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An introduction of Arctic Pine Garden Furniture
Posted on April 5th, 2011 No commentsA popular and versatile wood for making garden furniture is Arctic Pine. This wood, which grows in the far north of Sweden, is slow growing, and thus trees which have matured for 80 to 100 years provide wood which is incredibly dense and long lasting. Because of the naturally occurring protective oils, it makes excellent garden furniture.
The independent organisation, the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC), manages the plantations from which the wood is taken. This international body ensures that forests are managed in a responsible manner and are protected against environmental, social and financial exploitation. It also protects biodiversity and ensures the forests are not wantonly destroyed. It is worth noting that the more FSC products which are bought, the more forest owners will join FSC and the more forests which will be responsibly managed. Buying FSC products ensures you are playing your part in protecting forests world-wide.
There are a number of steps which must be taken to protect the Arctic Pine during manufactured into garden furniture. Firstly, the wood is treated with a biocide, designed to protect against fungal attack. This also neutralises the wood in preparation for the second stage in the process. In the second stage, a translucent glaze is applied. This product, which is water-based, consists of a colour, a fixative and a fixative. In the third stage, a further fungicide is added, to ensure the total protection of the product against atmospheric attack. This also preserves the colour of the wood. All products used in these processes are environmentally sound.
As wood can be affected by affected by the conditions of the environment, it is important that you look after your furniture properly. In this way, it will last for many years. a) Clean the table and chairs or bench often using a mild liquid soap or detergent to deter fungi from marking the pine with dark blotches b) Resin may seep from the wood in strong sunlight. To remove this, gently cut the resin away using a sharp blade. Acetone can be used to remove any residual resin. The furniture will then need treated again with a water-based wood preserver which matches the shade of the original. c) Minor marks can be removed with a wet sponge. d) The furniture should be stored in a cool dry place over the winter. If it is to be left outside, then be sure to use a premium quality weather cover. e) At the start of the season, treat your furniture with a wood protector and ensure that any screws are tightened.
Putting a lovely piece of FSC Arctic Pine in your garden – a swing seat or a Duo sofa – not only enhances the look of your garden but gives you an enjoyable vantage point from which to view the beauty of your flowers and plants. If properly looked after, you can expect your Arctic Pine furniture to last for a good 10 to 15 years. It is durable and looks excellent – a worthwhile investment. And, because it is managed by the FSC, it does not damage the environment.
Our wood expert from Garden Furniture Scotland will tell you all you need to know about making your Scandinavian Pine furniture last longer. Follow these straightforward instructions and products such as this Swing Seat will last for many many years.
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The Colours of Patio Furniture Covers Are Brighter This Year
Posted on July 1st, 2009 No commentsWhen it comes to fashion and interior design, trends come and go. Sometimes I agree with the colors and patterns that appear to be in vogue, sometimes not so much. This year is a good design year in my opinion, especially with the trends for patio furniture covers. It seems that this years designers are continuing the retro feel, but the colors appear to be much more vibrant than the cautious monotone palette of the recent past.
With the recession in full swing, I think many designers have made a conscious move towards brighter more cheerful palettes. Even if this is a sub-conscious design trend, I think that it is a good one, since you can’t help but smile when you see vibrant colors and cheerful fun flower prints everywhere. The colors may clash with the throw back to the 60′s and 70′s rainbow combinations, but I for one am ready for a change from beige on beige.
Notwithstanding the wild array colours and patterns available this season, there are some common elements that never seem to change from year to year. The elements that are resistant to change or that change very slowly relate to the functionality of the patio furniture covers. These elements relate to the durability of the covers, the quality of the covers, the ease of removing the covers, the style of fastening the covers, and the ability to protect patio furniture from the elements.
I am often asked about what I look for when buying outdoor furniture covers for me or my clients. The answer is twofold. The first thing I look for is the type of fabric used in the manufacture of the covers. A few decades ago, furniture covers tended to be of a very poor quality with a layer of plastic bonded to a cotton lining. The sun and rain destroyed these covers quickly and quickly the covers looked shabby. The covers that are available today are made from newer more durable and advanced man-made fabrics. These fabrics are both breathable and water resistant. The combination of these factors protects the furniture from the rain and dew and at the same time allows mildew producing moisture to escape.
The second feature that should be examined relates to durability. Look at the seams. Are all of the seams double stitched? Are there any lose threads which might indicate a weakness in the integrity of the cover? Also examine the manner in which the covers are fastened. The more expensive outdoor patio furniture covers fasten with heavy duty zippers. Zip and unzip all of the zippers completely. Make sure the zippers run smoothly and easily for the entire range of the zipper.
When buying outdoor furniture covers you should keep a few things in mind. Colour and pattern are important but these aspects are only a part of what should be seriously considered. The functionality of the covers is very important too. Are they easily removed? Are they easily washed? Is the fabric protective and durable? A proper consideration of all of these factors will allow you to purchase the best patio furniture covers for your family.
About the Author:To discover more on patio furniture cover ideas please visit outdoor furniture covers.Interior Design backyard, furniture, garden, garden furniture, home, home and garden, house and home, Interior Design, outdoor decor, outdoor design, Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture, patio furniture covers
