Last week's article contained some practical advice for extending the lives of porch chairs and other wooden patio furniture, by taking steps to keep it looking its best throughout its lifetime. Although we covered a few tricks that will hide some of the nicks and scrapes that come with years of use, we barely scratched the surface (sorry!). Sometimes, one of the best remedies for fine scratches is a mixture of paste wax and elbow grease. Simply apply the wax, and buff vigorously. For deeper scratches, use superfine sandpaper, going with the grain, and baby oil or mineral oil. In most cases, you can use either wet or dry sandpaper; but if it's an older veneer piece, use only dry, as there may be minuscule high spots where the wet paper can wear off the finish. For lustrous results, rub the spot with superfine steel wool that has been lubricated with oil soap, then wax and buff the entire area. You can also go to a wood-finishing supplier, and get a special touch-up pen that matches the wood, to seal and refinish scratches and worn-out areas. Before you begin, rub the area with mineral spirits and superfine sandpaper. Then, go over it with the pen, and even it out by rubbing it lightly with your finger, repeating the process until the new finish is adequately built up. Another problem that's common to indoor and outdoor wood furniture is the white ring that can be caused by setting a glass down without using a coaster. Sometimes, the ring will go away on its own, if you wipe up the moisture in time; but if it remains after a few hours, go back and forth over the spot with a hair dryer that's set on low. Keep the dryer at least six inches away from the wood, letting it get warm, but not hot. If the ring is still visible, diligently rub on some boiled linseed, olive, or vegetable oil, and wipe it clean. If you spill nail polish on wood furniture, do not wipe it up, as its solvents can soften and remove the finish. Wait until it dries, and then use something plastic, such as a credit card or driver's license, to gently scrape it off. Finish by waxing the area with superfine steel wool. Of course, the best way to ensure that you will always have the most gorgeous in town, is to go to CedarStore.com. With one of the largest selections available, CedarStore.com offers porch chairs, tables, dining sets, swings, benches, bar and bistro sets, gliders, lounges, rockers, accent tables, ottomans, and more. At , you'll find classic, decay-resistant wood furniture, made from cedar, pine, oak, cherry, and teak, as well as aluminum, polywood, and vinyl furniture that's practically indestructible. Their impressive lineup also includes furniture that's available in dozens of spectacular colors, to complement the d'cor of any porch, patio, or gazebo. To see the entire collection, go to cedarstore.com. To contact a design consultant or customer service representative, call 1-888-293-2339, or e-mail .
Woodworking Plans Outdoor Furniture
Backyard Bliss
Outdoor space, especially in urban areas, is highly valued. From small balconies to large rooftop decks, people love being outside in the fresh air on their property. Home themed networks on TV have men and women alike rushing to the nearest home improvement and gardening stores to make their yards picture perfect.
Beyond the petunias and tiki lamps, the outdoor furniture is just as important in setting an ambiance. And people love their decks almost as much as they love their dogs! Weather-resistant patio sets that seat anywhere from two to twenty are available at almost any budget.
Fun In The Sun
The first things people want to do in the summertime are hit up the beach and go to a barbeque. Americans love their grills and take serious pride in having the best backyard cooker on the block. Grills range from small and cheap to huge, built-in cookers that rival many kitchens. Not many people will say no to burgers and brats on that perfect sunny summer day!
Pool-dwellers have even more decorating - and entertaining - to contend with. Pool furniture, like inflatables for the water and pool-side chairs, can add color and comfort to any yard. And of course, you cannot forget about the matching tables to hold those frozen summer drinks.
If you have children and a big yard, my bet is you own, or have considered owning, a swing set or jungle gym. These outdoor furniture pieces for the kids are just as important as that prized grill or perfect lawn chair set. With a little bit of space and some imagination, any yard, big or small, could definitely fit something fun for the kids.
Beyond The Back
Outdoor furniture is not limited to the back yard. Those with large front porches could put in seating in the form large swinging and stationary benches, along with rocking chairs. And why not add some more decorations with lawn ornaments such as life-like animals.
Furniture aside, incorporating nature into your lawn, as simple and obvious as that sounds, goes a long way in making your home stand out (and in a good way). What about lining the front of the house with flower beds? Edge it out with natural stones or with smaller shrubs. And you could always add a small fountain embellished with other greeneries.
Whatever your style, there are outdoor furniture options out there for every budget. Keeping it simple or going all out, outdoor space presents such a wide area with open possibilities.
Both Kathy Moran & are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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