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How To Buy The Best Outdoor Furniture

Published on March 1, 2013 by: Ronald Skeean

How to Compare Outdoor Furniture Fabrics - A Consumers Guide

When custom designing your outdoor patio, the wide variety of outdoor furniture fabric choices can quickly overwhelm your decor selection process. Every company you come across is going to try to entice you to buy their product by promising you that their materials will offer you the highest durability, fade-resistance, color retention and ease of cleaning available on the market. However, by performing a bit of due diligence, you will quickly be able to realize the truth-tellers from the hype marketers. The key to selecting the right fabric for your outdoor furniture is to learn how to correctly compare the different fabric options to determine which one is best for your particular lifestyle.

Durability of Fabrics

Discount stores are notorious for trying to pass off cheap cotton, gingham, suede and nylon outdoor furniture fabrics as durable fabrics or webbing materials. While these materials are perfect for indoor use, they just do not hold up well outside in the elements. It could only take one rain, wind or hail storm to completely ruin the fabric, hence the bargain price.

The only wise way to justify a purchase of these items is to take them outside during fair weather days, and then store them inside until the next fair weather day. The problem with this method is that you cannot predict the weather. Therefore, you could literally go out to run a few quick errands and come back to find that a storm has completely ruined your outdoor furniture fabrics. Furthermore, your outdoor furniture is usually subject to punishing UV rays which can quickly cause fading of colors, and sometimes actually damage the strength of the material.

On the other hand, certain materials are created especially for outdoor furniture. These materials include acrylic and acrylic-blend. Acrylic-blend fabrics are generally acrylic-covered or coated polyester or cotton. These options are somewhat softer to the touch than 100 percent acrylic and come in a wide variety of styles. They also offer long-term durability and survive most types of storms virtually unscathed.

One other main key to finding fabrics that offer optimal durability over the long haul exists. This key is the distribution of threads within the pattern. If some of the threads are larger than others, the larger threads will be more likely to separate from the smaller threads during normal wear and tear. Over time, this problem can cause the entire pattern to separate and lead to the complete demise of the outdoor furniture cushion. Therefore, it is wise to select same-size thread patterns, such as Tropitone fabrics. This well-known fabric company creates an enormous assortment of pattern designs that utilize same-size threads that are pull-resistant. Tropitone fabrics are also made from either acrylic or acrylic-blend, so they offer double protection from wear and tear.

Fabric Fade resistance and Color Retention

Another added bonus you get when you select acrylic or acrylic-blend fabrics is protection from fading, which in turn maximizes color retention. This is mainly due to the solution that the manufacturer uses to dye and treat each piece. This special process enriches the fabric's individual colors, as well as enables the outdoor furniture fabrics to repel atmospheric chemicals, rot, mildew, and food and dirt stains. Although vinyl or nylon fabrics have minor fade resisting properties, these types of outdoor furniture fabrics are not very comfortable to sit on for extended periods of time. Vinyl or nylon webbing on outdoor furniture fabrics also come in limited patterns and styles, making them hard to find and even harder to replace.

Ease of Cleaning Different Fabric Types

Another main area to investigate is ease of cleaning. You can get away with a cheap cotton discount store find that has been treated with Scotchguard for a while. Vinyl is also easy to clean, if you can find a pattern and style that suits you in this material. Again, acrylic and acrylic-blend generally win over the other outdoor furniture fabrics over the long haul.

Generally, all you need to clean these materials are liquid soap and warm water for dirt, mildew, wine or food and beverage stains. Since these materials are so sturdy, acrylic and acrylic-blend outdoor furniture fabrics can also be scrubbed down and hosed off for deeper cleanings that remove ground-in stains. Many of the cleaners made for outdoor furniture may be purchased at a specialty retail store for outdoor furniture.

How To Clean Outdoor Furniture

Published on February 6, 2013 by: Ronald Skeean

Outdoor Furniture Stain Removal Tips

Many people judge how well a party went by how much mess there is to clean up the next day. If your outdoor party left you with a lot of stains on your outdoor furniture, you might very reluctantly call your shindig a hit. However, before you take too much time reminiscing about how much fun it was, it is a good idea to try to clean the stains before they set in and become permanent fixtures of your outdoor patio furniture. Wine, food and dirt are the most common stains. However, mold is another pesky problem that can quickly pop up if your soiled furniture is kept warm and wet. Whatever the stain, it is always best to treat it, and then remove the material and let it air dry in sunlight to ensure that it does not shrink in the dryer and no longer fit your furniture.

