By: John Stidolph
The latest rage in outdoor furniture is teak furniture. It is considered to be quite the 'in' thing to use teak furniture for outdoors. It brings in luxury and a certain sort of royalty which stands durable in all weather conditions. Moreover, maintenance of teak outdoor furniture is minimum compared to other types of furniture. If proper care is taken for teak outdoor furniture it could last for as long as seventy-five years or more.
teak outdoor furniture is a popular choice by many due to its strength, durability and the ability to withstand most weather conditions. In fact during the eighteenth century, it was almost entirely used on seagoing vessels as decks and railings, particularly because of its resistance to weather and water damage. It was the wood garnished from many vessels, once they were retired, they were used to construct the first teak outdoor furniture.
Keeping this kind of history in mind, it's easy to perceive why this tropical wood is generally regarded as one of the leading materials for building outdoor furniture, be it lounges, deck chairs, tables or benches.
By now you can appreciate the advantages of choosing wood for your outdoor furniture because, you need to have something that is extremely strong and naturally resistant to the weather outside. Direct sunlight, rain, snow can be quite harmful to wood and hence one has to be careful of the type of wood that one is using for outdoor furniture. Teak wood is great for outdoor furniture due to its natural properties such as being high in natural oils, and resistance to rupture because of its tight grain.
The two main properties that make teak such a great material for outdoor furniture are, firstly it high natural oils content - making it extremely durable in rain, and all other weather conditions. Secondly, teak outdoor furniture resists breakage and rupture because it has a tight grain. Considering these properties, its not surprising that its perfect for making outdoor furniture.
Possibly the best draw of this proven outdoor furniture is that maintenance required to keep it efficient: none. Depending on how you want your furniture to look, it's absolutely acceptable to never touch your furniture except when you're relaxing and kicking back in it on a beautiful, sunny day. As mentioned earlier, it won't decompose, rupture or worsen in any way. The only consequence of no maintenance is that it will eventually turn a light shade of silvery grey, a look that a lot of homeowners actually enjoy. If one wants to avoid this and preserve the natural honey color then teak sealer can be used. Even the old furniture can get back the natural honey color by using a teak cleaner and then putting the teak sealer on it.
Teak is a bit more expensive than other outdoor furniture materials, but its high price is justified. You must remember that the teak outdoor furniture you buy for your patio or deck will last you a lifetime and doesn't require replacement. And so to recap, some of the many benefits of buying teak outdoor furniture include: comfort, style, material and longevity. Looking for quality outdoor furniture, teak outdoor furniture wins hands-down.
Our garden now looks wonderful dressed with a nice teak rocking chair. The teak outdoor furniture selections at GardenTeakFurniture.com. were tops. My patio is next for some teak furniture sets!
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
2/02/2008
Caring for Specialty Floors and Furniture with a Dry Cleaning Mop
Author: vincent platania
A dry mop made from 100% cotton, for example, will not scratch the delicate surfaces on polished hard wood floors or specialty laminates. Over time, even the smallest scratches can create a dull appearance.
While it may seem counterintuitive, some types of flooring and furniture are best cleaned dry using a dry cleaning mop or in combination with a light cleaner such as a dusting spray. Hard wood floors and laminates, for example, can be damaged by too much moisture.
In order to keep the finish on these floors in the best condition, a cleaning mop specially designed for this purpose can create the best clean. A dry mop made from 100% cotton, for example, will not scratch the delicate surfaces on polished hard wood floors or specialty laminates. Over time, even the smallest scratches can create a dull appearance.
Dry cleaning mops are designed in such a way as to pick up and retain dust and small particles. As such, they are good for collecting dirt in between deeper cleanings. They also reduce the spread of dust and small dirt particles into the air, which can exacerbate allergies and asthmas. When used in combination with a dusting product, the chances of dust being kicked into the air by the mop are even smaller.
