Outdoor Patio Furniture

Teak furniture is basically furniture made from a yellowish-brown type of wood taken from Teak trees. Teak is well-known as a durable and extremely strong type of material to use for furniture mainly because of the fact that teak is resistant to insects and warping. Teak is so durable and strong that it is also commonly used in the shipbuilding industry. Some believe (with strong evidence to back up their beliefs) that furniture made of teak material can last more than 1,000 years! So, if you’re looking for high quality furniture, investing in teak furniture is a guarantee that your teak furniture will last you for some time – even generations.As the world populations continue to recognize the many benefits of owning furniture made from teak wood, there’s a rapid boost in demands. Hence, teak furniture manufacturers have resorted to using artificially grown teak wood to fulfill the demands of consumers.

Teak wood can be found in the humid, hot and wet tropical forests in many different Asian and South East Asian forests. Countries exporting teak wood are Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar, Indo-China and more. Teak wood can be found in abundance in these countries; however, even with the richness in supply, the number of wild teak trees is slowly diminishing from these tropical forests. Teak trees grown slowly and naturally in the wild are considered stronger and more durable, therefore furniture made from wild teak generally fetches a higher price than furniture made from artificially grown teak wood.

Teak wood is used in the furniture industry because of its durable nature. Outdoor furniture needs to withstand weather changes and if your outdoor furniture is made from teak, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Teak furniture can take quite a beating from nature without deteriorating in quality. Outdoor furniture like park benches, loungers, poolside chairs, and outdoor tables are usually made from teak wood.

Not only is teak a sturdy type of wood, but they are also easy to manipulate and design on. Delicately designed carvings and etchings can be easily made onto teak wood to enhance the appearance of teak furniture. Teak has natural oils that make it easy to work with and teak may not even need to be treated with oil or varnish.

However, to safeguard against possible oxidation, proper cleaning and maintenance should be done on teak furniture regularly. Applying a water-based acrylic teak protection as opposed to applying a solvent-based oil product on teak furniture can help protect the teak furniture from degradation and extend the life of the teak furniture. Water-based acrylic teak protection can last up to 12 months and are easy to apply, easy to rinse, easy to recoat and most importantly, is environmentally safe.

The advantage of wood furniture is the flexibility with which it can be worked on to create a variety of designs. Wood can be painted, cut, trimmed, and carved. Different kinds of tools can be used, such as chisels, saw, and even fire. If fire is used, the technique is called pyrography. The French called this technique the pyrogravure while the Victorian English called it Poker Work. Of course, fire is not directly used on wood but fire is used to heat up objects that will be used to sculpt the wood furniture.

Pyrography is an ancient practice and its origins can be traced to the earliest periods of civilizations, perhaps near the time period when fire was discovered. A pointed tool is heated up using fire and this tool is wielded to carve the wood. The unavoidable but desirable effect is a charming contrast between the original light color of the wood and the dark charred part where the tool has made its mark.

For many wood furniture designers, the preferred pyrography tool is made of iron, but other metals can also be used. The tip of the pyrography tools vary in width and these affect the area on the wood furniture that is intentionally scorched. Both broad and fine lines can be created by the master wood designer.

The temperatures used to heat the tools can also differ, depending on the desired depth of darkness. The color can have sepia tones, reminiscent of the gentle good old days. Or the color can be dark, bold and dramatic, indicating a dominant and vibrant personality. The stroke and the skill of the designer is also an influential factor in achieving an admirable image on the wood furniture.

For best effects, light-colored hardwoods are utilized. Some of them are sycamore, beech, cherry, and birch. The delicate color of these hardwoods will provide a strong contrast to the effect of scorching. Aside from this advantage, the grain of these hardwoods is fine enough to allow more ornate designs, such as a scene from nature or images of flowers and pets. Of course, other hardwoods darker colored can be used, such as pine or oak.

