Timber & Textiles » Patio

Shopping At A Patio Cushions Clearance Sale

Linda Harris — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 10:39:23 +0000

Are you ready to revitalize your patio with some new patio chair cushions? Well the good news is that you don’t have to spend more than your budget allows, even if you want to get something really special, or if you have a large collection of chairs, benches, and chaise lounge recliners that all need to be outfitted. Shopping at a patio cushions clearance sale can give you the chance to save money while getting some excellent quality products.

One thing to keep in mind when buying patio cushions on clearance is that you don’t want to sacrifice quality or style in the name of being frugal. Different cushions are made from different materials, and if you are looking for something that will last a long time, you should consider what benefits this particular fabric has to offer. Is it waterproof? Fade-resistant? Is the thread count high enough to ensure that it won’t rip or wear thin in areas after regular use? You don’t want those brilliant red cushions to fade to orange in a few months, or to find that your cushions are looking threadbare after just one season. These are all things that are important to consider when shopping at a patio cushion clearance sale, just as you would if you were buying at regular prices.

Another thing you will want to think about is what kind of look you are aiming for. If you don’t have something particular in mind, then just buying something that looks nice, will stand up well to use, and is the right price can be just fine. But if you have some strong personal tastes or your patio is already decorated in a certain way, you shouldn’t let yourself be swayed by those super-low price tags and go ahead and buy something that won’t really work for you.

You will also have to pay attention to quantity when taking advantage of the savings a patio chair cushions clearance event offers. It can be very frustrating to find five perfect matching cushions, and to search the entire bin only to find that the last one you need to outfit your set of six chairs just isn’t to be found. And it’s worse if you only find out once you get home. So make sure you know exactly how many cushions you need, and what size they must be, and that you have the patience to try matching up several designs before you find one line of cushions that there are enough of.

All in all, shopping at a patio furniture cushions clearance sale can be a blast, and offer wonderful savings. You can literally give your patio a makeover for a fraction of the cost. Just make sure to keep these tips in mind when you shop, for a purchase that you’ll not just enjoy now, but for years to come as well.

How to Choose the Right Pergola Plans

Phil Riklis — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 13:26:59 +0000

Pergolas are the beautiful way to cover outdoor living spaces. Pergolas are particularly beautiful when installed in a garden or over a patio. There are many different pergola plans and designs to choose from. By following pergolas plans, you can easily save a lot of more money because you will be able to choose your own materials.

Most homeowners prefer freestanding or a partial pergola for decorating and sheltering their walkways, patios, and decks. Freestanding patio pergola plans are an excellent option because they are simple and cheaper to construct. It is always a good idea to have a professional builder look over your pergola plan to ensure that it is a safe and durable design. For bigger patios or long walkways, installing series of smaller pergolas is an excellent option. There are many DIY pergola plans available for free or sale on the internet which make pergola installation easy and inexpensive for homeowners.

The two basic types of pergolas are freestanding and attached. The freestanding types are supported by poles and the common or preferred shape for this design is rectangular. Climbing vines or draping fabric materials can be added to give more coverage. Attached pergolas are attached to an existing structure. There are also many other types such as a walkway pergola which can be used to highlight particular spaces in your landscape or a swing pergola which contains a swing so you can sit and relax in your outdoor oasis.

If you have decided to purchase a kit, you will still have to decide on which pergola designs or types will work best for your property. You will also have to choose which building material is best for pergolas. There are many materials to choose from but aluminum and vinyl are by far the most affordable. Aluminum pergolas are very easy to maintain, pest proof, and do not rust or deteriorate like many other materials. These pergolas may lack traditional feel, but many come with faux wood grain designs that make the aluminum look very much like wooden materials. Powder coating the aluminum structure increases the lifetime of the pergola and also gives luxurious finish.

Vinyl pergolas are just as popular and very cost-effective options. These require even less maintenance than the aluminum and typically come with lifetime warranty. Vinyl is flexible, contains a softer feel, and looks almost similar to wood depending on the appearance that you choose.

