How To Choose Your Garden Furniture And Make It Last
A helpful guide to choosing the right garden furniture and how to make it last.Make the most of your garden by choosing some gorgeous garden furniture to go in it.
Do some research before you buy a set of garden furniture.If you choose the right set for you it will bring you much enjoyment and longevity.The following guide will help you to choose the right furniture.
The first thing that you will need to decide is whether you want furniture that you can store away over winter or that you can leave outside all year round.For permanent garden furniture, consider hardwood, aluminium or rust proof wrought iron.Don’t be tempted to buy cheaper materials as you will only need to replace them which will cost you more in the long run.
Getting the right construction and material will make all the difference.Take inspiration from your garden or patio area when choosing the material.Aim for an even look to your garden once the furniture is added.
Wood is the best all round as it is lightweight, aesthetically pleasing and comfortable but requires some maintenance.Choose a tropical hardwood which is high in natural oil content like teak, iroko or courbaril.You can leave such woods outside throughout the seasons.
Joints should be mortice and tenon, be wary if they are just metal bolts as these have the potential to corrode.Check that all metal fittings are made from stainless steel, aluminium or brass all of which are rust proof.
Check that teak garden furniture has been made from premium grade teak, this will ensure that there are no cracks or defects in the wood.The best process for drying teak is to dry it in a kiln, this locks as much moisture as possible making it less likely to crack.
All joints should have been assembled with glues containing epoxy resin which is weather resistant.
The best way to clean your teak furniture is to scrub it with hot soapy water, this will restore the weathered silvery look.
For more intensive cleaning, you might want to use a pressure hose at no more than 80 bar (1200psi) and no close than 30cm.Scrub your teak furniture once a year will a small amount of bleach, this will stop algae from growing on the surface.
You can remove any grease spots by washing immediately with light detergent, or just leave nature to take its course.
During periods of dry weather, the wood might start to crack slightly.This is natural and no action needs to be taken as when the moisture in the atmosphere increases the timber will return to its original condition.
Teak oil or varnish won’t necessarily improve the lifespan of your garden furniture but it will improve the suface finish if applied when new.Be sure to read the instructions carefully before use.Make sure the timber is completely dry when you apply the teak oil, otherwise the furniture will blacken.
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Tags: garden furniture, outdoor furniture, patio furniture, teak furniture, teak garden furniture, wooden garden furniture