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Of the many types of materials that are available for the construction of outdoor furniture, teak is often overlooked. This beautiful wood - of tropical origin - adds character and elegance to your outdoor design through a blending of nature and man-made elements which provide an outstanding aesthetic presentation to any yard.

Teak (technically known as tectona grandis) has been proven to be the best wood for use in the great outdoors. As a result of its high rubber content, this wood has a natural resistance to heat, water and frost without the benefit of any treatment or special coating.



Teak has a Natural Resistance to the Outdoors

In addition, its natural properties render it termite resistant due to the high content of oil that it possesses. The durability of teak is another benefit that makes it very popular with consumers, as well as the way in which it wears. Over time, weathering causes the teak to develop a silvery gray patina that heightens its beauty without compromising its integrity.

Though it may be higher in price than other types of construction, teak can be considered an investment, since its durability will provide you with many years of classic comfort and design.



Unique Abilities

Due to its unique ability prevent the build-up of rust and corrosion when brought into contact with metal, teak can be used in combination with a variety of metals to provide a stylish alternative to an all-wood appearance, while protecting the integrity of the entire structure through its unusual properties.

This is, in fact, one of the reasons that teak has been so popular since ancient times and has been utilized in the construction of ships. The bottom line is that, when teak is introduced into the scenario, the result is a strong product that doesn't suffer the downfalls of most pieces of furniture - and all within a pretty package.



Works Great All Year Round

Regardless of the season, teak furniture can safely be left outdoors without diminishing its durability or presentation, and is easy to care for with a bit of warm soapy water and a scrub brush. For those who prefer to use a pressure washer, be sure to keep the pressure low and use a flat jet for the best results. This should be done twice each year, in order to clean and preserve the teak.

Outdoor dining sets for porches and patios, chaise lounges, chairs, benches, tables and a variety of accessories can be used to design a comfortable, yet attractive, outdoor lawn grouping for everyday use or entertaining. Since teak furniture is available in a variety of styles - and is weather resistant - it's ideal for any type of climate, from the heat of the southwest to the ever-changing seasonal conditions of New England.



If You're Looking For Elegance

As a result of its natural properties, diversity and beauty, teak can be integrated into a wide variety of items today, and is a popular furniture choice for English Garden settings. Found in private homes, hotels, lodges, resorts and luxury watercraft, teak is synonymous with elegance and is one of the best furniture investments that a homeowner can make when furnishing the outdoor area of the home.

Outdoor Patio Furniture: Exploring the Benefits of Teak Mike has been involved with exterior landscaping for several years, having first got the bug when he landscaped his own back garden. Since then he's been helping people find and review the best value for money outdoor furniture, to meet your needs. Find out more at his site: Outdoor Garden Furniture Reviews

Written by: Mike Spencer

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Cushion Furniture Patio Article


Mention metal patio furniture and you probably think of the light, fly-away aluminium loungers of your youth or that half-ton cast iron table and chair set on your neighbour's lawn.

But metal outdoor furniture has come a long way. Here's a quick primer on the available types and their care.

Construction Methods

Metal is fashioned into furniture in one of three main ways: extrusion, casting, and welding.

Extrusion forces melted metal through long pipes and forms long narrow tubes of metal, sometimes solid, but often hollow.

Casting metal involves a form, or cast, shaped like the finished product. The molten metal is poured into the form and then the form is removed when the metal has solidified. Cast pieces are almost always solid.

Forging, a process in which metal is heated and hammered into shape produces the type of furniture known as "wrought" metal. It uses pipes and various solid pieces of the metal and joins them together by welding or bolting.

Common Materials

The most common metal outdoor furniture is made from iron or aluminium, although the use of steel, especially stainless steel, is growing.

Iron is a chemical element that is naturally malleable and rusts easily. Vintage pieces, usually in black or dark green, can be found at premium prices and must be carefully maintained to prevent further rusting. Modern reproduction pieces will usually have a rust-resistant finish or coating that protects against chipping, scratching and corrosion. There are a variety of finishes available such as primer and paint, powder coatings and galvanizing. They are available in a range of colors and styles.

Since iron is heavy and solid, it is well-suited for windy spots where light furniture might be blown away. Don't expect it to be highly portable, though. Well-cared for, iron furnishings can last for 100 years.

Much of the iron furniture available today is wrought iron, rather than cast iron. When you're buying wrought iron, look for pieces made with solid metal rather than hollow tubing, and that are welded, rather than bolted, together. Generally, the better furniture is North American made.

Iron furniture requires more maintenance than other types of metal furniture. Clean it regularly with warm soapy water and then dry it thoroughly. Wax the smooth surfaces and apply mineral or baby oil to textured surfaces. Oil springs and moving parts once per year. Immediately touch up any scratches or rust by lightly sanding the spot with a fine steel wool. Then apply several thin coats of metal paint, letting each coat dry well before applying the next. If you're using a spray paint, apply with short light stokes.

Aluminum is a silvery, lightweight and easily worked metallic element that never rusts. Much of the early aluminum furniture from the 1960s was made from hollow-core extrusion tubing. Such furniture was extremely lightweight but not exceedingly wind-stable. Such pieces are still available today and are best used around a pool area. Cast aluminum is better used in outdoor dining or sitting areas.

Whether you're looking for extruded, cast or wrought aluminum items, there are a few items that indicate a quality piece. As with wrought iron, joints should be welded (preferably full-circumference welds) rather than bolted. If bolts are used, for example to connect webbing, they should be made of aluminum or stainless steel. Otherwise they will begin to rust even though the main frame does not.

Best quality aluminum pieces have a powder-coated finish, which determines the final color of the piece and the durability of the metal. Powder coating is a process in which colorful polyester powders are applied and then baked onto the frame.

If you're buying aluminum furniture with vinyl webbing or straps, look for vinyl that has been processed with mildew inhibitors and ultraviolet stabilizers. Any wooden pieces mounted on aluminum frames should be treated with a finish to guarantee durability.

Suntan oils, human perspiration, car exhaust and salt spray can all eat away at the powder coating on aluminum furniture. To ensure long life, clean your aluminum furniture twice a month with a solution of mild dish detergent and warm water. Rinse well. You can then apply paste car wax to any smooth finish frames.

Steel, a hard tough metal, is an alloy of iron and various small percentages of metallic elements. The alloys produce hardness and resistance to rusting. Galvanized steel has been plated with zinc; stainless steel has been alloyed with chromium and is virtually immune to rust and corrosion.

Before the production of aluminum furniture in the mid 20th century, steel furniture was common, dating from popular French-made items manufactured in the later half of the 1800s. American companies used solid steel until the Second World War when the heavy military demand for steel dictated the use of lightweight tubular (hollow) steel in outdoor furniture. Vintage steel sets can still be found at flea markets.

If you're looking at modern steel furniture, be sure the product is either stainless or powder-coated and that any hardware used is also rust-resistant.

Metal outdoor furniture in its many shapes and designs can be a wonderful addition to your outdoor living space. Choose wisely and enjoy!

Debbie Rodgers, the haven maven, owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Her latest how-to guide “Attracting Butterflies to Your Home and Garden” is now available on her web site. Visit her at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on “Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space”. Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com


paradiseporch@lincsat.com



Written by: Debbie Rodgers

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