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Save Money with Quality Teak Furniture Products
By Anita Winter
Since the recession began a majority of consumers have reconsidered purchasing their dream homes or buying those flashy sports cars. In fact, the state of the economy has forced people, and retailers for that matter, to take a good look at what they can afford and adjust accordingly.
People are investing more time in creating a higher property value to their homes by adding outdoor rooms, landscaping and being involved in major DIY projects. Although, people are trying to find great bargains, they are also taking time to research products that will provide greater value in the long run.
Restaurant and hotel owners have also broadened their interest in renovating by creating outdoor patio dining areas for customers. They have realized that enhancing outdoor settings adds style and may increase property value.
Some of the products retailers and home owners are investing in are all-weather-resistant patio furniture, outdoor shade products and outdoor cushions. These are not being purchased solely on good looks but on durability and functionality. Today's outdoor furniture is nothing like grandma's outdoor wicker rocking chair from the past. Teak, cast iron, all-weather wicker furniture are just a few products that hold up against the outdoor elements much better now than ever before.
Large cantilevered umbrellas have become big sellers in commercial and residential markets, that's because shade products are made with quality materials that will outlast products from big box retailers. Most are made with high-performance fabrics like Sunbrella, which tackle harsh elements and leave no evidence of abuse. Umbrella frames are built to withstand strong winds and storms and are made with non-corrosive substances and flexible fiberglass materials.
The same is true for outdoor fabrics; textiles that will not fade from the sun or mildew from the rain. Soft beautiful designer fabrics that can be used outdoors and indoors are what many manufacturers are achieving in creating these high-tech textiles. This recession isn't going away anytime soon. So be wise when you are deciding on what you will spend your money on. Choose better products for your home and business and always ask yourself if it's a good investment. If so, you should be able to move forward with peace of mind.
Teak Furniture Can Ease Your Stress
By Anita Winter
There are many interesting things to do this summer that can involve being outdoors. Having a comfortable and relaxing environment to catch up on a little rest and relaxation is mandatory to living a stress free life. We have too much on our plates, we struggle with what is priority and what can wait till tomorrow but through this balancing act, we need to stop and think of what's really important.
If I said that your health is the most important would you agree with me? Healthy living does start with a good healthy diet and exercise regimen but if I told you relaxing on a beautiful piece of furniture could be just as vital to your health and well being, would you believe me? We have to make better choices for our home environment because it does make such a difference in our attitudes as well as our peace of mind. Outdoor furniture that provides the same comfort indoors is one way to not only help create another living space to your home but it can create an ambiance, a place to escape to, away from the stress.
If you're not sure where to start, teak furniture is one choice that will be a long term investment. Teak has natural oils that allow it not to rot like normal timber. In fact it can last close to a hundred years. Manufactured in Indonesia, teak has its own characteristics that set it apart. In outdoor applications it will turn a silvery, gray patina color. This is what happens when left in the outdoor elements exposed to natural light, overtime it becomes an even silver tone that blends into your outdoor surroundings and gives it an aged but organic appearance. It's low maintenance because you don't have to sand and refinish and seal it every year. Teak provides its own natural sealant. Good quality teak will also be very smooth to the touch. It doesn't splint like normal wood.
If you love the look of new teak, you can use a teak sealant to preserve the look of the golden honey color even in outdoor applications or you can enjoy the look of new teak indoors. It has a simple but sturdy design quality to it that will bring charm to your space and in recent years, teak has grown in a more modern contemporary design aesthetic. Teak has a quiet ease and unique style that most will appreciate.
Seat cushions and throw pillows and are one way to reach optimal comfort. You can purchase custom cushions for any piece of furniture you may already own or acquire. I would say cushions are a definite must have in an indoor or outdoor setting because they warm up a space and help you relax, which is the whole point. Getting a space away from the hustle and bustle has benefits beyond the obvious. Taking better care of your health and your families well being is a precious and priceless service.
