Outdoor Furniture

Features of Patio Chair Covers

May 22, 2019 By YardSurfer Leave a Comment

Although most outdoor chairs are intended to be kept outdoors at all times, they often need a little extra protection to extend their life.

Water and dust can work together to permanently damage and stain patio chairs, especially if they have fabric with cushioning.

If you don’t intend to bring your patio chairs indoors or store them in a shed, then using patio chair covers becomes all that more important.

Covers for patio chairs are designed to protect your investment for years to come. When applied between uses, your chairs will never be damaged by the sun, rain or dirt.

They apply easily and stay on tight, often using Velcro or elastic bands to secure them on.

While it may seem that a patio chair cover is simply a piece of fabric or plastic, there are many features to look for that can enhance your chair protection experience.

This guide intends to cover these features to help you make a better purchase decision.

How to Choose a Chair Cover Size

Patio chair covers are usually measured in terms of the height of the chair’s back to the base of the legs.

The chair cover should leave about an inch of uncovered space at the base of the legs to prevent the cover from getting caught under the legs when moving the chair.

Manufacturers almost always specify the length, width, and height of the cover, so measure your chair beforehand to ensure that it fits within these boundaries. If your chair is atypically tall at the back, a “high-back” patio chair cover is a good choice. Extra tall chair covers are available for chairs that are stackable.

The stackable chair covers can protect several patio chairs while in the stacked position.

This allows users to store their chairs in a compact fashion while still ensuring protection.

Velcro / Elastic Bands

To ensure that the patio chair cover stays on snug, many covers have special bands at the bottom which attach to the chair’s legs. Without these bands, winds can pose a serious problem, blowing the covers off unexpectedly.

Elastic loops require the user to lift up each chair leg to wrap it around each one. Velcro straps are easier to use in that they strap around each leg without any lifting necessary.

If you do not anticipate high winds in your area, straps like these may not be a necessary extra.

Weatherproof Materials

It is important to pay attention to the type of material the patio chair cover is made of. Some covers don’t actually provide protection from the sun or rain.

If the cover is made from vinyl, PVC or any other plastic, you can be sure that it will provide sufficient protection from moisture.

However, unless the manufacturer states that the cover is UV proof, it may not protect the chairs from sun damage which causes fading.

Fabric covers are generally more appealing in design and color and can offer comparable or superior protection to that of plastic varieties.

Fabric outdoor chair covers have a natural or synthetic weave on the exterior which is mostly decorative. The inside is lined with vinyl or PVC which provides the waterproofing benefits.

Fabric has the advantage of blocking out all sunlight to prevent sun damage. If you live in an area with below-freezing temperatures, I suggest purchasing a cover with an “anti-crack” feature.

Air Vents

Some patio chair covers are equipped with air vents. These specialized vents allow air to flow freely through the cover, preventing it from blowing off in extreme winds.

In addition, the air flowing through these vents can prevent condensation from building up in the chair.

Moisture that gathers on a metal chair can cause rust, while moisture in seat cushions can cause discoloration and rot.

Single Vs. Multiple Chairs

If you have an outdoor dining set with chairs and a table, there are covers available that can protect everything at once. These larger covers are draped over your whole patio set at once, eliminating the need for multiple covers.

With a single cover, users don’t need to slide or stack all of their chairs before covering them. Both rectangular and circular shaped covers are available.

Related Guides:

Outdoor Rocking Chairs

The Best Garden Benches of 2019

May 17, 2019 By YardSurfer Leave a Comment

A garden bench is a must-have for anyone who spends a substantial amount of time in their yard.

Functionally, they enhance your own ability to enjoy the space, the view, the weather… and aesthetically, they can make major contributions to the beauty of your private sanctuary.

Two important things to consider before positioning the outdoor furniture

First is the place or site. Be sure you’re putting the bench somewhere not under the direct heat of the sun. There’s a bit of a balance here. If you’re willing to clean animal and bird droppings off the bench regularly, then placing your garden bench under a tree might be perfect. But if not, you need to think creatively about somewhere shaded (next to a tall fence, perhaps) that’s not directly under the shade of a tree.
Second is the material your bench is made of. The material determines durability. But it also affects the colors– whether it will match your garden or yard’s design.

Most Popular Types of Garden Benches

There are different kinds of garden benches you can find for your yard. But not all materials are a perfect match for your outdoor design or setup.

Three of the most frequently-picked materials are wood, concrete, and metal.

See which one’s for you:

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Wood Garden Bench

Most gardens have a wooden garden bench. Wood material for outdoor furniture varies.

