With the arrival of spring, many of us will soon be dusting off the outdoor patio furniture from storage and placing it on decks and patios.  You may be alarmed and surprised to see some powdery blotches on your precious pieces that you spent lots of money on last summer.  Chances are, this is mildew that has accumulated during the off-season months.

Mildew generally looks greyish-white or yellow in color and is probably the last thing you wanted to see on your outdoor furniture.  It is there because conditions for creating mildew are ideal for patio chairs and tables (hot humid weather and then a cool dry space during the off-season).  If left untreated, mildew can damage your furniture so you’ll want to take some steps to correct this problem.

The first tip that you should consider is that you should periodically wash your furniture at least twice during the patio season.  This either means hosing it down with a good garden hose or wiping  it down with soapy water.

For tougher stains you can apply the following technique:

• Mix half a cup of white vinegar, with half a cup of Borax and 2-4 cups of hot water together (depending on the strength you want to apply).  Use a cleaning sponge to take this mixture and apply it to the mildew blotch.  Try to rub with the grain of the furniture so that you don’t damage it.  Once done, use a water solution or hose down the furniture so that it looks like new again.

With a little care and the proper steps your outdoor patio furniture will last you several wonderful years.

Its almost that time of year again – when the warmer temperatures bring people outdoors.  Of course one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors is on your patio.  If you’re in search of some quality outdoor patio furniture then you should probably start your search online.  Buying patio furniture online is becoming very popular these days.  A number of reputable online retailers can be found with a simple Google search.

Here are 5 considerations when buying patio furniture from an online retailer:

1. Good inventory – an online merchant with a large inventory and selection is shouting out that they have supply relationships with the best patio manufacturers
2. Fast shipping – ensure that the merchant can offer quick shipping so that you can enjoy your furniture as soon as possible (some merchants even offer Free Shipping!!)
3. Best price – look for a web company that offers price matching and guarantees the lowest price
4. Customer service – look for an online retailer that offers a number to call in case you need some assistance
5. Sales and discounts – usually the better merchants offer online discounts and sales similar to brick and mortar stores.

So when searching for patio furniture online, remember to look for good selection, fast & free shipping, a price guarantee, good customer service and online sales/discounts.   Remember to shop with confidence and in no time you’ll be enjoying the outdoors in your new patio furniture.

A great wooden patio furniture set can look nice in any backyard or garden.  However, unlike plastic furniture, wood outdoor furniture requires some added care and maintenance in order to get years of enjoyment from it.  Don’t fear though, because the work is not difficult and only requires some of your time.

Perhaps the most critical item that you need to know is that in order for wood patio furniture to last a long time, it needs to be sealed to protect it from rain, snow and the sun.  By sealing the wood you allow water to bead off of the furniture such that water can’t penetrate and damage it.  Sealing the wood will also help to preserve it over the long summer months when the sun is beating down on it.  You can find a good wood sealant at your local hardware store.  Be specific and tell them the type of wood that you’re treating as there are different types of treatments based on wood types.

Once you’ve sealed your wood patio furniture, the only work left for you is maintenance.  With each new patio season you’ll want to inspect every furniture piece and look for any damage or corrosion to the wood.   Any damaged piece should be treated immediately.  To fix, simply use a piece of sand paper and smooth the damaged area down.  Next, apply your sealant to cover up the damaged area so that its sealed again.  In the off-season, it’s also a good idea to store your wood patio furniture in a cool dry place and away from the elements.  When you bring out your furniture again in the Spring, inspect it for any damaged areas and repair as required.

I’m sure you’ll agree that with a little work and the right maintenance, a properly cared for wood  furniture set will provide you with years of enjoyment.

Shopping for outdoor patio furniture can be a daunting task, especially with today’s choices in materials and furniture types.  Here are 3 important factors to consider before you make that big purchase.

1. Space – You want to make sure that you buy the right size furniture for the amount of space that you have.  Getting a 10 person table may meet your family needs but if you have a small space to work with, you will find that a large table  is both uncomfortable and unsightly.  Make sure you take careful measurements of your backyard space before pulling out the credit card.
2. Weather – Patio furniture should be selected very carefully with the climate that you live in.  The elements will, over time, fade and weather the overall appearance of your furniture.  For example, metal furniture surfaces tend to be more durable than wood but can sometimes be more expensive in overall purchase price.  In cooler climates you’ll also have to store your furniture in the off-season, so the weight of the furniture when moving will be another important consideration.
3. Accessories –   Selecting the proper patio furniture accessories will add a dramatic impact to both the look and feel of your outdoor space.  Comfortable cushions will make your space inviting.  A patio umbrella will add a touch of class and shade on a very hot sunny day.  For cooler months, an outdoor fireplace or patio heater will also add value and warmth.

Are you looking for some great deals on patio furniture?  Listen closely and you’ll discover that with a little patience and knowing where to look, you’ll be able to find great discounts on patio furniture.

1. Know what your looking for by reviewing magazines and online sources.  If you understand what type of furniture your looking for (wood vs. metal), you will be able to limit your choice when searching for that great patio furniture deal.
2. Once you know what you like, you’ll want to start comparison shopping.  Go to stores and check out the various products.  You will also want to go online and check out competing prices.  Generally online retailers offer great discounts and clearance items usually before the start (April) and end of the patio season (September).
3. Subscribe to an online blog or forum for patio furniture.  Oftentimes these sites offer e-coupons that can be used for online purchases.
4. If you don’t mind buying used furniture, check out online classifieds that usually offer some bargains.

Today more than ever, people are using their backyards  as a means to enjoy the outdoors.  A well planned outdoor space can offer hours of  rest, relaxation and entertainment.   For an outdoor space to function, it needs to include both innovative furniture design and practical use of space.  How your patio is decorated is going to increase the overall appeal of the space and make it feel great.  Here are five quick tips to make your patio space look great.

1. Ensure your patio and backyard is full of plants.  There’s nothing more attractive then some trees, shrubs and flowers to add color and warmth.
2. Add some lighting so that you can enjoy your patio well after the sun has gone down.
3. To extend the life of your patio season, consider adding some outdoor heating, such as a portable stone fireplace.
4. Nothing says relaxation like a nice hammock – install one and fall asleep under the sun.
5. Add cushions to your patio furniture to add a touch of color and lasting comfort.

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