Archive for the ‘Patio Information’ Category
Patio Awnings Increase Your Patio Space
Almost any outdoor living space that requires additional protection and relieve from warm temperatures can benefit from an awning. They not only protect you from the elements, but also add beauty and style to your house. Another benefit of awnings is increased energy savings.
An awning can save you a lot of money on your air conditioning costs depending on which direction your home is facing. There are many different types of awnings for both commercial and residential applications.
Retractable Awnings
This is the most versatile type of awning out there. It can be tilted up to 45 degrees in order to provide sufficient protection from the sun. If your shade requirements are regularly changing this may be the perfect option for you. You can adjust the light in the space under the awnings by your choice of design, color, and shade. These awnings are easy to both install and remove. The only reason you would need to hire a professional is if you purchase a model with an electric motor. In that case a licensed election would be needed to assist you with that part of the installation.
You can get protection for your patio or balcony from the rain as well as the sun if sufficient slops are made. You will always want to retract your awning during either snow or hail storms.
One of the options available with retractable awnings is an electric motor. You will need an indoor switch and outdoor plug to accommodate these models. As mutinied above this work should be performed by a licensed electrician.
Other Types of Awnings
Stationary Awnings
These awnings can provide energy savings and protect your structure.
Canvas Awnings
These can add beauty and protection to your deck, patio, or balcony. You can protect your drapes and furniture from fading as well as make your outdoor spaces more enjoyable with these awnings. There are many colors and designs available in canvas awnings, allowing you to choose the one that best matches your personal sense of style. These awnings are inexpensive and durable, with a wide selection of frames to choose from. Some of your frame options include aluminum and steel.
Metal Awnings
The three main types of these awnings include stationary, louvered, and canopies. While these awnings are designed for durability they can bend under a heavy load of either hail or snow. The support structures for metal awnings are designed to withstand hash weather conditions. There are many different designs of metal awnings to allow you to find the perfect design match for your windows, doors, and pathways.
All Weather Resin Patio Furniture
The key elements of resin patio furniture include UV resistance, weather resistance, durability, ease of maintenance, and portability.
One of the leaders in synthetic resin furniture is the Kettler Company which prides itself on a high quality product. Their unique double injecting molding system is one of the main reasons for their positive reputation. There process uses as much as three times more resin as does the processes of many of their competitors. They use their specialized molding technique to create pieces with extraordinary durability, comfort, and appeal.
Mineral reinforcement is used by the Kettler Company in their synthetic resin manufacturing process. The end result is a product that is sturdy and durable. You will never need to worry about rusting, chipping, rotting, or warping with this material. You can also so good bye to almost all patio furniture maintenance.
All the Kettler products, including chaise lounges, chairs, tea carts, and ottomans feature top quality construction. Even extreme weather will not move or damage these beautiful pieces. You will also avoid warping and chipping thanks to massive molding layers. This also allows for enhanced functionality in a product which will stay looking great for many years to come.
The cushions for Kettler resin patio furniture are constructed using Olefin which is quick drying, durable, and colorfast. This means they will stand up to bad weather as well as the normal spills that are to be expected. This fabric will not stain and has moisture wicking properties. You can create a truly coordinated look by picking a fabric which compliments your patio awning for your furniture cushions.
Grosfillex Resin Patio Furniture Collection is another high quality brand of resin patio furniture. Their loungers offer a multitude of adjustment options thanks to their innovative RS System. These pieces are compactable and easily transported or stored when not in use. Part of their design is a unique and practical storage tray.
Resin combined with aluminum is responsible for the solid construction of Grosfillex resin patio furniture. There are many colors available for you to choose from including white, navy blue, grey metal, and various shades of green.
The materials used by Grosfillex in the production of their resin are from natural extracts and non toxic. This means that they are environmentally friendly and easily recycled.
The cushions for their patio furniture are constructed using Texgarden canvas. This washable fabric is quick drying, fade resistant, and weather resistant.
You can enhance the overall look of your home with your selection of patio furniture, awnings, and design. You can create an elegant and sophisticated outdoor living space by choosing high quality resin furniture with coordinating cushions.
Durable and Beautiful Wrought Iron Patio Furniture
There is a wide selection of wrought iron and cast iron patio furniture on the market these days. This allows you to find the perfect set to complement the overall décor of your home and extend your indoor living spaces outdoors.
The sheer variety of iron patio furniture available allows the movement from indoors to outdoors to feel like simply moving from one room to another.
