Teak Furniture - How to Care for it Properly

Many finer homes and businesses feature beautiful indoor and outdoor furniture made from teak. Although the obvious reason is the beauty that comes from teak, there are many benefits to choosing this type of wood. Saturated with natural oils required to survive the rainforest where teak grows, this wood is naturally resistant to rot, insects, and outdoor elements. Therefore, while the price of teak furniture is generally a little more than you would pay for cedar, redwood, or oak, the fact that teak furniture is strong and durable, it is money well spent.

However, because you will spend more for quality teak furniture, it is important to know how to care for your teak furniture to enhance its beauty and help it last even longer than normal. Keep in mind that the nice thing about teak is that it can be made for both indoor and outdoor furniture. Regardless of where the teak furniture is placed, you can be sure it will look stunning and complement any home or patio.

The key with teak furniture is to use products that will bring out its natural color. Since teak varies from a blonde to golden amber to a rich, warm caramel, choosing the right product is important. Unfortunately, even with teak, if any wood furniture is left outdoors without being treated, it will battle the elements. The advantage of choosing teak furniture is that it has the ability to fight a little harder. However, by using quality products to care for your teak furniture, it will retain its smooth finish, stay strong, and last for years longer.

You will find a number of excellent products on the market specifically designed for teak furniture. In addition, there are a few things you can do as well. To help remove the build-up of moss, you should wash off your teak furniture occasionally with good, old-fashioned soap and water. Just make sure you do the washing by hand, never using a power washer that can damage the furniture. You also want to make sure any soap used is nontoxic. Simply check with your local gardening center or hardware store for the best product sold in your area.

Now, some people prefer to apply a finish to their teak furniture, which is fine. For this, you have several good options. Remember, if you want you can allow the teak furniture to weather naturally. To do this, you literally do nothing. Simply leave the teak furniture outside in the elements, allowing the environment to weather on its own. With this, you will still need to wash the teak furniture with soap and water, about once a year.

Another option for your teak furniture is to use a wood oil sealer. Again, teak naturally contains oil but with a sealer, this oil will maintain in the wood grain so it lasts longer. One very important note – only use oil sealer on indoor teak furniture and never on outdoor teak furniture in that the extra oil will cause the wood to turn black from mildew. Now, if your teak furniture has been painted, you can protect it with a stain preservative. In this case, you want stain that is semi-transparent and with a UV inhibitor. Keep in mind that teak furniture manufacturers strongly discourage people from painting teak simply because it ruins the natural color and beauty while blistering and peeling over time from the oil. With a few easy steps, you can care for your teak furniture and have the confidence that it will provide you with years of beauty and enjoyment.

Adirondack Chairs - How to Choose One

As you shop around for outdoor furniture, you will notice that much of the higher quality pieces are made from teak wood, and for good reason. Teak furniture is not just sturdy and durable, but also very beautiful with rich warm tones. Manufacturers obtain their wood from different countries but the two that always produce top quality is Thailand and Indonesia.

In addition to being used as teak furniture, this type of wood actually has a long history, having been used for shipbuilding along with other forms of construction jobs. For centuries, teak has been the preferred wood since it is extremely strong and resilient. In fact, centuries ago, the people of Malaysia and India played a big role in getting word about this amazing wood, sharing about its ability to handle a wide array of outdoor elements.

Then, people during the Victoria era took full advantage of the many benefits offered by teak and began to make their own style of teak furniture as far back as the early 19th century. In addition to teak furniture created for home use, teak furniture was also designed in the form of benches to enhance local parks and public buildings. Today, you still find teak furniture at the top of the list when it comes to wood outdoor furniture.

While teak offers several benefits, the durability is considered a huge factor for individuals looking to buy patio furniture. For example, the teak wood coming from Central Asia is grown and matured in the tropical rainforests where it must weather varying environmental changes. Because of that, teak wood is naturally a great choice for outdoor furniture, as well as indoor furniture. For this reason, people will make the investment in teak furniture, knowing it will last for many, many years.

