Darlee Patio Furniture Sale!

Now that the summer months are drawing to a close, you may not be thinking about the next season. Like all other manufacturers, however, patio furniture companies are looking to unload their inventories to make room for the next season. At Ultimate Patio, one of our largest manufacturers, Darlee, has joined in the post-season blitz and is now offering two of their best selling collections to consumers at an astounding 25% off their regular low prices!

What is Darlee?

Unlike clothes or tennis shoes, most people don’t think about name brands when shopping for patio furniture. What they
are thinking about is quality – how long will the patio furiture set last before it needs replaced? Darlee has built their
reputation in the patio furniture world by producing some of the most durable and elegantly designed aluminum patio
furniture on the market today. Whether you are looking for a dining set for your patio, some bar stools to complete
your outdoor bar setting or a patio lounge set for your garden area, Darlee aluminum furniture will last for years with
minimal maintenance in any climate.

Reduced Collections

And for a limited time, Darlee is offering their popular Palm Springs and Flamingo Collections at unbelievable discounts
to get you ready for next season. In fact, with fast shipping available on all Darlee furniture, you still have plenty of
time to enjoy Darlee Palm Springs adnd Flamingo furniture before the cool temperatures settle in for the year.

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Protect Your Patio Furniture Investment

Whether we want to admit it or not fall is just around the corner and the summer season is drawing to a close. And while the return of fall is a far cry from buttoning up the shutters for a winter storm, it is the right time to start thinking about protecting your patio furniture investment.

By far the easiest way to protect that patio furniture set or even a fire pit is with a patio furniture cover.

Not all outdoor covers are created equal, however. And while you may think that throwing that big blue tarp over your new lounge set is an affordable alternative, purchasing a cover that is specifically made for patio furniture could save you thousands when you remove that tarp to find a rotted or stained lounge set.

At Ultimate Patio, we offer a huge selection of patio furniture covers in a wide array of styles and sizes to fit any patio furniture we offer and keep it protected when the weather gets a little bit nasty.

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Surviving the Summer Heat

As we head into the middle of summer signs of the sweltering heat are apparent everywhere you look.
This is especially true in the southern states where only a moment outdoors will have sweat dripping
from your nose and ears. But just because the temperatures are bordering on miserable every day doesn’t
mean you have to be stuck indoors. Here are a couple of great ideas for relief from the summer heat:

• Add some Shade. If you are looking to turn your backyard into a summer oasis, the first
  thing you should do is purchase a
  patio umbrella
  to protect your family from the blazing summer sun. During the summer months the angle of the sun is higher
  on the horizon and leads to increased temperatures. It’s also a fact that direct sunlight will increase the
  apparent temperature of everything from your skin to that aluminum patio chair. Investing in a colorful patio
  umbrella for your backyard or even a
  retractable awning
  for your patio shading is a great way to add relief from the summer sun.
• Try a patio mister. When the temperature begins to climb towards the triple digits, even
  the best shading isn’t enough. For those of us who love the outdoors and are looking for a way to relieve
  even the most intense heat, a patio mister may be the best solution. Many misters, including the
  Cool Heat Patio Palm
  offer both heating and misting options which make them useful when the outdoor temperature reaches both of
  the extremes.

While umbrellas, awnings and misters can provide summertime relief it is vital to know when enough is enough. Intense
summer heat can lead to a variety of ailments, including sun burns, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. Be sure to drink
plenty of water while outdoors and watch for signs of
heat illnesses.
Head indoors and seek medical attention if moving to the air-conditioned area does not alleviate the symptoms.

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Patio Furniture Cleaning & Care

When you purchase new patio furniture, you should think of it as more of an investment. While quality patio furniture
can be more expensive, with proper care it will last for years and retain its beautiful appearance. Following are simple
things you can do to care for and clean the most common types of patio furniture and accessories.

