February 16, 2008
Novelty Mailboxes
Painted mailboxes, post mount and wall mounted - a safer solution for mail security
No matter where you live, having a secure mailbox is a safe feeling. Especially for people that are gone at work all day, or sometimes days at a time, you will want to know that your mail is safe and sound inside the compartment.
Go here to find a secure wall mounted or post mounted painted mailbox in bright colors and pictures of hummingbirds, ducks, deer, flowers and trains.
- One of the most popular painted novelty mailboxes has been the train and golf clubs, view more about these novelty mailboxes.
Generally they are in a vertical style (which is more high than it is wide). The slot for the envelopes to slide through is located at the top and they fall into the box area. When you get home, you open the front door to the compartment with your key and take the mail out that way. It is easy and will prevent unwanted people from seeing your mail.
The painted designs and colors will vary, but there is a wide selection to pick from. Sizes will also vary and make sure to consider this before you buy. If you are often gone for a longer period of time, the larger security boxes may work better for you.
November 08, 2007
Outdoor solar lights
Dancing by the light of the moon may seem like a very romantic idea. But most of the time is not very easy to do or possible. It can be though with a few simple sollar lights. Placed along the edges of your lawn or patio, this type of outdoor lighting gives you just enough ambient light to be seated outdoors comfortably.
If you are planning on spending time outdoors on your patio, you need outdoor lighting that will keep you safe and allow you to enjoy your yard or balcony after the sun sets.
There are many types of outdoor lighting that can help you make the most of outdoor spaces. Your local lighting store will be able to help you find specific styles of lighting to help you decorate your yard while keeping yourself safe. It is an ideal time of year to install these types of lights.
Many homeowners like cordless lights as their outdoor security lighting
Because solar lighting takes its power from the sun during the day even on cloudy days, it is the cheapest use of power to light up your property. Lighting outdoor areas this way is very economical and can be a good investment for commercial applications. However, be sure to get good-quality solar pwered lighting - after some time, you may find that your lights last for a shorter period of time. You may want to consider lighting that uses a dual alternative power source when needed. This will ensure that your property will always be lit when you need it.
Lighting Your Way in the Dark with Path Lights
Path lighting is important for the driveway or the path to your door or garden so that you can see where you are going at night. If someone in your household has poor vision, you will need path lighting to ensure that they do not stumble in the dark. Today’s path lighting can also be very decorative and can beautify your home, adding a soft glow to your property.
Patio Lanterns and Your Patio
Patio lighting is important if you are going to be spending more time in your outdoor living area. Patio lights can vary from very expensive light systems to very basic paper patio lanterns that are perfect and inexpensive for a summer night’s party or barbeque. Whether you decide to spend a lot or a little, backyard lighting can help you see where you are going in the dark and can allow you to spend more time outdoors on warm summer nights.
Westinghouse designs the nicest eco friendly decorative outdoor lighting designs
Design sample choices:
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Click to find the style that you need for your patio or garden area.
Compare by item including wall and post lanterns, umbrella lights, path lighting, address lights and solar lights. From top designers like Murray Feiss, Quoizel, Hinkley, sea gull lighting and Westinghouse.
Westinghouse Solar Lighting - this decorative Pagoda solar deck light design has a stunning black finish.
This six piece solar light set will be a wonderful addition to your home's exterior. The Europa III features a gorgeous antique copper finish and white LED lights that will give your landscape the illumination you need.
Give your driveway or walkway a contemporary feel with the Bollard two piece solar set. With a cylindrical design, stainless steel finish, and natural white LED light.
August 09, 2007
Landscaping Curb appeal
A cheaper way to landscape and create curb appeal. You can use these tips for selling your home or just to create a nicer looking front yard.
If you are thinking of putting your home on the market this spring, there is an inexpensive way to add more curb appeal. You can take advantage of the discounts and sales at your local nursery. Now that most people of bought there perennials and annuals, most plant stores are trying to clear out all their stock for the fall cool season and winter. Look for ornamental trees like flowering cherry and crab apple. Shrubs like junipers and azaleas that were expensive to buy in the spring will probably be reduced in price.
When you are selling your home color and texture is everything when someone is driving by just to look. Real estate agents always try to get a lot of color into the picture of your home.