A common problem faced with other types of woods used for outdoor furniture is insects and rot. Again, by choosing teak furniture, you get the benefit of having wood that naturally fights both of these inconveniences. The primary reason is that teak, unlike most other woods, is saturated with oils that fight off insects, mold, mildew, and various forms of fungi. With teak growing in the rainforest, for it to survive, it must have the high concentrations of oil as protection against the moisture. The interesting thing about this is that even when teak becomes old and dies it is still saturated with natural oils.

Finally as mentioned, of all woods used, you will discover that teak furniture has a rich, warm appearance. The color is typically a medium to dark caramel that will often have swirls of other colors. As the teak furniture is designed and shined up, it glows and looks absolutely beautiful. Therefore, if you want gorgeous furniture that can be used for weekend entertainment, you cannot go wrong by choosing teak furniture! Without doubt, your family and friends will be envious!

Buying Parsons Chairs - What You Need to Know

Parsons chairs are commonly seen in homes around the dining room, adding a simplistic type of elegance. The great thing about using parsons chairs is that their design blends in with just about any home decor. This piece of furniture is considered "transitional" since the elements of its design covers a number or periods to include Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Mission.

Although you will find parsons chairs on the market today made from many different materials, the construction method and design remains much the same – honest and simple while offering charm and sophistication. The other fascinating aspect of parsons chairs is that because it has transitioned down through the years, you will find different elements that capture each period. For example, some parsons chairs have the richness of the Mission period, incorporating an emphasis of line in the design. Then, for the Art Nouveau period, the parsons chairs have more fluidity, a scroll back and a unique quality.

With the Art Deco parsons chairs, these tend to be more ornate and detailed. The materials used are colorful, bold, and often exotic. In fact, some of the more expensive Art Deco parsons chairs will be made from leopard skin and black ebony wood. Keep in mind that while there is a full array of Art Deco chairs, when shopping around for a “true” parsons chair, it will generally include just one small element of the Art Deco period.

As you shop around for parsons chairs, you will be focusing your attention on three elements – the back, legs, and arms. With this type of chair, the back is designed in a number of styles, which includes straight, scrolled, or camel backed. Typically, the straight back falls more in the Arts and Crafts period while the scrolled and camel back go with the Art Nouveau period. For the legs of the parsons chair, these too are seen in a number of designs. As an example, it is common to see the legs turned, tapered, fluted, upholstered, Chippendale, and cabriole. Most of the styles lean toward the Art Nouveau period with the exception of the fluted and Chippendale, falling within the Arts and Crafts.

Finally, the arms on the parsons chair are also unique. Now, keep in mind that there are some of these chairs that have no arms but most do. For those with arms, they would be scrolled, upholstered, or simply plain with exposed wood. Again, most arms come from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods except the armless chair that goes along with Arts and Crafts.

The thing about the parsons chair is that the design is so varied while still being labeled the same type of chair. For this reason, the parsons chair fits so nicely with any décor. If you love the Mediterranean or French look, the turned or scrolled legs, straight back, and exposed arms works great. If you prefer a more contemporary look, you could have a parsons chair upholstered in leather with fluted legs and no arms. However, if country is your preferred look, then the camel back is perfect. Because of the diversity of the parsons chair, people around the country have incorporated them into their dining room design.

An Upholstered Bench To Incorporate Style and Function

How do you envision your dream home? Is it rich in color and texture, romantic, cozy, warm, comfortable and inviting all at the same time? Would you love to incorporate colorful fabrics and rich textures in your home's decor but are not sure how to pull it off? You are not alone. The truth is: Many people long to incorporate the use of textured and patterned fabric into their decorating style but are not sure where they should begin.

One of the easiest and least expensive steps that can be taken to create a room that is rich in textured color is to purchase a piece of upholstered furniture. An upholstered bench is usually perfect for most people who are just beginning to experiment with decorating with fabrics because it is both beautiful and versatile.

With an upholstered bench you can choose a piece of furniture that is truly unique and captivating without having to replace all of your room’s existing furniture or rearrange the room’s layout overmuch. If you are daring, you can choose an upholstered bench with a bright, vivid fabric which will bring that added flair to your room without having to commit to a huge change. If you are looking for a something a little more subtle, perhaps an upholstered bench covered with a fabric similar in color but different in texture to your existing furnishings may be in order.