When cleaning a hardwood or laminate floor with a dry mop, begin at the far end of the room and work inward, using a figure eight pattern on the floor. This keeps the dust and particles moving toward you and is much easier on your back as it distributes the effort more evenly through your arms and back. Avoid using the mop to push the dirt and grime away from you as this can create dust flying up. The pulling motion, on the other hand, keeps the mop head in contact with the floor that eliminates dust kicking up. Keep the mop head in contact with the floor as you clean. Even though the cleaning mop is dry, it is a different cleaning motion than a broom.
Avoid the temptation to use your dry mop as a wet mop. These cleaning mops are specifically designed to be used dry, and while they may work as a wet mop, it won't be as effective thereafter as either a wet or dry mop. Additionally, dry cleaning mops do not have a mechanism for squeezing out excess liquid, which is both messy and hard on your hands and back. Besides, many specialty floorings should never be cleaned using a wet mop, such as Pergo and others. If you have specialty flooring in your home, be sure to read the manufacturer's recommendations on the care. Using the right tool for the job is one of the best tricks in effective cleaning and ultimately saves time and money.
When using a cleaning mop designed to be used dry, avoid scrubbing the floor with the mop.
For caked on dirt or grime, other cleaning methods should be employed, using products and guidelines specific to your type of flooring. Because the cleaning mop is designed to trap and hold dirt, putting too much pressure on the mop can create scratches on the floor caused by the dirt particles trapped inside the mop.
Depending on the style, the best mop will be designed in such a way that in can be used to reach under low and heavy furniture such as beds or bookcases. This allows you to clean without having to break your back moving heavy furniture. It also eliminates the need to drag out a heavy vacuum to clean a small area. Some cleaning mops have the added benefit of removable heads that can be used as a hand duster, which eliminates the need to purchase specialty dusters or mitts. . The ability to replace the heads also eliminates the need for purchasing a new dry mop when the old one becomes too dirty.
Even with the removable head feature, you can still clean a cleaning mop head prior to replacing it. To avoid scattering dust in the house, take the cleaning mop outside and give it a good shake. Because these mops are designed to retain dust, it may take a bit of effort. If you use the mop with a dusting product, be sure to allow the mop ample time to dry before shaking out the excess dust. Avoid banging the dry mop head on walls, cement, or other outdoor furniture as this can damage the head.
To keep your cleaning mop in the best possible condition, store it upside down or hanging from a wall so that there is no pressure on the mop head. This helps your mop remain the best mop possible for as long as possible.
Visit http://www.fuller-brush-products.com
About the Author:
View Author Profile »
Author Vincent Platania represents the Fuller Brush Company.
Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe, environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean.
Visit http://www.fuller-brush-products.com
Article Source: www.article99.com/view-authors/track.php?bio=4402&author=vincent-platania
Date Submitted
A dry mop made from 100% cotton, for example, will not scratch the delicate surfaces on polished hard wood floors or specialty laminates. Over time, even the smallest scratches can create a dull appearance.
While it may seem counterintuitive, some types of flooring and furniture are best cleaned dry using a dry cleaning mop or in combination with a light cleaner such as a dusting spray. Hard wood floors and laminates, for example, can be damaged by too much moisture.
In order to keep the finish on these floors in the best condition, a cleaning mop specially designed for this purpose can create the best clean. A dry mop made from 100% cotton, for example, will not scratch the delicate surfaces on polished hard wood floors or specialty laminates. Over time, even the smallest scratches can create a dull appearance.
Dry cleaning mops are designed in such a way as to pick up and retain dust and small particles. As such, they are good for collecting dirt in between deeper cleanings. They also reduce the spread of dust and small dirt particles into the air, which can exacerbate allergies and asthmas. When used in combination with a dusting product, the chances of dust being kicked into the air by the mop are even smaller.
When cleaning a hardwood or laminate floor with a dry mop, begin at the far end of the room and work inward, using a figure eight pattern on the floor. This keeps the dust and particles moving toward you and is much easier on your back as it distributes the effort more evenly through your arms and back. Avoid using the mop to push the dirt and grime away from you as this can create dust flying up. The pulling motion, on the other hand, keeps the mop head in contact with the floor that eliminates dust kicking up. Keep the mop head in contact with the floor as you clean. Even though the cleaning mop is dry, it is a different cleaning motion than a broom.
