garden

The Beauty And Style Of Rattan Garden Furniture Suits Any Yard

by

 <2016/05/image005.jpg">image005

Rattan Garden Furniture is one of the most popular of all choices for your outdoor living and entertaining needs. It’s relaxing charm and elegance as well as its wide variety of beautiful designs to suit almost any décor style make it the perfect furniture choice. It also comes in a variety of colors and furniture pieces, allowing homeowners create any furniture groupings they need, tables and chairs for cozy dinners to sofas and table sets for entertaining guests.

The Strength of Rattan

Rattan furniture is constructed of what is considered to be one of the world’s strongest woods. Its vertical growth creates straight wood that, when steamed, is bent into any shaped the furniture maker desires. When dried its shape is permanently set and the furniture piece is tough and ready to face the elements. Compared to other tough materials like teak and wrought iron, though, rattan offers a major advantage. It is incredibly lightweight. You won’t have to call your neighbor over to help when you want to rearrange the furniture. You’ll be able to pick up and move a chair or lounger all by yourself.

Wicker versus Rattan

Rattan is often mistakenly called wicker instead. That’s because both of these types of furniture feature a distinctive braided design look. What is the difference? Rattan is actually the name of a wood from Southeast Asia – the material from which rattan garden furniture is made. Wicker, on the other hand, is the process used in weaving various materials into a piece of finished furniture. Realistically, wicker and rattan are terms that are frequently used to refer to the same thing.

Rattan Effect Furniture

Calling rattan wicker and vice versus is not the only confusion surrounding rattan furniture. There are some ‘rattan’ furniture products that are actually made of synthetic rattan. Polythene, polyethylene alternative, plastic or polyrattan are used to manufacture synthetic rattan furniture. These furniture pieces are called rattan effect garden furniture and there are important reasons for their creation. Natural rattan, while very strong, has a few flaws. If rattan furniture doesn’t dry completely after rain, it may develop spots of mold.

In the northern United States and the United Kingdom rattan furniture doesn’t always stand up well for this reason. If left uncovered in the sun year round, it is also prone to fading. Because synthetic rattan is almost impervious to the elements, it is ideal for outdoor use. Some synthetic materials are also more resistant to ultraviolet light and so they don’t fade. Rattan effect garden furniture is often less expensive than real rattan, too, unless you find a rattan garden furniture sale at which to make your purchases.

Rattan Furniture Requires Little Maintenance

Rattan is an easy material to clean and maintain. All you need to do is wipe it off occasionally with a mild cleaning solution using a soft cloth. Once a year you need to give it a thorough washing then be sure to allow it time to dry completely before putting cushions back on so mold doesn’t form. In the off season when you aren’t using it, protecting its finish with furniture covers is a good idea.

Rattan furniture, whether constructed of real rattan or one of its synthetic forms, is always in demand. Its ability to be shaped into many forms allows manufactures to offer customers an amazing variety of sizes and shapes from which to select.

For your complete guide to rattan including tips, photos, cleaning advice an much more be sure to read: Understanding Rattan Garden Furniture and visit The Garden and Patio Home Guide for fabulous articles on how to keep your outdoor space looking its best!

Add some warmth to your garden

by

<2016/05/Add-some-warmth-to-your-garden.jpg">Add some warmth to your garden

On a warm night there’s nothing quite like sitting outside with a glass of wine, reading a book or having a meal with your partner. Unfortunately, in most parts of the world, climate is not stable and something we can rely upon. This limits us to the opportunities of barbecues or romantic outdoor meals to just a few months of the year. Even then, we can’t guarantee we won’t have to wear a coat!

Patio heaters make a great addition to any modern garden or patio area. They come in many shapes and forms, so there’s no doubt you’ll be able to find one that suits you.

Many modern gas patio heaters are now waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about storing them in the wet months – although it would still be advised to use a heater cover to protect the metal of the heater from any rust or corrosion. Gas heaters have the added benefit of being wire-free. You don’t have to worry about running an electrical cable though your garden which has the potential to be a trip hazard.

Electric patio heaters are ideal for those in search for a more economical solution. They can be switched on and off with ease. They tend to be cheaper to both buy and run, making them ideal for domestic use in smaller gardens that do not require the majestic heat output of a gas patio heater. But don’t get me wrong, electric heaters can have a superb heat output and provide more than enough heat for most garden and patio areas.

Speaking of economic heating, one of the advantages of electric patio heaters is the availability of a new type of heater – oscillating electric heaters. These heaters rotate on their fixture to provide warmth to up to three times the area of static electric heaters. That means three times the heat for the same energy consumption!

If you’re considering improvements to your garden, then you should absolutely consider a patio heater. Gas heaters both look great and are very practical, so if you have the space for one, then take a look at what the market has to offer.

Unique block paving ideas for your garden

by

<2016/07/Unique-block-paving-ideas-for-your-garden.jpg">Unique block paving ideas for your gardenA garden adds light to your home and fosters a welcoming environment for guests. By adding a block paving, you create an inviting path for yourself, family and friends to enjoy the greenery. They also enhance the design of an otherwise normal driveway and allow you to be creative with designs.

What is a block paving?

Also known as a brick paving, this is a method of creating hard surfaces for walking, cars, and lawn furniture. Cement and sand normally make up the base layer and bricks are then placed on top (in the pattern of the homeowners choice). A benefit of block paving is easy maintenance; if one section of blocks becomes damaged (sunken bricks, for instance), it can normally be repaired without uprooting the remainder of the path.

A popular path design is the herringbone pattern. To achieve this look, bricks are laid at 45 degree angles, See Groby Landscapes block paving (Leicester company) for some of examples in their landscaping portfolio.

How can block paving enhance the aesthetic appeal of a garden?

There are a few ways that block paving can make a garden look lovelier:

  • It gives a garden structure.
  • Paved paths create walkways that allow us to appreciate gardens fully.
  • It converts a simple driveway into a landscaping masterpiece.

Everyone, from the minimalist to the artist, can appreciate the structure and design possibilities that stem from block paving. Line driveways with perfectly straight flower beds of lavender or rose (or another flower of your choice) for an organized brilliance of color with overwhelming fragrance. Circular pockets of flower and plant beds can be placed in random arrangements around the yard and pop up in unexpected places, like the middle of a large walkway.

What are the different block paving types available?

We have come a long way from the traditional simple layout of the block after block, and now a variety of patterns can be enjoyed.

Substrate material, color and brick shape are all to be taken into consideration, as well. The choices you make will determine the lifespan of your path, its use (should you park a car on it), and cost. These parameters will also influence the companies that you lean towards.

Two main substrates are composed of either concrete and clay. Concrete, the more economical choice, will allow you to enjoy a variety of shapes but will last around 20 years. Clay, on the other hand, is more expensive but extremely durable.

Multi-toned or white brick, straight edge or W-shape, the incorporation of a path will add life to your garden. Choose a design that speaks to your personality which will enhancing the surroundings.