Unmatched comfort and style. Your own beach oasis. Outstanding style and class. Smooth to the touch. Recycled Plastic POLYWOOD® Outdoor Furniture by Poly-Wood, LLC Poly-Wood, LLC designs and manufactures timeless, classic, outdoor furniture. Relax in our durable and comfortable, all-weather plastic furniture – whether it's rain, snow, salt water, sun, or ice, POLYWOOD® performance furnishings are built to last – no hassles and no worries. And POLYWOOD® is green – made from a high percentage of post-consumer materials, our furniture transforms landfill waste into usable products. What are you waiting for? Garden furniture, also called patio furniture or outdoor furniture, is a type of furniture specifically designed for outdoor use. It is typically made of weather-resistant materials such as aluminium which does not rust. The oldest surviving examples of garden furniture were found in the gardens of Pompeii. An area of typical patio furniture, including umbrellas, in Taiwan.
Main article: List of furniture types Garden furniture is often sold as a patio set consisting of a table, four or six chairs, and a (parasol). A picnic table is used for the purpose of eating a meal outdoors. Long chairs, referred to as chaise longue, are also common items. Recently seating furniture has been used for conversation areas using items like couches. The British 'garden parasol' or American 'garden umbrella' is the term for a specialised type of umbrella designed to provide shade from the sun. Parasols are either secured in a weighted base or a built-in mount in the paving. Some are movable around outdoor tables and seating, others centred through a hole mid-table. Patio heaters are used to enable people to sit outside at night or in cold weather. They can be permanently mounted on eaves and patio roofs, or portable and self-supporting. They can operate on electricity, propane, bottled butane (small units), or natural gas. The latter can be plumbed into permanent locations or attached to 'quick-connect' outlets.
Modular outdoor fire pits and portable fire bowls have become widely available in many materials to extend outdoor living. The tall clay Chimeneas of North America are an example. Current garden accessories include items like birdbaths, plant stands, planter boxes and trellises to add detail to an outdoor space. The most commonly sold types of patio sets are made of plastic, wood, aluminium, wicker, and wrought iron. A classic bench design by Edwin Lutyens Wooden garden furniture can suffer through exposure to the elements and therefore needs to be periodically treated. Teak is a commonly used material for outdoor furniture. It naturally contains silica, which makes it resistant to fungal decay, many of the effects of water (such as rot, swelling and warping), as well as chemicals. It is also resistant to fire, acid and alkalis. When Teak weathers it loses its original look but gains a majestic, almost silver glow. Many owners prefer the aged look of teak and because of its resistance to rotting and infestation, it can be appreciated without upkeep.
Aluminium garden furniture is robust and long-lasting. However, if the protective coating is compromised it will corrode. Plastic garden furniture is naturally waterproof, so it can be left out year-round. Waterproof outdoor furniture pieces are usually made of materials such as Mahogany, Teak, Cast Aluminum, PE Wicker, Plastic and PVC Wicker.[] These materials are durable and can withstand the elements of wind, rain and sun exposure. Wicker outdoor living furniture was originally made from the stems of any one of 600 species of palms found in tropical regions all over the world. The palm stems were tightly woven into interlocking panels, and formed into the desired structure. Now, most modern wicker furniture is made from synthetic resin, increasing the life expectancy and reducing manufacturing costs. Today's resin furniture is often made of recycled plastic and incredibly durable, usually carrying warranties of 20 years or longer. It can be moulded to resemble real wood or wicker.
How to Clean Outdoor Furniture If your outdoor furniture needs a little TLC, follow these cleaning tips to freshen plastic, wood, metal, and glass. Share your take on this idea!Upload your photo here. Caring for Outdoor Furniture Routine cleanings are the key to keeping your outdoor furniture in pristine condition. For best results, you should clean outdoor furniture four times a year: Once at the beginning of summer, once at the end of summer, and a couple of times in between. Tip: Store furniture indoors during winter months to prevent additional weathering and staining. Wood (includes teak and wicker) Use a mild oil-base soap, such as Murphy Oil Soap, mixed with warm water. For a do-it-yourself cleaning solution, mix 1⁄4 cup ammonia, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, and 1 quart warm water. Commercial wood cleaners are often the most effective, but be sure to read directions carefully. Wicker and painted woods might require diluting the solution.
For hard woods, consider annually sanding and applying a fresh coat of protective finish, such as oil, stain, or a polyurethane coating. Hose down wicker every few weeks to prevent dirt buildup in crevices. Regularly wiping down wood to remove dirt, debris, and excess water is the best way to protect it. Metal (includes wrought iron, cast iron, and aluminum) Oxidation is the most common problem with aluminum furniture. Before cleaning, remove as much of the imperfection as possible using a metal polishing paste or a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water. Avoid chemicals such as ammonia and trisodium phosphate (TSP); alkaline cleaners cause oxidation. Wash aluminum frequently to preserve its natural luster. Remove scuff marks from aluminum with a soft cloth dampened with a nonabrasive product, such as Soft Scrub. Combat rust by sanding it off along with damaged paint. Wipe off metal residue with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits or naphtha.
Use a rust-resistant primer before painting with a rust-resistant paint. Consider having your wrought-iron furniture sandblasted or powder-coated for added protection. To protect after cleanings, apply a coat (two for iron) of automotive wax. Dish detergent and home cleaning solutions are the most effective cleaners. Remove any stuck-on debris with a glass-safe, nonabrasive material. Many scrub brushes will scratch glass, so opt for one designed to tackle tough cleanup jobs without marking your furniture. After an initial cleaning, spray on white vinegar or glass cleaner and wipe away with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Clean the underside of a glass table at least once a month to prevent irreversible grime. Cover a glass table when it's not in use. Commercial window cleaners can't always keep your glass tables clean. Fix small scratches and chips in glass with a glass-repair kit from an automotive retailer. Clean frames of glass tables according to their material type.