When you purchase wrought or cast iron patio furniture you get a set that is durable and weather resistant. One of the best attributes of iron is the ability to shape it easily. While your iron patio furniture should be able to look wonderful for many years, you will need to regularly maintain it to prevent it from rusting. Your wrought or cast iron patio should be regularly washed with a mild soap and water and any cracks or chips in the finish should be quickly repaired.
Wrought or cast iron patio furniture is the perfect compliment to just about any home décor thanks to its stylish elegance. It blends equally well with traditional or old fashioned decors and modern styling. Another great feature of iron is that it is incredibly durable and virtually indestructible. Wrought or cast iron patio furniture is capable of standing up to even the heaviest of occupants.
Your patio area will get an enhanced sense of sophistication the minute you place your new set of wrought or cast iron patio furniture out there. There are many different color choices these days, including classic black, rust-red, silver, gold, and hunter green. Your carefully crafted and often intricately patterned wrought or cast iron patio furniture is sure to be a real conversation starter at any get together.
One of the advantages of choosing iron patio furniture is that is it easily welded, malleable, and sturdy. When heated it turns soft, allowing it to be easily welded and forged. While it can be used to form temporary magnets, it can not be permanently magnetized. It resists corrosion and is slightly elastic. Iron has a specific gravity of approximately 7.8 and melts at around 1500 centigrade. Iron patio furniture is very heavy, which means you will not have to worry about strong winds blowing your furniture around your backyard.
The high cost is the main disadvantage of wrought or cast iron patio furniture. Another disadvantage is its vulnerability to various weather conditions. One example of this is its tendency to absorb the current weather conditions, becoming hot to the touch on hot days and cool to the touch on cold days. The good news is that its timeless beauty will never go out of style and it is durable enough to last you a lifetime. While it will require a larger initial investment, it will likely become an heirloom that you can pass down to your children.
Wrought iron patio furniture requires regular painting so that is can withstand various weather conditions. While many other types of patio furniture will need to be brought inside during the long winter months, once painted wrought iron furniture can be simply left in place to weather the storms of winter.
Black is the most popular and classic color used for wrought or cast iron patio furniture. Both traditional and modern pieces will look great in classic black. You have the freedom, however, to use whatever color you would like on your patio furniture. The colors you choose for the cushions are another way to show your personality and style. Cushions come in a wide selection of shapes and styles and are a great way to update or change the look of your outdoor furniture with a small investment of time and money.
High Quality Wicker Patio Furniture
Wicker, which has been used for patio furniture for more than 100 years, is timeless and inviting. Many people have no trouble calling to mind images of classic porches filled with wicker furniture with large overstuffed pillows.
In the old days wicker always needed to be placed under cover to avoid damage from its two greatest enemies, water and sun. New advances have made it possible to use wicker in a wide array of other locations while still protecting its quality and beauty.
You now can find wicker furniture out on open porches, patios, and decks in just about every weather condition. Outdoor, or synthetic, wicker now looks so good it is almost impossible to tell it apart from the real thing. The texture and finish is real wicker is extremely well duplicated by this new material.
Just like real wicker furniture, high quality synthetic wicker furniture is woven over a frame. A durable aluminum base acts as the frame for the synthetic wicker which is produced from a poly-propylene weather resistant material. Weather resistant cushions and pillow are then used to complement these pieces. One of the best weather and mildew resistant fabrics is Sunbrella.
There is almost no limit to the design possibilities when you choose to use weather resistant wicker on your patio, deck, or porch. Think about some of the timeless wicker styles and what a great look they offered.
Other people may be drawn more to the South Beach look, with its large rounded arms and pillows which are comfortable and luxurious to both look at and sit back in. There are also wicker sets with more modern design details such as straight lines in both the furniture and cushions. You can even use wicker furniture to create a Caribbean oasis right in your backyard.
A thing to carefully consider when purchasing your wicker furniture is the length of the warranty offered by the manufacturer. Many high quality items have at least a three year warranty. While your outdoor wicker furniture is designed to be kept outside you should also consider purchasing PVC covers which can offer protection to your furniture during the most extreme winter weather conditions.
Comfortable Patio Seating
Patio furniture can make your backyard more attractive as well as making it a much more enjoyable place to spend time. Depending upon your individual needs you can find a large selection of patio furniture to choose from.
It helps to consider your budget, space, lifestyle, and decor when choosing the right patio furniture. One example of this is deciding whether you will use your outdoor space more for formal affairs or casual gatherings and family entertainment.