Round Outdoor Area Rugs And Other Outdoor Decorating Ideas

Phil Riklis — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:17:58 +0000

An outdoor living space is really just an extension of your home; when you create an outdoor living room you are essentially adding a room onto your home. You may use this room for entertaining friends and family, or you may just use it as your personal retreat. Either way, your outdoor space should be a comfortable, relaxing place. There are many furniture and accessory choices available that will allow you to decorate this space in any style you choose. Consider little touches like round outdoor area rugs or colorful throw pillows to make it seem more like an indoor room.

Round rugs are unique. They give a warm and creative feeling that is hard to achieve with the classic rectangle that most area rugs come in. By placing one in your garden or patio sitting area, you’ll make your outdoor environment so much more inviting.

You’ll also want to think about color. Red rugs are a classic choice, and can work beautifully with wrought iron patio furniture. Purple area rugs, while unusual, can look especially striking in a green area, and if you have blue, purple, orange, or yellow flowers in your garden, this can be a choice that you’ll be thrilled with in the long run.

You can further go about decorating your outdoor space by choosing furniture that best suits your needs; think of the amount of space you have and whether that space is protected from the elements. Outdoor furniture is usually made of weather resistant materials, however, if the area is not covered, you may want to think of storing cushions when they are not in use, so they are not left in the rain. Arranging the outdoor furniture is another consideration; think about traffic flow and arrange the furniture in a way that will allow easy maneuverability and conversation. If you have enough space, set them up around your round outdoor area rug for a lovely arrangement. If you already have outdoor furniture, you can update the look with new slipcovers, cushions or just some colorful throw pillows. For inexpensive options, shop at a patio cushions clearance sale.

Lighting and accessories are an important part of an outdoor room; lighting will allow you to use the outdoor space after the sun goes down and accessories can make it more comfortable and cozier. Consider what the area is going to be used for when choosing lighting; if the space is just for relaxing in the evenings candles or holiday lights can create a tranquil atmosphere. If you are using the space for outdoor dining or playing family games, you may need more light than candles provide. There are many choices for outdoor lighting from wall sconces to weather resistant table and floor lamps. Accessories can make a big difference in an outdoor room, an outdoor rug can make the floor warmer and add color to the décor; warm throws can allow you to snuggle up when cooler weather comes and still enjoy the outdoors.

There are many things you can do to make your outdoor living space comfortable and useful. Simply rearranging the furniture and adding some accessories may make all the difference in the world. If you are starting from scratch, some prior planning and research will make your decisions easier; and allow you to have an outdoor area you will enjoy for years to come.

Patio Lights: What Are The Options?

Phil Riklis — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:44:08 +0000

Outdoor living space is becoming very popular and more customized than before. Outdoor patios can be beautifully decorated with simple pop up gazebo, rattan garden furniture and patio lights to highlight special outdoor event. Patio lighting makes the yard and patio a safer place to be at night. There are different types of patio lighting such as deck lighting, step lighting, fountain lighting, moon lighting, silhouetting, and shadowing.

Deck lighting is a good option to highlight or spotlight any elevations, edges of the deck, or drop-offs. This way deck is decorated beautifully as well as made safe. The light fixtures can be concealed on vertical posts, beneath railings, and beneath benches. Step lighting allows the guests to navigate through yard or steps in safety. The lights can be placed beneath railings, recessed into steps, or on posts.

Different patio light fixtures can be used to highlight fountains. Underwater lighting gives great appeal while colored lights add more fun to the fountain. Mirror effect can also be created on the fountain by placing lights behind the shining or reflecting side of water. Moon lighting is another effect created by placing lights on a tree and illuminating them downwards. The light gets filtered through branches and looks like moon shining down.

Shadowing is a technique, where lights are used to highlight interesting shapes in the garden such as sculptures and structures. In this method, light fixtures is placed in front of the shapes or planted below the shapes to create shadows of the shapes. Different arrangements create different sizes of shadows. Silhouetting is a technique used to highlight the shape of the structures or items. Here, lights are placed behind the structures and shined against the vertical surface like walls.

Before selecting the patio lighting, the lighting goals of the chosen area should be reviewed. Patio lights must be safe and should also create a beautiful environment. The lighting needs of the area should be evaluated and tripping hazards and traffic patterns need to be analyzed. Chosen patio lights must enhance and match the color scheme of the patio. There are different types of patio lights such as patio string lights, patio party lights, patio umbrella lights, and patio solar lights.