Pyrography requires much skill from the wood furniture designer because the technique is always done manually. There are �solid-point� and �wire-point� machines that can be used but the use of these pyrography tools still depends on the designer, and of course, the chosen design of the wood furniture owner. Pyrography is obviously time-consuming but the flexibility of this technique paves the way for more personalized designs that corresponds to individual tastes. It can be used on larger wood furniture and also on smaller objects such as wooden plates, coasters, miniatures, and various wedding souvenirs.
And finally, the professionally created image of pyrography is further enhanced with the use of oil, varnish, and wax. These substances protect the wood furniture design, especially when there is likelihood that the furniture will be exposed to heat and water. Sometimes, lacquer is used to give a shiny finish but for wood items that come in contact with food, other food-safe oils are applied, such as Tung Oil.

Today’s home design favors the outdoors–decks, patios, pool bars, balconies, terraces. Nothing beats sitting back under the stars at the end of a long day. Particularly in the tropics, people are practically moving their homes outdoors to better enjoy the open air.

Of course, you can’t just whip out your old living room furniture and put it on your patio. Indoor materials will not last a week of constant sun exposure, moisture, and temperature changes. That’s why outdoor furniture tends to cost more–they are designed to hold up against the elements. And since furniture is also decorative, manufacturers have found ways to make them durable and stylish at the same time. Here are some of your options.

METAL:

Metal is the obvious choice if you’re after durability and function. Most metal furniture comes with rust-resistant coating to make it suitable for outdoors. With the right weather protection, metal furniture can be left out all summer or winter and still look good as new. The only downside is its weight. A wrought iron chair can weigh five times as much as PVC or wicker. This is why it’s best for deck and concrete patios, as it tends to sink on soft surfaces like grass, dirt, and turf.

The most common outdoor metals are aluminum, steel, and wrought iron. Aluminum is lightweight and makes for excellent folding chairs for your poolside, but if you live in a windy area, you might want to invest in something heavier. For easier maintenance, go for a powder-coated finish because it is baked onto the metal rather than brushed on. An aluminum chair or bench can cost from $100 to $500, and a set can go from $1,000 to $2,000.

If you want something with more class, go for wrought iron. Wrought iron is made from iron or steel bars about half an inch thick, and worked into intricate designs. It has a classic, elegant look perfect for large lawns, gardens, and balconies. It is also very sturdy, so you can leave it out all year. It comes at a price, though. Individual pieces go from $80 to several hundred dollars, and a wrought iron set can go upwards of $2,000.

WOOD:

Most woods can’t handle outdoor exposure, but those that can are remarkably sturdy. One example is teak, a hardwood native to South and Southeast Asia. Teak has natural protective oils that make it water-resistant, and doesn’t need oil or varnish to maintain its durability. It’s also one of the most expensive; a single bench can set you back $800, and a set can cost as much as $3,500. Vintage teak furniture, made from the now-endangered old-growth teak, is one of the most valuable.

Cedar is another popular outdoor wood. It is naturally scented and has an attractive color and grain. It’s not as strong as teak, but if properly treated, cedar furniture can withstand rain, sun, and snow. Cedar absorbs and releases moisture slowly, which reduces the cracking and splintering that can occur in extreme temperatures. Perhaps its best feature is its scent, which serves as a natural insect repellent. Expect to pay $700 to $1000 for a four-piece cedar set.

If you can’t splurge on furniture just yet, there are also less expensive woods to choose from. Eucalyptus furniture costs about 1/3 as much as teak but is just as attractive, although it will not last as long. Bamboo is also great if you like to move your furniture around, or if you’re going for a breezy Asian look. Just make sure they are properly treated, and reapply the varnish periodically.

WICKER:

If you’re after comfort and relaxation, then wicker may be your best bet. Wicker is made from hard woven fibers, which may be plant-based or synthetic. The main advantage of wicker is its natural “give”–it yields to the shape of your body for extra comfort. The open weave also makes it cool and breathable. Antique wicker is highly valued by collectors and makes great patio furniture.

Plastic fibers are normally used for outdoor furniture, as plant fibers are organic and will easily rot. Natural fibers can be made into loom wicker, which has a tighter weave and more resilient finish. However, wicker is generally weak and cannot be left outdoors for very long. Be sure to move them indoors when it rains, or at least to a shaded spot on very hot days. If you live in a humid area with heavy rainfall, choose vinyl wicker–a synthetic variety made from plastic strands.