Avoid the temptation to use your dry mop as a wet mop. These cleaning mops are specifically designed to be used dry, and while they may work as a wet mop, it won't be as effective thereafter as either a wet or dry mop. Additionally, dry cleaning mops do not have a mechanism for squeezing out excess liquid, which is both messy and hard on your hands and back. Besides, many specialty floorings should never be cleaned using a wet mop, such as Pergo and others. If you have specialty flooring in your home, be sure to read the manufacturer's recommendations on the care. Using the right tool for the job is one of the best tricks in effective cleaning and ultimately saves time and money.
When using a cleaning mop designed to be used dry, avoid scrubbing the floor with the mop.
For caked on dirt or grime, other cleaning methods should be employed, using products and guidelines specific to your type of flooring. Because the cleaning mop is designed to trap and hold dirt, putting too much pressure on the mop can create scratches on the floor caused by the dirt particles trapped inside the mop.
Depending on the style, the best mop will be designed in such a way that in can be used to reach under low and heavy furniture such as beds or bookcases. This allows you to clean without having to break your back moving heavy furniture. It also eliminates the need to drag out a heavy vacuum to clean a small area. Some cleaning mops have the added benefit of removable heads that can be used as a hand duster, which eliminates the need to purchase specialty dusters or mitts. . The ability to replace the heads also eliminates the need for purchasing a new dry mop when the old one becomes too dirty.
Even with the removable head feature, you can still clean a cleaning mop head prior to replacing it. To avoid scattering dust in the house, take the cleaning mop outside and give it a good shake. Because these mops are designed to retain dust, it may take a bit of effort. If you use the mop with a dusting product, be sure to allow the mop ample time to dry before shaking out the excess dust. Avoid banging the dry mop head on walls, cement, or other outdoor furniture as this can damage the head.
To keep your cleaning mop in the best possible condition, store it upside down or hanging from a wall so that there is no pressure on the mop head. This helps your mop remain the best mop possible for as long as possible.
Visit http://www.fuller-brush-products.com
About the Author:
View Author Profile »
Author Vincent Platania represents the Fuller Brush Company.
Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe, environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean.
Visit http://www.fuller-brush-products.com
Article Source: www.article99.com/view-authors/track.php?bio=4402&author=vincent-platania
Date Submitted
1/31/2008
Choose Hard Wood For Your Home
By: Leroy Calstard
Learning about hard wood lumber can help you know which is the best selection of hard wood when you want to put down a new floor anywhere in your home. Hard wood is a beautiful addition to your home and it will add value and elegance, no matter what your individual style. Different hardwood lumber has different unique properties. Learn about them to make your home more beautiful.
Hardwood comes from trees that grow nuts. These trees have broad leaves and commonly hickory, walnut, maple, cherry, or oak is used in the US and Canada. This is because the weather is perfect for growing this selection of trees. Since the wood that is made from these trees is very durable, they get the nick name "hard wood."
Some hard wood is different from others. The industry is working on making classifications for quality and consistency so you know which is stronger and of higher quality. This can help you to know which type of wood is right for the job you have at hand.
Hard wood is classified by how many pounds of pressure it would take to damage the floor. So the lightest weight of the hard wood, Aspen, takes about 350 pounds of weight on the surface to cause damages. On the other end of the spectrum there is pecan and hickory which takes about 1,800 pounds of pressure before damage is caused. Maple and oak are mid-range in strength, cherry is mid-range, but slightly less than these other two. The harder woods are great for building flooring, while something lighter weight might be perfect for creating furniture.
Hard wood will react to the environment depending on the humidity in the air and the relative temperature. It can expand or contract and this can change the floor. If the wood goes into a kiln to be dried this can minimize the process and help keep the wood closer to its original form.
