How to Buy the Best Outdoor Patio Furniture

By Jacklina Dim

Buying furniture can be a daunting and laborious task for many. The most important thing about outdoor patio furniture is that it should match personal preferences as well as the uses it will serve. Your décor and furniture are crucial in making your area worth noticing but ultimately your guests and you would look for comfort as a first priority. When it comes to your porch, patio, or deck area, you need to have some outdoor furniture in place in order for it to be a functional, comfortable space.

There are so many things you need to consider when you are shopping for furniture. Today you can find a vast variety of styles and materials that are used to make patio furniture. Furniture is made out of materials as diverse as wood, wicker, plastic and metal; for accessories, the list is much, much bigger. The wicker furniture is very light and easy to move around. Outdoor plastic furniture is an economical choice for the ones with low budgets and also for those who do not mind replacing their patio furniture often.

Upon buying any items intended as use in garden patio furniture sets, make sure you have a definite estimation of the color scheme and setting. Outdoor patio furniture is made to take the rigors of the weather that comes with outdoor living. Before you shop, measure every area in your home where you plan to set new furniture and formulate a shopping list.

The outdoor patio furniture available online is comparatively provided at lower rates than the shops in your area. You will be able to find something that fits your style, budget and fit into your outdoor area.

Once you have your furniture picked out, you can start thinking about those little touches that will give your garden a flavour that is uniquely you. If entertaining outside on your patio or wanting the feel of vacationing at a resort, you may wish to consider outdoor bar furniture. You can also buy a small man-made waterfall at your local Home Improvement store and plant flowers around it for a place to relax and get-a-way. An outdoor fireplace grill adds a classic feel and charm to the garden area setting for gatherings and romantic evenings.















I love to write helpful articles. Writing is my passion. If you have any questions about wicker furniture or outdoor patio furniture, follow the link and ask me. I'll be glad to answer.

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Outdoor Patio Furniture - Wicker Chairs

By Tyler Bond

Bring a little of the tropics home to your own outdoor area with the use of wicker chairs and wicker garden furniture.

Available in a variety of styles and colors including natural, lacquered, white and red, wicker and rattan chairs and tables have been designed to meet the changing needs of outdoor entertaining. Sit back and relax in comfort and style as your rattan furniture takes you on a journey to paradise.

Now wicker patio chairs can be used all year round

Rather than continuing to just churn out cheap plastic settings, furniture manufacturers have heard our calls for something comfortable we can use all year round and so are using wicker, along with teak and cedar, to create a whole new suite of furniture for our outside living area. As natural materials, wicker and rattan chairs are the simple solution.

Perfect for a small apartment balcony, by the pool or in an outdoor patio area, natural woven chairs, like wicker or rattan and a table setting are easy to keep clean, resistant to seasonal weather and can be changed and altered with simple accessories such as plump cushions, umbrellas and rugs.

Usually hand woven, wicker material chairs and tables are a stylish addition to an outdoor area. Normally coming in standard sets of two-to-four chairs and a glass top table, they are well priced and widely available.

Wicker chairs, wicker/glass tables and other complimentary wicker furniture such as loveseats, suit many tastes and garden styles, and are an inexpensive option for regular outdoor entertainers. In fact, a very nice quality wicker or rattan chair can be found for $70 - $100, whereas a wicker patio set would generally start at around $300 - $500 upwards.

Resin coated wicker and the weather is no longer an issue

While most wicker furniture is susceptible to harsh weather, resin wicker is all weather durable, because of its weatherproofing seal. Resin coated wicker is also UV resistant so does not fade, crack or peel. In addition, wicker chairs and indeed all wicker furniture is generally lightweight and can easily be moved. This is perfect for garden lovers and entertainers who continually make changes and alterations to their outdoor areas. Now you can enjoy outdoor entertaining all year round!

Tyler Bond is a writer for Outdoor Patio Furniture, a blog which is dedicated to bring consumers reviews, tips, and comparisons of all different types of patio furniture, from Do if yourself Furniture, to Patio Umbrellas.
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Patio Perfection - Patio Furniture

By Sarah Crosset

Decorating your home does not stop at your back door. Perfect for outdoor entertaining and for spending some quiet family time, patios are extensions of your home that are open to the outside.

Patios can be cozy, inviting and ready for family fun with the simplest of decorating ideas. When you want to decorate your patio, you will want to choose patio furniture that fits your style, your purpose and your budget. Patio furniture comes in a wide range of materials, designs, patterns, and pieces.