The bottom line is that there are numerous options when it comes to upholstered benches. And the beauty is that they can be placed in any room of the house including the bedroom, hallway and living room, just to name a few.

One of the most popular places to incorporate an upholstered bench is the bedroom. Upholstered bedroom benches can be used to add a romantic or Old-World feel to your intimate space. An upholstered bench can be matched and blended with practically any existing bedroom furniture or can be selected to make a bold statement or to become the focal point of the room.

Bedroom benches can also be covered with rich, colorful fabrics chosen from a large tapestry of colors and designs. Want something a little more personal or customized? Simply cover your upholstered bench with your own needlepoint work or family heirloom fabrics.

The entry hallway is also another popular place for an upholstered bench. What could be better than welcoming visitors into an elegant entryway complete with a beautifully upholstered bench where guests can sit to catch their breath or comfortably remove their overcoats and soiled shoes?

Need some extra storage space? Storage upholstered benches can be the perfect solution for non-existing or small and cramped closets. They are ideal for storing off-season bed linens and clothes or personal treasures and family keepsakes.

Not only are upholstered benches beautiful and practical, they are also very affordable. You can purchase an upholstered bench for as little as $150. Of course, you can spend a great deal more than that if your tastes and wants lead you in that direction.

So if you are looking for a piece of furniture both rich in textured color and practical, maybe you should browse the large selection of upholstered bench styles. You may just find something that is perfect.

Why Teak Furniture is the Better Choice

For centuries, it has been known that teak has qualities unlike any other wood. With an average lifespan of 75 years, teak wood has long been commended as the ideal choice for outdoor furniture.

This luxuriant hardwood has abilities to withstand the rigors of adverse climates. Teak is resistant to water, weather and warping, allowing it to withstand season after season of use. Because of its rich quality and ability to weather attractively, teak furniture is not only a sound investment; it is a symbol of luxury and affluence.

There are several leading teak manufacturers known for exceptional craftsmanship of teak furniture. One of the largest and most renowned is Kingsley-Bate. Kingsley-Bate was the first American company to use Javanese teak in the manufacture of its furniture. They, like many of their industry counterparts, use precise mortise and tenon joinery in the construction of their teak furniture. The quality material and sheer craftsmanship, provides customers with teak furniture of exceptional style and durability.

Teak furniture is offered in a wide variety of classic pieces as well as custom designs by skilled wood carvers. You can enjoy a teak bench with a carved hummingbird motif or a teak bench that has a simple but elegant design. Whatever you are looking for, a teak Adirondack chair, teak bench, teak chair or teak table, you will not be disappointed.

Over time, teak will age to a soft gray patina color. The original color of your teak furniture may be maintained with a seasonal application of a teak oil or teak protector.
Small cracks may appear on the surface of the wood over time. This is a natural part of the aging process and in no way harms the integrity of your teak furniture. Outside of cleaning with soap and water as needed, teak is virtually low maintenance.

Because of its longevity, aesthetic appeal, durability and low maintenance, teak has remained the best choice for outdoor furniture.

Why are Adirondack Chairs & Adirondack Furniture a Cottage Favorite?

With summer right around the corner, it's time to sit back and enjoy a cool beverage in an Adirondack chair.

Adirondack chair you say? What's that? The Adirondack chair is an outdoor armchair having an angled back and seat made of wide, usually wooden slats. It's been around since the early 1900's and was originally known as the Westport Chair named after a small town in New York close to the Adirondack Mountains.

What's made Adirondack chairs so popular for so long is how comfortable and stylish they are. The chair's back provides just the right angle for dozing off, and the wide arms easily accommodate a cool drink or your favorite book. Hours simply go by when you're kicking back in a comfortable seat.

Originally, Adirondack chairs were painted dark green or brown. Today, you can find an Adirondack chair in a variety of designs, colors, finishes or materials that fits your personal style. A popular Adirondack chair favorite is made from cedar since it's lightweight and rot resistant. However, today's Adirondack furniture manufacturers have extended beyond the classic using various woods and recycled plastic materials.

Adirondack chairs made from wood have been tested for durability, warping, rot and insect resistance. Most woods are kiln-dried and pressure-treated so your Adirondack furniture can be used for all-season outdoor use. Other than cedar, many woods used in the manufacturing of Adirondack furniture include teak, cypress, mahogany, alder, eucalyptus, and southern yellow pine.

