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09 06How to Keep Bugs off Patio FurnitureBug-free patio furniture is crucial for a pleasant outdoor experience, especially in the warmer months.Bugs can be annoying and interrupt how much we enjoy being outdoors. That’s why it’s essential to take care of our patio furniture and keep those pesky insects away.When we get rid of bugs on our patio furniture, we can relax, eat, and breathe in fresh air without the hassle.This post looks at different bugs' characteristics, remedies to help repel them, and regular maintenance tips to keep your furniture bug-free.
Understanding Common Patio Furniture Insect
Bugs are tiny creatures that crawl or fly around our furniture. You might see them on your chairs, tables, or cushions.Some common bugs that affect outdoor furniture are ants, spiders, beetles, flies, and mosquitoes.
Spiders can leave sticky webs that make our table messy. Beetles can eat away at wood, making the structure weaker. Mosquitoes can also leave stains and marks on our furniture.
Preparing and Cleaning Your Patio Furniture
Before cleaning your patio furniture, ensure the area around it is clear.Remove any leaves, sticks, or other things that might attract bugs. Look closely at your furniture to see any bugs or signs of damage.Remove dirt and debris: Use a broom or a brush to remove any dirt or debris from your furniture. This will help eliminate things that bugs might like, such as food crumbs or dead leaves.Use the right cleaning products: You can use mild soap and some water to clean your furniture. Mix them and gently scrub the surfaces with a sponge or a soft cloth. This will help remove any dirt or grime that could attract bugs.Apply a sealant: To prevent a bug infestation, apply a protective coating or sealant to your furniture. That will create a barrier that bugs don’t like. You will need to choose a product labeled safe for outdoor use. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully when applying it.
Natural Remedies to Keep Bugs Away
If you don’t want to use chemicals, you can try these natural remedies instead:
Use Plants That Have a Strong Scent
Some plants and herbs have a strong smell that bugs don’t like. You can plant these in your garden or keep them near your patio furniture.Some examples are lavender, mint, and lemongrass. Bugs will find these odors unpleasant.
Make a Bug Spray
You can make your bug spray using things you might have at home. Mix water with a little bit of lemon juice or vinegar.
Put it in a spray bottle and spray it around your furniture. Bugs don’t like this smell, so they probably won’t hover around as much.
Light Citronella Candles
Citronella candles and torches are great for keeping bugs away. When you light them, they release a scent that repels bugs.To create a bug-free zone, you can put these candles or torches near your patio furniture.
Use Nice Smells
Certain smells are pleasant, only to us humans, not bugs. So, enjoy your time outside without pesky critters bothering you.Put orange peels, cloves, or crushed mint leaves around your furniture. You can keep bugs away from your patio furniture using these natural remedies.
Implementing Physical Barriers
If all else fails, you can try physically blocking the bugs from your patio furniture.
Block Bugs with Mesh or Netting
You can use special mesh or netting to keep bugs from your patio furniture. This material has tiny holes that bugs can’t get through.
You can put it around your table like a fence to keep bugs out.
Use Curtains or Screens
Another way to keep bugs away is by installing outdoor curtains or screens. These are similar to big nets that cover your patio furniture.Bugs can’t fly or crawl through them, so you’ll be much more comfortable outside.
Protect the Furniture with Tarps or Covers
When you’re not using your patio furniture, you can protect it from bugs using covers or tarps. These are like blankets that you put over your furniture.They keep bugs away and also protect the furniture from bad weather.
Selecting Bug-Resistant Furniture Materials
You can also help keep bugs away by choosing furniture that naturally repels them:
Choose Strong Materials
Another critical tip is choosing materials bugs don’t like when picking patio furniture. Some bug-resistant materials include teak, cedar, or metal.Bugs find these materials less tasty or comfortable, so they probably won’t bother your furniture.
Avoid Hidden Spots
Bugs love small crevices and areas where they can hide. When selecting furniture, ensure it doesn’t have many gaps or tight spaces.Bugs won’t have a place to crawl into and hide, so they shouldn’t bother you as much.