You have a number of types of wood to select from:

Acacia
Cedar
Cypress
Teak
Redwood

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Among the aforementioned, Acacia is the most commonly used materials for wooden garden benches. Most people choose this for both eco-friendly lifestyle and sustainability.

For a more stylish option, Cedar is a great choice.

Since it can stains and paints perfectly, it can perfectly match any furnishing at home.

wooden garden bench — Credits to https://yandex.ru/

Concrete Garden Bench

The concrete garden bench is a perfect choice if you are looking for something more permanent for your outdoor furniture. Since the material is concrete, expect your furniture to be a lot heavier.

This is yet another frequently-used material for an outdoor bench because concrete is considered to be a very stunning material, specifically for outdoors as it complements both the teak and wicker furniture so well.

If you’re looking for a weatherproof garden bench…

You could try a plastic bench to solve the same problem. Concrete can get quite expensive, but these plastic benches stand up to rain very well over time.

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Metal Garden Bench

When it comes to the metal garden bench, the material used for this is more commonly called the ‘thermoplastic material.’ This is an eco-friendly coating used for benches made of metal. Additionally, thermoplastic benches are also common not just in gardens but in schools, recreational spaces, office buildings, and parks, as well. Relatively, expanded metal is frequently seen in the usual park settings.

These are the top 3 materials you can choose for your outdoor bench. Whatever your choice is, be sure to know how to properly maintain it to avoid the appearance of rust and cracks.

Proper maintenance of the bench, whatever material it’s made of, can help the outdoor furniture to last longer and for many years.

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Outdoor Fun with a Children’s Picnic Table

May 15, 2019 By YardSurfer Leave a Comment

Dining outdoors is one of the best ways to enjoy time with your family. A children’s picnic table is a great way to allow both the adults and kids to have fun on a picnic trip.

When bringing the children along to a picnic, it helps to provide them with kid-sized accommodations to make the experience enjoyable for them.

Kids like having their own furniture and possessions that they can call their own.

These tables are quite similar to the picnic tables designed for adults, except that they are smaller in size. The seats and table surface sit lower to the ground to make it easy for them to eat, color and play.

Many of these tables are made from colorful plastic resin which is easy to clean up after the kids make a mess. Some picnic tables can fold up and put in the car for trips to the park.

Tables from Little Tikes

Little Tikes makes a full line of children’s picnic table that is sized just right for younger children. These tables are made with bright colors that are enjoyable to kids while blending in well with backyard surroundings.

The best part about these tables is that they require no tools to set up or take down.

Made from durable plastic resin, Little Tikes’ picnic tables are made to last both indoors and out.

When kids make a mess with their food, which is bound to happen, the table’s surface can be cleaned quickly using a soapy rag. If the table resides outside, cleanup is even easier using a garden hose.

Children will enjoy doing activities other than eating, such as coloring in a book or playing with toys.

Portable Children’s Picnic Table

Picnics aren’t always going to be had right in your own backyard. When you want to travel somewhere to a picnic, such as at a local park, a more portable table solution is needed.

Portable picnic tables are designed to be portable and easy to carry. Available in children and adult sizes, these units fold up into a compact form for easy transport in the car.

Many of these tables have benches on either side that fold up with them, eliminating the need to carry seating with you. A portable picnic table is a must if you will be venturing between locations frequently.

Shading – When the Outdoor Summer Heat is too Hot for Children

If children will be using the table outside during the peak of the day, it is important to look for children’s picnic table with some type of shading structure.

Children have sensitive skin which can be sun damaged easily. For this reason, many manufacturers have attached shade umbrellas to their tables.

These umbrellas provide shading to the table below. They sit in a mount in the table and are removable.

Small Folding Table Designs

May 10, 2019 By YardSurfer Leave a Comment

Tables are an essential part of outdoor living and come in many forms.

Most outdoor tables are designed to be put in a specific area and stay put. Big outdoor dining tables can be very difficult to move around if you need to make a quick change for a party or other backyard event.

To serve your guests well, a small folding table or two may be just what you need. Small folding tables are lightweight enough to carry around and fold up into a compact size for storage.

You can store these tables behind a door or in a storage shed between uses, ready to be used on a whim for even the most unexpected occasions.

Small tables such as these are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use while still remaining functional.

They use a system of joints which allow the legs to fold under the table top.

When in use, the legs lock into a rigid position to remain strong at all times.

A Brief Overview:

Locking Joints
Table Top Material
Portability

Locking Joints

You may be wondering how a folding table can be strong enough to support more than a couple of items. The secret is in the durable metal frame.

While the table top can be made from several different materials such as wood or molded plastic, the legs of a small folding table are made of metal.