1. If you have a post, lamp posts work the best you can make it into a floral column. Simply by planting a climbing vine like a clematis. They like full sun, but should still have some type of ground cover, at the base to keep the roots cool. Low growing evergreens or junipers work well for this.
To grow evenly around the post you should place thin fencing wire or netting all around and to a height just below the top. If you can't find a clematis plant on sale a climbing rose would work also.
2. Nothing is uglier than a bare or grass border down a driveway, it is not very inviting. It is simple enough to turn this area into a color spectacle. You do need to control the color and when flowers are in bloom they should compliment the color of your home.
An example of this would be, if your siding is white, you only need a few white flowers along the driveway. Too much white blooms will make it look washed out. Add a few purple blooms like flowering catmint, a few yellow daisies and maybe a few clumps of ornamental grass, black and silver. Make sure nothing grows too tall, you are trying to create contrast. Short flowers near the front with the larger ones closer to the grass.
3. For the front entrance containers are best because they can be moved around for different effects. Unless your home is a greek style try to stay with the round smooth urns.
Most of the time you will want annuals in these planters, but you should still have one or two with a perennial planted in it. Boxwood is a very hardy plant that you can grow in a pot that stays green all year round. You can also grow Japanese maples in pots if they are watered on a regular basis.
4. You can dress up your porch and patio area with tall hydrangeas on the corners and boxwood along the edges. Big leaf hostas hide railings really well. If you have full sun on your patio, climbing roses with tulips, crocus and daffodils, will give you color at different times of the year.
July 03, 2007
Expand your teenagers mind
As a father of 4 girls (teenagers) I see how different pesonalities can be
In school the difference is so wide that this can be a little challenging. Two of my daughters like science and interesting things, while the other two would only care about making sure animals weren't used in developing makeup.
I always try to get them to broaden their knowledge not just in science but in the trades too. I feel if they can wield a calculator as well as a pipe wrench or hammer they can look after themselves no matter what.
For me I don't really have a scientific mind or the education to back it up like they do, I graduated but that was as far as I went. I do like interesting things though and one of these was a garden sundial. I stumbled upon these when my wife and I were out looking in a garden store for plants. I bought one because I thought it was kind of a cool thing to have, she on the other hand just said if I want to tell the time I'll just look at my watch.
This is what surprised me
After putting it together, setting it up, reading all the directions and then trying to find true north, I noticed that all of my daughters where watching me ( a rare occasion that they were all home at the same time) and laughing. Finally one of my daughters that wants to be a marine biologist came over and said she would figure it out for me. The others in-between chuckles said it was sort of like watching me set up the VCR.
Within about five minutes they were all taking about it and how sundials work. Even the two that only care about the science behind the latest fashions. I tell you it did my heart good to see all of my daughters working together to figure something out. After they got it set up for me, they were looking at it and said how nice it looked and that it really was a cool thing to have in the yard.
Whenever they have friends over and happen to be outside they always make a point in showing them how it works. I have noticed that most of their friends that do look at, start to ask more technical questions on how and why sundials work.
To me this was one of the better garden decorations that I have purchased in many years. Anytime you can get a teenager interested in a science or just how a gadget works is money and time well spent. Now if I could only get them interested in rain gauges and outdoor weather stations, maybe someone would buy me one. If you would like to know more about Armillary and garden sundials for your backyard go here.
June 28, 2007
Environmentally friendly furniture
What exactly is eco friendly furniture? It refers to the material the furniture piece is is made of and more importantly the percentage of recycled products in it. Jut because the label say it is eco friendly doesn't really mean it is 100% made of recyclable or friendly products.
Lets look at wood products first. The big thing with environmental groups is with logging companies destroying too many old growth forests for the wood. This is mostly in the hardwood forest industry for getting the old oak and teak wood. They are right of course but you do have to temper this with a bit of realism. All types of wood are actually a environmentally friendly material if you were to look at it as a renewable resource. You take a tree and replace it with another one. This has worked in the past very well. The problem lies in the time frame it takes to grow another tree to 100 feet of maturity. The other problem is that what is referred to as 2 year and third year growth, it is not the same quality as old growth. The grain is further apart and not as strong, or does it look as good.
