Outdoor Patio Furniture

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.

White cedar is a great wood for indoor and outdoor furniture, because of its natural and environmentally sound characteristics. Found in the Northeast and most known for its uses on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, white cedar is highly durable and very sturdy. This wood species is also blessed with natural preservatives that make it one of the most decay/rot resistant and insect tolerant woods available. Whether you’re looking for rustic furniture, a cozy garden furniture setting or a grouping of Adirondack chairs to enjoy with close friends and family, white cedar could be for you.

Eastern white cedar has been used in Canada and the United States for over 100 years. The white cedar tree grows only in the northeastern United States and in southeastern Canada and is ideally suited to both indoor and outdoor projects. The eastern white cedar is also called northern white cedar, arborvitae and swamp cedar. Because it is often harvested from second and third growth forests, using strict sustainable management practices, eastern white cedar is not only a viable alternative, but also a better selection for your next outdoor wood project. Extremely resistant to decay, eastern white cedar furniture is a beautiful wood that accepts stain treatments well, or you can allow it to naturally weather to a fine gray patina.

Cedar is a dimensionally stable wood, especially when kiln-dried, meaning it lies flat and stays straight, resisting the natural tendency as with other wood species to crack, shrink or warp, providing a splinter resistant and extremely smooth finish. Cedar also takes a stain well (as we will discuss a bit later) and reveals a rich character when stained. Cedar is one of the top ten preferred species for the home woodworker, and ranks third behind oak and pine as the wood most commonly used for ready-to-finish furniture. Additionally, cedar is uncommonly smooth-surfaced when sanded, making it more comfortable for outdoor furniture than other woods.

White cedar is used in landscaping, fencing, shingles, decks, log homes and for outdoor furniture, where its natural oils deter pests and mold. Adding an extra layer of protection (either stains, paints or polyurethanes) to cedar is smart insurance against possible premature wear. If you want protection and prefer not to see your outdoor furniture’s grain, paints provide a layer of color that will keep the wood safely hidden from the elements.

Staining will impregnate your wooden outdoor furniture with chemicals that inhibit water, UV light and insect damage and add a layer of color to the surface of the wood. Whereas paint completely covers the wood, stains can leave the wood grain visible. Although not necessary, you may also desire to put a polyurethane finish on the furniture after it has been stained. Polyurethane behaves similarly to paint as it covers the wood. Some prefer to add this extra layer, although doing so can make reapplying a fresh coat of stain in the future more difficult.

When staining, if the outdoor furniture has been in use or outside for a period of time, it is best to lightly sand all surfaces before application using a Sand Sponge or sand paper. Try to stain the furniture when temperatures range from 50° to 85° F. Use a piece of similar wood or find an “out of the way” spot on the furniture to test the stain to ensure the wood is absorbing it to attain the desired color. Consider using a foam brush, staining the lower portions of the furniture first and working your way through the sides to the top.

White cedar is lightweight, very durable and extremely sturdy. The wood is prized for its ability to weather without treatment (unlike other species) and its ability to take finishes well. Because of this, northern white cedar is excellent for indoor, outdoor, and ground contact applications. With all of these benefits, it is easy to see why northern white cedar is considered the aristocrat of woods. It is a superior wood in its resistance to the elements and is considered one of the longest-lasting woods used in the lumbering industry today.