to prove how strong this furniture can be.
In terms of beauty too, there is nothing that can beat aluminum, because it can copy any type of material or texture. Hence, why should you settle for anything less?
Free Article Content Directory: http://www.articlefair.com
About The Author
Masni Rizal Mansor provide tips and review on patio furniture sets.
Is Cast Aluminum Patio Furniture Superior to the Rest of the Materials?
There are mixed opinions regarding which material to choose when buying patio furniture. Some people believe that there can be no better choice for furniture than the cast aluminum patio furniture. This is because it is extremely light and easy to fashion into any type of model, even if only a limited amount of time is available before summer starts. The fact that aluminum never rusts gives a great advantage over all the other materials, and this means there is relatively low to no maintenance. It will be durable and look brand new after many years have past, making you happy to see and use it, just like when you bought it.
In order to keep your cast aluminum patio furniture functioning well, you will need to have stainless steel rivets and screws that will ensure the furniture does not grow skewed after a few years of use. There will be a lot of trouble if the screws rust, because the furniture will loose its original shape and comfort.
The best pieces are usually powder coated and colored in different colors to enhance its effects. It is beautiful to see, cheap to buy, and maintenance free. Can anything be better than that?
Aluminum came onto the market in the 20th century, and since its arrival no one can dispute the many advantages the material offers. Hence, the cast aluminum patio furniture is indeed the best choice among all the materials that are available today.
The cast aluminum patio furniture is elegant, easily movable from one place to another, can be bought in any color or texture whatsoever (powder coated), and is very strong and durable. Not even an elephant climbing of a patio chair made of aluminum could change the shape (as actually experimented). That just goes to prove how strong this furniture can be.
In terms of beauty too, there is nothing that can beat aluminum, because it can copy any type of material or texture. Hence, why should you settle for anything less?
Free Article Content Directory: http://www.articlefair.com
About The Author
Masni Rizal Mansor provide tips and review on patio furniture sets.
Office Furniture: Things you Need to Take Care of
Office is a place where an office goer is supposed to spend most of his time of the day. Office is a place which, after your home, gives you a place to relax and make some bond with a place. It is like your second home where you are assigned to perform your professional job efficiently. Beyond all the friendship and intimacy you share with colleagues, it is furniture of your office with which you spend many hours every day. Office furniture, be it chairs, desks or reception furniture, it plays an important role in your life, as it is in which you get a companion for long by the time you are in office.
For management of an organisation willing to take care of an office, there are several points need to be taken care of while planning to have office furniture. The first and most important thing that require good consideration is comfortability of the furniture. Be it office chairs or desks, each of the furniture of an office ought to meet the standard of comfortability. A comfortable chair and desk in an office assure the workers a space to work better. Health surveys, be it UK or any other country, state that serious health problems like headache, body ache, mental stress or other psychological disorders are caused by poor sitting posture in office due to uncomfortable chairs. Thus, comfort level should come first.
Affordability and style come next. It is important that furniture have to be bought as per as the budget. And likewise, while buying office furniture, it is important that style of the chairs, desks, etc. are meeting the modern standard style. Furniture meant to be kept at reception has to be much more stylish than the one used at workplace. Thus, considering some of these points put the management of an organisation at ease while managing furniture for office.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/small-business-articles/office-furniture-things-you-need-to-take-care-of-188138.html
For management of an organisation willing to take care of an office, there are several points need to be taken care of while planning to have office furniture. The first and most important thing that require good consideration is comfortability of the furniture. Be it office chairs or desks, each of the furniture of an office ought to meet the standard of comfortability. A comfortable chair and desk in an office assure the workers a space to work better. Health surveys, be it UK or any other country, state that serious health problems like headache, body ache, mental stress or other psychological disorders are caused by poor sitting posture in office due to uncomfortable chairs. Thus, comfort level should come first.
Affordability and style come next. It is important that furniture have to be bought as per as the budget. And likewise, while buying office furniture, it is important that style of the chairs, desks, etc. are meeting the modern standard style. Furniture meant to be kept at reception has to be much more stylish than the one used at workplace. Thus, considering some of these points put the management of an organisation at ease while managing furniture for office.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/small-business-articles/office-furniture-things-you-need-to-take-care-of-188138.html
8/03/2007
Choosing The Perfect Sofa
Let's take a little quiz: What is probably the largest piece of furniture that you have in your home right now? What item of furniture in your home probably says more about you than any other? What item of furniture is usually the first item that guests will see - and use - when they are in your home?