Caring for Aluminum Patio Furniture


Cleaning Teak Wood Patio Furniture


Caring for Teak Wood Patio Furniture


Wicker Patio Furniture


Cleaning Wicker Patio Furniture


Caring for Wicker Patio Furniture


Caring for Wrought Iron Patio Furniture

Caring for Aluminum Patio Furniture

No matter what type of
aluminum patio furniture you choose, there are a few steps for basic care that will help it last for as long as possible.
While aluminum patio furniture will not rust, it is highly susceptible to staining and pitting from outside elements.
Here are some simple steps to maintaining your aluminum patio tables, chairs and gliders.

• Keep it clean –
  If you notice any discoloration or staining on your aluminum patio set, wash it using mild detergent and warm
  water. For more ground in dirt, you can also add a mild household acid to the mixture, such as lemon juice or lime juice,
  you should avoid using chemicals such as ammonia or baking soda. There are also a variety of commercial cleaners available to
  clean aluminum furniture that has become extremely dirty, but these cleaners should be avoided if you have
  anodized aluminum furniture.
• Remove stains and pitting –
  While aluminum furniture will not rust, it is highly susceptible to pitting from the elements and staining from
  the stainless steel bolts that are used to keep it held securely together. To remove these pits and stains, use some steel wool
  filled with soap and water.
• Wax your furniture –
  Applying a light coat of spray auto wax can help protect your aluminum outdoor furniture from pitting and
  corrosion due to rain and sun.
• Keep it covered –
  While aluminum furniture is well-known for its durability against outdoor elements, keeping it covered during
  winter months will give the added protection to help it last for many years.

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Cleaning Teak Wood

Whether you use a water-based teak wood protector or allow your teak wood furniture to age gracefully, regular periodic
cleaning is recommended to remove any dirt that may have built up over time. To clean your teak wood furniture, you
can purchase teak wood cleaner form your local hardware store or simply create a 75/25 mixture of strong detergent
and water. Use a stiff-bristled scrub brush to clean areas with ground in dirt. After you have wiped down your teak
furniture, thoroughly rinse away any soap residue using a garden hose.

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Teak Wood Care

Even though teak wood is known for its durability against moisture and resists warping and,swelling and wood rot, it
is not advisable to let your

teak patio bench or

teak lounge chair sit on wet ground for long periods of time. It is also advisable to remove puddled water from
your teak patio furniture as soon as possible.

Because of teak’s natural oils, painting and staining teak furniture can be difficult. In fact, most manufacturers
recommend not painting or staining because if you choose to return your teak furniture to its natural beauty it can
require many hours of sanding. If you do wish to stain or paint your teak wood, you should use only paints and stains
recommended for teak use.

While the process can be difficult, there are products that can restore teak wood furniture to its original coloring.
Once your teak wood has been restored to the original brown, you will need to apply a water-based teak
protector in order to maintain the color.

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Wicker Patio Furniture

Lightweight, durable and simple to clean; it’s easy to see why wicker furniture has been popular for so many years.
Along with it’s usefulness, wicker furniture has the ability to add an elegant and classy appearance to any setting,
whether indoors or outdoors on your patio. As with any
patio furniture set, however, it is important to car for and clean wicker furniture properly to help ensure it
retains its appearance for as long as possible.

Wicker Cleaning

Wicker Furniture requires regular cleaning to help keep it looking as good as new, especially if you keep your
wicker chairs and wicker patio sets outdoors most of the time. Cleaning your
wicker patio furniture
is very inexpensive, however, and does not require a large amount of your time.

• Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment or a soft bristled paint brush to regularly dust your wicker furniture.
  Vacuuming or dusting will remove loose dirt particles that over time can cause buildup that may be more difficult to remove.
• Use a damp sponge or washcloth with a mild detergent to clean areas that have caked on dirt. For hard to reach crevices, use a
  soft-bristled tooth brush. Make sure the sponge or toothbrush is not soaking wet and lightly rub a small area of the
  wicker furniture at a time. Then use a clean, damp sponge to wipe away any excess soap suds.
• For periodic cleaning of ground in dirt, use a soft sponge and detergent and scrub the area. Rinse your wicker
  furniture with a garden hose and leave out in the sun to dry. Wicker Furniture should be dried as
  quickly as possible to avoid damage. (Do not soak wicker furniture that has been painted or that has wooden
  parts as they water may damage the paint and wood.

