Outdoor Lighting, outdoor lamps

outdoor lampsThe Outdoor lamps make your garden visible at night. The choice and positioning of the outdoor lamps must be done carefully.
Garden must be beautiful in the hours of darkness. Maybe it runs in front of living room windows, and want, reading a book, you see and what’s beyond the window, through the bushes. Or you think to sit on the bench under the lilac, or will guests dined at the kiosk in the garden, and that he did not want these cases to reveal the beauty garden.

In all these situations, the light should be enough – no excess, nor less than necessary. For this reason you need to think very carefully before lighting design scheme. Electrician have to execute, but the gardener has to say necessarily views: he knows how some bushes grow and how often others will be foliage, so it’s able to rekindle where would be best to place luminaries.

Most times, the place where land ends and begins grown alley is great for installation of small lamps. They shine and driveway, and surrounding plants. A good suggestion would be to mount the lamps connected to the electricity grid, so that will light the garden whenever you want, even-N series of cloudy days that follow, the solar lights would be too great feat.

Of course, solar outdoor lights are very useful, and even urge you to use them with confidence, but you must be a safe option, especially as in winter and early spring sunlight to charge batteries of the sunlamps fails. In terms of style lamps, the decision is yours. If you want a garden sober, you should use lamps “serious.” If you want a garden but relaxed, you are free to spend it with grass various solar lamps that imitate stone BA, BA various animals …

In recent years, the popularity of lighting in gardens has increased dramatically. Whenever I was not impressed as an ordinary space during the day turns to nightfall a spectacle of lights! Installation of lamps in the garden draws us more to admire the landscape, spend more time outdoors, close to home and forget even for a time of concrete in the city.

Types of lighting in pictures
For gardens there are two types of light-light or diffuse spots. Diffused light is spread more widely and decreases in intensity toward the edges. If the illumination spot (focused light) beam is focused on a limited area. This produces a beam of light that highlights a particular plant or group of plants. The effect of light is due to the type of bulb or shade that limits the beam into a lampshade. For a backlight light source is placed behind a tree, a vault or a garden accessory. Thus, the object is out in relief, standing out clearly as an outline projected on a bright background.

Lighting from the bottom up is done by placing the light source at ground level, focused up into the group of plants or accessory. Try to hide the light source (lamp) as objects what to be emphasized. For standard illumination from the bottom up, the distance to the enhancement must be equal to its height. For a more spectacular light source placed in the middle distances.

Lighting from above is obtained using a diffuse or spot light sources mounted directly or obliquely, above the range or accessories. Lamps can be mounted on the wall so that light source is directed to the terrace, or spot him suspended above a tree.
Certainly, to create your own all the games of outdoor lamps that are not only effective, but useful, there are some strict rules must be followed exactly.

Types of materials for outdoor furniture

outdoor furniture

Outdoor furniture

is a special furniture, made exclusively for outdoor use, resistant materials. The most common materials used for outdoor furniture are wood, plastic and metal. But according to design and make some furniture from cheap materials, can be more expensive than the valuable materials.

Before you decide on your outdoor furniture material, must think about the budget you have. Even if we want beautiful and elegant outdoor furniture, the cost is a factor that makes us look better offer. For those on a budget, plastic furniture is a profitable solution. Most times, you’ll find a complete set with table and chairs, the price of a wooden chair.

Metal outdoor furniture

Iron Outdoor Furniture

Iron is one of the most common materials used for outdoor furniture. This material is used successfully for hundreds of years. Because of its strength, iron is ideal for making furniture, metal bars and ornaments. If you want your garden to have a classic look, iron is the right choice. Iron has some disadvantages, however. One of them is weight.

Iron is a very difficult and it will be difficult to move furniture as you want. For older people or the most fragile, this can be a major impediment. Hardness and other disadvantages are susceptibility to rust of iron.