Move Up To Teak
After years of neglecting my outdoor living space, I decided to make an investment in teak furniture. I did some research on the inherent qualities of teak wood and the natural teak oils that protect the wood from the elements, rot, insects etc. As I learned, teak wood requires no maintenance, staining, and protective coating or otherwise. As a matter of fact, it is recommended that nothing is done to the wood!! Unbelievable. I thought all wood other than pressure treated wood would rot. Over time, teak wood will take on a natural silver gray hue.
Here is what I bought for my outdoor patio. I got an Expansion Table that expands to 71″ and seats 6 people comfortably. I purchased six Folding Chairs and two Folding Arm Chairs for seating. Next I purchased a foldout Teak Bar that is really cool. When fully extended, it is over 70 inches wide. I purchased four Teak Stools to go along with the Teak Bar. I have it next to the French doors leading to my indoor kitchen for quick access to re-supply the Teak Bar.
I then purchased a Garden Bench that seats two and two Garden Arm Chairs and set them up in the grassy area leading to the pool. I intend to build a stone fire pit in between the bench and chairs. For the pool area, I spent a little more than I originally intended but it looks great. I purchased six Chaise Loungers that have 32 comfort settings. Over near the sunken hot tub I placed a 47″ Round Folding Teak Table outfitted with four more Teak Folding Chairs that match the ones I purchased for the 71″ Expansion Table.
I accessorized by adding a Teak Bar table and Chair Set, Teak Storage Box for towels and toys, Rolling Teak Tray and Cart and four Teak Planters. To tie it all together, I purchased two Wood Market umbrellas with Sunbrella Mahogany/Brass Vintage Strip fabric. I ordered 3 outdoor cushions for all my folding chairs, benches and arm chairs in Sunbrella Mauritius Coffee fabric. For the chaise loungers, I decided on Sunbrella Sailcloth Shell fabric. I really like the way these fabrics complement each other and the teak wood.
My entire outdoor living area now looks fantastic. It is comfortable, functional and the Teak wood will last a lifetime.
Article by Bob Winter Furniture For Life
A Teak Bench for a Friend
By Anita Winter
Several years ago for Christmas, I bought a very good friend of mine a teak bench for her outdoor area. She was always wasting money buying cheap outdoor furniture that would rot and mildew by the end of the summer. Living in the south, I knew she needed to invest in something better. Teak furniture was always my suggestion but she thought that teak was too expensive when she could get something much cheaper that looked fairly similar. Unfortunately, when it comes to outdoor furniture, you get what you pay for. The elements (sun, rain insects, moisture, heat and cold) can deteriorate cheap outdoor furniture quickly. I had bragged for months on the benefits of owning teak wood and finally decided to prove a point buy purchasing something I knew she would grow to love and appreciate.
First, she complained of not having enough seating in her back yard, I thought that a teak bench would be perfect. Not only would it provide extra seating but it would allow options of where she could place it. She had a huge tree that gave lots of shade, so if she desired to place it there she could.
Next, I knew she hated having to stain and treat wood. I remember watching her picnic table warp and wither away because she never made time to reseal it. It was high maintenance. She's a busy lady with not a whole lot of extra time. That's why I knew teak would be ideal. It doesn't need to be stained or treated because it has natural oils that keep the wood from warping or rotting. It even serves as a natural defense against insect infestation. It is one of the hardest, strongest and most durable of all timbers. The texture stays smooth and never splints, so she wouldn't have to worry about snagging a sweater or blouse on her teak bench.
I did tell her that teak beautifies with age. It turns into a silvery patina color if left outdoors. The natural oils migrate to the surface of the wood turning the surface to an elegant and timeless gray color. I also let her know that if she had the time, she could apply teak oil to restore the beauty of its golden tones. If she wanted to use the teak bench inside her home, maybe an alternative to a window seat, the natural wood grain tone would stay true to its color.
By the end of the month she wanted to purchase more teak furniture for her outdoor area. She loved the fact that she didn't have to worry about replacing her furniture year after year which in the long run will be great on the environment. She did decide to let her teak bench turn its natural color outdoors. She loves the silvery color and the texture. I was glad that she finally was convinced that teak was really the smarter way to go.