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Wicker Care

Proper care of your wicker furniture will help ensure it retains its form and look for as long as possible.
While wicker furniture is not easily destroyed by the elements, excess humidity, rain, snow and direct sunlight can
cause damage over time. You can protect your wicker investment, however by utilizing some simple wicker care
suggestions:

• If you live in a dry environment, wipe your >wicker furniture with a damp cloth to keep the wicker from cracking
  when stress is applied, such as from sitting on a
  wicker chair.
• Never use wet wicker. If your wicker furniture has been left out in the rain or was recently washed as
  described above, wait until the wicker is completely dry before use. If you allow wicker to dry naturally, this may take several
  days or you can speed up the process by using a hair dryer.
• Keep painted wicker looking like new with a fresh coat of paint. If you use spray paint to paint your wicker
  furniture, make sure you perform the procedure in a ventilated area, preferably outdoors.
• To help your wicker furniture retain its glossy finish you can apply a thin coat of liquid furniture wax after
  the paint is completely dry. Once your wicker has been sealed and waxed properly, you may be able to keep it clean through
  without having to soak the furniture.
• Move your wicker indoors during inclement weather and when not in use for a long period of time. Sun, heat and rain can damage
  your wicker patio furniture over time, so you should keep it protected when possible. If you cannot move
  your wicker furniture indoors, invest in furniture covers or cover it in plastic and move your wicker to a
  safe area.

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Proper Care of Wrought Iron Furniture

Like all other types of patio furniture, however, if you don’t properly care for your

wrought iron dining table or bar set, it will rust over time. Fortunately, keeping your wrought iron patio set in top
condition requires only minor maintenance.

• Proper Cleaning –
  Whether it’s a
  wrought iron dining set or serving cart, all wrought iron furniture will need to be cleaned from time to
  time. Unlike wicker patio furniture, cleaning wrought iron only requires you to wash it with mild soap and water and
  then allow to air dry.
• Apply Wax –
  Once or twice a year it would be wise to apply an automotive spray wax to your wrought iron patio set.
  Applying wax will give your wrought iron some added protection against the elements.
• Remove Grease Spots –
  It is important to remove any grease spots left from suntan lotions or bug sprays as soon as possible. While most finishes on
  wrought iron patio furniture are resistant to these greases, if they are left to long they could cause the
  wrought iron’s finish to become discolored.
• Keep it Covered –
  Consider using plastic furniture covers
  or placing your wrought iron patio furniture indoors during the winter months. While this is not a necessity
  because of wrought iron’s durability, it may still help extend the life of your outdoor furniture
  set.
• Rust Removal and Painting –
  Over time, your wrought iron furniture will more than likely be scratched or chipped due to normal wear and
  tear. If your wrought iron patio furniture does experience mild rusting, you should wash the rusted area
  with soap and water, allow it to dry, remove the rust with a medium sandpaper and then reapply some touch-up paint.

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Outdoor Rooms

When creating an outdoor room, you will likely want a covering to help protect you from the outdoor elements such as sun and rain. Both
pergolas and gazebos can be the ideal place for the backyard entertainment of friends and family or a covering for your outdoor
kitchen. If you are thinking of creating a new outdoor room in your backyard or updating an existing outdoor living space, adding a gazebo or
pergola will improve both the appearance and the value of your home.

What’s the Difference?

While many people think the names gazebo and pergola are basically interchangeable, this is not the case. Understanding the
differences of pergolas and gazebos and their basic uses will help you decide which one is the right choice for your outdoor room.

