Why Should You Choose Teak Patio Furniture?

More and more people are beginning to appreciate the beauty of teak patio furniture. This is particularly true for those people who care more about the quality of their wooden patio furniture rather than the quantity of it. Teak is an elegant and long lasting wood which grows mostly in Burma, Indonesia and other exotic locations. Popular belief is that Egypt was one of the first countries to use wood patio furniture. However, over the years the whole world has recognized the beauty and grace of teak patio furniture. The popularity of Teak for wooden patio furniture is based on its resilience, unique grain, and its durability to resist insects and natural decay. Even in an untreated form, the longevity of unfinished teak is impressive, as it can last up to 75 years.

Wooden patio furniture comes in many styles and in various finishes. Nowadays the best outdoor wood patio furniture sets can rival the quality of indoor dining furniture. There are many different types of wood used. As well as Teak, these include Cypress with its unique grain; Cedar which transforms from a red or reddish-brown colour to a silvery-grey appearance; and Knotted Pine which has a natural resistance to the outdoor elements, pests, and decay.

So why are so many people interested in Teak patio furniture? Well, the answer lies in the wood itself. Teak is a very hard wood that has a strong resistance to winds, pests, humidity, and all manner of conditions that a normal wood faces in its lifetime. It is an extremely durable wood that is often used in construction around water, such as decking in marine locations. As a result teak patio furniture can withstand very harsh weather during the winter months and still look fantastic during summer. In fact some people prefer the look of this type of wooden furniture as it gets older, as the wood matures to a beautiful silver-grey colour.

It is important to have a word of caution here. Just because Teak is durable, it doesn't mean you shouldn't care for your wooden patio furniture. Teak does not splinter but it may develop small cracks with time; due to its high content of natural oils. It should be treated if you plan to leave it out in the winter or during bad weather, as its oils do not create a great surface sheen.

As with any form of wooden patio furniture it is a good idea to avoid spilling drinks or other foodstuffs on it. If an accident does happen do not try and clean it with common household detergents. Either just leave the stain to fade over time or sand the area down with high grade sand paper and re-polish it. Remember, you must make sure your Teak patio furniture is clean before re-polishing otherwise you will trap the dirt into the wood.

You will probably pay more for a Teak patio furniture set than for other types of wooden patio furniture and certainly more than for plastic furniture. However, you are buying quality. It is very satisfying to sit outside on a sunny winter's day enjoying your garden in the knowledge that your neighbours have had to pack their garden furniture away for the season.

The final point to note is that after making that investment in elegant Teak patio furniture you should not spoil the effect by finishing it off with cheap accessories. So do not buy cheap cushions or a flimsy umbrella. Cushions should be thick, about for to six inches, and be made from good quality material that enhances the wood. The umbrella should be made from teak and material that complements the cushions. Get these accessories right and your patio furniture will be aesthetically pleasing to both you and your visitors.

About The Author

Michael Saville has written other articles on patio furniture. These can be found by visiting http://www.patio-furniture.org.uk The site also includes information about buying and maintaining all other types of patio furniture.

Choosing Outdoor Furniture For Your Garden

Choosing the right outdoor furniture for your garden can be difficult. You need to think about the style of any existing furniture you already own and try to harmonize your new purchase with your indoor furniture. Are you planning on matching with existing items or are you replacing your furniture completely? Where are you planning on positioning the furniture? Are they going on the deck, poolside or on the patio? What is the furniture being used for? If you have children, choose something that is sturdy and can handle the rough and tumble from youngsters.

Ensure that your furniture is weather treated against rain, wind, sun and humidity. Wicker can be easily damaged by these elements and wood also requires a weather-proof treatment. Plastic is often a good option but may prove less attractive. Metal may become too warm to use during hot weather. If the furniture is untreated, you can use treatments from local hardware shops to apply on the furniture to help prevent against damage from the weather.

If you are looking for items to relax on in the garden, then consider a hammock if you have trees to hang it between. Deck chairs are great for lounging around beside the pool or on the patio. Swing seats have recently become very popular.

Arbors are a common extra for decorating the garden, as well as gazebos. An arch can make for a great decoration in the garden. If you enjoy regular picnics outside then buy a complete furniture set. These are perfect for family’s meals and regular gatherings. Think practicalities: buy easy washable linen for the table and lightweight cushions to make seating more comfortable.

Colors and style are also important for your outdoor furniture. For example, a stone garden bench surrounded by a rockery and urns gives a completely different impression than a set of teak loungers with a Caribbean style fabric. If you have arbors, wooden seating and swing seats painted white appears totally different than the same furniture painted in black.

Lastly, consider your budget. Garden furniture can prove as expensive as the indoor version. Cheaper items may not be as safe and will not last as long. If you want to see the same piece of garden furniture still sitting there in ten years time, it may be worth spending that little bit extra to ensure that this will be the case. Metal may be a suitable material if you are looking for a more durable piece of furniture.

Five Tips For Furnishing An Outdoor Space

Furnishing an outdoor space can be just as important as furnishing an indoor room. In fact, the two can be very similar where furniture and effect are concerned. That is why it is essential to choose the right decor to fit the surroundings.

Whether you live in a climate that is relatively warm year-round, or are only able to enjoy the warmer weather a few seasons out of the year, you probably look forward to coming home to sit out on your deck or patio, or to spending weekends entertaining friends and family on your lawn. No matter how large a space it is, you want to be sure it is comfortably furnished. That is why it is important to choose patio furniture that will help set the mood and match the space. Below are five tips that can help you get started.

A table and chairs is one of the most popular furniture sets placed on a patio or deck. If you do not want just a plane picnic table, consider purchasing one made of glass and/or metal with matching chairs. Adding an umbrella and cushions to the chairs can really dress up the area, and make it a comfortable place for you and your guests to relax and enjoy the sunset or simply spend a lazy afternoon.

A hammock is another great addition to your patio or yard. Many people love relaxing in one that is either stretched between two larger trees, or that stands alone. It is often better to place it in a shaded area, since napping in a particularly sunny location could become a bit uncomfortable, but either way you go, it is sure to be a favorite among guests.

Lounge chairs also provide another great way to relax. Once you have eaten a big meal, you can retire to the patio where you will be able to relax in comfort, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. Lounge chairs are also a great way to spend a long afternoon.

End tables are another great choice. They not only look great when placed strategically around the yard or patio, but also provide a place for guests to put drinks, insuring that their glasses or bottles will never have to rest on the ground. Place them by your lunge or lawn chairs for added convenience.

If you live in an area lacking trees, consider adding a portable screened-in porch. They come in several sizes, most of which are large enough to hold much of the furniture listed above.


Author Resource:

Alumatech Patio Furniture offers a full range of outdoor furniture including chaise lounges, barstools, tables, umbrellas, and more.
http://www.alumatech1.com