Depending on the type of wood your Adirondack chair is made of, you may have various color options to choose. If the natural look isn’t what you had in mind, you can choose painted Adirondack chairs in various colors. Some manufacturers offer up to 29 different color options for their Adirondack furniture. From the classic cottage colors such as white, yellow, and barn red to the ultra-sleek flamingo pink, you are guaranteed to find a color that suits you. And if you’re daring to be even more different, you can find hand painted Adirondack chairs with sunflowers, ladybugs and even frogs on the entire back of the chair.

If you want to add even more personality to your Adirondack chair, choose from various finish options. The natural look has no finish treatment that would compromise the natural aging process of the wood. If you want to add a little splash of color, your chair may be finished with a UV protected stain allowing your furniture to age a bit more slowly. Painted Adirondack chairs are generally finished with a latex enamel that is outdoors, non-toxic and water based. Darker colors are mixed with SPF agents to resist fading.

Chairs that are painted can be finished in several ways. One way is a pristine finish, or solid color, throughout the entire piece. Another finish option is a distressed look. If your Adirondack chair has a distressed finish, this means after the color has been applied and dried, the chair’s edges and grain are slightly sanded to give the appearance of an antique look. A washed finish is sanding throughout the entire chair simulating an even more weathered and antique appearance.

Whether your Adirondack chair is painted or stained, slight maintenance will be required every 12-18 months. If that’s more work than you want, another option is a plastic Adirondack chair. Plastic Adirondack chairs are virtually maintenance-free, with the exception of a little cleaning on occasion. Although you may not have as many styles or color options to choose, plastic Adirondack chairs have been given the nod of approval by many consumers.

Plastic Adirondack chairs are made to absorb no moisture, and therefore will not rot, warp, crack or splinter like Adirondack chairs made from wood. By permeating the material with UV stabilized coloring, the need for finishing is eliminated, making the chairs virtually low maintenance. Plastic Adirondack chairs are built to last a lifetime. They are unaffected by sun, rain, snow, even chlorine and saltwater, making this type of chair the epitome for the low-maintenance consumer.

So take the time to sit back and relax in this country classic, perennial favorite. Adirondack chairs are handsome and durable and can host an outdoor party or a crowd of one. Either way, your Adirondack chair will be an always-ready invitation for comfort and relaxation.

Tips for Choosing Log Furniture

If you just love that rustic look, and are finally ready to finally buy log furniture for your home, there are a number of “rules of thumb” that can help you in making good choices.

Begin by considering the overall style of your home. Do you have a log home that is overwhelmingly rustic? Or are you seeking to add a rustic touch to one or more rooms of a more conventional home?

Size is Everything

Homes that feature large logs, spacious ceilings or are roomy in general require a different flavor of rustic furniture than their more conventional counterparts. If large logs make up the walls of your room, or you have a fireplace made from monster rocks from Montana, you’ll need a massive log look for your furniture as well. Otherwise, your log furniture will seem dwarfed and insignificant.

Even if the home for your log furniture is a cabin with 8-inch logs, a few large pieces of furniture will look better than many small ones. Larger furniture makes a room feel full without being cluttered.

If your bedroom has a high cathedral ceiling, a log canopy bed can help fill out the dimensions. There is also much you can do with artwork and lighting to make the best use of your space.

Types of wood

A variety of wood types are used to create rustic furniture. Following is an overview of several which are available on our website:

Steam-bent Hickory

Hickory is a very durable, flexible wood. Many a child has climbed to the top of a green hickory sapling to ride it down as it yields to the weight without breaking. When heated with steam for a period of time, Hickory poles can easily be formed into various unique pieces of furniture. The steamed poles are placed in a jig and left to dry. They will become very rigid and retain this shape when dry.

Steam-bent hickory is strong enough to be used for tools such as hammers and axes, and unpeeled hickory accounts for one of the best-selling lines of log furniture. The Amish use steam-bent hickory to make dining room chairs, as the legs for dining room tables, coffee tables, and rockers.