If you have an enclosed patio, it will be perfectly safe to purchase patio furniture that isn't made of water proof material. In that case, you can rest assured that regular household furnishings can become the perfect patio furniture. If your patio is open to the elements, you will want patio furniture that is waterproof. Your patio furniture can be made of plastic, wrought iron, aluminum, wicker or wood. Plastic patio furniture can be a bit flimsy, but it is light and easy to move. The heavier materials add durability and expense.

Your patio, as an extension to your home, can have the same design carried from the home or it can be a stand alone design hideaway. If you would like your patio to have an exotic feel why not choose patio furniture made of wicker? You can lounge on a chaise or daybed lined with cushions woven with bright floral prints. If you prefer that your patio have a more contemporary feel, you can laze away your days on comfortable cushioned chairs made of aluminum and set your iced tea down on your deliciously carved wooden side table.

Patio furniture isn't just chairs and tables. You can spend a lavish amount of time deciding on whether you want tables, chairs, ottomans, settees, daybeds, side tables, side boards, rockers or loungers. With all the pieces of patio furniture to choose from you will have a blast decorating to your style. When deciding on the type of fabric you would like to envelope your patio furniture with, you will want to keep in mind the amount of wear, from use and outdoor exposure, your furniture will endure. Your outdoor patio furniture should be sheathed with fade resistant all weather fabric.

Don't let the creative juices stop there. There are hundreds of patio furnishing styles and designs. Your imagination can run wild. Not only can you decorate your patio with furniture, but you can add plants, wall hangings (for enclosed patios), and any number of creative pieces. If you really want to create a home away from home feel in an enclosed patio, decorating with an area rug would be your best bet. Area rugs can be woven or braided and can help keep your feet warm if your patio floor is made of concrete. Not only are they useful, they are beautiful as well. No matter what your theme your patio, there is an area rug waiting to become a permanent part of your outdoor haven.

Your home away from home doesn't have to be that far away. Your patio should be your home right outside your home. Your patio décor is yours to explore as you watch the sunset from your patio oasis.

Discover what Interior Design Professionals already know. They all use area rugs to add a new perspective to a room.
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Deck Ideas Or Patio Designs - Which One Should You Choose?

By Susan Schlenger

There are many great deck ideas and just as many wonderful possible patio designs. However, there are few things to consider when deciding which one to include in your landscape. Hopefully you will enjoy your landscape structure for many years to come. Here are some things to think about.

The first consideration is how high off the ground your structure will be. It may be at or just above ground level where no steps are needed. It may require just a few steps. However, the structure may have to be located off a second story and thus be at a very high elevation.

For those situations where the structure can be designed pretty much at ground level, a deck or patio can both be used. The deck, however, must be constructed in such a way that it is not resting directly on the ground. Typically, patios are chosen.

What if your structure needs a few steps? For situations where anywhere from two to about seven steps would be required to get to the lower level, either patios or decks may be selected. The main thing to remember is that whatever you choose will be off the ground. In the case of a deck, that space beneath the deck floor can be left open or covered with lattice. However, with patios, side walls must be built. This will add on to the cost. In addition, for higher walls, protection against falling off the patio must be considered. This can be achieved by either the installation of railings or having deep planters built in the patio.

If the structure is to be built very high off the ground, as would be the case where the exit door is from an upper level, decks make much more sense. Choosing to have a patio at that level would necessitate extremely high walls. Creating multilevel patios is possible and walls can be designed to be reasonable heights. However, the amount of levels and walls would still up the cost tremendously. And I mean by huge amounts of money.

Decks which are entered from second story rooms can be creative ones. They can have interesting shapes. Another option is to design a multi level deck. One area might be your main living area, while another might be a smaller area for relaxing, closer to ground level.

Advantages of Patios

Patios are less expensive than decks, if average cost materials are used and no side walls are needed.

Patios can be created with materials that require little or no maintenance.

Designs of patios can take on many shapes.

Curved designs are easier with patios than decks.

Patios can be designed in such a way so that they look very traditional or contemporary.

Advantages of Decks

Decks do not need side walls.

If the deck is at a higher elevations, it will be less expensive due the ability to just have an open lower area or lattice.

Most decking material does not get hot.

Seat walls and planters can be easily added at a reasonable cost.

The elevation of the door you are exiting out of, the style you are looking for and your budget will help determine whether a deck or patio is right for your project.