Pick Bug-Repellent Fabrics
You can also choose fabrics that bugs don’t want to be around. Look for furniture with materials treated with products that repel bugs.That way, they're more likely to avoid you and your furniture.
Regular Maintenance Practices
When you follow the tips to keep bugs off your furniture, you still have to check it regularly.By doing so, you can ensure that you don’t have a massive problem with bugs flying around while sitting outside.
Check for Bugs or Damage
It’s essential to regularly look at your furniture for any signs of bugs or damage. Check all the corners, cushions, and surfaces.If you see bugs or any holes or cracks, it’s a sign that you need to fix something.
Take Care of Problems
If you find bugs or damage, take care of them right away. Taking care of these problems immediately can prevent bugs from spreading and further damaging your furniture.You can use appropriate treatments like bug sprays or fixing the broken parts.
Keep Furniture Clean
Routinely cleaning your patio furniture is necessary to keep it in good shape. Wipe off any dirt or spills from the surfaces.You can also vacuum or shake off the dust from the cushions and upholstery. Keeping everything clean makes bugs less likely to hover around your furniture.
Professional Pest Control Options
If you’re having a severe bug problem, talking to pest control experts is a good idea. They can help you get rid of the bugs and keep them away.
Speak with Experts
Call a pest control expert if you see too many bugs around your patio furniture and don’t know what to do.They will learn about bugs and can advise you on the best solution. They might use unique treatments to eliminate the bugs and keep them away.
Long-Term Solutions
You can also choose devices that may repel the bugs for a long time. Some machines are specially designed to produce sounds or smells that bugs don’t like to keep them at bay.Put them on your furniture to enjoy your outdoor space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the responses to the most commonly asked questions regarding how to keep bugs off patio furniture:
What scents repel outdoor bugs?
Scents like lavender, mint, and lemongrass repel outdoor bugs. You can use plants with these smells or make sprays with essential oils to keep bugs away.
What can I spray on furniture for cheap bugs?
You can also mix lemon juice, water, and vinegar for a DIY bug spray that doesn’t contain more expensive products like essential oils.Since bugs don’t like the strong smell, they should stay away.
What material best repels bugs?
Bug-resistant furniture materials include teak, cedar, and metal.They don’t like these materials, so they won’t bother your furniture as much as they would with other types of wood.
Final Thoughts
No one wants to sit outside and worry about bugs damaging their furniture or buzzing around while trying to relax.Remember, when you want to know how to keep bugs off patio furniture, it’s best to use these tips:
* Use natural remedies* Use physical barriers* Buy bug-resistant furniture* Check your table for bugs regularly* Contact professional pest control companies if you can’t keep the bugs awayTaking care of your patio furniture and using these strategies will help you enjoy your time outside without being bothered by bugs. -
04 06Why Is Patio Furniture So Expensive?Exploring options for outdoor furniture can ignite a sense of anticipation. When you choose to renovate your patio furniture, it can be a fun experience.Despite the fun of it, these furnishings carry a hefty price tag. Why is patio furniture so expensive? We'll break it down and cover the primary reasons behind the steep prices.
7 Reasons for Expensive Outdoor Furniture
Materials and Quality
The material you use has to stand up to harsh weather conditions, so you want to use something that's durable. Manufacturers usually choose wood or metal for patio furniture, as it's stronger than plastic.Here's an overview of each material:
Wood
When it comes to outdoor wooden furniture, teak wood is the best choice. It usually lasts more than 75 years.The natural oils in teakwood make it highly resilient against the sun and rain. Given that, its performance is much better than other wood types.
Additionally, teakwood requires minimal maintenance, further enhancing its appeal.Though teak wood is more expensive than the alternative options, the longer lifespan makes it a good investment.
Metal
For metallic patio furniture, wrought iron, and wrought aluminum take the spotlight. These metals have an exceptional ability to withstand prolonged sun exposure.
If you take care of your metal furniture, making sure to coat it with powder, it can last for a long time. Even in wet environments, it shouldn't get rusty for many years.
Plastic
If the image of PVC comes to mind at the mention of plastic patio furniture, rest assured.These days, manufacturers use high-density polyethylene (HDPE) instead to make these furniture pieces.HDPE patio furniture can withstand inclement weather better than wood or metal pieces. The material stays strong and doesn't wear down over time.That's what makes it different from regular plastic options. Companies often apply a protective UV coating for further safeguarding.
