All Outdoor Patio Furniture

When repairing a scratch, burn, or other injury to your wood outdoor furniture, you’ll want to re-finish it with the same type of finish with which it was originally finished.  (And I’m just getting started with finishes!)  If you applied the finish in the first place (and who doesn’t want to finish in first place?), you’ll know what kind it is.  However, if you didn’t, and you don’t, you should find out, as each finish has different ingredients, and, therefore, different solvents.

While it can be difficult to distinguish one clear finish from another, you can usually recognize penetrating oil by its thinness and low luster.  To identify others, dampen a rag with alcohol, and rub it on an inconspicuous area.  If the finish softens, it’s probably shellac; if it doesn’t, try the same thing, using lacquer thinner, to determine if it’s lacquer-based.  If neither test affects the finish, it’s likely to be varnish.

Of course, if you’re not fixing any damage, and you’re simply looking for the right finish for your new wood picnic table, Adirondack chair, ottoman, or porch glider, some popular choices include lacquer, shellac, polyurethane, penetrating oil, and acrylic and alkyd varnishes.

Lacquer, which is frequently used on commercial furniture, produces a thin, hard film, and is extremely resistant to wear and spills.  You can spray it on, using professional equipment, or brush it on, as long as it’s the slow-drying kind; but don’t use it over other finishes.  To remove it, use lacquer thinner.

Shellac creates a thin, radiant surface film, which will be clear or amber, depending upon whether you use the white, or the orange, type.  You can brush it on in two or three thin coats, and take it off with denatured alcohol.  Although shellac wears well, it can be ruined by certain spills; but, luckily, it’s easy to spot-repair.

On the other hand, polyurethane has superior resistance to spills and wear, but is hard to spot-repair.  Apply two coats with a brush, but don’t use it over shellac.  Polyurethane leaves a very hard, warm-toned film, which can be dissolved by turpentine or mineral spirits.

Penetrating oil will soak into the wood fibers, leaving a natural-looking finish; and tung oil is the most durable type.  Apply at least two coats with a brush, let it stand for about half an hour, and then rub it vigorously.  To remove it, use mineral oil.

Acrylic varnish, which is moderately resistant to wear and spills, can be dissolved by water, if it has not dried completely.  Brush or spray on two or three coats (although it usually comes in spray cans), and it will produce a thin, hard film, with no amber tones.

If you’re using alkyd varnish, brush on two or three coats, sanding between each application.  This will create a hard, warm-toned film, with moderate to good resistance to wear and spills.  Also difficult to spot-repair, alkyd varnish will come off with mineral spirits.

One important thing to remember, no matter which type you choose, is that using too much finish can have disastrous results.  If you want proof, just look at my opening paragraph!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chair, ottoman, picnic table, porch glider, wood outdoor furniture

After the millions of parties that were held across the nation over Memorial Day weekend, most of us have many new memories of good times spent with our family and friends.  Moreover, it’s a good bet that many – or, perhaps, most – of them were captured on camera (I’m using that word broadly, rather than trying to name everything that takes pictures and videos these days – which, by the way, is nearly everything!).  What’s really interesting, however, is that, no matter how high-tech the devices that people now use, they’re taking, essentially, the same photos that everyone has been snapping for generations.

You know the ones that I mean; you can find them in just about any family photograph album.  Besides the images of people gathered around a picnic table, there’s always a shot or two of a porch swing or glider that’s so over-loaded that everyone is squished and sitting sideways.  Then, there’s the one wherein at least a dozen children are lined up, astraddle of a chaise lounge chair; and most of them are holding up two fingers, to make “horns” on the kids in front of them.

Usually, there’s also a picture of some unfortunate soul who, after falling asleep in a hammock, was accessorized, by dastardly relatives, with whatever props they could find.  Certainly, no collection would be complete without a photo of the family chef – usually an uncle – decked out in his big hat and apron (funny saying optional), tending to the grill.  Indeed, people love to have these reminders of their special moments, so that they can relive them whenever they wish.