This provides the rigidity needed to support heavy objects such as beverage coolers and snacks. With tables that are shaped in perfect squares, each of the four legs has its own joint.

Users pull the legs out into the final position in which they then lock in place. To collapse the table, users press on a small metal tab which releases the lock.

The whole process takes but a few seconds

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Round or rectangular tables have a slightly different joint mechanism. In these varieties, the tables have legs that are connected in pairs.

Users pull the pairs out and lock them in place with a retainer ring.

To collapse the table, simply slide the ring upward and push the joint in. On all small folding tables, these joints allow the legs to fold up right against the tabletop, making the table only a few inches thick once collapsed.

Table Top Material

Choosing the right table top material is essential when purchasing a small folding table. If you intend to use the table for food and drinks, a plastic molded top may be best.

Plastic tops are easy to clean and do not stain easily.

Wood tops are safe to use around liquids because they have a protective sealer but can require yearly re-application for maintaining waterproofing.

Besides the occasional maintenance involved with wooden folding tables, these varieties are quite beautiful in design. Metal mesh tops are not as easy to clean because of the small grooves in the surface.

However, liquids can easily pass through the grooves and onto the ground.

Folding tables with padded tops provide a pleasing feel to the hands but can be less stable, allowing drinks to topple more easily.

In addition, padded tops should not be left outdoors for extended periods for risk of sun and water damage.

Portable Folding Tables

One quite intuitive table design is completely portable and can be set up just about anywhere.

Portable folding tables take longer to set up and take down but fit into a much smaller space.

These tables consist of a series of metal slats that sit on a folding metal frame.

The entire structure can fit into a small carry case and brought where it’s needed. If super compact portability is your goal, a portable table is my recommended way to go.

Adjustable Height Folding Table Guide

When you are hosting an outdoor event at the home or on the go, having enough tables can make or break the experience.

Large groups of people always need a place to put their beverages and snacks.

Without the right tables, people won’t have any place to dine or converse.

Most likely, you don’t keep this amount of tables sitting out on your back porch. For events, a portable, folding table is the best choice because you can bring it out only when needed.

The most flexible type of folding tables are the ones which have adjustable heights.

These models have legs which can be adjusted on the fly to change the overall height of the table. While not as elegant as a bistro table set, these tables provide unparalleled reliability and function.

Adjustable Height

The ability to adjust a table’s height has many beneficial implications.

Different heights are desired in different scenarios.

For example, a table intended for eating a meal should be lower than a table designed to hold snacks at a party. The dinner table needs to be lower because people will be sitting in chairs next to it.

With a snack table, people usually walk up to it, take what they need and walk away.

An adjustable height folding table can be shortened to become more user-friendly for children. These tables have four different contact points on the legs which must be pressed to adjust the elevation of the table.

These small spring-loaded buttons are designed to allow the table legs to slide up or down when presses.

When you reach the height you want, the buttons will click into pre-drilled holes, locking the legs into position. Once locked they will stay in position until you change them.

To collapse the table into the folded position, the legs must be returned to their shortest length.

Style of Legs

The smaller adjustable height folding tables are most commonly seen with an “X” style folding mechanism. The adjustable legs cross each other, forming an X shape.

The height of the table is changed not by extending the legs but by changing the shape of the X.

This is the simplest style of small folding table to operate but can become less stable the higher the table stands.

This is due to the width of the legs becoming shorter as the height increases. These table styles are recommended only for light loads.

The more heavy duty style of adjustable legs are the ones with cross braces.

These tables have a pair of legs, each of which has a cross beam to support it and lock it into place. A small retainer ring locks the beam in place, making it extremely rigid.

These tables are capable of supporting several hundred pounds of evenly distributed weight.

They are also larger than the X style frames, making them more suited for large events.

Table Top Material

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If you intend on using your table outdoors or in the presence of staining liquids, I recommend choosing an adjustable height folding table with a plastic molded top.

The plastic tops are easy to clean, requiring only a quick spray with the hose or in worst cases, a soapy rag.

Plastic molded tops are durable and are not prone to cracking or chipping even in cold weather. For indoor use, a particle board table with a decorative laminate can be an appealing choice.

While susceptible to long-term exposure to moisture, these tables stay pristine is cleanup is done right after a spill.

When working with clothing or other delicate materials, a folding table with a padded top can help prevent damage. Padded tops are best used for items that are not breakable, as the padded surface is not as stable as a hard one.

What is a Portable Picnic table?

There is no better way to spend a warm spring day than with your family on a picnic.

The typical picnic excursion is portrayed with a checkered sheet sprawled across the ground with tasty treats placed on top.