Did you guess the answer -- it is the same for all the questions. The answer? The humble sofa! Did you get it right? That little quiz highlights the critical importance of a sofa as a home furnishing. For yourself, your family and your guests, you need a good sofa.
This means that when it comes time to buying a new sofa, you must make your choice carefully and thoughtfully. A sofa can make or break your home decorating efforts.
No two homes are the same. As well, no two homeowners are the same - and for this reason there is no type of sofa that is 'right' for everyone. There is only the sofa that is right for YOU and your home. When you shop around for a new sofa you can examine them from a design perspective (their appearance), or from a functional perspective (how they work and their components).
>From a functional point of view, you have several choices in sofas. A perennial choice is the sectional sofa. With a sectional you can move the sections all about as you please. You can also buy sleeper sofas (that unfold into a spare bed), recliner sofas, and even outdoor sofas for your porch or deck area outside. It is best to consider functional aspects first: what you will you need your sofa for? What will you need it to do (if anything)? Where will it be used - and how often? And just how much space do you have? The fact is that once you have a handle on the TYPE of sofa that you need, you can then move on to consider design options.
As far as design (appearance) is concerned, your choices are almost endless. You can choose sofas with a traditional feel - literally, using thick, pillow-like fabrics, with deep, restful cushions that you can just get happily lost in (I guess you know which ones I like for napping!). Or you can go with a more contemporary type - crisp lines, taut fabrics, simple color schemes.
A few recommendations seem in order: First of all, when selecting a sofa get one that matches your room decor, if the rest of your room has been outfitted. In general, don't try to place a contemporary-style sofa in a room with traditional decor. The reverse holds true as well: don't stick a fluffy, floral-pattern traditional-style sofa in an ultra-modern living room. If the sofa style does not match your room decor it will stick out like a sore thumb.
Some further recommendations: If you occasionally need extra bed space (for guests and kid friend sleep-overs), I advise purchasing a sleeper sofa. And by all means get a very sturdy sofa if you need it for a den or playroom. Kids have a way of turning a sofa into a trampoline, and husbands can be very messy when eating during the big game, so make sure your sofa can take it. As always, buy furniture that is good quality - good materials, solid craftsmanship - from a reputable dealer. Make sure to get a good warranty (in writing). Do your best and pick the best sofa that you can afford. Maintain that sofa - care for it properly - and you will get many years of comfort from it.
Article Source: http://www.article-buzz.com
Information about the Author:
Author: Catherine Olivia is a sofa expert. To learn about sofas and leather sofas visit this sofa site.
Get your own completely unique content version of this article.
Did you guess the answer -- it is the same for all the questions. The answer? The humble sofa! Did you get it right? That little quiz highlights the critical importance of a sofa as a home furnishing. For yourself, your family and your guests, you need a good sofa.
This means that when it comes time to buying a new sofa, you must make your choice carefully and thoughtfully. A sofa can make or break your home decorating efforts.
No two homes are the same. As well, no two homeowners are the same - and for this reason there is no type of sofa that is 'right' for everyone. There is only the sofa that is right for YOU and your home. When you shop around for a new sofa you can examine them from a design perspective (their appearance), or from a functional perspective (how they work and their components).
>From a functional point of view, you have several choices in sofas. A perennial choice is the sectional sofa. With a sectional you can move the sections all about as you please. You can also buy sleeper sofas (that unfold into a spare bed), recliner sofas, and even outdoor sofas for your porch or deck area outside. It is best to consider functional aspects first: what you will you need your sofa for? What will you need it to do (if anything)? Where will it be used - and how often? And just how much space do you have? The fact is that once you have a handle on the TYPE of sofa that you need, you can then move on to consider design options.
As far as design (appearance) is concerned, your choices are almost endless. You can choose sofas with a traditional feel - literally, using thick, pillow-like fabrics, with deep, restful cushions that you can just get happily lost in (I guess you know which ones I like for napping!). Or you can go with a more contemporary type - crisp lines, taut fabrics, simple color schemes.
A few recommendations seem in order: First of all, when selecting a sofa get one that matches your room decor, if the rest of your room has been outfitted. In general, don't try to place a contemporary-style sofa in a room with traditional decor. The reverse holds true as well: don't stick a fluffy, floral-pattern traditional-style sofa in an ultra-modern living room. If the sofa style does not match your room decor it will stick out like a sore thumb.