On the other hand, the hosts of these parties are often left with unwanted mementos, as they discover things that have been stained, broken, torn, or cracked – or worse.  After large backyard get-togethers, some of the most common finds are scratches in wood outdoor furniture.

So, if you notice a minor scratch on, say, one of your wood patio chairs or accent tables, you may be able to make it disappear with a furniture stain, or some paste wax and a vigorous buffing.  To get rid of a deeper scratch, try rubbing it, in the direction of the grain, with superfine sandpaper and baby oil or mineral oil.  For extra luster, follow up with oil soap, applied with superfine steel wool, then wax and buff the entire surface.

You can also go to a wood-finishing supplier and get one of those touch-up pens, which are available in shades to match all kinds of wood.  After preparing the damaged area by rubbing it lightly with mineral spirits and superfine sandpaper, go over it with the pen, and smooth it out with your finger.  If necessary, repeat this process until the scratch is no longer visible.

Just remember that, during years of heavy use, a few nicks are to be expected, especially on older pieces (newer outdoor furniture is often more resistant to scratches).  Furthermore, you can’t always blame your guests for causing the damage.  However, if you review the tons of pictures and videos that were taken at your party, you may be able to catch the culprit in the act.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: accent table, chaise lounge chair, hammock, Outdoor Furniture, patio chair, picnic table, porch glider, porch swing, wood patio chairs

In case you forgot, Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 9 this year.  But, don’t worry, we’ll be doing several posts on Mother’s Day activities on the blog to help you prepare for the big day!

A packaged gift is wonderful, but sometimes planning a day of fun can be more enjoyable for the whole family, and mean more to your mom.  Don’t worry though; you don’t have to break the bank to show your mother that you care.

Since spring is upon us, how about planning a big backyard Mother’s Day bash? While she might be expecting breakfast in bed, drag her out from under the covers (after you let her sleep in a bit, of course!) and pull her outside.

Set a picnic table with all of her favorite breakfast foods.  She’ll love the time outside with her family.  Try picking wildflowers or buying flowers from a nursery to decorate her mother’s day picnic table, along with cards, notes, and little fun gifts around her seat.

If you have a pergola or gazebo, decorate it with streamers, balloons, and handmade paper chains.  Dressing up a place that she already loves and making it special will be a wonderful way for the rest of the family to spend time together, and will let her know how much you love your home!

She might be overwhelmed at just this gesture; but your day isn’t over yet!  Make sure that she doesn’t touch ONE dirty dish, and instead let her relax in her porch swing or porch glider while you whisk away all of those used plates and silverware.

And now, you can let the games begin!  Plan a big backyard game in her honor.  Whether it be soccer, touch football, quoits or horseshoes, croquet or bocce ball, just make sure it’s one of her favorites!  Having the whole family play together will be a memory she’ll never forget.

Now… one word to the wise:  As a once rather rambunctious, but always well meaning child… the entire game will not quite have the same effect if you start fighting over the game, the rules, or the score.  Remember, the only winner in this game is MOM.  So, just relax and have fun!

After the games, let Mom have a break.  Work on doing the dishes and other chores around the house and tell her to relax in her hammock.  If you have a chaise lounge, bring a magazine and some lemonade out and let her lay back and spend her special day as nature intended: in full repose!

This is just one of many ideas fit for Mother’s Day.  There are hundreds of ways to let your mother know how much you love her, just make sure you pick the one that’s right for her and your family.

Happy Mother’s Day Preparation!

Hazel.

Tags: Croquet, gazebo, hammock chaise lounge, Mother's Day, outdoor games, pergola, picnic table, porch glider, porch swing, quoites

When creating your hummingbird garden, remember that you’re building a complete habitat for hummingbirds.  While other birds will eat at your birdfeeders, and nest in nearby birdhouses, they’ll still spend most of their time scavenging in the wild.  Hummingbirds, on the other hand, if conditions are right, may come to think of your backyard as their home, and even rely on your hospitality.

