Outdoor Furniture
Whether you live in one of the many small towns or big towns found in this part of Malaysia, in the suburbs of Decon designs, on a farm with huge acreage or a historic property—it is the time of the year again for outdoor Luxury living and gardens Furnishing !
Nowadays, more than ever we are forwarding our most important celebrations and intimate gatherings outdoors—to terrace garden, decks and back yard patios that have become extensions of our home. These spaces often feature surrounding landscapes, blue skies above, waterscapes beyond, a canopy of trees, a covered arbor or trellis, a garden pond, selected plantings, a cottage, herb garden or heirloom vegetable garden and even living teak fences and hedges that serve as awesome green boundaries.
Nothing compares the soul like the fresh air, sunshine and just spending time with friends and family in the best part of life—which is the company of those we love and the sounds of nature in all of its exuberant. A good look of backyard serenity can do wonders for your perspective and your life. So whether by choice or by necessity, our hearts have turned back home as the place we mostly like to be for entertaining, relaxation, celebrations and family time. There is no better way to spend a leisurely weekend than by enjoying a splendid brunch, afternoon cookout or elegant soireé with loved ones and friends.
The Extra ordinary elements for relaxing outdoor living and entertaining can be as budget conscious or as elaborate as one wants to go. There are open options available for every pocketbook and at every price point. Most of us are cutting corners these days with regard to vacations and are opting instead for outdoor home improvements and outdoor living space for quiet times, celebrations and outdoor hangings. The most important element in a well-defined and well-enjoyed outdoor living space is outdoor furniture that defines our personal style and our particular budget. With that being said, there are a wide range of choices available for those purchasing outdoor furniture.
Without further -or-do let us consider some of the most available and popular types of outdoor furniture on the market today:
Teak Wood Outdoor Furniture
There is an innumerable of choice on the market when it comes to wooden patio and garden furniture. For wooden furniture to stand up to the elements, week after week and year after year, it must be a variety that has an innate resistance to rot and decay-causing insects and organisms. Most woods are not suitable for outdoor furniture; however there are two main categories of woods that do hold up to the demands of the outdoor environment.
The tropical hardwoods species, is most specifically associated with wooden outdoor furniture include tropical teak wood and Balau wood woods. These hardwoods have been significantly over-harvested in South America and Southeast Asia. As a result, many manufacturers are now utilizing only plantation grown teak wood and other plantation grown hardwoods such as Eucalyptus, Balau, Ipe, Iroko, Jarra and. These types of tropical hardwoods are not as familiar to most of us, as the gold standard teak wood, but they are warp resistant, rot resistant, finely grained and very hard. More and more manufacturers are resorting to these woods in lieu of teakwood.
The price of sustainably grown tropical outdoor furniture is becoming more and more affordable as the industry utilizes other varieties of sustainably grown tropical hardwoods, such as the following:
• Balau is also one of the hardest of all tropical hardwoods in Malaysia. It is much denser than Indonesian teak and is in abundant supply. Like eucalyptus, it is more affordable than teak and will also withstand years and years of exposure to the elements. You will want to treat the wood occasionally with good wood oil if you wish to preserve the natural color, however this is a very low maintenance outdoor wood.
• Indonesia Teak wood for good reason has become one of the most sought after of all the tropical hardwoods. Although it was at one time the preferred hardwood, along with mahogany, for ship building and decking, it is now grown on teak plantations due to its scarcity. The demand for High end top quality teak is still high among those who are able to make the investment in furniture made from this beautiful top quality wood. Teak wood outdoor furniture is one of the more expensive options for outdoor Furnitures for hotels, resorts as well as residential.
If you prefer the look of teak wood on a budget, opt for hardwood furniture made from one of the other equally beautiful but less expensive tropical hardwoods. In keeping with our “green” theme, you will want to make sure that any wooden outdoor furniture purchased carries the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) seal. This certifies that the wood used to make your furniture was sustainably grown and harvested wood.