Some further recommendations: If you occasionally need extra bed space (for guests and kid friend sleep-overs), I advise purchasing a sleeper sofa. And by all means get a very sturdy sofa if you need it for a den or playroom. Kids have a way of turning a sofa into a trampoline, and husbands can be very messy when eating during the big game, so make sure your sofa can take it. As always, buy furniture that is good quality - good materials, solid craftsmanship - from a reputable dealer. Make sure to get a good warranty (in writing). Do your best and pick the best sofa that you can afford. Maintain that sofa - care for it properly - and you will get many years of comfort from it.
Article Source: http://www.article-buzz.com
Information about the Author:
Author: Catherine Olivia is a sofa expert. To learn about sofas and leather sofas visit this sofa site.
Get your own completely unique content version of this article.
8/02/2007
Wood Furniture Care – Looking After Your Wooden Floors
It can be a great investment to any home by installing wooden floors, whether you have new floor boards laid, have old ones renovated or whether you have laminate flooring. It helps to add warmth, character and personality to any room that it is in but depending upon what option you take, it can cost a lot of money. That is why looking after the wooden flooring in your home is extremely important. By ensuring that they are properly cared for, they will look as good as possible for as long as possible.
Accidents happen all of the time whether you drop some sauce or other food onto the floor, or if you spill some water on it and forget to mop it up. Things easily happen and without sorting it out, it can eventually turn into a problem for your wooden floors. The reason is dirt and grime may not seem like a problem, but if it is left it can cause marks, scuffs and scratches because it could get dragged around.
Applying Proper Wood Care Techniques to Your Wooden Floors
If things are spilled onto the floor then there is no problem usually, depending upon what it is. Most stains are easy enough to get out, whilst others may need a bit more work and because of this it will determine what type of product you will need to use. However something that you need to do is to find out what wood care products you can get to help to clean your floor. Not all products will be safe to use and without finding this out you could easily cause damage to the floor.
To determine what product you will need will depend entirely upon what type of finish is on the flooring. One type of wood finish would be either varnish or shellac, which is mainly used in older floors. If you have a varnish or shellac finish then you just need a simple dust mop as well as regularly sweeping and vacuuming up. If you do have any spills you should try and mop them up as soon as possible. By applying this simple form of cleaning then you are protecting the floor as much as possible by giving it the proper care that it needs.
Something that you need to keep in mind on most wooden floors is not to use a soaking wet mop as this can easily cause serious damage to the wood. It can cause discoloration as well as maybe causing the wood to warp, so that is why it is not a good idea to use a wet mop.
Overall by taking the time to find out about what type of finish is on the wood and by taking extra care, you can ensure that the floors are kept in good condition. It is not hard to look after your flooring and you should find that it will look as good as new for years to come if you give it the proper care which it deserves.
About The Author
Adam Peters is the copywriter of http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . Find more publications about furniture care at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/magazine/wood-furniture-care.html
Accidents happen all of the time whether you drop some sauce or other food onto the floor, or if you spill some water on it and forget to mop it up. Things easily happen and without sorting it out, it can eventually turn into a problem for your wooden floors. The reason is dirt and grime may not seem like a problem, but if it is left it can cause marks, scuffs and scratches because it could get dragged around.
Applying Proper Wood Care Techniques to Your Wooden Floors
If things are spilled onto the floor then there is no problem usually, depending upon what it is. Most stains are easy enough to get out, whilst others may need a bit more work and because of this it will determine what type of product you will need to use. However something that you need to do is to find out what wood care products you can get to help to clean your floor. Not all products will be safe to use and without finding this out you could easily cause damage to the floor.
To determine what product you will need will depend entirely upon what type of finish is on the flooring. One type of wood finish would be either varnish or shellac, which is mainly used in older floors. If you have a varnish or shellac finish then you just need a simple dust mop as well as regularly sweeping and vacuuming up. If you do have any spills you should try and mop them up as soon as possible. By applying this simple form of cleaning then you are protecting the floor as much as possible by giving it the proper care that it needs.
Something that you need to keep in mind on most wooden floors is not to use a soaking wet mop as this can easily cause serious damage to the wood. It can cause discoloration as well as maybe causing the wood to warp, so that is why it is not a good idea to use a wet mop.
Overall by taking the time to find out about what type of finish is on the wood and by taking extra care, you can ensure that the floors are kept in good condition. It is not hard to look after your flooring and you should find that it will look as good as new for years to come if you give it the proper care which it deserves.
About The Author
Adam Peters is the copywriter of http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . Find more publications about furniture care at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/magazine/wood-furniture-care.html
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