This article provides some general tips for cleaning outdoor furniture. You may also choose to contact your local outdoor furniture store or the manufacturer of your particular brand of furniture.

Wine Stain Removal

You might be surprised to learn that your still-wet red wine stain on your outdoor furniture can be picked up with white wine. All you have to do is pour a little white wine on the stain and wait for the stain to lift. Then, blot the area with a dry towel to pick up both the white and red wine. If the stain is already set-in or is a white wine stain, try a simple homemade method for removing the stain. Pour 1 tsp. of dish washing detergent into 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide. Mix well, and use a sponge to blot the area clean.

Food Stain Removal Tips

To remove food stains from your patio furniture, pour 4 tablespoons of dish washing detergent into 1 gallon of warm water. Stir the mixture well. Douse the food stain with the mixture, then scrub the stain with a sponge. Saturate the spot with water, then repeat several times to remove the stain. If the stain persists, soak the soiled area of your patio furniture well and let the solution sit on the stain for at least 20 minutes.

Mold Stain Cleaning

Vinegar is a popular mold stain removal method for outdoor patio furniture. To utilize the powerful mold-removing powers of vinegar, fill a spray bottle with undiluted vinegar. Then, saturate the mold stain with vinegar and let sit for approximately 20 minutes. Sponge off the residue. Let the furniture dry in sunlight. If a lingering vinegar smell remains, apply a few drops of an essential oil, such as lavender, lemon, gardenia or citrus oil to remove the smell.

Dirt Stains

If left untreated, dirt stains can become ground into your outdoor furniture and be almost impossible to remove. Your best defense against dirt stains is to regularly dip a large nylon brush into soapy water and scrub the entire surface area. Then, hose the area down with fresh water and let the patio furniture piece dry in the sun. Repeat this approximately every two to four weeks to keep your furniture in good shape throughout the year.

DISCLAIMER & WARNING: This cleaning tips are general in nature and we cannot assume responsibility for actual results, positive or negative, which may occur from use of this information. We strongly recommend the use of due caution and concern when applying any cleaning solution or using any type of tool to clean furniture. Any cleaning solution should be tested on an inconspicuous area to evaluate any possible problems such as bleaching, etc. All cleaning should generally be done in a shaded area, out of direct sunlight, and be done when temperatures are below eighty degrees Fahrenheit. Certain cleaning solutions made for fabrics may spot or damage paint finishes on hard surfaces or wicker. For more information you may want to contact the outdoor furniture manufacturer or visit their website.

Patio Shade Systems - Retractable Awnings

Published on February 12, 2013 by: Ronald Skeean

Top 10 Benefits of Choosing a Solair Retractable Awning for Your Home

With the abundance of retailers competing for your outdoor entertainment covering business, you might wonder if the installation expense for a Solair retractable awning is worth the cost in the long run. Numerous factors come into play when deciding if the outdoor covering is right for your home. However, taking a look at the top 10 reasons many people decide to go with this option will best illustrate why this choice offers the best return on your investment.

1. Create an Instant Outdoor Space

With the abundance of retailers competing for your outdoor entertainment covering business, you might wonder if the installation expense for a Solair retractable awning is worth the cost in the long run. Numerous factors come into play when deciding if the outdoor covering is right for your home. However, taking a look at the top 10 reasons many people decide to go with this option will best illustrate why this choice offers the best return on your investment.

2. Stop Having to Move Cumbersome Outdoor Umbrellas Up and Down

Outdoor umbrellas can come in handy throughout the year. However, they are notorious for getting harder and harder to open and close as they age from the wind, sun, rain and snow. On the other hand, you can easily retract Solair awnings, which better protects your investments from the elements and extends the overall lifetime of the shelter devices.