The other problem that we are seeing today is the effect of global warming on the life cycle of these trees. This can be seen throughout north America in the cedar and pine forests. In British Columbia, Canada this can be noticed just by driving through a few parks. The pine trees look like they have dried out, this is being caused by the pine beetle. Normally in years gone by the winters were cold and long enough to kill off the pine beetle so that it wasn't a big problem. Now in 2007 the winters are still just as cold the problem is they are not long enough to kill off the infestations of the pine beetle, which multiply too quickly and then affect the trees. Pesticides have proven to be NOT the answer to keeping them under control.
So what can you use as a truly eco friendly furniture
Moso bamboo which is used for flooring and furniture grows through out Asia to the about 60 feet high. It is a renewable if the crops are replaces and managed properly. It can be harvested every 4 to six years compared to the 15 to 20 years of other hardwoods. The concern for most consumers will be the amount of formaldehyde used in the adhesive. Look for an emission level of .3ppm or lower.
Cork is a harvested bark from cork oak trees in china and mostly Portugal. It is a renewable product that is harvested from a mature 9 year old tree. The bark grows back leaving the tree just as healthy as when it was first grown. This product is also recyclable. Cork trees are normally grown without the use fof herbicides and fertilizers or irrigation. Problems to look for, make sure that non toxic glues and coatings have been used. Cork from China is low quality so stick with Mediterranean countries.
Felt is made of scrap carpet underlay and usually 100% wool or has a blend with a synthetic natural fiber. More and more products are being made of felt these days. seen in baskets mostly. Felt is considerable a renewable animal product and keeps waste out of landfills. Avoid bleached or heavy dyed felt because these are not eco friendly.
Reusable wood from torn down buildings, scraps and old wood cleaned out from rivers and the bottom of lakes is becoming very popular. It takes the pressure off the logging industry and does save a few trees. If you are buying furniture made from this type of material look for the smartwood.org standard label.
Furniture mostly outdoor patio furniture that is made from industrial scrap plastic containers, paper products and aluminum cans. These products keep a lot of waste materials out of the land fills. The higher the percentage of recycled plastic the better. Most people look buy these types of materials in flooring which you can read our flooring reviews here or for lawn and garden furniture which you can view here.
Continue reading "Environmentally friendly furniture" »
Posted on 04:35 PM | Details | Comments (0)June 23, 2007
Coolaroo shade sails
If you are tired of the look of a patio umbrella and want something unique in outdoor decor a coolaroo sun sail is for you. These sun shades are the latest craze from australia.
For more details on buying a coolaroo shade sail go here, from our main page on outdoor decor and decorations. They are an interesting patio accessory and can be used to create a shady area over your patio furniture. Coolaroo sun shades are also becoming very popular to take on picnics and camping trips because they are so light weight.
Before you begin installation it is very important that you consider the most suitable location for your shade sail.
Consider the following:
Size of your coolaroo shade sail, strength of the structures you intend to use as anchor points. What is going underneath it and where will the sun be at the hottest part of the day - location of barbecues, high windy areas in your yard, and any electrical/telephone lines.
This stage of the installation is critical. You should ensure all fixing points are structurally sound and if unsure, obtain independent advice from a builder or engineer. Heavy winds can really exert a lot of force.
We recommend you go here to view how to properly install the coolaroo sun sail after you buy one.
Posted on 01:33 PM | Details | Comments (0)June 05, 2007
Portable fire pits for the patio
For camping, relaxing in the backyard or out on the patio a fire pit is a great way to cook or keep warm by.
There are many styles of outdoor fire pits online. Your first choice is whether you need a in-ground or a fire pit that stands alone. At the same time decide what you will be using it for. Cooking, heating or as a decorative addition to your patio or lawn furniture.
Next decide what type of fuel you will want to use. Whether it is a free standing patio model or an in ground style will decide on the material it is made of. While you are thinking about what the uses of your fire pit will be try to decide on the size. It is quit possible that you will really enjoy these outdoor accessories and would like a portable model to take on picnics or outdoors on camping trips.
- If you are interested you can get more information about buying a backyard fire pit or outdoor heater here.
You should also keep your fire pit away from heat sensitive plants, and never place it near dry grass, bales of hay, open firewood, and other materials that could ignite. Once you have determined a safe location, you'll want to consider how you want your guests to interact. You may want to position your fire pit in an out-of-the-way place for late night intimate gatherings. Or, you may want it more centrally located to encourage conversation and interaction or even to cook on.