• Gazebos – Gazebos are designed to be freestanding structures and meant to provide shelter from the elements as well as shade. The basic design
  of the gazebo is support pillars and an enclosed roof. Gazebos usually feature a wooden or concrete floor and often benches for seating. While
  gazebos can be designed in a variety of shapes, the most common styles are octagonal or rounded. Gazebos come in a wide array of sizes and are
  used for many different purposes, such as weddings, and small gatherings to housing bands for live events. Most often, gazebos are utilized in gardens or near
  ponds where they can provide a vie to all of the surrounding areas.
• Pergolas – The basic purpose of the pergola is to provide a support area for climbing plants in a garden. Pergolas design
  consists of simple support columns and and an open or latticed roof in which the climbing plants are allowed to grow though the roof lattice work and create the
  shaded area. Pergolas can be placed in a variety of areas and are often found over patios and porches or can be found as freestanding structures.
  Pergolas are the perfect solution for an outdoor seating area and many home gardeners use scented flowers in addition to the climbing plants to provide pleasant
  smells for their outdoor seating.

Choosing Your Style

The decision on which outdoor structure to build is more of a question of personal preference. While many people like the
idea of having the large, open area that a pergola will provide for entertaining, others would rather have the
intimacy of a garden gazebo. There are a few other things to consider, however, before you begin construction,
including:

• Space – Traditionally, pergolas are much larger than gazebos and will take up more room. When deciding
  between a pergola and gazebo, you will want to measure the available space before making the choice..
• Cost – If the price of your outdoor room is an issue than a pergola may be the way you want to
  go. Pergolas require much less construction materials than the standard gazebo and are usually much cheaper to
  build.
• Location – The location of your outdoor room will also play a role in the structure you choose.
  If you are looking for cover over your existing deck or patio, then a pergola could be designed to sit against
  your home. If what you want is a cozy area next to your pond in a more secluded backyard area, however, a gazebo
  would probably be a wiser choice.
• Style – Your personal style should also be a factor in your decision. While many people enjoy the look and
  continuing care of climbing plants that a pergola provides, others will like the idea of having the enclosed
  roof and decking of a gazebo to shield them from the elements. Knowing exactly what you are looking for will
  help you choose between a pergola and a gazebo.
• Time – If time is an issue, then you may want to consider a pergola over a gazebo for your
  outdoor living area. Pergolas are simpler structures and require much less work and planning than a gazebo.

The addition of a gazebo or pergola to your outdoor living area can have the same effect as building an indoor addition or
remodeling your kitchen.
Gazebos and pergolas
are especially useful for people who love spending time outdoors and would enjoy an area that provides decorative shading from the sun and
other elements. Both pergolas and gazebos can be constructed from raw material or by purchasing pergola kits and gazebo kits and with proper care
can last for years to come.

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Patio Furniture Buying Guide

How to Purchase Patio Furniture.

There is no way to deny it…Spring is here in full swing. And with Summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to buy new patio furniture for your outdoor area. Whether you are moving into a new home or just want to spruce up your backyard for a season of entertaining, the right patio furniture will not only add to the style of your deck or patio, it will set the mood for your next get together. And with all of the styles to choose from as well as the virtual cornucopia of patio accessories to choose from, buying patio furniture can be very enjoyable.

Know your Space

The first step to finding the perfect patio furniture setup for your outdoor living area is to
understand exactly how much room you have to work with. While you may have fallen in love with the seven seat lounge set,
if your patio isn’t big enough, you and your guests will end up feeling cramped. On the other end of the spectrum, if you have
a spacious deck or patio, you will probably want a larger dining set
or lounge set as opposed to a smaller
bistro set.

Set your Budget

Even if we don’t like to admit it, we all have a budget when we make a major purchase, whether it’s an
outdoor TV
or a party bar
for entertaining. The important thing to remember is that with patio furniture, like anything else, you need
to think about quality as well as cost. Quality patio furniture and patio accessories will last for
many years and are well worth the additional cost. Determine the most you are willing to spend on your
patio furniture and then find the patio furniture set, outdoor lighting or patio storage that gives you the
most quality for your money.

Choose your Materials

Patio furniture comes in a wide array of materials that can give your outdoor living space a different look and
feel. Our selection of patio furniture is available in wicker, teak wood, wrought iron, and aluminum.