One problem with wicker is that dust and particles can get in between the weaves. A little grain shouldn’t be a problem, but it can build up and damage your furniture. Dust it off once in a while with a feather duster and remove stains with a soft cloth and mild detergent. To keep out dust, try placing cushions or draping sheets over them.

Wicker furniture is usually cheaper than wood or metal, but the price varies widely according to size and construction. You can get a vinyl wicker chair for about $65, or a premium fiber chaise lounge for over $3,000. A set with a table and several chairs can cost from $500 to over $1,000. Steel frames and protective finishes can add to the price.

PLASTIC:

Plastic furniture is great if you’re on a tight budget or just want to use them occasionally. Plastic is lightweight and water-resistant, so it makes sense for poolside sets. If you like to host large backyard parties, try a set of stackable or collapsible plastic chairs. You can fold them up and put them away at the end of the day, or leave them out if the weather is good. Don’t expect them to last more than five years, though. Some of the tougher pieces can, but plastic is naturally flimsy and just not designed for heavy use. Look for UV-resistant plastic to minimize damage from the sun.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) a type of hard plastic used in everything from credit cards to water pipes. It makes sense–if you want waterproof furniture, use the same thing used in your plumbing. As outdoor furniture, PVC works well because it’s extremely durable, lightweight, and inexpensive. Not surprisingly, it’s the best material for poolside and wet weather conditions.

One good thing about plastic furniture is the range of styles, designs, and colors to choose from. It’s extremely flexible, mixes well with dyes, and is light enough to work into large pieces. Extruded plastic–soft resin shaped into a tube–can be worked into just about any shape. Plastic also holds color well. Paint will peel off wood and metal, but plastic has the color blended in. “Colorfast”plastic will keep the color from fading or running when washed.

A plastic chair can sell for as low as $40, and a PVC table goes for $150 or so. You can purchase a plastic furniture set for under $400.

Quality always comes first when it comes to outdoor furniture, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up style. Even the most expensive wood bench is useless if it doesn’t suit your tastes, or if you’re not comfortable in it. There is a lot to choose from, so take advantage of your options. If you know what to look for, you’re sure to find something that not only looks great, but will stay with you for years.

A backyard truly worthy of entertaining is a rare but wonderful thing. Anyone can plop a keg down in the middle of their yard, surround it with some plastic stacking chairs (watch out for the one with the weak leg), and throw some hotdogs on the grill. But is this really what we want our summer parties and barbeques to consist of? Aren’t we ready to class up these get-togethers and leave the kegger mentality where it belongs, back in college.

If the previous paragraph came close to describing your average weekend party, and you’re ready to leave that all behind and look into some new patio furniture and accessories, we are here for you. But you’ve got to want it; we can only take you so far. What we’re going to do here is give you some tips and suggestions, but we can’t hold your hand, only you can help you.

For those only ready to take baby steps in their pursuit of better backyard bashes, we understand, we can help. There are plenty of options out there for you, brave soul. We’ll start with some all-weather, virtually indestructible Poly-Wood. This unbelievable stuff requires no maintenance and will surely impress your earth-conscious friends when you tell them it’s made from 100% post-industrial and post-consumer recycled plastics. If you don’t have any earth-conscious friends then Poly-Wood is a great way to make some.

Even though there’s no beating Poly-Wood for maintenance-free, long lasting patio furniture, there’s also no beating the classic look of wood patio furniture. From the soft, pale tones of white cedar and pine to the richness of redwood and cherry, a couple Adirondack chairs around a low patio table is a great way to add some rustic sophistication to your backyard or patio.

If you’re looking to go directly from A-ball to the Major Leagues, however, only one option exists, my friend. A teak patio set is the absolute no-miss, sure-fire way to take your summer parties and barbeques to the next level. Teak is the Cadillac of outdoor furniture with its superior weather resistant qualities and it requires little to no care. This Indonesian hardwood ages to a distinguished silvery-gray (just like Clint Eastwood) and will provide a classy, sophisticated setting for years of backyard revelry.