Northern White Cedar

Northern White Cedar grows in Northern Michigan and Canada. It withstands the abuse of seasonal elements without breaking down or rotting like other woods. It is a beautiful light tan color when freshly milled.

It turns silvery-gray with age, but can be treated with a good quality finish to help retain its color. You will notice cracks- some small and some larger in your rustic furniture. This occurs naturally in the drying process and adds to the rustic look of our products. These cracks do not diminish the function or design of our furniture. They are not a manufacturing defect, just a natural part of seasoning, enhancing the beauty of the wood.

Red Cedar

The most surprising thing about Red Cedar (also know as Aromatic Cedar) is that it is not a member of the cedar family at all, instead belonging to the juniper family. Everyone knows the deep aromatic smell of the red cedar. The wood is heavy, and naturally insect and rot resistant.

Clothes stored in a chest made of red cedar will be protected from moths. Red cedar has tight knots that add character and beauty. It is sometimes purple, but most often a brownish red that will in time become browner even when preserved. Furniture built with red cedar will last a long time and can definitely be handed down from generation to generation.

Shopping for Quality

Not all log furniture is created equal—no matter how stylish or comfortable it may be. The quality of the materials used in log furniture, and the craftsmanship employed, vary widely—and this is often reflected in the price. While there are always some bargains to be had, it is quite true that you get what you pay for in log furniture.

With this thought in mind, buy the best furniture you can. It will look better and last longer if you do. In addition, look for all-wood or solid-wood furniture (as opposed to veneered plywood or particle boards). Solid wood furniture tends to show less wear at the joints and fittings, and also reacts better to seasonal moisture changes.

Look for well-fitted, carefully crafted connections. Dove-tailed drawers are especially known for holding together well. If you want your furniture to be finished, look for a long-lasting, tough and evenly applied coating. A word to the wise: unless you are experienced in applying furniture finish, leave the finishing up to the furniture manufacturer.

Choosing a Log Furniture Store

Let the buyer beware—there is a wide variety of customer service between log furniture stores. If you are looking to buy on line, look for a store where quality furniture and customer service are both top priorities. I have seen log furniture manufacturers and stores that always deliver late, and I have seen some who deliver on-time with shoddy quality.

Look for testimonials on the site you are considering. Call and talk to a salesman at the log furniture store. A word to the wise—log furniture websites that merely drop ship log furniture have a lot less control over quality than those who building, finish and/or ship the furniture themselves.

The ideal online log furniture store has many repeat customers who not only purchase again from their store, but recommend them to others. Quality stores are interested in more than a quick sale. They understand the value of delivering top-quality log furniture—furniture that will last a lifetime and add a truly rustic touch to your home.

Hand Stripping Furniture

Directions for HAND Stripping.

• Work with plenty of ventilation, safety goggles or glases, and skin protection. Stay out of the direct sun and stay protected from wind or strong drafts if working outside.
• Work in small areas starting at the top and working to the bottom of the piece. Apply a generous coat of gel remover. Brush on in one direction. Do not brush back and forth.
• Use soft wood scrapers and/or Steel Wool to remove crinkled finish and spent stripper.Repeat the above process until all layers of old finish are gone. On fine work, when the piece has all the finish gone and looks ready to refinish, go over it again with one last coat of stripper carefully working from top to bottom and removing stripper with Liberon #00 steel wool to ensure all traces of finish are lifted from the pores of the wood. Neutralize the wood surface by washing the piece down with Naphtha followed by Lacquer Thinner, if the piece is newer and in very good condition, a washdown with Lacquer Thinner may suffice.
• Let the stripped piece dry thoroughly for at least 24 hours to 48 hours for softer woods or pieces that required long soaking to clean off all the finish. Refinish promptly to seal and protect from humidity changes and environmental contamination.