• Wicker –
  Wicker patio furniture offers a touch of
  class and style to any outdoor setting. Wicker patio furnitureis easy to clean, lightweight and durable
  enough withstand the elements.
• Teak Wood –
  Teak wood patio furniture will give your
  outdoor living space a rustic look. With proper care, teak wood furniture will retain its look for many years.
• Wrought Iron –
  Strong and elegantly designed,
  wrought iron patio furniture is one of the most popular styles of outdoor patio furniture.
• Aluminum –
  Aluminum patio furniture is lightweight, rust
  resistant and durable enough to withstand all types of weather.

Sets or Separates?

Are you looking for a uniform patio set for entertaining? Maybe you would like a more eclectic look? Our selection of
quality patio furniture can be purchased in sets or separately, allowing you complete control over how your
outdoor living area will look.
Patio furniture sets come in a wide array of styles
including bar sets, dining sets, bistro sets and lounge sets with a variety of colors and seating options at your disposal.
If your looking for a more heterogeneous appearance, you can mix and match from our huge selection of
patio tables,
patio seating and accessories.

Accessorize

Once you’ve found the perfect furniture for your deck or patio, it’s time to accessorize with accents that will add personality
and usability to your outdoor living space. Depending on what your planning on doing on your deck or patio, you have a wide array of
patio accessories to choose from including
throw pillows,
furniture covers,
outdoor lighting,
fire pits and much more. Finding the right accessories
for your patio furniture will help complete the look and feel of your outdoor living area.

Types of Aluminum Outdoor Furniture

Durable, lightweight and attractive; aluminum patio furniture has been a top choice for consumers since it first
became popular during the early twentieth century. Many people love their aluminum patio furniture because of the
minimal amount of care that is required to keep it looking like new, and aluminum patio furniture is available in a wide array of
styles such as
bistro sets,
bar sets and
dining sets, to match any outdoor setting. The most common types of aluminum patio furniture used
today include:

• Cast Aluminum –
  Known for it’s strength, durability and variety of styles, cast aluminum is molded into the various shapes
  used for patio furniture. While cast aluminum furniture is slightly heavier than other types
  of aluminum patio furniture, it is also much more durable.
• Wrought Aluminum –
  Wrought aluminum furniture is very lightweight and easily formed, allowing for the same intricate and
  decorative designs you could receive with heavier
  wrought iron furniture
  without the fear of rusting.
• Tubular Aluminum -
  Being the lightest type of aluminum patio furniture available and also the easiest to form and shape have
  helped to make tubular aluminum patio furniture the most popular in backyards across America.

Beautiful and Durable Teak Patio Furniture

Teak wood is one of the most popular patio furniture materials used today. Teak wood is renowned for its durability
against outside elements such as sun, rain, snow and ice; as well as its resistance to rotting and insect infestation. Because of its
strength, teak wood is commonly used in the production of marine equipment, such as boat hulls. While new teak
furniture has a beautiful brown coloring, over time it will gradually change to the silver-gray.

While this color change does not affect the strength of your
teak wood furniture, once it has aged it is difficult
to restore it back to its original color. You will need to decide from the start if you would like your teak wood to
age naturally or retain its original golden brown coloring. In order to maintain the original teak color, you will need to apply a
water-based teak protector, such as the one available from
Golden Care. Oil-based Teak protectors are also available
but require reapplication every few months and can cause mildew if not cared for regularly.

Benefits of Wrought Iron Furniture

If you are thinking about purchasing a new patio furniture set for your outdoor living area, you may want to seriously
consider the benefits of wrought iron.
Wrought iron patio furniture
is widely recognized for its durability and the wide array of styles it can produce. Whether you are looking for a complete set of
patio furniture or some decorative

wrought iron shelving, some of the benefits you will receive from purchasing wrought iron furniture
include:

• Heaviness -
  You will never have to worry about your wrought iron furniture blowing away when
  the wind picks up.
• Versatility –
  Wrought iron furniture has the ability to blend in to almost any outdoor setting.
• Comfort –
  Though many people don’t expect it, wrought iron furniture is very comfortable, even without cushions.
• Style –
  Wrought iron patio furniture comes in a wide array of designs and finishes, and many styles are even
  hand-made, allowing for individual uniqueness.
• Solidness –
  Because wrought iron is actual iron, it will not bow or break very easily, and if the furniture is damaged,
  you can repair it rather easily, saving you money on purchasing new patio furniture.