Also, if iron is not treated and cared for properly, may rust. To prevent rust, however, it is advisable to move furniture in a room covered in cold periods of the year. Iron is a material incorfortabil cold. It is important that when you buy wooden chairs or armchairs them with fluffy pillows and cozy cover.

Aluminum Outdoor Furniture

Aluminum is a much more comfortable furniture iron. This material is resistant to corrosion and is also much lighter than iron. Moreover, aluminum is the metal used around the world, just for its flexibility. At some point in history, aluminum was considered much more valuable than gold, and welcomes its guests Napoleon important meal kits made of aluminum. Aluminum rust resistance and flexibility, however, are properties that will feel the budget. Outdoor furniture made of aluminum is more expensive than iron, but you will see that these costs will fade in time. Also, aluminum furniture is easy to handle.

Wooden Outdoor furniture

Pine Outdoor Furniture

Pine is the most popular and expensive wood used for making outdoor furniture. This wood is the most used in construction. If cared for, pine furniture can last many years. If you want your garden a classical and easy maintenance outdoor furniture, pine is the ideal choice. You must be careful to moister but because pine is very vulnerable to water and wood can rot. But if it protected with a protective waterproof sheet, pin this problem will disappear and you will enjoy your furniture as long as possible.

Cedar Outdoor Furniture

Cedar wood is a special, unmistakable aroma. This wood is preferred for both its aesthetic properties, for its red color, and for resistance to moisture and insects, making it suitable for outdoor furniture. Cedar is used for making wardrobes and cupboards, so keep insects away. Unlike pine, cedar should not be chemically treated to resist moisture, because it produces oil, which seals the wood surface. A drawback of this wood is that the color will fade in time, getting to have a gray tint.

Teak outdoor furniture

Teak is the wood used for outdoor furniture, preferably over time so wealthy, and those with fewer financial resources. Teak is resistant, has an exotic flavor and prevents rust and corrosion when used with metal. These features have plastic first place among manufacturers of boats. Today, teak is a luxury and is the most expensive of all types of wood used for outdoor furniture. But teak furniture will last forever. In England for example, there are banks located in parks, which are made of teak and even dating back 100 years.

Teak can be used in combination with metals. Many manufacturers of furniture from teak wood combine this with elements from steel or aluminum for added elegance. For all types of wood used for outdoor furniture, teak is by far the most recommended.

Plastic outdoor furniture

Plastic outdoor furniture is more affordable and advisable if you have a small budget. Palstic furniture store can be found in many forms and can give your patio garden or a modern. Also, this type of furniture is found in various colors, so you can match to anything and is easy to clean and maintain. There is also a more special type of furniture made from recycled plastic bottles.

Thus obtained is eco furniture, easy to maintain and durable. Plastic furniture can easily imitate the styles of furniture and can be recycled. Plastic and can be similar to wicker furniture. This type of furniture is more durable and easier to maintain.

Wicker outdoor furniture

Although wicker furniture is mainly used for closed spaces, this type of wood can be used successfully in the garden or terrace. Wicker is preferred by those who want a comfortable and rustic atmosphere. Wicker can be obtained from bamboo, rattan or cane. Some types of wicker can be more resistant to heat, moisture or cold. Wicker is available in neutral colors, but can be painted as you wish. Wicker furniture is light, durable and easy to clean and maintain.

Maintenance of teak outdoor furniture

teak outdoor furniture

Teak outdoor furniture

is preferred, usually for open spaces, due to its resistance to weather events. If teak outdoor furniture is left outside in winter without any maintenance or several times if exposed to rain, oil on the surface of the teak table can be deleted after a few years and the color may return to the natural shade of gray. The steps below will show how you can renew the teak outdoor furniture.

1) Sanding table: Before this operation, you must clean the table with a cleaner product for teak outdoor furniture, or to wash with warm water and soap. If you wash it with water, you should let it dry, then start sanding. After you finish sanding we recommend using a clean dry cotton cloth to clean all the dust remained. We must ensure that the wood is clean and dry before applying teak oil.