3. Have Total Control Over How Much Sun the Designated Area Receives Throughout the Day

When you have a fixed-frame patio awning installed, you have no control over how much sun your new patio area receives throughout any given day. This could be a problem if you have outdoor plants that only flourish in low-sun conditions. This could also be a problem if you have young children who like to remain outdoors for extended periods of time during the warm months. You can correct both of these problems, and more, by installing a Solair awning that gives you complete control over how much sun reaches your patio area during daily, high-sun conditions.

4. Heat Reduction

The whole purpose of purchasing permanent or temporary shelters is to experience protection from the sun's rays. This experience will vary greatly based upon the materials of any outdoor umbrellas or fixed-frame awnings that you purchase. However, when you select a Solair retractable awning, you can be confident that the heat reduction you experience will be consistent. This consistency derives from the manufacturer's commitment to using Sunbrella fabrics, a high-quality material that can reduce the heat index under the awning by up to 20 percent.

5. Increased Perceived Home Value

If your home is on the market, you want it to look its best at all times. You also want potential homeowners to visualize themselves happily living in the space. This is easily accomplished by purchasing a Solair awning, and creating the area below it as a highly-functional, well-decorated outdoor space. The potential bidders will see the added space as an outdoor bonus room that other comparable area homes lack.

6. Optional Features

Solair awnings are equipped to handle winds up to 5mph. However, you can receive even more protection from your selection by purchasing the optional automatic wind sensor. This handy device automatically retracts the awning when it detects stronger winds.

7. Warranty Protection

Solair stands behind its promises. Upon purchase, the company either issues a five or 10-year warranty that protects against mildew, staining and fading.

8. Style

All of Solair's retractable awnings come in a wide variety of styles and colors. Therefore, you can purchase one that already complements your existing decor, or start a whole new outdoor living area look based upon your Solair awning fabric selection.

9. Fully Customizable

Solair awnings give you the option of customizing your retractable awning to fit any space you need covered. Whether you need a little protection from the rain hitting your head over the front door, or an expansive entertaining area large enough for 50 guests, Solair can help you customize an awning that perfectly matches your individual needs.

10. Eliminates Home Entertaining Worry

When you purchase an outdoor umbrella or fixed-frame awning, you are always going to wonder if you have enough covered space for guests to sit while you are entertaining at your home. However, when you purchase a Solair retractable awning, you know that you can design a space large enough to cover invited guests, as well as unexpected guests, throughout your event.

Contact Casual Image if you want to speak with a Solair Awning Dealer in Atlanta. We can ship almost anywhere so give us a call to ask questions or palce an order.

Outdoor Furniture - Wicker vs. Cast Aluminum

Published on February 5, 2013 by: Ronald Skeean

Best Type of Outdoor Furniture

Wicker vs. Cast Aluminum Furniture

In your quest to choose the right outdoor furniture pieces for your home, you've no doubt run across two major contenders in the game – wicker and cast aluminum. Both styles come in a wide variety of traditional and contemporary styles, and in most cases similar styles of each material can be found for comparable prices. However, the differences in the materials, durability and maintenance of the pieces are what will ultimately secure your decision to purchase one over the other.

On the other hand, cast aluminum is liquid aluminum that has been poured into a mold, and shaped into a desired piece of furniture as it cools down in the mold. Cast aluminum furniture resembles iron furniture, but is generally a lot lighter than iron, yet heavier than wicker. Being lighter it is easier to move and relocate.

Durability and Lifespan

The area in which you live can ultimately dictate your decision to purchase cast aluminum outdoor furniture over its wicker counterparts. If you live in an area of the country that experiences a lot of rain, you might notice that your wicker patio furniture is susceptible to weather-inflicted corrosion and rot. Damp wicker furniture has also been known to attract insects who feed off of the wet natural or synthetic fibers. In contract, cast aluminum furniture does not rust when repeatedly exposed to moisture. Cast iron or wrought iron furniture can rust however prompt attention to any exposed metal will alleviate any rust problems.