Weatherproofing
After picking a strong material, weatherproofing is another reason that patio furniture can get expensive.The company will use different kinds of stains and sealants to make it even more resistant to sunlight and moisture.
Sometimes, it's necessary to use advanced weatherproofing techniques for different climates.For example, if you live somewhere that's very hot or has a lot of humidity, you'll need better methods to keep the furniture looking nice.Otherwise, it won't last as long. This process demands more manufacturing time, which often leads to a price hike.
Size
Additionally, the size of patio furniture also plays a big role in how much it costs.The larger the furniture piece, the greater the amount of materials needed to build it. Of course, that also means big pieces need more weatherproofing.
Design/Style
High-end patio furniture needs more time and resources to collaborate with designers. They focus on the aesthetic aspects of their creations.That allows you to have more options when it comes to your furniture's design, size, and finish.Each piece is carefully made to fit in seamlessly with your home architecture and the broader theme of your landscaping.Taking this extra time to focus on design details means your furniture will be of better quality.
Storage
Patio furniture is usually big and takes up a lot of space. That means you'll need to choose a large storage area to keep it protected until you need it.Many people don't think about this cost when they buy the furniture.
If you're ever moving from one place to another, and you're not ready for the furniture yet, you have to store it.It's expensive to store furniture, no matter if you pick self-storage or a company like Amazon. Warehouse space was in high demand during the 2019 COVID pandemic.Many popular products became more expensive, plus storage prices soared.
The Pandemic
There are a few ways that the pandemic affected patio furniture prices.When the world went into lockdown, many people had to stay home. As a result, the number of people who needed to work from home increased.Naturally, people wanted to be as comfortable as possible while working from home. With a growing demand for patio furniture, pieces saw rising prices.Also, raw material suppliers experienced a disruption in their daily operations. They struggled to keep up with the high demand for their products. At that point, it was harder to make the furniture and accommodate the growing demand. In turn, companies increased the prices as a result.
Transport
Unfortunately, shipping expenses can accumulate rapidly, particularly when purchasing a sizable patio set.These costs are often included into the furniture's price tag and range from $100 to $400. "Free shipping" is actually a misnomer, as companies will include it in the final price.
If you live far away from the store's warehouse, the price could be even higher. The added distance means higher transportation costs.In the end, the price of your patio furniture could be very high by the time you factor in these costs.
Why Choose Sunshine Outdoor Furniture?
Sunshine is a leading company that sells products in over 100 countries. The company is proud to have partnered with 30 famous brands in the outdoor leisure industry.Each year, 25 million amazing products are released for a range of outdoor activities.
FAQ
Here are the responses to commonly asked questions about how expensive patio furniture is today:
Why is outdoor furniture more expensive than indoor furniture?
Outdoor furniture costs more money than indoor furniture because of the special materials and the way it's made.Companies rely on teak, stainless steel, or aluminum due to their durability. These materials are more expensive than those used for indoor furniture.On top of that, outdoor furniture has to handle being outside in the sun, rain, and changes in temperature. This makes it more expensive to make.So, because of better materials and extra work, outdoor furniture ends up costing more.
Can you leave patio furniture outside year round?
Leaving patio furniture outside all year depends on what it's made of and the weather where you live. Some materials, like teak or aluminum, are really strong and can handle being outside. Of course, some materials, such as wood furniture, don't fare well.But you still need to be careful because really bad weather can hurt the furniture. Things like freezing cold temperatures, heavy rain, or super strong sunlight can slowly damage it over time. To keep it safe, you should find a way to protect it, like using a cover or bringing it inside when the weather is bad.
Should you cover patio furniture when it rains?
Covering patio furniture during rain showers is good for protecting it from potential water damage. It can also help to extend its lifespan. While these materials are weather-resistant, too much moisture may have negative effects.Rainwater can seep into cushions, cause rust on metal components, or warp wooden furniture. Using protective covers designed for outdoor furniture can provide a shield against rain. It can prevent damage and make maintenance easier.