The problem with this setup is that picnic-goers are required to sit on the ground, which can be uncomfortable.

Also, critters like ants can make quick work of your meal if you’re not careful. The good news is that there is an easy way to create the perfect picnic easting environment no matter where you go.

A portable picnic table is a special piece of furniture that can be taken just about anywhere.

These folding tables are durable enough to be used outdoors and are small enough to fit into the trunk of a car.

Portable Picnic Table Design

Portable picnic tables are a great way to enjoy a picnic or any other outdoor event in comfort.

They frequently come with matching chairs so you can sit down during your meal.

When food is kept up off the ground, the risk for spills and pest infestation is greatly reduced. These tables are so portable because they feature a folding frame that can be set up in minutes.

With a durable plastic or metal frame, users do not have to worry about weather damage or staining from drinks.

Rigid tables such as ones used on a back patio are simply too bulky and heavy to transport on a whim.

Even if you happen to have a folding table on hand, you can’t be sure that it can stand up to outdoor conditions or spills. Some tables are not designed to handle the weight of an entire meal.

Choosing a portable picnic table for all of your outdoor dining needs is the safest way to go.

Folding Briefcase Design

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There are two major types of portable picnic tables.

The first type folds up into a compact shape that is comfortable to carry. These “briefcase” style picnic tables have a handle that can be used to easily carry them from the car to the picnic site.

At only a few inches thin when folded, these tables can fit into even the smallest of cars. One of the best parts about these tables is that they come with attached benches on both sides.

The benches fold up with the table into a single compact briefcase.

The frames are made of metal, while the table and seat tops are made from colored plastic which is resistant to staining.

Everything is held together by a series of joints. This all-in-one solution is perfect for families of up to four people.

Since everything is included in a single compact package, users don’t have to worry about bringing along multiple pieces of furniture.

Roll-Up Picnic Tables

Another handy type of portable picnic table has roll-up functionality.

These tables do not come with chairs attaches but fold up into a smaller profile than the briefcase versions.

The table top consists of a series of slats which roll up along with the legs for storage. To set up, users first expand the leg section, then unroll the table slats onto the top.

While more involved in assembly than the before-mentioned table, these models are more compact and lightweight.

Users will need to either sit on the ground around the table or provide their own seating. The table fits into a small tubular carry bag that has a shoulder strap.

Looking for a designer table set for use on the patio? Consider using a bistro table set.

Need a children’s picnic table for the little ones?

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Padded Folding Chairs

Illumination With a Solar Patio Umbrella

May 10, 2019 By YardSurfer Leave a Comment

A solar patio umbrella provides more than just shade from the sun. These specialized umbrellas are equipped with LED lights on the underside that glow brightly at night.

These lights are powered by solar technology, meaning that the umbrella requires no external power source. Absorbing energy from the sun during the day, the solar panel on top provides all the power it will ever need.

These umbrellas come in many sizes just like regular ones and provide excellent shading benefits from the piercing sun. Typically, if a person wanted to put lights on their existing umbrella, they would have to purchase and attach them manually.

Buying a pre-lit umbrella saves money and time, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your yard and less time adjusting light fixtures.

Solar umbrellas have poles that fit into your existing table or free-standing mount. Companies like Sunergy and Southern Patio make a full line of these amazing products.

Solar Technology

A solar patio umbrella looks just like any other umbrella except for a few important details. Upon closer inspection, you will see that the veins underneath the umbrella’s covering are lines with LED light bulbs.

These bulbs connect to a solar panel that is mounted to the top of the umbrella. During the day, direct sunlight hits this photovoltaic panel, converting it into electrical energy. This energy is then stored in a set of rechargeable batteries which provide power to the patio lights at night.

A tiny light sensor tells the lights to turn on automatically at dusk, allowing for hands-free operation. An on/off switch allows users to manually turn the light on or off if desired. The batteries for the solar patio umbrella lights only need to be replaced about every two years.

The LED light bulbs in these systems have a practically limitless lifespan of 100,000 hours.

Colors and Styles

Choosing a solar patio umbrella is like choosing a new car- you might not know exactly what color or style you want until you see it first hand. Many retailers offer great pictures and descriptions on the internet so you can make a decision without making a trip.

Solar patio umbrellas are featured in many colors. The fabric used in the protective cover can vary between manufacturers, but share the same trait of providing UV protection from the sun. Umbrellas come in both square and circular sizes and mount from a steel or aluminum pole.

The square umbrellas are mostly used in free-standing mounts to cover seating area by the poolside or by the patio, etc. Circular umbrellas are commonly seen mounted to an umbrella-compatible table.