Putting yourself in that mindset will help you to choose all of the proper elements for your garden.  For example, when selecting the flowers, besides making sure that they are brightly-colored, mainly tubular or trumpet-shaped, and heavy on nectar, you should also try to get varieties that bloom at different times of the year, so the hummingbirds will always have something to eat.

By the way, because they need protein as much as they need nectar, hummingbirds also eat small, soft bugs, such as gnats, spiders, mosquitoes, aphids, and caterpillars, along with insect eggs.  In fact, the resourceful hummingbird will eat all of the bugs, including the spider, out of a web, then use the web in building its nest.

Therefore, one of the important points to keep in mind about your hummingbird garden – and it’s a very favorable one – is that it is low-maintenance.  Not only do you not have to worry about killing bugs, as the birds will do that for you, but you absolutely must not even think about using any pesticides, because that will kill the birds.  Hummingbirds also help with the upkeep by pollinating the flowers as they make their rounds.

Even though there will be all of those delicious flowers and delectable bugs around, you should still have some hummingbird feeders in your garden.  This is advisable because, for one thing, no matter how carefully you try to coordinate the blooming times of your flowers, it is likely that there will be a dearth of nectar during certain periods.  Furthermore, some hummingbirds are aggressive and territorial, and will take ownership of a flower, not letting any other birds go near it.

To keep these selfish birds (which should be ashamed of themselves) from monopolizing the feeders, you can either place them about 30 feet apart (the feeders, not the birds), or put a bunch of them together.  Of course, hummingbirds do need some room to maneuver (that’s what gives them their ‘hum’), so even flowers should have some space between them.  If you run lines between the feeders, you will also give the birds a place to perch.

Another good way to let the hummingbirds spread their wings is to have flowers in planters, and on trellises, arbors, pergolas, and gazebos.  You can also put some in places that are slightly removed from the area of concentration, and even make a kind of flower trail that will lead them to feed a bit closer to your patio or porch.  That way, you can enjoy their antics while eating at your picnic table, or sitting on your porch glider, outdoor sofa, or garden bench.

Creating a hummingbird garden is well worth the time and effort – especially since it doesn’t take a lot of time and effort, once it’s established.  Moreover, it will also attract tons of butterflies, and, if you put regular birdfeeders in the vicinity, many other types of birds.

That way, when one bird sings a beautiful song, a hummingbird can hum along.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, birdfeeders, birdhouses, garden bench, Gazebos, outdoor sofa, Pergolas, picnic table, Planters, porch glider, trellises

Birds give us much more than beauty, song, and constant entertainment (and that’s a heck of a lot).  Even those that are often considered nuisances help to get rid of pests in the garden.  Starlings, for example, gobble up the larvae of Japanese beetles and gypsy moths.  So, when you see them canvassing your lawn, just sit back in your Adirondack chair, or relax on your porch swing or glider, and enjoy the rainbow of colors reflecting off their iridescent feathers.

Certainly, birds deserve to be rewarded with a reliable source of their favorite foods; and, no, putting up birdfeeders and birdhouses won’t make them dependent, and cause them to lose their natural instincts and abilities to survive in the wild.

Now, the number of birds that will come to your newly-installed birdfeeders will vary, depending upon what time of the year it is.  If the weather is warm, and natural sources of food are abundant, there may not be as many, especially at first.  No matter when you begin, your birdfeeders may stand neglected for a few days; but, once word gets around, which it will, quickly (after all, birds mastered the art of twittering millions of years ago!), you’ll be in business.

There are several types of birdfeeders, including hopper, platform, tube, hanging, and post-mounted, some of which are available in octagon, pagoda, gazebo, and log cabin styles.  Different birds like various foods; so, to attract the widest variety, offer an assortment of black oil and striped sunflower seeds, hulled peanuts, thistle seeds, suet mixed with seeds or fruit, peanut butter, and white millet seed.