Patio furniture is made from a variety of different materials, each with its own pros and cons. There is some patio furniture that looks good, but can not withstand harsh weather and will need indoor storage during the winter months. Examples of this type of furniture include wicker, plastic and lightweight aluminum. These types of furniture are usually also less expensive and easily portable. It is often nice to be able to pick up your patio furniture and move it wherever you would like in the yard at a moments notice.
Metal and wood are your best bets for durable patio furniture that will look great in your backyard for many years to come. You will have many choices of finishes and designs if you choose to go with either wrought iron or cast aluminum, both popular choices. While many people like aluminum because it is rust proof, you can also purchase iron and treat it with a corrosion preventing metal protector. You will also get a long life and great looks from many types of wood, including cedar, teak and pine with just a little maintenance.
You have many options when it comes to accessories for your outdoor furniture. Patio furniture covers are a great way to protect your patio furniture from the elements. You can purchase these covers in either vinyl or PVC and they are designed to either cover entire sets or individual pieces. They are great at protecting your furniture from sun exposure, rain, snow, and wind, as well as keeping your patio furniture free from insects and dust. You can add style and comfort to your patio furniture with the addition of cushions. These cushions can be found in a wide selection of sizes and styles.
Patio furniture and accessories can make your outdoor living spaces much more enjoyable and attractive. It is a great investment.
Warming Up Your Outdoor Living Space
People are spending more money on their outdoor living spaces these days, many as they become inspired by the many home and garden programs now available on television.
With the right lighting, hardscaping, landscaping, decorations, and accessories we can all create the ideal outdoor living space for our homes. Garden heating is one of the latest products to hit the market, allowing us to enjoy our outdoor spaces for relaxing and entertaining for an extended period of time.
You can create a pleasant environment with the heat and light that is generated by fire pits and fire baskets. Both of these heating elements are widely available and have real flames that enhance the ambience.
Fire baskets have a long history dating back to the Roman Empire where they were used to heat castles and other large stone buildings. Fire pits are more modern and refined than the fire baskets of old. Both can be a great addition to your backyard environment.
All you need to do to light a fire basket or fire pit is to fill it with wood. The output of both light and heat is significant for both fire baskets and fire pits. You will almost feel like you are sitting around a campfire after it is lit. The open flames and warm glow are enough to make you and your guests warm and comfortable on a cool night. Using fire baskets and fire pits allows you to get more use out of a larger area of your patio or backyard.
Fire baskets often have gaps between the steel that holds the logs while most fire pits will come with a steel mesh guard which prevents flying embers. Almost all fire pits and fire baskets come with a tray which will collect any ashes or embers which fall to the ground. These are then kept safe and disposed of easily later on.
Both fire baskets and fire pits are easy to maintain and add light, heat, charm, and ambience to our outdoor living spaces. Most fire baskets are powder coated to prevent rust from exposure to the elements. Fire pits will feature removable bowls which sit on top of powder coated steel frames. There are many different materials and finishes available for the bowl including solid copper, stainless steel, and black powder coated.
The type of finish you choose for your fire pit bowl will not alter the amount of heat that is generated by the unit. You will see a slight reduction in heat output with the addition of the mesh safety guard, but that is definitely worth it.
There are also duel use fire baskets which come with steel barbeque mesh trays which can be used to cook on the fire basket. This is a great second use of this powerful heat source.
The size of your garden or patio should always be considered when choosing a fire pit or a fire basket. When picking an item be sure that you leave sufficient room to walk around your unit so that you can access other areas of your garden.
You can leave your fire pits outdoors throughout the entire year and maintenance is relatively simple. You should apply a light coat of oil to either copper or stainless steel fire pits at the end of the summer so that they can stay in peak condition. You will also need to place a light coat of oil on stainless steel fire baskets, while powder coated fire baskets can be left outdoors all winter long with no adverse effects. Use a wire brush to quickly remove any rust that may appear on a fire baskets steel finish, and then add another coat of oil. The oil should always be applied in a thin, light coat.
One of the hottest new trends in outdoor living this year is the use of fire pits and fire baskets. They can really help you enjoy your garden for a longer period of time and use your outdoor spaces for entertaining. No wonder they are one of the best selling garden accessories on the market. Your fire basket or fire pit will definitely allow you to enjoy more of your backyard when used this spring and summer.
