Monday 27 July 2009

Garden Furniture Sets Porch Swings Why Are They So Popular

Swinging on the porch swing outside, sipping on some lemonade, and enjoying a good book can be one of the most relaxing experiences of the summer. Porch swings are extremely iconic for many different reasons ranging from their versatility to their comfort.





Porch swings can be hung from a variety of different areas including strong tree branches, the roof of a deck, or from a stand. Before making any porch swing purchase, you can save yourself a lot of frustration and money by being sure there is enough room for the swing.





A porch swing will need room not only for the length of the swing but also for the swinging motion. Hitting surfaces with a porch swing can cause a lot of damage and marks, especially with wooden porch swings.





Most porch swings can be purchased to include a frame or base, but there are also options available for buying a separate frame. A frame or base is the preferred option for hanging a swing because it will reduce the risk of your porch swing falling and getting damaged due to weak surfaces. A frame is also the most popular option because they allow your swing to move from one side of the yard or deck to the other with ease and you are not committed to the original spot you placed it in. It is also easier to move when mowing the lawn or doing other work in the yard.





Frames can be purchased in many materials, the most popular being wood or stainless steel. Both options are very durable but a stainless steel frame will be easier to transport across the yard than wood. Always be sure to verify whether or not the swing comes with a frame included.





Porch swings are also popular because no one likes to get burnt by the sun! They are known to be the most comfortable seat compared to other outdoor furniture because most of them come with the option of adding shade. Porch swings or porch swing frames can be purchased with or without a canopy option to shade the sun. These canopies can be a great addition to any outdoor furniture set, especially when there is no covered deck to escape from the sun.





These canopies can also help protect your porch swing from being ruined in the rain. They can come in wood, plastic, or simple fabric material and they can be purchased to match your outdoor environment.





Porch swings might not be your first piece of outdoor furniture, but that does not mean you will not be able to find one that fits in with the furniture you already have. Porch swings are fairly easy to find and come in a variety of different materials from wrought iron, to wood, to polywood.





Along with being classy, wrought iron porch swings can be easy to care for but they will probably require cushions for comfort. Wooden porch swings add a classic look to any set of outdoor furniture and they are available in just about any type of wood, including wicker. Polywood, which is made from recycled plastic, is by far the easiest to maintain when compared to wood and wrought iron. They also come in the greatest variety of colors.


Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Porch Swings and Porch Swings

garden furniture sets: metal patio furniture

garden furniture sets: wooden garden furniture

Article Source: www.articlesnatch.com

Garden Furniture Sets Can You Take Wicker Chairs Outdoor

The answer to whether you can keep wicker chairs outdoor is both yes and no. Wicker is often grouped together with other types of patio furniture, like other types of wood, resin and metal, but has a different set of needs than these materials.





Besides that, wicker is all-around more delicate than other kinds of chairs. Outdoor elements can be especially harsh, so ideally wicker lasts the longest when kept indoors or in a sunroom, but it can go outside for limited amounts of time with the right care. Here are some tips for both indoor and outdoor chairs.





First note that there are different kinds of wicker and some are heartier than others. For example, one type of wicker called paper wicker should never get even the slightest bit wet or it will fall apart. However, nowadays you can also find wicker replicas made out of resin. They're better for outdoor use but lack the elegant charm of real wicker.





To keep them clean, you should regularly dust wicker chairs. Outdoor dust and grime can more easily get stuck in all of the many crevices, more so than with other furniture. In addition to a duster, you can also use a small brush or hand vacuum to get in the harder to reach spots.





For spills, try and wipe them off right after they occur to avoid the liquid setting into the wicker fibers. By then, it will be much more difficult to clean. Use a damp sponge to wipe the area. If you do encounter a dried stain, use soap and warm water but don't over-saturate the chairs. Outdoor furniture is sturdier and so can be clean using a number of different cleaners, but as wicker is more fragile, stay away from harsh solvents, cleaners and power sprayers, all of which can damage the fibers.





The biggest failing of wicker is that while it enjoys humidity it doesn't like prolonged moisture, so take care with chairs. Outdoor elements are hard to control, and in addition to the usual moisture, like rain showers, you will also need to take into account things like dew.





Try and wipe off any moisture on furniture as it accrues, and it keep it under specially designed outdoor furniture tarps overnight or for long periods of bad weather. On the other hand, if the weather is especially hot and dry, this dries out the wicker fibers and can cause chairs to creak or even crack under the pressure. If you live in an arid climate, you may want to regularly wipe chairs outdoor with a damp sponge.





Once a year, at the beginning of the season when you take your chairs outdoor, check to the condition of the finish. If the varnish is peeling, you will need to recoat the entire piece. Doing so will protect the wood in addition to giving it a glossy finish.





If, on the other hand your wicker chairs are painted, you may need to add another coat. You can use special spray on paints that are better for coating all surfaces and crevices. After that you may opt for a thin coat of liquid furniture on top of your finish to add to the overall gloss of your furniture.


Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Chairs Outdoor and Modern Outdoor Chairs.

garden furniture sets: wooden garden furniture

garden furniture sets: metal patio furniture

Article Source: www.articlesnatch.com