String lights are the cheapest option and they are very easy to install. Party lights are available in different design such as cherry blossom paper lantern and bamboo paper lantern. These lights can be fixed temporarily or permanently. Solar lights use solar power and these lights give minimum light. You can find a wide selection of patio lighting and other light fixtures for around the home at Lighting Universe.

Buying Gas Grills: Some Things to Consider

Phil Riklis — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 02:16:02 +0000

So, you think you’d like to have an outdoor grill for the deck or patio? There are many different types and models of gas grills to choose from, but even a trip to the local home improvement warehouse can be overwhelming, not to mention what’s available on the internet. I’m sure you’ve listened to many salespeople tell you why their type or brand is the best; but before you make a random purchase that you will regret down the road, there are some things to consider.

The first thing to consider is price; and with grills you really do get what you pay for. There are gas propane grills available for as little as $150 and as much as $10,000 or more. You should decide how much you can afford to spend before you shop because you can spend as much as you want. When comparing prices, find out if the propane tank is included; if it isn’t, this can add $20 to $30 dollars to the price.

The second consideration is the fuel; do you want propane or natural gas? Natural gas requires a gas line at the location of the grill. Many grills can be bought in either configuration, but you can’t run a propane grill on natural gas or vice versa. Many lower priced grills do not have the natural gas option, although more and more do these days. Of course, natural gas will cost you less in the long run and you will never run out of gas halfway through dinner.

Size is another consideration; think about the size of the foods you will want to cook on your grill and the number of people you might want to cook for. Also look at the space you have for the grill; get one that will fit safely and conveniently.

As for grill features, would you use a side burner? Do you want multiple level cooking surfaces or maybe a smoker box or rotisserie? Before deciding to by all the extras remember that the basic outdoor grill will do lots of things and most of the extras get very little use. Buy only the features you think you will use; remember all those features and accessories cost money.

To finish, just a few tips to remember after you decide on your new grill; a well taken care of grill will last a lot longer than a grill that is left dirty and uncovered. A grill is a big investment and should be taken care of properly to get the best and longest service. Also, remember that even the most expensive grill will not magically make you a grill master; grilling takes practice. So, whatever grill you choose, make good use of it and enjoy.

A Camping Canopy: The Great Escape

GuestPoster — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:59:03 +0000

Ever wonder how great life is once you experience the outside world – your context of going out in your comfort zone. What is more exciting is the fact that you can enjoy it with the convenience of having your own camp in the wilderness or just outside your place where you can enjoy nature at its finest. This is made possible by having your own camping canopy. Basically, there are a lot of types of canopies out there with a general purpose of enjoying the outdoors while having the best relaxation moment of your lifetime.

Canopies such as tents, gazebos, and those other oversized one are suited for an outside shelter but there is a specific type if you want to go out camping in the wilderness with your family, friends, or relatives then better have the aforementioned canopy. This canopy acts as a tent but is more sturdy and has more space to accommodate your things and of course yourself.

These specific canopies come with different functional options to choose from – it can either be with a screen or without it. If you are planning on having a trip to the park then better buy ones that don’t have a screen on for the benefit of enjoying a nice cozy view without any coverings that would just get in the way. But if you are in for an adventure of a lifetime and sleeping over the woods in the forest, better carry a screen canopy with you. This is best for protecting yourself and your loved ones from mosquito, the cold forest breeze during the night, and for external intruders. This gives an extra assurance of security from the inside aside from the sturdiness it offers. Not only that, it comes in different sizes as well just so it can accommodate the numbers who will be staying inside it.

The good thing about this stuff is that it can be dismantled so you do not have to worry about carrying it to the perfect place. With this feature, you can easily carry it anywhere you like. This camping canopy is one of the best outdoor shelters you can pack-up to achieve the great escape you have been looking for in your life. For a great price, check for these things online. Many times, you will be able to find some pretty awesome deals. Just make sure when doing comparisons that you take shipping costs into account.