Many companies will note how the wood may change and adapt this to what it will be used for and how the design will unfold. Some wood is used as sub-flooring and others are used as wall paneling. Different brands do different things with their wood. If you look online you can get an idea of what sort of hard wood floor selection you can find.
Make sure you take into account many different things when you are purchasing your wood. You will want choose based on strength, price, and type of wood. You can choose also based on the style that you want and the color as well. You should pick what suits your home and your personal style. If you go with hardwood flooring, you will not be disappointed.
Free Article Content Directory: http://www.articlefair.com
About The Author
Leroy Calstard wrote essentially for www.insidewoodworking.com , an internet site on lumber prices and lumber types. You might discover his work on hardwood lumber over at www.insidewoodworking.com.
Learning about hard wood lumber can help you know which is the best selection of hard wood when you want to put down a new floor anywhere in your home. Hard wood is a beautiful addition to your home and it will add value and elegance, no matter what your individual style. Different hardwood lumber has different unique properties. Learn about them to make your home more beautiful.
Hardwood comes from trees that grow nuts. These trees have broad leaves and commonly hickory, walnut, maple, cherry, or oak is used in the US and Canada. This is because the weather is perfect for growing this selection of trees. Since the wood that is made from these trees is very durable, they get the nick name "hard wood."
Some hard wood is different from others. The industry is working on making classifications for quality and consistency so you know which is stronger and of higher quality. This can help you to know which type of wood is right for the job you have at hand.
Hard wood is classified by how many pounds of pressure it would take to damage the floor. So the lightest weight of the hard wood, Aspen, takes about 350 pounds of weight on the surface to cause damages. On the other end of the spectrum there is pecan and hickory which takes about 1,800 pounds of pressure before damage is caused. Maple and oak are mid-range in strength, cherry is mid-range, but slightly less than these other two. The harder woods are great for building flooring, while something lighter weight might be perfect for creating furniture.
Hard wood will react to the environment depending on the humidity in the air and the relative temperature. It can expand or contract and this can change the floor. If the wood goes into a kiln to be dried this can minimize the process and help keep the wood closer to its original form.
Many companies will note how the wood may change and adapt this to what it will be used for and how the design will unfold. Some wood is used as sub-flooring and others are used as wall paneling. Different brands do different things with their wood. If you look online you can get an idea of what sort of hard wood floor selection you can find.
Make sure you take into account many different things when you are purchasing your wood. You will want choose based on strength, price, and type of wood. You can choose also based on the style that you want and the color as well. You should pick what suits your home and your personal style. If you go with hardwood flooring, you will not be disappointed.
Free Article Content Directory: http://www.articlefair.com
About The Author
Leroy Calstard wrote essentially for www.insidewoodworking.com , an internet site on lumber prices and lumber types. You might discover his work on hardwood lumber over at www.insidewoodworking.com.
1/28/2008
Patio Furniture Covers – A Great Way To Lengthen The Life Of Your Outdoor Furniture
Submitted By: Jesse Akre
If you end up spending a lot of money on furnishing your outdoor space, you probably want to it to last so you do not have to replace it every few years or so. Really, nothing is more frustrating than dropping a lot of money only to have to do it all over again. So, to ensure that this does not happen to you, invest in high quality patio furniture covers. They are a cost effective way to make sure your outdoor furnishings last as long as they should and maybe even a little longer.
Patio furniture covers are made for almost every piece of furniture that you might have on your outdoor deck or patio outdoor area. So, if you have outdoor dining chairs that you want to protect, no problem because there is a cover available. Maybe you have a bench or chaise lounge, they have ones made for that too. There are also ones available for deep seated sofas, patio table chairs and sets, along with Adirondack chairs, ottomans, and outdoor gliders. Basically, whatever outdoor furnishings that you want to protect from the elements, you can because there is one to match whatever furnishings you might have. To see all of the options, head to your local hardware or retail store. Or, better yet, just log onto the web and check out a few online stores. You will see a ton of different options for all the different types of furniture without even leaving the comfort of your own home. It could not get any easier than that.