Outdoor Furniture Maintenance

All you generally need to keep wicker furniture clean is a garden hose. On occasion, you might want to hand wash your wicker furniture pieces with mild dish washing liquid and water. Over time, you might also have to replace bent or missing wicker patio furniture reeds. This process, which requires a lot of DIY patience or out-of-pocket professional repairing expense, can add a lot of time and restoration costs to the final overall price of your wicker outdoor furniture choice. After considerable use you may need to repaint your wicker furniture. This usually requires only a light cleaning, and a couple of hours with a few cans of spray paint.

You can also keep cast aluminum patio furniture clean with soap and water. This material is virtually unbreakable. Therefore, you do not have to worry much about major repairs, just minor nicks or scratches in the pain that can be usually corrected with touch-up paint.

Best Furniture For Your Money

Setting aside issues of style preferences any type of high end metal outdoor furniture, cast aluminum or wrought iron, will prove to be a choice that can virtually last a lifetime. In normal use solid metal furniture is not prone to breaking, bending or otherwise become weak from use. Wicker is popular and stylish but may need periodic painting to retain a beautiful appearance. Either furniture can be refreshed with new cushions. As a long term investment, metal furniture is your best choice for durable outdoor furniture.

Gas Logs and Fireplace Decor

Published on December 15, 2012 by: Ronald Skeean

Buy Gas Logs and Fireplace Accessories For Stylish Winter Enjoyment

Gas Fireplace Style Elements and Upgrades

The warm, steady glow of a roaring fireplace is a luxury you should not have to live without. Gas fireplace logs beat a wood burning fireplaces hands down on simplicity of use, safety and continuous heat capabilities. Gas fireplaces can also slash up to 25 percent off of your energy bill, require no to little cleaning or maintenance, and keep you from chopping down wood or running out to the store to get more firewood in the harsh, winter winds. Wood fireplaces are easily converted to gas fireplaces. However, you might wonder if your decision to convert will be one you will be glad you made, or one you will soon regret. Like most homeowners, you are likely to find that converting your fireplace to gas will save you an abundance of time and money. You will also find that contemporary gas fireplace tools add an inexpensive yet striking layer of sophistication to your living room or bedroom decor.

Gas Logs for Fireplaces Are Aesthetically Pleasing

A crackling fire is the main draw of wood-burning fireplaces. However, wood fireplaces have been known to eject flaming hot wood onto family members sitting near the fire. They can also throw hot, burning wood onto your furniture, decor or floors and start a house fire lightning-fast, all-encompassing house fire. On the other hand, while not entirely fireproof, gas fireplaces present a very small fire hazard because they do not disperse any material substances into the air. The height and width of the fire they produce is also easily controlled by grounded or remote switches. Gas logs for fireplaces are calmer, aesthetically pleasing accessories that can easily be changed out to reflect evolving tastes and trends.

Decorative Fireplace Screens Are Elegant

The easiest way to transform the look of your gas fireplace is with decorative fireplace screens. Part form and part function, fireplace screens come in every imaginable metal, finish, and style. Their rising popularity makes them easily accessible online and in retail stores. These elegant fireplace accessories range anywhere from $20 to thousands of dollars in price. Stained glass, brass, cast iron, stainless steel and oil rubbed bronze are current popular decorative fireplace screens materials.

New Fireplace Tools Are a Great Decor Touch

Gas fireplace tools are another simple way to add elegant decor into your living room or bedroom. Andirons to hold the gas logs in place, and fire backs to add additional warmth and high style to your living area are two popular choices. The sky is the fireplace decor fashion limit when it comes to choosing the right mantel materials and carefully selected knick knacks. New gas logs for fireplaces are another easy way to freshen up the room's decor without blowing your design budget

 

Fireplace Screens - For Safety & Style

Published on December 12, 2012 by: Ronald Skeean

Decorative & Protective Home Decor

The Function of Fireplace Screens

The function of fireplace screens is obvious: The form of the screen functions as a barrier between the child and the fire. Generally speaking, the screen also catches stray, smoldering embers or flaming pieces of wood that often pop out of a fireplace opening not covered with a wire mesh screen. Because fireplace doors also perform the same function, many people erroneously believe that fireplace doors are superior to fireplace screens. This is usually not the case.