Go Green: Purchasing Environmentally Friendly Green Patio Furniture

Go green has become the latest buzzword in practically every area of our lives. From the cars we drive to the foods we eat
and even the purchase of green patio furniture, an increasing number of people are making an effort to lessen the
“carbon footprint” they are leaving on the earth. While most of us may not consider the environmental effects that our patio furniture
purchase may have, the production of certain types of outdoor products can produce an excess of the carbon dioxide gases that could
eventually have a harmful impact on the environment.

Fortunately. the introduction of green patio furniture on the market by environmentally conscious outdoor
furniture manufacturers has made it easier than ever to purchase green furniture products. But the question
remains: “What constitutes environmentally friendly furniture?”. Basically, green patio furniture can be categorized as those
that utilize low-impact materials, such as sustainable or reclaimed woods and any furniture made from recycled materials.

• Recycled Materials -
  Recycling has become more than just the cool thing to do; all over the country people are recycling their aluminum, paper
  and plastic instead of tossing it in the trash can. But what happens to those recycled plastic milk bottles after they
  leave your driveway? Several companies, such as
  Poly-Wood
  and Eagle One
  have created ways to manufacture your HDPE, high-density recycled plastic milk bottles into attractive and durable
  dining sets,
  lounge sets and other outdoor
  furniture. And the great thing is that recycled plastic patio furniture will last for years with minimal maintenance,
  helping this type of green furniture last for years without the need for replacement.
• Sustainable Wood -
  Trees are vital to the existence of life on our planet. In addition to the absorption of carbon dioxide and production of
  oxygen, trees also act as the habitat to millions of species of birds, animals and insects which are an essential aspect of
  any ecological area. With the ever-depleting rain forests, people begin to look towards other materials when manufacturing
  their furniture. Unfortunately, wood is still by far the most comfortable and easy to use material for patio furniture
  products. Sustainable woods, such as the wood used in the creation of
  Domus Ventures
  teak wood furniture is made from carefully managed forests to help ensure that clear-cutting and other harmful
  deforestation techniques are not used.
• Reclaimed Wood -
  If you are looking to become more environmentally conscious, but still want the attractiveness of real wood products,
  reclaimed wood may be the way to go. Over the centuries, wood has been used in the production of homes, farm implements
  an many other products. the process of reclaiming wood for the production of green furniture involves
  using the preexisting wood from these products to manufacture outdoor furniture. This process not only helps the
  environment, but also produces patio furniture with unique character, such as the reclaimed teak wood furniture produced
  by Groovy Stuff Furniture.

Keep these material in mind as you look for not only new patio furniture, but any furniture you buy for your home and it will
help you stay more environmentally friendly both inside and outside your home. Buying green furniture, along with
recycling and making an effort to produce less carbon dioxide gases will help keep the planet safe for the next generation and
beyond.

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Summerset Furniture Sale!

With spring just around the corner, people are beginning to think more about their outdoor living areas. After the harsh winter months, your backyard can end up looking a little drab, especially if that old patio furniture set was left out in the ice and snow. Unfortunately, with the economy the way it is, many people are hesitant about purchasing new outdoor furniture due to the high prices and already stretched budgets.

Fortunately, now is the time when patio furniture manufacturers release sales on their inventory, allowing consumers to save. One of these companies is Summerset, a manufacturer of quality aluminum patio furniture, including lounge sets, dining sets, bar stools and much more.

Summerset Outdoor Living is offering 10% off the purchase of any of their quality cast aluminum patio furniture. This means that you don’t have to spend another year scrubbing stains and rust off of that old dining set. To take advantage of these saving, just visit our site, Ultimate Patio, and use the coupon code SUMMERSET.

Who is Summerset?