Now, you might be thinking, how can patio furniture covers protect my outdoor furnishings because they do not seem like they would. Well, they do because they are not flimsy and are made from very sturdy, heavy duty materials that can withstand getting pounded by the weather. Then, if it rains, snows, even sleets, you do not have to worry about your outdoor furniture getting damaged because this accessory will shield it from the elements. So, if you do not have any place indoors to store your furniture during the winter, you do not have to worry about keeping it outdoors since it will be protected. One thing to keep in mind when purchasing these outdoor covers is to make sure to buy ones that are made from higher quality materials that will not easy rip or tear. One of the best material options that are available are those made out of vinyl, however, some made out of this material can still be better than others. Make sure that the ones you purchase are water repellent and UV treated so they will last for many, many years along with the furniture that they are protecting.
In the end, if you are spending big money on furnishing your outdoor space, it is probably a good idea to purchase some heavy duty patio furniture covers to protect your investment. They are a great way to make sure that your outdoor furniture will last as long as it should and maybe even a lot longer. Invest in some today, when your furniture stands the test of time, you will be completely glad that you did.
About the Author:
Jesse Akre,a successful business owner of decor sites discusses teak furniture and patio furniture. Finish your patio in style. Click today - Shop teak chairs.
Article Tags: furniture, made, outdoor
Read more articles by: Jesse Akre
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=180258&ca=Home+Management
Article published on August 31, 2007 at iSnare.com
If you end up spending a lot of money on furnishing your outdoor space, you probably want to it to last so you do not have to replace it every few years or so. Really, nothing is more frustrating than dropping a lot of money only to have to do it all over again. So, to ensure that this does not happen to you, invest in high quality patio furniture covers. They are a cost effective way to make sure your outdoor furnishings last as long as they should and maybe even a little longer.
Patio furniture covers are made for almost every piece of furniture that you might have on your outdoor deck or patio outdoor area. So, if you have outdoor dining chairs that you want to protect, no problem because there is a cover available. Maybe you have a bench or chaise lounge, they have ones made for that too. There are also ones available for deep seated sofas, patio table chairs and sets, along with Adirondack chairs, ottomans, and outdoor gliders. Basically, whatever outdoor furnishings that you want to protect from the elements, you can because there is one to match whatever furnishings you might have. To see all of the options, head to your local hardware or retail store. Or, better yet, just log onto the web and check out a few online stores. You will see a ton of different options for all the different types of furniture without even leaving the comfort of your own home. It could not get any easier than that.
Now, you might be thinking, how can patio furniture covers protect my outdoor furnishings because they do not seem like they would. Well, they do because they are not flimsy and are made from very sturdy, heavy duty materials that can withstand getting pounded by the weather. Then, if it rains, snows, even sleets, you do not have to worry about your outdoor furniture getting damaged because this accessory will shield it from the elements. So, if you do not have any place indoors to store your furniture during the winter, you do not have to worry about keeping it outdoors since it will be protected. One thing to keep in mind when purchasing these outdoor covers is to make sure to buy ones that are made from higher quality materials that will not easy rip or tear. One of the best material options that are available are those made out of vinyl, however, some made out of this material can still be better than others. Make sure that the ones you purchase are water repellent and UV treated so they will last for many, many years along with the furniture that they are protecting.
In the end, if you are spending big money on furnishing your outdoor space, it is probably a good idea to purchase some heavy duty patio furniture covers to protect your investment. They are a great way to make sure that your outdoor furniture will last as long as it should and maybe even a lot longer. Invest in some today, when your furniture stands the test of time, you will be completely glad that you did.
About the Author:
Jesse Akre,a successful business owner of decor sites discusses teak furniture and patio furniture. Finish your patio in style. Click today - Shop teak chairs.
Article Tags: furniture, made, outdoor
Read more articles by: Jesse Akre
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=180258&ca=Home+Management
Article published on August 31, 2007 at iSnare.com
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