Susan Schlenger is a Landscape Designer with a degree in Landscape Architecture. To learn more about both of these options, please visit Deck Ideas or Patio Designs at her website.
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Essential Items For A Lovely Patio

By Kenny G Leichester

Turning your backyard, garden or pool into a place where you can enjoy, be comfortable and relax is not something impossible. All you need is a set of patio furniture. Find a store that specializes in outdoor furnishing and you will see that there are many choices of outdoor furniture that are enough to turn your dull garden into a lovely outdoor sitting room. Teak furniture is a way to go if you're thinking of a modern and stylish theme.

Teak furniture is a popular choice for manufacturers and consumers of outdoor furniture alike for a huge number of reasons. Teak used for commercial furniture is a tropical hardwood tree native to South East Asia. Their tall trunks and deciduous leaf patterns make them a popular choice in outdoor furniture, where weather resistance is necessary. The wood has natural oils, making varnish obsolete. In particular, teak from old forests is more suitable for crafting pieces, because they will not be prone to splits or water damage. It is a very hard wood that holds up well under use, is not affected by suntan lotion, body oil, pool or sea water, or the elements in general.

When making a list of furniture to be added to your patio think of all the following furniture; such as teak chairs, tables, seating groups, hammocks; porch swings; Adirondack chairs and tables; picnic tables; bar & counter stools, kids stuff, wood, chaise lounges, rocking chairs and settees. For those who plan to do some serious sunbathing, you may also include lounge chairs and patio umbrellas. You actually have two options. You can go for the lounge chair or the cedar bench. The advantage of a lounge chair is that it has rear wheels that make it easy to move while a cedar bench is a beautiful piece of furniture that is practical and can enhance the aesthetically value of your patio.

Another advantage of the cedar bench is that it is made from insect and weather-resistant western red cedar. This bench sometime comes with padded arm storage and 2" rot-resistant polyester. Patio umbrellas need no introduction in keeping us safe from the sun and the rain.
Before you start, it is a good idea that you separate the patio from the lawn and you can do this by adding a trim around the patio. The spaces between the trim and the patio can be filled flowers. If you want to filled more plants and flowers, install a trellis. This way it can become home for the climbing plants. It is actually a good way to hide unfavorable sights in your garden. It is also good to opt for trellis made from cedar as it looks great and is rot resistant.

When you put furniture in the patio, it facilitates comfort and with that conversation. You can place your furniture in a half circle provided it is enough create the shape. Coffee tables can be placed between chairs and having potted plants near the furniture will create a more pleasant and inviting look.

Outdoor lightning is essential when you plan to enjoy your deck, patio, lawn, or garden regardless of the time. Just imagine the thrill of enjoying your outdoor masterpiece under the stars. Have a quick session with the fresh night air before your bedtime might be just the thing you need to get a good night sleep. All this can be done by adding solar lighting to your patio and its walkways.

Citronella candles is another way to light up the outdoor area. Not only does it keep mosquitoes away, it makes a charming atmosphere when placed on tables and even steps. You will be amazed at how beautiful your flowers look in the soft glow of the evening light. Another brilliant item to add to your patio is outdoor heater.

Why limit the time you spend in your outdoor spaces to the summertime? Even for Northern climes, accessories are available that can extend your enjoyment of the yard into other times of the year. Opt for outdoor heaters with infrared or electric sources. These are much safer than using propane or natural gas heaters. Outdoor fireplaces, electric heaters and gas heaters are accessories that will keep you warm through late fall and allow you to resume your pursuits in early spring. With outdoor heaters, you and your family or guests can enjoy longer evenings.

Kenny Leichester is a foremost expert in the interior design industry specializing in the outdoor or patio settings using outdoor patio furniture, patio umbrellas, outdoor cushions, patio heaters, patio lighting and so on to create exquisitely beautiful layout. His work on outdoor teak furniture are widely distributed and is a regular contributor to PatioShoppers.com
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Why Should Codes On Deck Railings Be Complied With?

By Adam Peters

Every state has its own list of codes for construction of deck railings and other building related matters. These codes are meant to provide safety by adhering to certain set norms and mandates. Various states are now taking initiatives to make building codes easily known and accessible. Homeowners may not prefer some of these codes but they can work around them keeping the legal limitations in mind.