Fireplace Screens: Indoor and Outdoor Fireplace Child Safety Precautions

A family 'round a roaring fire is a beautiful thing. The warm, toasty feeling of being enveloped by unconditional love and primordial heat is felt inside and out by every member of the group. However, this winter postcard scene can quickly become a horror story reported by the local evening news if certain precautions are not taken to child-proof the indoor or outdoor fireplace. Luckily, fireplace screens are the simple solution to this otherwise alarming situation. Fortunately, they are also one of the fireplace accessories most accessible to everyone of every budget and design style.

As evidenced by LifeInc.'s report on third degree burns 13-month-old Brandon Christiansen sustained by gas fireplace doors, these types of fireplace child-proofing mechanisms can lend parents a false sense of security. While the doors do contain the fire, their clear glass panels can reach temperatures of over 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

On the other hand, parents can purchase fireplace screens that are more like child-safety gates. These types of fireplace accessories “rope off” the fireplace from the rest of the room. While it is important to note that an accident concerning a child can still happen with a fireplace screen, the difference between them should be considered. Strategically placed, and appropriately styled, fireplace screens define clear boundaries for children that ideally give parents control over the distance between the child and the fireplace.

Decorative Fireplace Screens

Decorative fireplace screens, sometimes referred to as fireplace doors, are usually clear or tinted glass with an ornate metal frame. The most common fireplace door systems for small fireplaces are built-in to the fireplace opening and operate on a track. Larger fireplaces often use a freestanding screen that has hinged sections and has a decorative metal frame. The finishes on the metal frames may be polished brass, copper or traditional matte black. Decorative, solid panel screens provide a higher than average level of protection for blocking ejected embers, and for blocking items from inadvertnetly falling into the fire. Solid screens however do block a substantial amount of heat generated by the fire.

Fire Pits or Outside Fireplaces Near Outdoor Furniture

If you own a fire pit or other type of outdoor fireplace, you will want to child-proof it the same way that you do your indoor fireplace, especially if the fireplaces are near pieces of outdoor furniture. Numerous types of external home fireplaces are constructed with fireplace screens attached to ensure your family's safety while enjoying the outdoors. Additionally, almost all types of outdoor fireplaces can be fitted with fireplace screens after their initial purchase.

For more information, or to get a new fireplace screen or doors you can search for a local fireplace shop to find the best selections in your area. Many fireplace stores also offer installation services for the built-in designs.

Outdoor Living Spaces Design

Published on December 7, 2012 by: Ronald Skeean

Outdoor Living Areas - Plan Now for Spring Fun

Winter is the perfect time for designing and building your outdoor living spaces and backyard oasis. While you spend the winter enjoying your covered patio, deck or veranda a contractor can create new entertaining areas and structures such as gazebos or arbors. With the hardscaping and construction completed in late winter you will have plenty of time to order new outdoor furniture and be ready for spring entertaining.

Outdoor living areas were once reserved for mild, sunny climate inhabitants. However, the growing popularity of outdoor fireplaces, firepits and space heaters have made outdoor entertaining a viable option for people that live amongst all types of atmospheric conditions. Additionally, with the wide range of outdoor patio and deck designs on the market, whatever you can conceive of your outdoor space, you can achieve. It is easy to learn how to design outdoor kitchens, dining spaces and entertaining areas with the help of the right outdoor living contractor. Educate yourself now on outdoor living design area conceptualizing, bidding and project management to ensure that your area is ready for the busy Spring outdoor season, as well as throughout the rest of the year.

Outdoor Living Area Design

Outdoor living areas generally consist of an outdoor kitchen, dining spaces and an entertainment area. Some homeowners incorporate TVs and stereo systems throughout their outdoor living spaces, while others make it a cozy, quiet respite from the rest of the world. These smaller outdoor living areas generally have just a table and chairs, or an outdoor sofa and chairs. Whatever your preference, you will need your outdoor living design area to be functional for the type of entertaining that you do most frequently. If you are the chef in your family or friendship circle, you will want to work with a contractor who knows how to design outdoor kitchens to ensure that you end up with a fully functioning outdoor food preparation, cooking and serving area. If you prefer to cook inside and serve the meals outside, then you only need to worry about hiring a contractor well versed in outdoor patio and deck designs.

