Leisure Articles Blog

January 8, 2010

Quick Guide to Materials for Outdoor Furniture

Filed under: Outdoor Furniture, Wood Furniture — Tags: , — admin @ 12:42 am

What kind of outdoor furniture should you choose? A lot depends on your style as manufacturers are coming up with high quality and attractive outdoor furniture in many materials suitable for outdoor use.

Wood:

Wood furniture is a good pick for you if you prefer a casual, warm and natural style. Besides, the natural look of wood is a great fit for an outdoor setting.

It is a traditional and classic material that is available in a many varieties. Some popular wood choices for outdoors are teak, cedar, pine and oak.

Its many benefits include durability and low maintenance. The natural oils in some types of wood, such as teak, protect it against rot and harsh weather, extreme temperatures and high humidity.

Wicker:

If you prefer a cozy, rustic or country style then consider wicker. Used indoors and out, it is a versatile and lightweight material made from many different naturally occurring materials such as bamboo, rattan, cane, etc.

Traditionally it was available in neutral colors, but now comes in many shades. All-weather wicker is suitable for outdoor use and is made from woven synthetics.

Wicker is lightweight, sturdy and easy to clean which may account for the fact that its popularity doesn’t seem to wane.

Outdoor Furniture

Maintaining Outdoor Furniture

Filed under: Outdoor Furniture, Wood Furniture — Tags: , — admin @ 12:39 am

Outdoor furniture is a large investment and not something you want to replace every spring. With proper care and cleaning, you can enjoy your Outdoor furniture for many years. When Outdoor furniture is purchased new, care instructions are usually included. Over the years, these instructions have a tendency to get lost. Use the following quick reference to maintain your Outdoor furniture.

You can clean most Outdoor furniture with soap and water. A pressure washer with 1200—1350 psi is useful for cleaning many types of Outdoor furniture, but you must use a low setting. In addition to cleaning, there are maintenance steps you can take to help your furniture last longer:

Wicker outdoor furniture can be cleaned using a hose or pressure washer. Simply remove the cushions and spray off dirt and spills. If the wicker is especially dirty, use a sponge, mild soap and cold water to wash. Allow the furniture to dry completely. Then apply a paste wax to the frame to keep it shiny and water-resistant. Some types of wicker are weather-resistant, making care easier. Store cushions indoors and keep frames covered during the off-season.

Wooden outdoor furniture that has been coated with an exterior-grade varnish can be cleaned using soapy water. Be sure to completely rinse the furniture with clean water. Wooden furniture, with the exception of teak and cedar, should be stored indoors during the winter.

Fabric outdoor furniture such as hammocks and cloth chairs should be machine-washed using the gentle cycle. Add bleach for white items. Hang outside to dry. To avoid shrinkage, stretch back over the frame before the fabric is completely dry. Frames should be cared for based on the material. Store fabric furniture indoors during the winter.

Outdoor Furniture

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