All legal codes and rules are established to ensure discipline and security in society. This stands true for codes set for deck railings since these railings are made mandatory to provide safety to home owners, visitors and home buyers. The most common deck railing codes specify the conditions which require the necessary installation of deck railings. These common codes give clear specification such as railing height, space to be maintained between balusters etc.

The State of Virginia, Loudoun County has clear and specific building codes which have to be adhered to by all citizens. The state has made these freely accessible to citizens by publishing them as 'Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Codes' on the internet. All questions on regulations governing deck requirements are answered online. Even building structural requirements, mechanical specifications, plumbing queries and fire safety mandates are specified on this website. Citizens can closely follow the updated building codes and accordingly submit their plans and building permits to the Department of Building and Development who check them for compliance.

Different states have different ideas on which the railing related codes are based.

Its important that before initiating construction, all information on the updated building codes as also zone specific rules and health department mandates are checked and adhered to. There also exist specific codes for deck which mention that deck building permit needs to be applied for an obtained before beginning construction of the deck. This States building code mentions rules such as decks can be constructed for residential use only, decks cannot have more than one level and decks have to be compulsorily attached to the house. Moreover it also specifies a maximum measure of 2 feet for Joist overhangs and that having screened porches, roofs, hot tubs and tents is restricted.

Building codes are laid down by the states building department and constitute a legal offence if broken or disregarded. Therefore even if certain codes are not acceptable to home owners, there is no choice but to follow them although working around the code and finding an alternative which stays within the legal boundaries is a wise idea. One such code not quite preferred by home owners is the one which specifies a high level deck railing which cannot even be folded or altered in any way. High railings obviously cause a visual obstruction and this code is therefore disliked by home owners. But the code has to be complied with and non-compliance only leads to legal consequences and punishment in the form of fines. As mentioned before, home owners can find alternate options which work within the barriers of these codes. For instance, if a homeowner does not want the high railing to obstruct his view, he can opt for a railing system made of cables. This type of railing system has top rails and the cables are not a hindrance since they fade in the background when seen from a little distance. However it should be kept in mind that deck railing codes are established to ensure safety and though not preferred sometimes they should be adhered to the maximum.

Adam Peters publishes articles for http://www.deck-porch-railings.com . Find more publications about deck awnings at his website.
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Tips For Creating a Spacious Deck

By Adam Peters

If you are looking for ways and means to decorate your decks for your house, this article will provide you the relevant information in that direction. You can use these tips individually or in conjunction with your imagination and the amount of money you can afford to spend..

Here are some ideas:

To begin with, identify the utility of your decks. This is where you conduct your functions, be it social or otherwise. BBQ parties are the other reason. And still others could be reasons as simple as enjoying nature or simply sipping coffee and relaxing on your day off, on a romantic note. It all depends upon how much space you have.

A good choice so you can utilize your space for all occasions would be to go for a pattern of wavy lines. This pattern creates the mood fpr any occasion. You only need to remember a few things like keeping the space clean and clear of too many objects. Don't fill it with too many things. It feels great to have one spacious deck rather than two divided spaces.

The next thing to bear in mind while crafting this place is to provide as many access points as possible. The thumb rule would be for one every 15 to 20 feet. This is mainly done to avoid any constraints during parties and BBQs. You never know when you feel like fitting some equipment or lighting to pep up the fun.

Once this is planned, check the railings next. Ensure that you can do away with any sharp edges or corners. Play safe. Moreover, it also becomes a hurdle to the overall flowing lines feel of the deck. So the thumb rule is to avoid pointed or sharp railings unless you have a good enough reason for this.

You can also use a wide variety of materials for your deck railing. Modern deck railings are known to use paints and polishes to provide the required luster and look. However, you may also consider the wooden finish for your deck railing. In the long run, you may have maintenance problems with wood, although there are ways to overcome this. On the other hand, you could consider steel, plastic and wrought iron as well. In any case, the design and choice of materials would be in proportion to the budget you set aside for this task. This is the only aspect limiting the execution of your creativity.

Again, bear in mind the safety aspect as well. You may want to make provision for the handicapped as well. This depends on your overall need. In case you choose to make this provision, you will have to make the entry and exit accessible. You will need to provide even spaces so that they do not have a problem moving around. Assess the special needs of these people and incorporate these into in the designing stage itself. It would help to consult designers and architects and other sources to understand these requirements as these may not be frequently used in individual properties unless there is a big need for the same.

Adam Peters is the consultant for http://www.deck-porch-railings.com . For additional information on deck plan or deck ideas subjects have a look at his web.
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