Making Your Outdoor Space Beautiful
While many people turn their thought to updating their home décor during spring, they often forget to think about their outdoor living spaces. Often we get so busy with the indoors that we forget the outdoors. The following tips are easy and quick ways to help improve the look of outdoor spaces.
Painting
Painting your home can make a big difference in its overall curb appeal. You can choose to paint the entire house or just the trim. Both with give you an improved look.
Patios and Porches
You can improve the look of your existing patio or porch with the addition of new furniture. An even quicker and less expensive option is to put new covers or cushions on the furniture you already own. Other inexpensive ways to improve the look of your patio or porch are adding plants, flowers, statues, and water features.
Walkways
Your outdoor spaces will be much more attractive and inviting with the addition of walkways. You can enhance the look of existing walkways with the addition of solar lighting fixtures, borders of plants, or garden bed edging. For those thinking of adding a new walkway, stone is probably your most attractive option. Having a walkway that curves a little on the way to your door is always a nice touch.
Yard Ornaments
Let your creativity run wild here with additions such as birdhouses, lanterns, and wheelbarrows filled with flowers or strawberries. These small touches are what help makes your home unique and reflect your personal sense of style.
Bushes, Vines, Plants, and Flowers
The addition of these items is probably the quickest and most popular way to spruce up a yard. You will usually get a great burst of color from annuals. Perennials will give you green and color year after year. It is often a good idea to mix perennials and annuals so you get the best of both.
Patio Table Covers
Patio furniture that receives daily use as part of an outdoor living space, especially if it is sheltered, most likely does not need to be covered. On the other hand, patio furniture that sees only infrequent use on special occasions and is left open to the elements most certainly does need to be covered.
No matter what your patio furniture is made of, plastic, teakwood, wrought iron, or wicker, it is just as valuable and probably just as expensive as your indoor furniture. Just like your indoor furniture, it will require regular care and maintenance. Storing unused patio tables in your garage, basement or shed is the best way to care for them. Using a patio table cover will help protect them from scratches and other damage while they are stored.
When we speak of patio table covers we are not talking about fancy table linens that you would use for your dining table. You want to choose your patio table cover carefully, especially the fabric used to construct it. Choose a patio table cover constructed from textaline, high thread count plastic, heavy gauge vinyl, or DuPont lightweight material. The nice thing about the DuPont fabric is its ability to resist mold and mildew build up. You want covers that are easy to clean with plain soap and water and that have a secure fastening system that will ensure that they do not blow away during a heavy wind. Look for covers with either Velcro fasteners or drawstring fastening systems. While you can choose to make your patio table cover yourself, there are a wide selection to choose form should you decide to purchase one.
Great Accessories for Your Patio
You can really enhance your outdoor living space with the right patio furniture. Another great touch for your porch or yard is accessories.
You will be able to get maximum enjoyment from your space if you have just the right accessories to go with your patio furniture. An umbrella for example is the perfect complement to that great table and chairs set. A coffee table or side table can make your chairs and settees that much more practical and enjoyable. Protective covers and cushions are also a great way to enhance your outdoor living experience.
Patio Umbrellas
A patio umbrella is a necessary accessory no matter what type of patio furniture you may have. There are a wide selection of colors and designs available, so you should have no problem finding one that gives you just the right look. When choosing a patio umbrella look for durable fabric and quality construction that can stand up to harsh winds. The best fabric when it comes to outdoor patio umbrellas is Sunbrella. It is durable and breathable and can withstand even the harshest weather.
A great way to get shade when you have patio furniture that does not have a device to hold the umbrella is an offset pole patio umbrella. These umbrellas are portable, allowing you to move it around as you enjoy different areas of your porch or yard.
Patio Cushions
The main qualities to look for in patio cushions include durability, comfort, beauty, and weather resistance. The cushions should easily drain and be of the appropriate density for their size. You will get the ultimate comfort in outdoor patio cushions that are wrapped in Dacron. You want long lasting cushions that increase your comfort, dry quickly, and add style and beauty to your patio furniture.
Patio Furniture Covers
Your patio furniture will need to be protected from harsh weather and winter climates. All good patio furniture covers are able to withstand harsh winter weather. You want to purchase patio furniture covers with Velcro fastening system to ensure that they will stay on your patio furniture. Many fabrics can eventually break down under the sun’s warm rays so look for durable fabrics that are treated with UV protection.
Patio furniture cushions should always be stored inside during the winter months. They will need to be properly sealed to protect them from nesting insects and rodents.