HINTS & TIPS:

• Test to see if a through cleaning with Liberon's Wood Cleaner & Wax remover might eliminate the need to totally strip and refinish the piece.
• Use the right stripper for the finish being removed. (Determine finish type with solvents.)
• Use solvent washable strippers or paint removers.
• Avoid water washable removers to minimize grain raising, staining problems, and softening of glues or adhesives and the subsequent lifting of veneers and loosening of joinery.
• Avoid Metal Scrapers of any kind, wood fibers softened from the remover are easily compressed by hard metal edges. These sometimes apparently invisible `indents' can later show up after staining or even under clear coat finishes.
• DO NOT Sand a stripped surface. Sanding removes oxidized fibres, the natural distressing wear and ageing collectors refer to as patina. Upon refinishing uneven and splotchy effects result from the `windows' sanded into the surface. Often sanded areas of stripped wood will not take stain or finish the same as the unsanded part of the same piece. Therefore, for instance, sanding of a table leaf usually means sanding the entire top and remaining leaves. The surface was carefully prepared for the previous finish. Successful refinishing will be much easier if we disturb the wood the very least possible, in the finish removal process. If an area is badly damaged as to require sanding; proceed with care and be aware of the increased finish work that can be created by sanding. Lightly raised grain can in some cases be stained, sealed with sanding sealer, and then sanded instead of sanding on the bare wood.
• Partially strip (on Lacquers): On some pieces a top for instance might be all that really needs to be stripped and totally refinished. Proper cleaning and touch-up of dings, dents, and blemishes on sides or underpinnings with an overfinish of the existing finish might give a very professional result. In the right instance this can be a more profitable for the finisher and offer an affordable option for the customer.
• Use wax paper laid over the remover to slow evaporation and prolong working time. On difficult finishes and in drafty work areas each application of remover can then do more work.
• To lift paint or finish retained in the grain of open pored timber, despite repeated applications of remover, try the following. Let the surface dry for a day, apply a liberal coat of 1 pound cut shellac & and allow to dry throughly then try a coat of remover to lift the shellac and the adhered finish out of the pores. The wax paper trick above helps here also. On hard cases repeat the shellac and remover steps above if positive results come from the first application.

Refinishing

Stripped surfaces are always a little more problematic than finishing on new wood. Generally Pigment Wiping Stains are the best choice for coloring on the stripped surface. Lacquer shading stains and lacquer colorants blended into sanding sealer and build coats are a good bet for color correcting. Use amber lacquer on medium to darker woods or stains to give a richer and homogeneous continuity to the piece. On very light timber and on light colors use water -white lacquer or for the very clearest non-yellowing finish use CAB-Acrylic lacquer.

IMPORTANT:

PROTECT EYES and SKIN.

Always test products in an inconspicuous place to check compatibility and end results.

Companion Materials & Supplies:

• Safety Glasses or face shield for eye protection.
• Heavy duty rubber stripping gloves.
• Apron; preferably rubber or rubber coated.
• WOODEN scrapers (NOT putty knives or metal scrapers)
• Stripping BRUSH: stripper resistant plastic for getting into carvings and mouldig.
• STEEL WOOL:
  • #0 or #1 for light clear finishes, #1 or #2 for paints, &
  • #3 or #4 for very heavy built up layers of finish.
• Rags.

PRECAUTION:

Do not leave impregnated rags wadded or stacked in bundles as these can burst into spontaneous fire.

Dispose of rags and waste in accordance with local regulations; or lay rags out flat preferably outside, to dry so as to avoid any fire hazard.

Your Candles Are Killing You and Your Furniture - Substitute It!

Even though most of the houses are well lighted with electric powered lights, we can't escape using candles at home. Whether it is for a romantic candlelit dinner, for festive season such as Deepavali or Christmas or as back up when electricity cuts off, we know that candles are useful for every household. What we don't know is that candles are a common unrecognized cause of poor indoor air quality.

To be specific, the ingredient used to produce candles such as paraffin contains a host of toxin. This makes candles the major cause of black soot deposition, which damages home interiors, not to mention skin and lungs. Other dangerous ingredients in candles are lead wicks, synthetic scents and colorants.

Solution? Always go back to the nature! Try natural wax such as beeswax, soy, bayberry and palm. There are many goodness in beeswax which is derived from flowers and bees. It is nontoxic, naturally aromatic (Hey! After all, its from the flowers!) and when burned emits beneficial negative ions that actually help purify the air.

Michele Lum (michele@ideastoenhancehome.com) is the founder and CEO of Ideas To Enhance Home, a site where you can get free tips and ideas on how to enhance your home for better life in health, business, romance, children and security just by placing interesting home decors and setting up simple systems.