2) Apply teak oil: teak oil should be mixed and stirred, then the amount to be used should be poured into a container. Oil should be applied to the entire table with a brush or roller for oil-based paint.

3) Deleting using a cotton cloth: After 15 minutes, excess oil should be wiped with a clean cotton. If needed a second coat, it should be applied after at least an hour to allow the wood to absorb oil veneer. Must wait 24 hours before using the table.

4) Now we can enjoy your beautiful teak outdoor furniture that looks like the first day, colorful and bright!

Outdoor lighting blog

Outdoor lighting blog

Besides the aesthetic function, the light from the garden meets safety feature also, so that is an element of protection for intruders. 

In addition, the outdoor lighting can make the garden look very different at night than during the day, creating a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for quiet summer nights. Here’s how to use outdoor lighting to create special effects:

Alleys
It is recommended that the paths in your garden will be illuminated at night to guide those who visit this space.
Opt for luminaries such as “world” that great looking but are also functional.

Outdoor lightingTerraces
If you have arranged in a terrace garden or a special place for barbecue is better to illuminate the space with reflectors or spots so you can enjoy them and at night.
If you want to create a more intimate atmosphere overhead lighting choice arm. Attention to opt for waterproof rain patterns.

Outdoor lighting blogFlowers
To highlight the beauty and elegance of your garden flowers in those areas opt to mount lighting installations of “fungus” or “bubble”.

They also have an important decorative role during the day.
To not distort colors fluorescent light is best to choose shades that play it best.

Shrubs
To get the effect you can illuminate interesting and subtle that you like from behind trees.
Protection grid reflectors placed behind shrubs. To control the distribution of light you can use special filters, depending on the type of reflector chosen. You can also get an interesting effect using light in different colors.

Outdoor lighting blogWater fountains or sculptures
Decorative objects from the garden can be emphasized during the night by light.
Water fountain can be illuminated from both front and rear. Note how the statues to emphasize that a poorly positioned light can make it look grotesque.
Instead of outdoor lighting can use more powerful small size and can create areas of shadow to create a true artistic composition.

Replacement cushions for outdoor furniture

replacement cushions for outdoor furnitureAs the garden areas around the house are functional spaces, we want more and more garden furniture in fashion trends. To satisfy the most sophisticated desires for outdoor furniture, designers created a wide variety of models made of different materials. If you do not enjoy moments of relaxation in your garden, but intend to transform it into a corner of paradise in the shortest time, you should be informed in detail on the new acquisitions.

Choosing garden furniture suitable especially suitable material is of major importance because we need to know how long and how much money will be invested in future maintenance. Thus we present several types of outdoor furniture, they should be aware when you go shopping.

Replacement cushions for outdoor furniture
You’ve spoiled the body, relaxing you in a chair outside the large pillows, from which you may take your mind? Before you buy such furniture cushions make sure the fabric is treated against moisture. To ensure strength while you can buy polycyclic fiber pillows, but a wise choice and cushions are vinyl or PVC fiber.
In winter, outdoor cushions should be stored in areas away from moisture, but that’s not before you ensure that previously were very well cleaned and dried. During the hot season does not leave exposed to rain or storms furniture. If a short summer rain took you by surprise, clean seats or seats as soon as the rain ended. It is also very important that the pillows should not be exposed to direct sunlight because ultraviolet produce chemical reactions that can damage fabrics.
Dirt or dust can easily be cleaned with a mixture of water and soap (or detergent) gently. For specks of dust that have already penetrated between the fibers can use a hose and a little bleach. But not before making sure that the instructions for use of furniture not prohibit it! As a last solution, you can choose to replace cushions for outdoor furniture. You can find the best prices at the local store or even trough Amazon, Ebay, or why not, speak with a neighbor that is handy and she can build from the scratch a replacement cushions for outdoor furniture.