Soliciting Contractor Bids

Once you are sure of your outdoor entertaining style, and general outdoor living design area, it is time to start getting bids from contractors. You will want to exercise your due diligence in choosing the right contractor to ensure that you do end up with shoddy or unfinished work. Therefore, you should research the reputation of every contractor you are considering employing before you ask for a bid on the work. Once you've checked contractor references, and his or her online reputation, get bids for the whole entire project. Be sure to have the contractor include prices for building permits, materials, labor, lumber drop-off services, and clean up and waste removal after the work is completed.

Bid Review & Contractor Selection

After you have secured bids from a number of contractors, it is time for you to compare bids. While comparing labor costs is generally easy, comparing building materials might take a bit of research on your part. Find out the quality of each type of name brand material mentioned in the bid. Then, factor in the quality of the materials before you make a final decision. You might also find, like many other homeowners, that the frequency in which the contractor can finish the job is a big deciding factor. If a contractor tells you that he or she cannot guarantee to complete the work in the time frame you have established, do not accept his or her bid. Wishing thinking that the contractor will miraculously will come through for you often backfires. More often than not, you will be left with uncompleted work that could have been finished already by another contractor.

Project Scheduling and Payments

Do not give your chosen contractor more than 1/3 of the total project price as a deposit. One third of the outdoor living design area project is a fair deposit that the contractor can use to buy materials for the job. Then, once he or she sticks to the outlined schedule clearly stated in the written contract, you can pay an additional 1/3 when half of the job has been completed. Then, after the successful completion of the work, and subsequent clean up and waste removal, you can pay the contractor the remaining 1/3 balance.

Outdoor Living in Atlanta - Winter 2013

Published on December 7, 2012 by: Ronald Skeean

Atlanta Winter Outdoor Living in Style

While the cool winds of the season can drive many people indoors, savvy outdoor entertaining enthusiasts are figuring out ways to keep the party going in outdoor winter style. Utilizing the wide variety of outdoor heating options, you can create a warm winter wonderland of your own in your own backyard. From simple backyard firepits to ornate, outdoor fireplace designs and directional gas or electric space heaters to wind blocking screens for heavy gust areas, you can transform your outdoor entertaining areas to emit enough heat for everyone to remain warm and cozy throughout your event.

Outdoor Firepits, Fireplaces & Heaters

Firepits - The Social Hub

At every outdoor party you throw, you will most likely find the majority of your guests hovering near the firepit positioned in the middle of the main sitting area. Backyard firepits are social hubs that allow your guests to appreciate the beauty of the pit's roaring fire while they mingle with other guests. Traditionally firepits were just holes dug into the ground and filled with lit wood. Today, however, they are usually designed as short, round structures made out of materials such as wrought iron, bronze, stone or slate. They also come in square or rectangle shapes. They are often used to roast skewered meats and S'mores during fall and winter parties.

Outdoor Fieplaces

Like firepits, the availability of different types of outdoor fireplace designs is abundant. From simple rectangular stone fireplaces to circular black iron fireplaces to square steel fireplaces, you are certain to find many different outdoor fireplace designs that fits into your existing outdoor decor and budget. Many homeowners select large, outdoor fireplaces that also double as outdoor ovens. When the unit is not used for cooking, it can emit enough heat for a very large group to people to stay warm, even in very cold weather. However, many other homeowners opt for smaller outdoor fireplaces that double as decorative accent pieces during the warmer months.

Outdoor Space Heaters

Unlike outdoor pits and fireplaces, outdoor space heaters are designed to heat one designated area along your property. Some space heaters can be hung from existing patio fixtures to emit heat throughout the entire patio. Other space heaters are attached under table umbrellas to give warmth to guests while eating, drinking or socializing at the table. Other smaller space heaters are generally strategically placed around highly trafficked outdoor areas of your home. Outdoor space heaters come in a vast assortment of styles, including the currently trendy, oversized lamp-shaped heaters.

Wind Blocking Screens

Unlike outdoor heaters, wind blocking screens are used to physically shelter you from the cold winter winds. Glass wind blocking screens are very popular, but you can also find a wide variety of wood, steel, iron and stone options to match your outdoor design scheme. Some wind blocking screens are made to mimic indoor folding screens. These types range from the very simple, to outlandishly decorated outdoor screens with semi-precious stones. Some wind blocking screens are permanent outside fixtures, while others are light enough to be moved and stored throughout the warmer months.