With more than five years in the patio furniture industry, Summerset Outdoor Living has quickly built a reputation as one of the premier suppliers of cast aluminum patio furniture. After moving to their new headquarters in Southern California, including a 30,000 square foot facility, Summerset has made it even easier to fill and ship patio furniture orders more efficiently. Summerset specializes in outdoor furniture sets as well as individual cats aluminum pieces, featuring durable powder coating to protect your investment from the elements. With several lines, including Desert Garden, Cast Shadows, Elegant Sling and Casual Sunset, you can find the perfect outdoor furniture for your garden or patio.

And with 10% off your Summerset purchase, there has never been a better time to buy than now. But you will need to act fast, because the Summerset furniture sale is only available fro a limited time!

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Never a Better Time to Buy Outdoor Furniture

With spring just around the corner, there has never been a better time to buy outdoor furniture and patio accessories. Every year about this time, manufacturers of patio furniture begin to roll out their new lines and this year is no different, with quality brands, such as Darlee, Alfresco Home and Windham Castings presenting their furniture lines for the public to purchase.

But what kind of patio furniture is right for you? This is more a question of personal preference than anything, but there are a few things you should take into consideration before making your oudoor furniture purchase. Some of these factors include:

• Available Space – One of the most important things to consider is the space you have on your patio or in your garden. If space is limited, a large, eight person dining set will make your outdoor living space feel cramped, while on the other end of the spectrum, if you have a large pool area or deck, a cozy wicker bistro set may look out of place. Take a measurement of the area to help determine what size patio set would work the best.
• Materials – Outdoor furniture is available in a wide array of materials that will make a unique statement for your outdoor living area. The most popular materials available today include aluminum, wrought iron, wicker, teak wood and recycled plastic. Choosing the patio furniture material for your home involves much more than personal preference – though your own taste and style should play a major role in your decision. Understanding the area in which you live wil also help you decide what patio furniture will best suit your home and last for years. This is especially true if you live in a very wet climate or an area with an ecess of salt in the atmosphere, such as near the ocean. These climates can wreak havok on the paints used on outdoor furniture and accessories and unforutantely, may also void the warranties.
• Warranties – With that thought in mind, another important thing to consider this season is the warranty you get with your patio furniture. Read all of the warranty information for the patio furniture you are considering to ensure that it will be covered in the event it arrives damaged. Keep in mind, however, that warranties will usually not cover normal wear and tear or damage caused by misuse, so it is mportant to learn what each company considers misuse before you purchase.
• Budget – Another important thing to consider this season when you buy patio furniture is how much you are willing to spend. Set a budget and try to find a quality patio furniture set or the outdoor accessories within that price range. It is important to remember that with outdoor furniture, as with most of your purchases, you get what you pay for. The higher the price tag, the better quality the patio bar stool or outdoor TV will probably be.

As people begin have become more environmentally aware, patio furniture companies have taken notice. Therefore, if you are on the market for top quality patio furniture and would like to lessen the impact you hav on the environment, manufactuerers, such as Poly-Wood, Eagle One and Groovy Stuff Furniture offer environmentally friendly options, including patio furniture made from recycled plastic wood and reclaimed teak. Another company to consider is Arthur Lauer, whose elegantly designed teak wood furniture is made exclusively from sustainable wood harvested from managed forests.

Whatever patio furniture you decide to purchase, the fact remains that there has never been a better time to buy. Shopping online is a great way to find the outdoor furniture set you love do to the wide selection offered that you will not receive from your local retailer. And with fast shipping times, your patio furniture will arrive in plenty of time for when the temperature begins to move up the thermometer. Take advantage of the new offerings and you may find that buying patio furnitue can be almost as much fun as using it…

I said almost.

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Memories

It snowed in Louisiana yesterday.

Real snow – not just a flurry – but from what I read measured in at just over 3 inches in the Baton Rouge area. When I moved south over the summer to escape the harsh conditions which Iowa winter’s provide.

Iowa winter’s are the essence of bitter.