Caring for your wooden outdoor furniture
Unpolished woods will usually turn a soft silvery gray. You will want to sand these woods once a year, ever so slightly, with 150 or 180 grit sandpaper. This is uniquely for the purpose of knocking down any uneven fuzzy grain that might naturally occur as a result of exposure to the elements. It will also eliminate any larger fibers that separate out and can cause splinters. It also gives the wooden furniture a smooth and even look. Do not sand through the silver to expose the natural color of the wood. The intent is not to remove the silver patina but to merely keep it smooth and looking good!
Wooden furniture that has been treated with an oil finish to preserve its natural coloring should be sanded in the same way, once a year, and given a light top coat of the oil recommended by the retailer or manufacturer. As you can see, allowing the furniture to keep its natural good looks is much less labor intensive than painted furniture.
Cast Aluminum Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture made from cast aluminum is long-lasting and resistant to corrosion. Because it is light in weight it is also easy to carry. It is very special in today’s outdoor furniture market and comes in a variety of styles from retro and postmodern to the lovely styles that we associate with charming and old-fashioned cast iron furniture found in English Cottage gardens and in fine plantation gardens. It is available at all price points and is also very easy to maintain, unlike cast iron furniture.
•Decon designs Cast aluminum is drastically different from wrought aluminum because of the amazing detailing that is facilitated by the casting process. Intricately hand-carved molds are made for each piece. Molten aluminum is then poured into the molds and allowed to cool; yielding furniture that is rich with elegance and loads of character. The end result is a very strong, weather resistant, corrosion resistant, durable, lightweight piece of outdoor furniture with intricate patterns and detailing. Many wonderful “period designs” can be wonderfully reproduced today utilizing cast aluminum instead of the age-old cast iron.
So, It is important to note that all quality cast aluminum outdoor furniture will have a “powder-coated” finish that gives the metal its color and makes it impervious to fading and to the elements.
Steel
Many fine outdoor furniture retailers also carry outdoor benches and furniture made of wrought or cast steel. This furniture is equally as beautiful as the traditional Cottage English cast iron furniture or the many wrought and cast aluminum lines available today. The steel also features a powder coated finish and is no different from Cast aluminum outdoor furniture except that it is heavier and better suited to high wind areas.
Care and Maintenance of Cast Aluminum and Steel Outdoor Furniture
Steel and aluminum outdoor furniture on the market today is easy to clean and maintain. All it requires is an occasional washing with mild soap and water.
Outdoor Wicker Furniture
Wicker furniture rated for outdoor use today is a combination of real synthetic wicker and poly resin materials that hold up to the rigors of outdoor use and unpredictable weather conditions. Wicker evokes the summers of days gone by, the elegance of seaside summers, or the charm of Saffron cottage style. It is known to last for years and is among the most comfortable of all outdoor furniture. For the pleasures of the porch, you just can’t beat a seating area with a L shape wicker sofa and chair that includes cushions made from one of the thousands of outdoor fabrics available today. Outdoor comfort just doesn’t get any better than an all-weather wicker outdoor living room, complete with side and coffee tables, chairs, sofas and other outdoor accessories. Wicker comes in variety brands of price points. It is strong, lightweight, and comfortable and comes in a wide variety of styles of colors as well. The all-weather varieties can be left outdoors.
• Cantilever Umbrellas are an essential element in outdoor seating areas that do not have the benefit of shade from nearby trees. Any of the outdoor fabrics today will make a fantastic and colorful umbrella. They can also be made from the same fabrics as outdoor cushions. This year Decon comes with new Cantilever umbrellas are comes with multiple color and sizes and that standby-by weatherproof canvas.
In Closing …
There are a host of options available to those wishing to create a desirable and cozy relaxing outdoor space. It is an undeniable fact that outdoor furniture and living brings people together! The outdoor space is an extension of our home that will give us back ten-fold whatever we invest in pure enjoyment and soul refreshment—which is PRICELESS! Here in our own back yards we are kings, queens, princes and princesses! Revive your joy for living and spend a little time outdoors. You will be glad you did!
