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| Photo by Wicker Paradise |
The nicest looking furniture is the one
made of natural materials, preferably wood or wicker. They effectively present
themselves in large gardens and terraces. For a small garden, you should pick
the furniture which will be as light as possible, and the one that may be
easily folded or manouvered, not only in the garden but also during the
transportation from the store. A great idea could simply compose of a table and
a simple bench.
The well preserved garden furniture will be
beautiful for many years. The easiest ones to maintain are the pieces made of
plastic, metal and techno-rattan. Just regularly clean them with water and
washing-up liquid, not much is required. Furniture of other materials should be
protected from rain and frost with special chemicals.
Less durable man made materials
The most common man made furniture is the
one made out of plastic. They are available in many colours, they are certainly
very light and the cheapest among the available garden furniture. Plastic
furniture is also resistant to rain and does not require any complicated
treatments - just wipe them with a damp cloth, and the problem will be solved!
Unfortunately they have some disadvantages. They are often of poor quality –
eventually the colour fades when exposed in the sun for too long, in addition
they are susceptible to mechanical damage and are not counted as the most
elegant furniture.
A dignified furniture of wood
Another suggestion for the garden
furniture, is furniture made of wood. They have different forms, ranging from
simple, elegant and traditional - made of logs. They can be made from domestic
wood such as oak, beech, pine or perhaps exotic wood. They are much more
durable than plastic and although they are quite expensive (4 folding chairs
and a table made of exotic wood can be bought at the market for about £190)
they can serve us for years, just maintain them properly, and they will sustain
their beautiful nature for a lifetime. This maintenance should be usually and
preferably performed before and at the end of the season. In order to do this
we could use many different products, ranging from various varnishes or oils.
The only disadvantage is the weight of the furniture and the related problem of
moving it about.
Wicker and rattan furniture in the garden
Another suggestion for the garden furniture
are the pieces made out of wicker or rattan. They are light and are very
popular. Suitable for most gardens, although they present themselves the best
on terraces, when surrounded by flowers. Just like wooden furniture, rattan furniture should be protected from rain, harsh sun, and in winter should be kept inside
an interior. If properly maintained, they can serve us for years. Another
variation of this furniture are pieces made out of techno-rattan – meaning a
plastic imitation of rattan, though this material is certainly more durable and
without a doubt, it can be left out in the rain or sun.
In order to clean wicker furniture, you
certainly cannot use soap - it would otherwise turn the furniture into a grey
and dull colour over time. You can paint them with clear or coloured varnish
that will protect them from moisture. The wicker covered with spirit stains
also presents itself beautifully. Before we do so, however, be sure to degrease
the furniture with spirit solvents.
In terms of rattan garden furniture you need to vacuum it at least once a week and wipe with a damp cloth –in order to prevent the dust layer formation. We can also wash them with a cloth or a soft brush moistened with water. To prevent drying and cracking of the wicker and rattan furniture, simply gently rub them with vegetable oil or sunflower from time to time, thus after polishing them with a clean cloth. First, however, you should warm up the oil slightly in order for it to be used more easily.
In terms of rattan garden furniture you need to vacuum it at least once a week and wipe with a damp cloth –in order to prevent the dust layer formation. We can also wash them with a cloth or a soft brush moistened with water. To prevent drying and cracking of the wicker and rattan furniture, simply gently rub them with vegetable oil or sunflower from time to time, thus after polishing them with a clean cloth. First, however, you should warm up the oil slightly in order for it to be used more easily.