It’s best to have multiple feeding stations, and to put thistle (or nyjer) seed in a separate, hanging birdfeeder, with smaller ports, specifically for finches.  This is their favorite food, and it’s difficult for them, with their tiny bills, to feed with the other birds.  In fact, you may not see a goldfinch unless you do this; but you’ll be elated when dozens of them start descending on their special birdfeeder!

Birdfeeders should be placed between five and twelve feet from shrubs, or other sources of refuge from the elements and predators.  Vines provide great shelter as well, so you can also put birdfeeders near arbors, trellises, and pergolas.

Soon, you’ll build up a regular clientele of cardinals, sparrows, tufted titmice, black-capped chickadees, finches, woodpeckers, blue jays, wrens, slate-colored juncos, mourning doves, nuthatches, and whatever else is native to your area.

Although these characters will keep you thoroughly entertained, every once in awhile, a rarely-seen bird will suddenly emerge from the woods to partake of your largesse.  While such surprise guests will surely give you a thrill, unfortunately, they often fly in for just one show, sing for their supper, then take off again.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chair, Arbors, birdfeeders, birdhouses, Pergolas, porch glider, porch swing, trellises

A backyard cabana is the definition of casual sophistication.  If you’re not sure, exactly, what the modern cabana looks like… let me take you on a small and abbreviated tour of this fantastic backyard fixture.  Originally a Spanish word, a cabaña is a tropical shelter resembling a cabin. Over the years, it has become a structure encompassing vacationing relaxation; a hip and current bungalow embracing the laid-back attitude of the Tropics.  Now, almost all seaside and luxury resorts boast cabanas for socializing, relaxing, and enjoying the island atmosphere.  But, you don’t have to shell out the cash for a week long vacation of jam-packed cabana enjoyment… you can create your own backyard oasis to enjoy the sun for as long as you like! Here are five steps to consider when planning your backyard cabana.

1. Quality: Though your cabana will be a place to leave your cares at the door, make sure to take plenty of care when choosing how your cabana will be constructed.  Using substandard materials, building professionals, or designs will just lead to a disaster and a huge headache.  A cabana that has to be worried about is a complete failure of the entire purpose, after all. The old photos of cabanas constructed of rotting drift wood may look romantic, but you won’t feel so dreamy when it collapses during a rainstorm!
2. Materials: The materials you choose for your cabana is a vital and important decision; the aesthetics, durability, and cost of your structure all very much depend on your material choice.  Western Red Cedar is the most traditional option.  The rich wood with its aromatic qualities will completely transform your mood.  Western Red Cedar also contains a high deposit of natural oils that act as preservatives against wood decay and insect damage.  If you’re looking for a cabana that calls back the spirit of yesterday, Western Red Cedar may be your best choice.  Northern White Cedar is a similar material and possesses the same impressive durability.  But, White Cedar does carry a hint of pinkish white that sets it apart from other materials.  The eye-catching hue creates interest and a certain hint of whimsy.  Dura-Temp is an economical choice that will last over twenty years.  The plywood-based panel siding has a smooth surface that looks natural, but resists moisture, dents, checks and cracks.  It also holds paint incredibly well if you’re looking to add a bit of color to your backyard project.  Pine is another material that will take paint without any problems.  With minimal maintenance and still enduring beauty, Pine is a fantastic choice for someone looking for value and beauty.  Finally, Vinyl is the most untraditional choice that might be perfect for you! It will protect your structure from any kind of weather and is virtually maintenance free.  If you’re looking for a cabana with a bit more of a substantial and house-like look, vinyl will do the trick!
   