May 10, 2007
Plastic Adirondack Chairs
I have always had trouble sitting for long periods of time because of my bad back. Sitting on patio furniture was especially tough because the backs were never firm enough for me and the seat normally are cushioned. I sat in my neighbors plastic adirondack chair and I have to say I was impressed.
It had a contoured back and seat that was very comfortable. I had no trouble after an hour getting up out of it, which was a surprise because this is when my back would stiffen up the most.
I bought the plastic adirondack chair for myself and then purchased a wooden chair set for the patio. I didn't notice any difference in comfort between the plastic model and the wooden chairs.
Cleaning tip: If you are cleaning plastic adirondack chairs or any vinyl patio furniture -DO NOT- use a power washer. The spray will take off the smooth finish and it will feel rough when you are sitting in it. Just use soap and water and a rag or soft brush. You can also get more information from our main site decormotif in our outdoor furniture section on adirondack chairs
Posted on 09:28 AM | Details | Comments (0)
adirondack chairsApril 24, 2007
Hammocks
Decormotif is offically opening up for the summer our outdoor patio furniture section of our online store.
We are starting with one of the most comfortable items in sling furniture and that is pawleys island, brazillian and mayan hammocks.
Selection guide for buying a hammock or sling furniture
Rope hammocks are mostly made of a cotton or a polyester blend. Cotton is harder to dry out, which makes it more susceptible to mildew, but it is more comfortable than polyester. Cotton is better suited for dry climates, polyester will last you longer and is better for very humid areas like Florida. Rope hammocks can be suspended between 2 trees or poles or mounted on a hammock stand. These are NOT recommended if you have small children.
Quilted hammocks are the best choice for cool climates because of the double layer of fabric they tend to be warmer. This style uses spreader bars at the top and bottom to keep the hammock from collapsing, they are also reversible. Brazilian hammocks are best for families with small children. They are also a fabric hammock that are ideal for cool weather climates or where you get a cool breeze in the late afternoon.
- To find out which company has the biggest selection of hammocks and outdoor furniture go here.
Mayan hammocks have much thinner strings that are hand woven for strength. Because of the light weight they are an excellent choice for campers and backpackers. These are not really classified as a rope hammock they are more of a string hammock. Mayan hammocks are one of the most reasonably priced of all the fabric hammocks. They are woven with enough material to stretch a couple of miles, this gives them there soft feel.
Pawleys island hammocks is a natural cotton lounger that offers the best in cool ventilation on hot days. This outdoor furniture piece is crafted of quality natural cotton rope, and solid oak spreaders with zinc-plated hardware. Each hammock features a branded silhouette of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on the oak spreader. This beautiful chair swing is an excellent place to relax by the pool, lake, or beach, you will enjoy your outdoor space for years to come. This hammock has a weight capacity up to 450 pounds and is considered a large rope hammock should you wish to purchase the appropriate hammock stand or extra tie straps.
Travel or hammocks are the top choice for backpackers that want to carry a portable bed that can be slung between 2 trees when you need a rest. It is now advisable to buy a style with a mosquito net because of the west Nile virus.
April 14, 2007
Wicker dining set
Spring is here and summer close by. It's time to start thinking about outdoor licing areas. Entertaining on the patio or by the pool, wicker patio sets are a welcome addition to the backyard for fine dining.
Click here to compare all styles of dining sets
This contemporary wicker patio dining set contains will maker your outdoor dining season more comfortable. The welded, matte finish aluminum frames will offer years of reliable use, and the lasting, all-weather wicker will keep up with it. The table ships complete with a glass table top, which does have a 2 inch umbrella hole. We recommend using a 9' umbrella with a 45 lb stand with this dining set. For windier environments, please use a heavier umbrella base for added stability
Posted on 12:37 PM | Details | Comments (0)Outdoor furniture care
Hardwood furniture offers the best return on your investment, and beleive me goog wood patio furniture like teakwood is an investment. Teak patio furniture will stand up to years of seasonal wear and tear.
With most hardwood outdoor furniture it weathers and teak weathers the best, to a fine silver gray that fits into narural surroundings. The nice part of this is it does not degrade the wood. You should however coat the teak furniture with a water repellent oil, on the bottom of the legs to about 4 inches up. This is because this is the part that may sit in water and get damaged. Water runs of the top and gathers at the bottom so it should be protected. You can oil all of the furniture to keep it looking new every year.