I’ve lived all over the country and there is nothing as desolate as an Iowa cornfield after you’ve been hit by a full night of ice and snow. But when I woke yesterday morning and looked out the window to see the soft, white cover that had befallen the area it made me miss those Iowa winter’ just a little. And this made me think about rocking chairs.

I have a lot of great memories from when I was young and I’m trying to imagine a memory from my youth that didn’t involve, at least in some respect involve a rocking chair, at least in the background of work or play. You see, in much of the Midwest and throughout the country rocking chairs are a staple of Amertican life.

This may sound a bit odd, but most of the good memories I have from my youth involve my Grandfather and most of his life after my birth involved working in his garden and sitting in his favorite wooden rocker. I remember crawling into my grandpa’s lap as he rocked away the afternoon outdoors or in front of the television in the evening while he watched boxing or “Greatest American Hero”.

Remember that show – goofy schoolteacher with a great fro, Ralph, gets visited by an alien race who give him the powers to save the world with the help of an FBI agent who almost killed him with his vehicle. Ralph accidentally loses the instruction manual and hillarity ensues.

ANYWAY, rocking chairs have become a part of the American tradition, and if you think about it hard enough, you may be able to think of a few great memories of your own, whether they are sitting in a rocker on the dock fishing, soothing your child back to sleep during the night in a comfortable glider or just sitting around relaxing on the front porch and slipping lemonaide on a hot summer’s day.

While modern rocking chairs are available in a variety of styles and materials, such as aluminum, wicker and even eco-friendly recycled plastic, they still illicit that feeling of Americana and youth every time I see one on someone’s front porch or resting by the fireplace in the den.

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A Greener Backyard

So you’ve decided to Go Green.

And by going “Green” I don’t mean dying your hair like some of the kids we see walking around. You’ve turned down the thermostat, installed compact fluorescent light bulbs and even started riding your bike to work and started eating better.

Whether it’s for environmental or economic reasons, millions of people are making the change to a more ecologically sound way of living. Not only do environmentally-conscious actions help to make the world a cleaner place, they can also help to save you some of that green in your wallet. Unfortunately, for many people, being environmentally conscious stops at their own backyard.

What do I mean?

One of the biggest expenses for any backyard or patio is outdoor furniture, and for the most part, this furniture is constructed of wood or metals, such as aluminum or wrought iron. In one way or another, whether it be from the deforestation of trees or the use of chemicals in the manufacture and painting of outdoor furniture, the production of patio furniture products can be very harmful.

If you are looking for a more environmentally sound solution for your own backyard or garden setting, you may want to consider recycled plastic wood patio furniture. Recycled plastic outdoor furniture offers a cornucopia of benefits for consumers that are helping to make recycled plastic the fastest growing material for patio furniture.

What is Recycled plastic Furniture?

Excellent question. Most recycled plastic patio furniture is made from HDPE, or High-Density Polyethylene, which is made mainly from recycled plastic milk bottles. HDPE is used in a variety of commercial and residential applications, including decking, railing, and public park furniture. Recycled plastic offers a number of benefits to consumers.

• Long lasting. Recycled plastic patio furniture will last for years. Test results have shown that recycled plastic lumber products will last over 400 years with hardly any degradation.
• Vibrant color. Recycled plastic wood products offer a wide array of colors that will not wear or chip like painted wood or metal patio furniture. This is because the colors of recycled plastic lumber are impregnated into the material during manufacture.
• Maintenance Free. Unlike wood or metal patio furniture, recycled plastic requires very little maintenance throughout its life. In fact, most recycled plastic furniture is resistant to staining and graffiti, requiring only minor scrubbing with soap or a little solvent to remove unwanted stains.
• Affordability. Recycled plastic outdoor furniture is very comparable in price top traditional materials. Over time, however, the need to purchase new furniture or pieces of wood or metal patio furniture will far surpass the single recycled furniture purchase.

And best of all, recycled plastic patio furniture is available in all the popular outdoor furniture styles. Whether you are searching for a new patio dining set, lounge set, Adirondack chair or even a luxury dog house for man’s best friend; recycled plastic outdoor furniture will help you be as ecologically conscious as possible

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