Metal furniture
If a metal furniture is your choice to decorate the new terraces should pay special attention to how you will carry and maneuver in the future. Impact with other objects may cause chipping paint covering the metal and the cracks so formed will became an environment for the emergence and expansion of rust.
Some furniture can be removable, folding or collapsible and can be wood or plastic caps to avoid rust. However, if the metal fittings are used, they should be brass, stainless steel or aluminium because they are corrosion-resistant materials.

Aluminum Furniture
Aluminum is the ideal solution if you want to ask yourself the appearance of rust. Instead, as with painted metal, special attention should be paid to how the furniture is shipped because the impact with hard objects can be deformed.

Wrought iron furniture
Wrought iron garden furniture is more durable over time, but it is hard, solid or even robust, which makes it difficult to move. Can be cleaned with mild detergent and water, provided it dry thoroughly in the end and pay special attention to solid feet, below which water can infiltrate.
Wrought iron disadvantage is that when it rains or winter, the furniture is very difficult to move. Additionally, iron rusts, such as wrought iron chairs and tables must be well treated with anti corrosive paint.

Natural fiber furniture
The most expensive, but also the most elegant garden furniture is made of bamboo, rattan and water hyacinth. Such furniture is extremely demanding because of care involves avoiding contact with sunlight, strong wind or rain. Can be used to clean a damp cloth and mild detergent. Rarely, a deep cleaning can be used a hose stream, mentioning not soak the wood with water. Except in this case makes bamboo furniture, which should not be exposed in any way direct contact with water.
Water and moisture can damage resistance for furniture, for which furniture must be dried well before using. In general, regular vacuuming is sufficient and will prolong the life of natural fiber furniture.

Plastic Furniture
The furniture is made of hard plastic that will give you the least hassle. Of course, it may break or crack, but with very little care, can last long time. The biggest advantage of this material is that it can be washed and hose, without the risk of damage.
All you have to do is get him out spring on the terrace or garden and you just need to clean.

I hope that this article was useful, and you have learn how to take care of your outdoor furniture and even how to have a replacement cushions for outdoor furniture.

All weather wicker outdoor furniture

all weather wicker outdoor furnitureWicker is a material used for the manufacture of many all weather wicker outdoor furniture.
Although these materials prove to be quite strong, they should receive, as wood, some care to keep the charm and brilliance.
But if for some reason we want to change some aspect, we can always paint them.

Deep cleaning.
For frequent cleaning of the wicker furniture, vacuum cleaner is ideal, set at maximum power level.
Have insisted on the sides and often braids spaces between braids.
If needed you can clean it, with a soft brush, which can be used successfully, for smaller objects that cannot be cleaned with vacuum cleaner.
To remove stains call a sponge soaked in soapy water, you have added an teaspoon of ammonia.
Then rinse with plenty of water and allow air-drying furniture, sheltered from sunlight and away from any direct heat source.

As new.
If caught a willow gray tint or color is not as open as before, you can clean the furniture with a solution prepared from a cup of Javel water in a liter of water;
Impregnated furniture with this solution, using your sponge.

You can also use this operation, the water you have added salt and lemon. After you have applied the solution, let her work for a few hours, rinse furniture and let it dry according to the procedure described above.

Objects can be treated straw “anointing them” with lemon juice, using a soft sponge.
After being treated so the all weather wicker outdoor furniture must be rinsed with water.

Treated, restored …
In case that the all weather wicker outdoor furniture were attacked by insects xylophages, wicker furniture (bamboo, straw, raffia, etc.) should be treated with an insecticide fungicide.
It is very important that the solution to be applied after the surface was cleaned of any finish.

To preserve the natural color of your garden furniture, apply with a brush, a colorless varnish or a mixture composed of a liter of warm water, 3 tablespoons of linseed oil and a teaspoon of essence of turpentine.
Let it dry, then buff it with a soft cloth

If you want to change the “face”, you should know that objects in wicker, raffia, etc., can be painted with paint for wood, but only after being cleared of any finish.

Besides the traditional paint, you can use paint – powder that dissolves in water very hot and spray paint, so your all weather wicker outdoor furniture will look perfect.