Preparing Your Patio For The Summer

GuestPoster — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:50:06 +0000

Organizing your patio is one of the most tiring but rewarding things you can do at home. The patio is a very nice place to relax. It is in fact one of the most used parts of the house, aside from the bedrooms and the kitchen. This being said, getting organized and cleaning your patio is needed if you or any of your family will spend time here. Here are actually few things that will show you how to organize your patio.

One of the usual problems among us Americans is that we tend to make the patio a storage room when the season wouldn’t allow us to use it often. You may not be aware of it, and you’ll just get shocked when you find unused and unneeded things when you take a look at your patio come spring time. Decluterring your patio is what you would need to do first. Clear your patio of things that you wouldn’t need. A great way to do this is to have three large boxes and sort the things in your patio according to 1)usable things but unneeded things that could be donated to charity, 2) trash that needs to be thrown out and 3) things that you need and would stay in the patio. Although quite easy, this still qualifies as a challenge when you don’t know what you can’t distinguish between what you need but don’t want, and what you want but no need. This is where a friend may be able to help. An outsider’s perspective will help you think clearly, and they’re not afraid to let go of things that you see has an emotional link to you.

Cleaning comes after decluttering. These are two different things; declutterring is just sorting things out while cleaning is actually going to the bottom of things. It would be best to start with clearing your patio of any furniture first. Then proceed with sweeping the floor with a broom before using a duster to clear the ceiling of any dirt. You can also use water when cleaning the patio. Scrub the floor if necessary, and wipe the walls clean.

Next come designing your patio for the new season. One great way to have a beautiful patio is to use garden furniture for it. Using rattan for the table and chairs in your patio is one sure way to impress guests, and it will give your patio that warm look that’s every patio needs. You can also have a little wooden round table and chairs, probably good for two or three persons, under a garden parasol. This just looks so cute, and it will shield you from the sun while you are relaxing on your patio. You can also use patio swings or cushioned sofas to decorate your patio. Feel free; don’t be afraid to use new things for your patio. There are a lot of designing you can do, so go ahead and let that mind of yours go free.

These three things listed here are the main things that you would need to do to have your patio nice and useful again. Add a little laughter, a little relaxation and you’ll have the best patio ever.

Outdoor Blinds: What You Need To Know

GuestPoster — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:36:02 +0000

Typically, when people decide to spruce up their decor they often think of interior spaces first. After all, this makes perfect sense when you consider just how much time the average person spends inside as opposed to outside of their home. That being said, it’s important that the exterior of our homes receive attention as well. This is particularly true for people that spend a large majority of their time outside during the warmer months of the year, or for those that simply desire a bit of curb appeal. While it’s quite common for most people to automatically think of outdoor furniture when they think of decorating their outdoor space, there is another easy way to add decor and privacy to your enclosed patio – outdoor blinds.

Just as indoor blinds keep our homes cool during the summer while also providing us with privacy, outdoor blinds are used in a similar way. Blinds can help to regulate the temperature of your outdoor patio by blocking the sun’s intense rays. This can be particularly effective during the hottest part of the day when used in conjunction with a ceiling fan. Ultimately, this allows your outdoor space to become more usable.

If you think you might be interested in purchasing a set of outdoor patio blinds then it’s important to know where to look. While you will find certain retailers that carry these blinds, you’re probably much better off shopping for them online. The reason for this is that you will often find much better pricing and selection when shopping through online retailers. While shopping locally may provide you with a better opportunity to coordinate with your existing decor, most online retailers will offer high resolution photos of the products they sell, which will essentially allow you to accomplish the same thing.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for an easy way to add some decorative value to your outdoor space while also providing a means to keep it cool and private, outdoor blinds are hard to beat.

Protect Your Deck with a Deck Canopy

GuestPoster — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 06:29:08 +0000

Adding protective shades such as a deck canopy to your backyard deck area is often the best way to add usability to an outdoor area. Direct sunlight is a common problem for deck owners because it can make the area extremely uncomfortable to use. With the sun blinding you and searing your skin with UV rays, you might as well head back indoors. All of that beautiful patio furniture also becomes unusable because it gets very hot to the touch. These inconveniences result in the deck area becoming abandoned in the hot season- a time when it could be enjoyed most. Shades allow people to get back outdoors for those fun summer barbecues and family get-togethers.