Metal outdoor furniture can last just as long if you take a few precautions. When buying avoid pieces with an uneven finish or cracks in the weld. Check the metal for rust spots every spring and paint over any chips in the finish. You can extend the life of the paint and the metal by rubbing it down every spring with a car wax or furniture polish to prevent rust.
Posted on 12:14 PM | Details | Comments (0)Comfortable wooden porch swings
Sitting back and relaxing on cool nights as you swing and enjoy the freedom from everyday life is almost too good to be true. Porch swings can do just that. This type of patio furniture is by far the most popular. Wooden porch swings on the back or front deck really add to the over all look of your home.
The two most popular woods for porch swings are cedar and cypress wood. Both of these natural products can be stained to match just about any color of your home. Teak porch swings are also available online. If you are searching for an alternative to wooden porch swings, recycled plastic swings are a good choice. They never need painting, won't rot and are very easy to clean. Other types of materials that these patio benches come in are alder, pine and Brazilian cherry.
Search for high back or low back outdoor benches with contoured seats. Classic, painted or rustic outdoor benches. Blend the classic style of an Adirondack chair with the motion and comfort of a full size porch swing. The nantucket swing offers a unique style and design that creates a warm country feel.
February 10, 2007
Sling furnitue
I know its hard to think about patio furniture when you have 8 feet of snow staring at you out the window but it will disapear soon and then you will be wanting to relax outdoors in your new hammock.
There are numerous choices that you can make depending on what you want to do with it. If you have small children in the family you will want to stick with a fabric hammock like a brazilian or pawleys island hammock. If you enjoy hiking and camping you may want to review the hennesy camping hammcok.
There are basically three styles to choose from that you can buy a stand for or use as a sling.
- More details can be found on this page about hammock swings and chairs.
Rope hammocks are mostly made of a cotton or a polyester blend. Cotton is harder to dry out, which makes it more susceptible to mildew, but it is more comfortable than polyester. These are NOT recommended if you have small children.
Quilted hammocks are the best choice for cool climates because of the double layer of fabric they tend to be warmer. Pawleys island hammocks are the most popular choice. This style uses spreader bars at the top and bottom to keep the hammock from collapsing.
Mayan hammocks have much thinner strings that are hand woven for strength. Because of the light weight they are an excellent choice for campers and backpackers.
To read more on selecting a hammock go here to www.patio-furniture-outlet.com page about hammock swings and chairs.
Posted on 12:30 PM | Details | Comments (1)July 20, 2006
Comfortable Camping Hammocks
Find a couple of trees and off to dream land:
Hikers and campers that love to sleep out in the woods love a camping hammock because they are so light weight and easy to pack around. They are also great at picnics or family outings at the park. One of the bonuses of this type of bed is that you are always off the ground and will stay warmer when the evening cools down. Plus dew will not be a problem for you in the morning.
- Click Here view all selections in hammocks Colorful fabric styles, mayan hammocks, pawleys island classics and the popular rope hammocks
Camping hammocks are the smart alternative for outdoor adventurers! Our line of jungle/camping hammocks is much easier to set up than a tent and they certainly beat sleeping on the ground. Camping hammocks are lightweight, portable, and provide you with ample shelter from the elements. We offer a variety of camping hammocks including the internationally acclaimed Hennessy Expedition Jungle Hammock, which is endorsed and used by the Eco-challenge and its participants, the Navy seals, and many other eco-exploratory organizations.
March 24, 2006
Hammocks for the lawn or garden area
Hammocks are the number one choice for those lazy hot days in the backyard. Relax, read a book or take a nap, the main activity is relaxing and enjoying the day.
If you are thinking about buying just the hammock you will also want the stand to go with it. If you do not want to use a stand you will need hammock tree straps. The Tree-Straps attach your hammock to most trees with ease and help protect the bark. The proper sized stand is very important for porch swings and chairs, not only for comfort but for long lasting durability.
The secret to our extremely comfortable chair is in the design. Expertly crafted to contour to your individual form, it provides perfect lower back support. Over six feet of soft hand-woven nylon allows you to put your feet up and relax.
A hammock chair is an ideal addition to your patio furniture for cuddling up with a good book and enjoying the day. They are very comfortable and can be placed indoors or out. They work well as a porch swing tucked away in a tight corner.
Click here to compare hammocks Colorful fabric styles in mayan hammocks, pawleys island classics and the popular Brazilian hammocks.