Is it worth it to buy expensive patio furniture?
If you feel that the patio furniture is expensive, you should consider why you want it. Do you enjoy being outdoors? If the answer is yes, you want to choose sturdy, long-lasting furniture that looks good in your yard. In that case, it's usually worth it to most customers. It is an investment that pays off if you take care of it.Final Thoughts.
So, why is patio furniture so expensive?
Patio furniture is expensive for several key reasons. Using higher quality materials like teak wood and stainless steel costs more than plastic. Additionally, because of how big the furniture is, it causes increased shipping expenses.At Sunshine Outdoor, we're ready to meet all your patio furniture needs. As a leading leisure products manufacturer, we make only the highest quality outdoor furniture. We work with major brands, so enquire today to find out more about what we could offer you. -
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15 05How To Clean Powder Coated Aluminum Patio FurnitureAluminum patio furniture comes with many benefits. Still, caring for them means knowing how to clean and how to arrange patio furniture.Unfortunately, it clean powder coat can be troublesome to maintain. It is a problem that has affected many people who own patio furniture for many years.Thankfully, the solutions is traight forward once you get the hang of things. In this guide, we will outline how to clean powder coated aluminum patio furniture to restore it back to its shiny look.
Steps To Cleaning Powder Coated Aluminum Patio Furniture
We have many years of experience in furniture restoration and maintenance. Bringing some of the best methods for cleaning the items that mean the most to you and that you want to preserve.Finding a quality set of patio furniture is a gift in itself. Thus, we want to be sure it lasts as long as possible.
With our knowledge and experience, we will direct you on how to clean powder coated aluminum patio furniture. It won’t take the bulk of your day but will have a result that appears like it did.Read on for instructions on completing this critical task and returning your patio furniture to new in no time.
Collect Your Supplies
Before starting, you must collect all the necessary supplies for the cleaning job. The last thing you want to do is have to stop what you are doing to grab something that you have forgotten.Fortunately, you will find everything you need in your home. You don’t have to buy supplies for cleaning the powder-coated aluminum patio furniture.To begin, you first want to gather your most essential cleaning items. They items include the following:* Mild Detergent* Warm Water* Microfiber Cloths* SpongesWhen it comes to detergent, you will want to find a dish soap that doesn’t have a lot of additives. A basic Dawn brand option is suitable, although any brand will do.Microfiber cloths provide an extra scrubbing ability to get into all the crevices. However, adding sponges will assist with the most substantial areas of debris and dirt.
Find Your Location
After you have everything you need, you will want to secure a location to complete the job. Typically this will be in an outside spot with ample sunlight to appropriately dry the furniture.You will also want to ensure it is close to a hose or water source. It can be challenging to establish yourself in one spot and later discover it isn’t convenient because there is no water nearby.If you are concerned about how the detergent will affect your yard or landscaping, it is advisable to lay down a tarp before you get started.Select one that is large enough to where you can spread out all of the furniture and have room to spare.
Spray Down the Furniture
Once you have all the furniture in one spot, you will want to give them all a pre-cursory spray with the hose.It helps to eliminate any loose debris and excess dirt. This step will allow you to reduce your workload and start with an even slate of debris.
While it is best to make use of a hose for this chore, that isn’t always available to people who live in apartments or rentals.If this situation pertains to you, you can instead perform a quick wipe down. Use a clean rag and warm water on each piece of furniture.
Integrate the Detergent
You can start cleaning as soon as you have given the furniture its first wipe-down.When you reach this step, you will want to mix a small amount of detergent into a bucket with warm water and allow it to get bubbly.You should immerse another clean rag (different from the one you used to wipe down the furniture initially).This is done once the water has reached the appropriate level.After you get the rag soapy, you can eliminate the first layer of dirt and debris from the chairs and tables.For this first round, do not focus on vigorously rubbing and scrubbing. Instead, give the detergent a chance to work its way in and naturally detract the dirt.Take time to frequently re-immerse the rag, ringing out the dirt and excess water.
