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| DESIGN TIP - Larry Nessler |
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Finding comfort outside your home
Aluminum and sling selections
Cast aluminum, an investment for a lifetime
Wrought iron furniture has been around for decades, and remains popular. With ever improving finishing techniques, cast iron furniture is now available in colors not seen in years past. Durable as it is, wrought iron furniture is still “iron” and is not recommended for coastal use, or for exposure to harsh environments such as snow, ice, and frigid temperatures. Easily cared for, wrought iron furniture can be cleaned occasionally, using a mild soap solution, and a dry cloth. Should the finish chip be certain to clean the area and repaint immediately to prevent rust or deterioration. Wicker, it can be used outdoors Outdoor wicker furniture was made famous by The LLoyd Flanders Company, and continues to be a comfortable alternative. For longevity it is recommended that such furniture be considered porch furniture” rather than outdoor furniture. There is no better choice for that comfortable front porch. For best cleaning a light dusting will do, along with occasional vacuuming with a brush attachment to remove dirt and dust from the weave itself. Teak, cypress, and more...nature's comfort
Cypress wood has come around again in popularity and is finding it’s way into outdoor furniture once again. Unlike Teak, Cypress will accept color additions, hence you will find a wide variety of finish colors available for cypress furniture. As with teak, it should be cleaned or dusted periodically, and deep cleaned annually. In a shaded environment cypress will maintain it’s stained color for years, but when exposed to the UV rays of the sun you should expect colors to fade. Redwood furniture, although novel has not found wide acceptance in the marketplace, largely due to it’s harvesting limits, and it’s large grain does not weather well when exposed to the sun. One last unique wood finding it’s way into comfortable outdoor furniture is “jara” wood. This Australian wood is kin to the teak you see so widely used, and is just as durable and long lasting. The beautiful redwood color can be maintained with a periodic application of “jara oil”. The Australian government has done an excellent job of managing the harvest of this wood, assuring it’s presence for decades to come. Protecting your investment One final word of caution, no matter what type and style of furniture you choose remember that your furniture’s worst summer enemy is the same as yours. The harmful effects of UV rays from sunlight shorten the life of even the best fabrics, umbrella cloth, and even furniture. Protect your investment with breathable covers that will minimize the effects of nature, and ensure long life for frames and fabrics. Now, you’ve decided to make the plunge: Where do I start?
Furnitureland South of course! We offer a large assortment of outdoor furniture, and related products, all designed to stand the test of time, by such famous names as Lane/Venture, WeatherMaster, and their new offerings, including A Raymond Waites collection, “The Natchez” collection, designed by world famous architect William Poole. Lane/Venture has also introduced outdoor grills with modular components such as refrigerators, side burners, and even a bar unit, as well as very popular outdoor fireplaces. Cast Classics will be featuring tables which blend granite tiles into the table tops, and those fabulously successful “chat sets”. Brown Jordan is introducing a “parabolic” mesh fabric that stretches for comfort, but has memory to return to it’s natural shape. New resin coated wicker products will also be available. You’ll also see the new Gloster teak and wicker combinations, and a marvelous new “Bob Timberlake” collection, as well as “Studio Images” by Cotton Ketchie, featuring lighthouses, and Images by Bob Timberlake, from Riverwood. Basta Sole, the premier umbrella resource has added new colors and sizes to their already fabulous assortment. This years best selections New product is being displayed as quickly as it arrives, so do stop in and see our fabulous selections, including Lloyd Flanders, Pompeii, Winston, Tropitone, Lane/Venture, Basta Sole, Kessler, Riverwood and so much more.
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With Spring just around the corner many of us are considering new outdoor furniture. Some to add comfort to an already idyllic surrounding, some to create a quiet place to enjoy a respite from the rigors of the world, and some just to replace the bargain brand from last year. Before you forge ahead with new furniture it is best to arm yourself with a bit of knowledge as to what makes a good piece of outdoor furniture. Be certain to ascertain why you want furniture, (a seat by the pool? lounging by the pool? A comfortable bench in a garden setting, that perfect front porch rocker, or swing?) what do you want it to do? (recline, glide, swing, rock,), and lastly, do you have a preference for what type of furniture you want? Outdoor furniture is available in many price points, from inexpensive resin pieces, imported painted metal, up to beautiful teak, extruded aluminum, and cast aluminum furniture, designed and manufactured for years of use.
Moderately priced outdoor furniture is available in extruded aluminum frames ( better quality extruded aluminum frames are made from virgin aluminum ingots, are welded, polished, phosphate undercoated, and then finished) with either strap or sling seating, along with complimentary pieces such as tea tables cocktail tables, and so on.. Aluminum frames are available in a host of colors, some which are “in vogue”, and others that are traditional and remain timeless. If you choose extruded aluminum frame furniture be certain to apply a good coat of non-hazing automotive wax every few months. Most frames today use “powder coat” finishes which are extremely durable, and require very little maintenance. A quick dusting or a seasonal wash with a mild detergent should be all you need to keep the frames looking new. Vinyl straps are widely used today and can be comfortable and practical, but they do require maintenance to ensure long life. Straps should be washed monthly with a mild detergent, water, and a soft sponge. Then you should apply a good coat of vinyl protectant to the straps, allowing them to dry overnight. Exposure to UV rays will shorten the life of vinyl straps. Slings are extremely popular today, both for their comfort, and the wide variety of colors available. Slings are made of acrylic, or coated polyester, and can last for years, if cared for. You must clean them frequently, using water with a mild soap, and a soft sponge. The primary enemy of slings is the sun. UV rays hasten the deterioration of slings. When not in use it best to store your sling seating in a covered area.
Cast aluminum furniture is available in many stylish designs, from bold contemporary to classic scroll work. Cast aluminum furniture is an investment that will pay off handsomely over the years. The life expectancy of cast aluminum furniture is virtually limitless. Exposure to harsh environments, such as daily salt sea spray, or extended winter snow and ice may dull the look, but they will not hasten the demise of this fine furniture. When choosing cast aluminum furniture keep the following in mind: You will have this furniture for a very long time. A trendy style, or color, may be out of vogue long before you’re ready to pass this furniture down to the children. Most better manufacturers of cast aluminum furniture offer cushions for comfort. These cushions should be exposed to the outdoor elements only when in use. When not in use they should be stored in a dry environment, away from harmful UV sun rays.
Larry Nessler has been with Furnitureland South for 3 years, and is a member of the $1.25 million, and $1 million dollar clubs. His background of 20 plus years selling upholstery and bedding components, including cushioning, springs, mechanisms, aluminum castings and more, makes him one of our most knowledgeable associates. His continuing education has included design classes and color classes, ensuring your ultimate satisfaction in both a well made piece of furniture that will stand the test of time, and one that will look good while doing it.