   An Oval White Cedar Cabana

3. Shape:  Did you think cabanas only came in four-sided squares (I don’t think there are any other kinds of squares…)?  Nope!  Octagons, rectangles, ovals, hexagons and elongated hexagons with belle roofs are all viable and interesting choices for your backyard cabana. Many rectangle cabanas can have porches attached to them for a more dramatic entrance way and belle-roof cabanas give a wistful silhouette.  You will want to consider how many people will be using your cabana on a daily basis and what kind of atmosphere you’ll want to create.  Rectangular and Elongated Hexagon shapes are more likened to indoor rooms, and therefore more apt to traditional furniture arrangement.  But, Octagons, Ovals, and Hexagons will make you feel truly removed from the ordinary.                                                                                                                                                                                   
4. Use: Don’t let anyone define how your cabana should be used for you!  A backyard cabana should be a personal retreat; so just think of the perfect place to retreat to after a long day… and decorate accordingly!  Light some candles, bask in the sun streaming through your skylights, and enjoy an exercise and meditation area.  Install a flat screen for a dynamite place to watch football games and enjoy the grill right outside the front door!  Your designs will reflect your intended use, so whether you are planning to create a serene and quiet retreat, or a neighborhood destination for get-togethers and parties, your backyard cabana can and will be a complete reflection of your style and personality!                                                                                                                            
5. Décor: Now that you’ve decided how to use it, you get to decorate it!  Remember, the materials you use in your décor will define its style of relaxation.  Try wicker, red cedar, cherry, and teak for sophistication and elegance.  Polywood, vinyl, and coated metal all boast maintenance free properties that will keep you feeling relaxed if upkeep is just not on your to-do list.  But, no matter the material, your options are nearly endless.  For tranquil and calm get-aways, use a natural and soothing rocking motion to propel you toward peace.  A porch swing, porch glider, or a classic rocking chair all provide the proven restful motion that will naturally guide you toward more quiet thinking.  There’s a reason your mother rocked you to sleep… it’s a calming motion enjoyed by almost everyone.  Chaise lounges, though stationary, provide the same feeling of ultimate repose and pampering.  But, of course, if your heart is already set on that flat screen TV, try patio groups, outdoor sofas, comfy patio chairs with ottomans, and (of course) coffee tables and end tables for drinks and snacks! A backyard cabana is also a fantastic structure of an outdoor dining room.  Are you tired of traditional dinner parties and mediocre barbecues?  Go upscale with sophisticated outdoor dining sets, picnic tables, and even bistro sets.  Go the extra mile with a Teak Monarch Bar and high bar tables with bar stools.  You’ll wonder why people feel the need to “go out” when you can simply waltz out your backdoor to the swankiest place in town.

The materials and shape of your cabana, as well as the type of outdoor furniture you use to decorate it will define your retreat.  But, such a versatile structure is sure to fit your needs because you can design it to be EXACTLY what you want!  Doesn’t it feel fantastic? What do you have in mind; have you started planning yours yet?

See you in your Cabana!

Hazel.

Tags: backyard cabana, bar tables, barstools, belle-roof cabanas, bistro sets, cabana, chaise lounges, coffee tables, dura-temp, end tables, northern white cedar, ottomans, outdoor dining sets, outdoor sofas, patio chairs, patio groups, picnic tables, pine, porch glider, porch swing, rectangle cabanas, rocking chair, Teak Monarch Bar, vinyl, western red cedar

If you thought you were shopping around for outdoor furniture, patio dining sets, or even a gazebo for yourself… you might be missing an important factor.  Studies show that your children need more time outside than the majority of them are getting.  If you’re saying, “I know that… but they have this X-box 360 I can’t seem to conquer!” perhaps you should consider this:  give your children a place to play outside and they probably will!