Begin Round Two
Empty the bucket of water and refill it with warm water and detergent. Obtain a new round of rags and immerse one in the bucket.With this second round, you will focus more on the hard-to-scrub areas that didn’t come off previously.While you want to start with the microfiber towels, you should move on to the sponges if the areas are too stubborn.
Scrubbing in a circular motion can help dislodge the debris, but engaging in various movements should be utilized if needed.This stage can take longer to complete depending on how long it has been since the last cleaning of the patio furniture.It’s best to continue re-immersing the rag or sponge until the water is too dirty to utilize.
Continue With More Rounds
To thoroughly clean the aluminum patio furniture, empty the water and refill the bucket with fresh warm water.Add more detergent as many times as necessary until you achieve the desired result.Take care not to use abrasive sponges and only use a small amount of detergent to avoid an oily residue on the furniture.To get a good view of where you stand, hose down the furniture between cleanings. You can also engage in a wipe-down with clean water and no detergent.This step will allow you to see any spots you have missed and what progress you have made.
Dry Thoroughly
When selecting the day for cleaning aluminum or mesh patio furniture, check the weather.You need to ensure it allows for ample sunshine and warm temperatures.Once you've cleaned it for the last time, you'll need to give the furniture a thorough rinsing to eliminate any extra dish soap and bubbles. Then, it's a matter of moving to the drying phase.Before leaving the furniture to air dry, take a dry rag or towel and wipe each piece down to avoid water spots.
You don’t have to be overly detailed in doing this.This is because you mainly want to account for areas of water that have settled on the furniture. It avoids forming circular spots.Once you have performed this step, you can leave the pieces to dry independently without any extra effort.Depending on the weather, you can expect the drying process to be done in as little as an hour.
Final Thoughts
There are many benefits of having aluminum patio furniture. Learning how to clean it is a necessary element of its ownership, just like knowing how to arrange patio furniture.Minimal maintenance is attributed to this furniture style, but it can still be overwhelming to tackle and complete on a routine basis.How to clean powder coated aluminum patio furniture? The cleaning process isn’t too burdensome and can be completed from start to finish on a sunny afternoon.Once you collect the necessary supplies and all common household items, you must secure an appropriate location for the chore.Taking careful consideration of where you tackle the cleaning, you can eliminate the dirt and debris that form.Depending on how long it has been between cleanings, you can have the job done in one round of detergent immersion.However, it typically requires at least two rounds to remove all the outside nuisances. They may have landed and taken up residence on your furniture.At the end of the day, you will be proud of your work and your furniture's shine again.You only need essential items like mild detergent, warm water, microfiber cloths, and sponges.With the right weather conditions, your furniture will again look brand new through the above simple process. -
29 03How to Seal Outdoor Wood FurnitureEveryone loves a good set of outdoor wood furniture, from patio chairs to tables and steps. We love the look and feel of wood furniture over metal or plastic.
But when it comes to outdoor wood furniture, you must be concerned about how long it will last.
One way to make your furniture last longer is by applying a sealant. Luckily, sealing outdoor wood furniture is relatively easy.
With just a few instruments and a little knowledge of the product that's out there, you can seal your furniture yourself.
How Do You Seal Outdoor Wood Furniture
So, how do you seal outdoor furniture? There are some products you can use to protect your wood furniture. Let's go down the list:
Solid color stain
Paint
Sealers
Semi-transparent stain and sealer
In addition to using these products on your wood furniture, you'll also want to abide by a few common sense methods.
Remember to use covers or remove wood furniture from the elements when necessary.
While using a sealant or other protective product is always in your best interests, it helps not to abuse your wood furniture where possible.
Types of Outdoor Wood Sealers
Outdoor would sealers are an excellent choice to protect your wood from the elements because they prevent water penetration and can block UV rays.
They can be applied over the top of the paint or natural wood so that you can see the grain.
Polyurethane
You would use polyurethane if you wanted to cover a painted surface. This chemical seals gaps and joints in various surfaces such as wood, concrete, metal, and plastic.
It works great as a paint-based sealer on your steps or porch or for benches, side tables, or other bits of wood furniture that you want to protect.
Urethane
The exact composition of these chemicals depends on the manufacturer.