Uses of Solar Umbrella Lights at Night

Without adequate lighting on in our backyard, it probably won’t get used. Outdoor lighting options are often difficult to install, preventing people from turning their backyard into an enjoyable place to spend an evening.

Patio umbrella lights defy convention by providing instant light exactly where you need it. Under the soft glow of the umbrella’s LED lights, users can enjoy a meal, watch the stars or engage in pleasant conversation.

Because the light is positioned directly overhead, light encompasses the entire area below.

Outdoor patio lighting can drastically improve the look and feel of any yard.

Related Guides:

Looking for more unique ways to light up your yard? Visit our guide on solar rock lights.

Broaden your view of solar technology with solar patio lights.

Umbrellas aren’t the only things you can light up in your yard. Check out our guide on solar patio lighting for more information.

Sunlight Protection With A Deck Canopy

May 10, 2019 By YardSurfer Leave a Comment

Sunlight can make an outdoor deck space uncomfortable and unpleasant to be in. Nobody likes to be hot and sticky when they have invested time and money into making their outdoor space an enjoyable place to be.

Fortunately, shading options for decks are available, the most effective being a deck canopy.

Deck canopies are designed to provide protective shading to a deck underneath.

Usually mounted above a patio door, these patio shades come in many sizes even for the largest of decks.

Most models can retract and expand as necessary, opening when needed.

Some models are equipped with electric motors that expand the canopy with the touch of a button.

Deck canopies are quite effective at shielding users from sunlight and light rain. Prominent manufacturers include King Canopy, SunSetter and more.

Deck Canopy Protection

A deck canopy is an obvious choice for individuals who need adequate protection on their deck.

Eating outdoors, barbecuing, conversing and just enjoying nature become more enjoyable with this simple deck augmentation. Underneath the protective shade, temperatures can drop up to 20 degrees.

The canopy is made of fabric, usually polyester.

Some of the higher end models have layered fabric and/or are coated with Teflon to allow rainwater to glance off harmlessly and to make cleaning easier.

The fabric blocks harmful UV rays which can cause sunburn.

Canopies for decks can also improve the energy efficiency of your indoor home, too. Patio doors let in quite a bit of heat, especially in the summer months.

The expansive glass panels on patio doors can let in excessive amounts of heat into the room beyond, running up air conditioning costs.

A deck canopy placed over the patio door serves the dual purpose of cooling your home and providing shade outdoors.

The canopy can be rolled up in the winter months to allow sunlight to naturally heat the inside of your house.

Choosing a Size for Your Canopy

Deck canopies are dimensioned in length and width. For example, a canopy of 10ft x 12 feet is 12 feet wide and comes out from the wall 10 feet.

The canopy should be a couple of feet longer in all directions than the area you intend to cover underneath. This is because the sun changes angles during the day and will angle into your deck space to some degree.

This effect will be amplified if the length of your deck is parallel to the North/South directions. In this case, you should get a canopy with a longer depth.

Manual vs. Automatic

The “big question” for many is whether or not to get a deck canopy with an electric motor.

Electric motors allow the canopy to roll up without any human power.

They are controlled by either a button or a wireless remote. Automatic deck canopies are noticeably more expensive but can be a lot more convenient. Manual models require the user to spin a handle to open and collapse the frame.

This process usually takes less than a minute.

If you want to completely eliminate any work associated with your canopy, a motorized model may be for you. For the sleekest look, electric wiring is run through the walls to power the motor.

Mounting the Canopy

Mounting a deck canopy is best reserved for the professionals if you don’t have any prior experience. Wooden studs must be located within the exterior wall to provide a solid mounting surface.

Heavy duty anodized screws are used to secure the canopy to the wall, forming a semi-permanent bond.

Moving the canopy afterward can be quite a hassle, so make sure you choose the right location the first time.

Several people can be used to hold up the un-mounted canopy above the deck to gauge the best location.

Conclusion

Deck canopies are long-term solutions to controlling the weather on your deck.

With heavy-duty aluminum or steel coated frames, these systems are an investment that can last a lifetime when cared for.

Related Guides:

If you can’t afford the cost of a canopy, but want to enjoy the benefits of a shaded patio, consider using a pop up gazebo. These gazebos are easy to set up and can become a permanent fixture in your outdoor home.

I personally recommend a 10 x 10 gazebo size to start off with.

Besides keeping yourself cool, shades can help your outdoor furniture to stay in good shape. For maximum protection, try using patio chair covers.

http://yardsurfer.com/hot-tub-gazebo/Hot Tub Gazebo