1. Nature Deficit Disorder:  Recent studies have shown that children not exposed to the outdoors enough are suffering from a specific series of concerns.  Most likely fueled by a more media-centered society and parents fearing that their children will be less safe outside… many effected children are suffering from a marked lack in creativity, anxiety and depression, attention deficit problems, and long-term inabilities to cope with stress.  And, of course, it goes without saying that these children are also much more likely to suffer from childhood obesity; a condition that will undoubtedly affect them for the rest of their lives.  Luckily, this is a problem that can be easily fixed.  If you have a mandatory amount of time your child is required to spend reading, doing homework, or even working on chores… consider extending this to spending time outdoors.  Even if it’s not playing, doing homework on a porch swing or at a picnic table instead of at their desk will do wonders.  They will be more aware of what is going on around them and better able to evaluate a variety of senses at one time.  Being outside offers changing stimuli, unlike the constant décor of their bedroom, and the more time children spend outdoors, the more time they will yearn for the fresh smell of the open air. And remember, children build their immune systems as they’re developing.  Kids that are kept away from any sort of dirt and germs will be unable to cope with them as they grow older.  Studies show that adults that spent more time outside as children were less likely to suffer from allergies.
2. Exercise… both mentally and physically:  It’s clear that children are getting less exercise with every generation.  Not only does this lead to a lot of pent-up energy, it leads to a long list of health concerns.  But, children are little balls of activity, and giving them a place outside to expend that is good for them.  Climbing trees, swinging on monkey bars, running, and jumping are all great for their health.  A few minor bumps and bruises may occur, but this is a natural part of being a kid!  Youngsters have an innate need to be active, it’s the constant push from the media encouraging docile sit-in-front-of-the-screen behavior that turns them off of it.  The earlier you foster their love for wind blowing in their face as they sprint after a little brother, the more they will love it as they grow older. But, the physical exercise is not where the importance stops.  Playtime outside will cause your children to develop their own story lines, create their own games, and pretend an old, scary witch is plotting great destruction from that rocking chair, or a far-away princess is sleeping on the chaise lounge.  Let your child’s mind deviate from the plot lines of their video games, the characters on their cartoons, and even the lessons in their schools—let their brains develop correctly by entertaining their active imaginations!
3. Foster team work:  Children who play together, learn together, and teach each other how to develop successful interpersonal skills will be much better off later in life.  If children are constantly left to their own devices to make afternoons fun and full of laughter… they’ll find a way to make sure everyone is involved because, it’s true, “the more the merrier.”  Say goodbye to phrases like, “does not play well with others.”  Through pre-determined team sports like soccer, quoits, kick ball, croquet, bocce ball, and football… your children will learn the value of team work, as well as gracious winning and losing.  Youngsters who learn how to deal and play with a variety of personality types will be less likely to get in fights in high school and more willing to explore new places and ideas. And if you don’t have a horse shoe set, don’t fret.  Many outdoor games are incredibly inexpensive, and even if that’s not in your budget this year… kids can make a game out of almost anything.
4. Learn responsibility:  Giving your children their own space to take care of will give them a sense of ownership that fosters responsibility.  Whether this is their own playhouse or simply a section of the garden with a garden bench, explain that they are responsible for taking care of their little bit of earth.  Teach them to weed and take care of their section of garden or plant flowers in the playhouse’s flower boxes.  Learning to cultivate nature will teach them that they are responsible for taking care of the environment and that their hard work produces beautiful things.  Learning this kind of responsibility will not only be good for their work ethic and behavior, it will also instill a love and accountability for the environment.  Just think, if coming generations know that taking care of the earth is an important responsibility… maybe our fragile planet isn’t doomed.
5. Get selfish; make time for yourself:  Do you often feel like you can’t think over the blaring television?  Do you wish you could get on the family computer to read this blog, but your daughter is too busy playing an online video game? Are you constantly trying to find some way to have a few moments to yourself?  Fostering a love of the outdoors in your children will do just that.  Imagine your kids walking home from school, dropping their book bags at the door, and racing outside to their playhouse, or even just to their section of the yard or garden.  Picking up a soccer ball on their way, you’ll be free to do the things you need to do.  Or, of course, to sit back in your Adirondack chair or porch glider and watch your children run, jump, play, and laugh their way to better holistic health!

See you (and your kids!) outside!

Hazel

Exhausted after a long day of playing!

Tags: adirondack chair, chaise lounge, Croquet, garden bench, gazebo, Outdoor Furniture, patio dining sets, picnic table, play houses, playhouses, porch glider, porch swing, quoites, rocking chair