But you can expect a water- or oil-based urethane product mixed with the stain of your choice to achieve a gloss finish.
Drying Oils
Drying oils are often used as natural sealants for wood furniture.
They work by penetrating the surface of the wood and hardening it when exposed to air, creating a protective layer that seals the wood.
They’re sometimes used with other varnishes or just by themselves.
How to Protect Outdoor Wood Furniture
When it's time to finish your outdoor wood furniture, there are a few tips you may want to follow to get the best results possible.
Most of them have to do with the preparation of the furniture itself. If the wood isn't entirely ready for a new coat of sealant, you'll set yourself up for failure.
How to Prep Wood
Remember to complete any repairs to your furniture before you start sealing it.
Once you've ensured the piece is structurally sound, you can begin sanding or stripping the older sealant.
If the old sealant is left on the outdoor wood furniture, it'll prevent the new coat from evenly applying and setting correctly.
This can lead to the sealant flaking off and moisture entering the wood.
You should also check the moisture level of the wood. Don't settle for anything over 15% because that can also lead to issues with the sealant setting later.
The sealant won't correctly penetrate, and then when the wood dries out and gaps form, the sealant won't protect it from water.
How to Apply a Finish
With most finishes, you'll want to read the sealant to see the instructions for that specific brand. They can vary, but in most instances, you'll find the process to be something like this:
You'll pick the finish that fits your needs and apply it liberally to the piece. Depending on the brand, you'll leave it on the wood for several minutes.
After it's had time to penetrate the wood, you'll wipe away the excess and allow it to dry.
Some stains will take more than one application, while others will be a simple one-application process that dries quickly. It's essential to reference the instructions on your can.
How to Use a Sealer With a Brush
A brush is a fantastic way to apply a sealer to wood, but it can be a little tricker when it comes to furniture that can have a lot of nooks and crannies that are hard to hit with your brush.
There are some tips you can keep in mind when using a brush that will help make the process smoother.
Remember to paint with the grain of the wood, and don't paint backward while the finish is still drying.
You may notice imperfections in the process, and it's possible to sand those away with a few touches up. But it's optional if you don't see those defects.
When using the sealant, stir the product so the suspension remains in effect. Don't do this too quickly; you'll incorporate air bubbles into the product.
Those air bubbles can lead to undesirable results when sealing.
Remember, you shouldn't apply the sealant if the wood's moisture level is too high or low. Check the weather, and do your sealing in an area away from direct sunlight.
How to Use a Sealer With a Spray Gun
A pump spray gun can be a great way when applying sealer to outdoor wood furniture.
It allows you to get sealant into more challenging-to-reach areas, which might be more difficult with a brush.
The spray will easily hit spots, leaving you confident you've achieved total coverage.
You also won't have to worry about creating air bubbles by stirring with your brush because the spray gun will apply an even coating of smooth sealant.
Doing this effectively is one of the critical steps to sealing your outdoor wood furniture.
This method is excellent for uniformly sealing outdoor wood furniture without wasting any product. It can be harder to manage this with your typical brush.
How Long Should Sealed Outdoor Wood Furniture Last
That will depend significantly on how you treat your wood furniture. Of course, by learning how to seal outdoor wood furniture, you're taking a great first step.
The sealant will protect it from the elements and any moisture that threatens to get into your work.
It may also be necessary to apply a new coat every year or every other year to keep the surface of your furniture adequately protected from the elements.
If you want your wood furniture to last more than a few years without repeatedly sealing, you'll want to keep it out of the elements.
Avoid allowing your furniture to be soaked by downpours, keep it out of direct sunlight, and store it during the winter.
You should also consider investing in covers for your furniture; several options on the web can keep your furniture protected and out of danger.
Conclusion
Using a sealant on your outdoor wood furniture is crucial to keep it protected and ensure it lasts longer.
You could use oil-based, urethane-based, or polyurethane-based sealants to keep your furniture safe.
Before applying sealant, it’s important to prep the wood by cleaning and sanding it.
Even after you’ve used sealant, you should regularly clean your furniture and re-apply sealant whenever needed.
This will ensure your furniture can withstand harsh weather conditions and remain a beautiful addition to any outdoor space.
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