Outdoor Warmth!!

Published on October 23, 2012 by: Ronald Skeean

Here in Atlanta, we are experiencing the BEST weather of the year.  Early fall is some of the best time to get back outside...and enjoy the cool mornings and evenings.  Just today we had about a 30 degree temperature "swing" from early morning temps to mid afternoon temps.  It's hard to really figure out what to wear these days with such dramatic swings in the temperature...but it's easy to find some outdoor living products that can make the Outdoor Living evening/events comfortable and FUN!  Here are just a few:

Everyone has seen outdoor wood burning firepits...but if you are tired of the cheaper and "thin" metal types found at most big box stores...you may be ready to upgrade to the California Firepit. 30" in diameter...this firepit is 120 lbs of cold rolled steel....means that it will NEVER burn thru.  It also features a damper to make the fire burn hotter and cleaner...as well as a cooking grid to turn this pit into a win/win...heat and some food cooking over wood fire can make evenings FANTASTIC!

For more personalized heat...consider our NEW outdoor electric heat lamps.  These work great near two chairs...or by the end of your outdoor sofa.  Available as both floor and table lamps...these little guys pack a nice radiant heat "punch" for your outdoor space.  Great for evenings outside sipping some wine..or reading your favorite book.  They plug into all standard outlets...and provide some nice white colored light for night-time as well!

OK...are you tired of seeing the same ole "mushroom" LP heaters?  We always get the comment that your standard mushroom heaters are just plain ole UGLY!  Will this outdoor tower of fire adds a whole new spin to outoor heat and effect!  The LP tank sits below...and the burner shoots flame up a ceramic glass tube to contain the flame.  The glass then gets hot and radiates heat outward 360 degrees.  These are awesome for parties when folks will be standing...or sitting in a bar set.  Really cool looking too.  We stock these in stainless steel for low to no maintaince all year long.

Stop by and check out these products anytime at our Marietta location.  See you at the store!

 

Outdoor Furniture End of Summer SALES!

Published on August 26, 2012 by: Ronald Skeean

August is almost over...and our outdoor furniture industry has already been promoting 2013 products!!  This is the time of year when the speciality outdoor living retailers are finding out what sold well (collections/fabrics/colors)...and what products were NOT received well by the market.

Here in Atlanta...the weather this August has been really beautiful.  The summer got hot for a little while, but we continue to have mid 80's highs and 65 degree mornings.  It's really been wonderful weather for outdoor living all year!

We often get the question from our clients...."do you EVER have any SALES???".  For the past 25 years, its common for most folks to think that since the outdoor furniture season is winding down..that now is the time for deals and steals!  

It makes sense...I was just at Macy's today and all the summer clothing is 25-50% off....local big box stores have already had patio furniture merchandise marked down 50-70%.  The reality is...these retailers are just retailers.  These companies typically "ride the wave" of the season and look for quick and dirty sales for 6-10 weeks with lesser quality products...then they are completely out of the business and onto the next "thing"...like Christmas ornaments in September!!

These retailers are NOT Outdoor Living specialists...like your local patio store.  The fact is...the real nice time to live outside in Atlanta is the Fall season!  Firepits, cool weather, grills, smokers, and FOOTBALL!!!  Our focus changes to how to maximize your time living outdoors in more comfortable furniture and heat sources (outdoor firepit/fireplace, patio heaters, etc.).  Our products are designed to give you a lifetime of use!

So, to beg the question..."do you ever have any SALES"?...the answer is yes.  We do mark down some inventory this time of year...not because our focus is shifting to christmas selling season...but because we kinda know by now...what's discontinued next year...what colors did not work out, and what kind of floor space is freed up for 2013 product coming soon!  

So if you are shopping for quality outdoor living products, and want some additional savings to the tune of extra 10-25% off our already discounted products.....STOP BY SOON!  You won't get the full selection of products that we have starting in the Spring...but we do have some great products that you can save on today.

See you at the store!