If you don’t have any type of awning over your deck, it may seem like an impossible task to hang shades around the area. A deck canopy is a better solution than single shades because it mounts to the wall by your deck and hangs overhead. These systems consist of a metal frame with a fabric canopy on top. Many of these systems can collapse and retract as needed using either a manual crank or electric motor. The colorful fabric on top can be selected to match the current decor and furniture sitting on the deck.

These canopies are typically placed over the patio door on the deck area. The shade hovers over the deck area by the door where users can set up their outdoor furniture. Under this protective shade, users are free from the blaring sun and risk of sun burns. Mounting is fairly easy, but should be left to the experts if you do not have experience with this kind of installation. In only an hour or two, the installation will be complete and the canopy will be ready to use.

One important decision to make before choosing a deck canopy is whether to get a motorized or manual crank system. If you want a model that retracts, this is a decision that must be made. Hand crank canopies are cheaper but require users to turn a handle bar to open or close them. Granted, this process only takes a minute or two, but greater convenience can be obtained from a motorized model. These units use an electric motor to open and close the canopy in seconds. Users press a button on a wired or wireless control pad to operate it. Deck canopies are some of the most flexible outdoor shades around.

For a more portable shading solution that can be easily moved around, a cantilever patio umbrella can be a great alternative to stationary deck canopies..

Indoor Outdoor Area Rugs For Anywhere in Your Home

Linda Harris — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:57:10 +0000

Indoor outdoor area rugs liven up interior as well as exterior spaces such as decks, porches and patios. These area rugs are made from natural or synthetic fibers that resist wear and tear even in high-traffic areas. Brighten up your deck, porch or patio with a beautiful, all-weather indoor outdoor area rug from the stylish selection of durable floor coverings available. These fade-resistant, wear-resistant rugs work wonderfully in high-traffic areas indoors, too.

With the wide range of companies that produce these indoor outdoor wonders, it’s simple to find easy-care outdoor patio rugs in a variety of elegant patterns and sizes to fit any space. And one of the best things about these rugs is that you don’t have to spend hours keeping them looking great. They are easy to maintain with just a broom. Bleach or dry cleaning aren’t required.

Here are some popular indoor outdoor rug brands:

Torino Rug
Torino makes indoor outdoor patio rugs. These are machine made, woven from polypropylene fibers. There are shape and size options. The rugs are in Asian shades of orange, beige and brown. Torino Rugs are imported from India.

Surya Rug

This brand, imported from Egypt, is machine made in a blend of chenille and polypropylene. Colors are brown, tan with beige and gray accents. These rugs are designed to match different outdoor furniture materials and styles.

Orian Stonebrook

Branches and leaves form patterns on a neutral background. This rug is perfect for any room, deck or sunroom. Woven from durable olefin fabric, Orian Stonebrook uses colorfast. Available in two sizes, these rugs are easy to clean and maintain.

Sisal Carpet

These manufacturers make high quality rugs from natural fibers such as seagrass, hemp, jute, coir, and sisal. Their indoor outdoor sisal rugs are made from this durable natural fiber. These rugs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes including indoor outdoor runner rugs.

Couristan Recife

The Recife collection is power-loomed using the 100% fiber-enhanced polypropylene. This flat-woven collection features four co;or compositions. These are cocoa-natural, black-cocoa, natural-cocoa and cocoa-black. The Recife collection, available in a variety of sizes, is imported from Belgium.

Safavieh Rugs

Safavieh uses classical designs for their oval and round indoor outdoor rugs. These beautiful rugs can be used in any interior or exterior. Safavieh developed a special sisal weave for this collection. Intricate, antique-inspired designs are the result. Machine-made from durable polypropylene, these rugs are made to last. Safavieh Courtyard, one popular series, is imported from Belgium. They also make handmade braided pile rugs made from a blend of polypropylene and olefin. These rugs, available in a wide selection of colors, are imported from China.

Watch out for these brands at the next indoor outdoor rugs sale. These and many other brands are available online. They’re eye-catching enhancements for both the inside and the outside of your home.