All About Rustic Teak Furniture
By Sid Patrone 3/5/07
With its worn and weathered appearance, rustic teak furniture complements a wide variety of decorating styles. It might be the warm and cozy cabin décor you’ve always dreamed of, or the rustic bench that completes your garden.
Rustic teak furniture expands the usable living space of a home. The addition of rustic teak furniture makes your backyard feel more cozy, comfortable, and warm. Rustic teak furniture offers you the ability to enjoy the pleasant outdoor atmosphere and natural surroundings in comfort.
Rustic teak furniture has an unfinished look that blends naturally into its surroundings, especially if it is placed outdoors. Some might say this natural beauty is a welcome relief from the clean lines and uniformity of modern and contemporary furniture. Teak is the perfect choice for outdoor furniture given its high natural oil content which makes it virtually indestructible come rain or shine. Weathering actually improves the look of rustic teak furniture.
If you are looking for a truly unique piece of furniture, rustic teak is an excellent choice, since no two pieces of rustic teak furniture will be the same.
*Sid Patrone is a contributing editor of Backyard Guru and a champion frisbee golf competitor.
What to Look for in a Garden Bench
by Allen Briarwood 3/1/07
An outdoor bench will complement practically any garden, patio or outdoor living area, especially when you’ve chosen the appropriate style and variety of bench. If you are looking for a bench to complete your garden area, the following considerations will help guide you in the selection process.
When choosing a garden bench, the first thing to consider is the type of material for the bench construction. You want to be sure the material is appropriate for the style of your home and the overall design of your outdoor space. A rustic wood bench would be perfectly suitable for a free-flowing garden of wildflowers. In a more structured English garden, you may opt for a sleek, backless teak bench.
If you are uncertain about styles or materials, you can start by shopping traditional wooden park benches for a classic and durable look. With wooden outdoor benches you have the option of periodically refinishing them to keep them looking like new or you can allow them to weather if you prefer a more rustic look.
You will also want to consider how you plan to spend your time outdoors and what function the bench will provide. Outdoor benches come in a variety of styles, including park, backless and garden benches. It's best to decide where and how the outdoor benches will be used before you decide on a style.
Storage benches are a smart option when you want to house outdoor toys, gardening tools or pool and spa supplies. This is a favorite piece of outdoor furniture because of the perfect combination of functionality and charm it embodies: the seat opens to reveal the hidden storage space.
After you’ve chosen the style and material, the addition of cushions can impart an extra element of comfort to your outdoor bench. Cushions also provide an easy way for you to showcase your personal style. Allow your individual selection of fabric, color and pattern to convey your personality. And have fun relaxing on your garden bench!
* Allen Briarwood is a contributing editor of Backyard Guru. He lives most of his life outdoors and plays baseball in his free time.
Focus on Chaise Lounges
By Andrew Lewis 2/19/07
The quintessential piece of furniture for relaxation, the chaise lounge combines luxury, style and function with beautiful form. According to industry experts, chaise lounges are an attractive part of a new trend in outdoor furniture called "low dining" groups. This term refers to tables and chairs that are low to the ground.
A chaise lounge is typically made like a couch with a backrest on the short end. Made to be used by one person at a time, the backrest on the short end allows the user to stretch his or her legs out over the extended cushion.
In combination with other low seating, you can use a chaise lounge anywhere on your patio. Regardless of the material or style you choose, chaise lounges can make your outdoor living area much more versatile.
Wood chaise lounges are especially pleasant because the natural oils retained in the wood act as an insect repellent. This is the case with Red Cedar and Teak chaise lounges. Attractive cushions not only make using a chaise much more comfortable, they can enhance the entire look of your patio as well. When choosing fabric, try to find one that is durable and can handle a bit of moisture.
Authentic wicker chaise lounges offer you fabulous appearance and comfort -- with one caveat: they must be protected from rain and harsh sun. They work best on covered patio areas and sun rooms. Real wicker chaises tend to be more expensive because they are made from a natural material and are hand woven over rattan. The labor-intensive work and rare wood cause authentic wicker chaise lounges to be pricier than most others.
Choose a chaise lounge for its versatility, unique style or comfortable fit. Chaise lounges offer many choices for relaxing and are a perfect fit with outdoor spaces.
* Andrew Lewis is a contributor to Backyard Guru. He is also an avid hunter and fisherman.
Arranging Your Lawn and Patio Furniture
