Garden Patio Heaters
By their nature, coastal gardens tend to be windswept and fairly chilly but outdoor heaters are a brilliant solution to this problem. Not only can they provide heat in really cold weather but they are also a great addition to any patio on a cool summer evening, allowing you to make the most of your garden all year round.
Heaters come in a wide selection of shapes and sizes; some simple ones are reminiscent of single bar electric fires, while other gas models add style to function with a flourish. Patio heaters are not a cheap accessory but they will ad a little touch of luxury and a comforting warmth to your al fresco dining. Hombase garden furniture online has a wide variety of choices.
Garden Lounging
No California inspired patio is complete without the essential garden lounger or sunbed. Ironically, although meant for relaxation sometimes these loungers can appear to be designed for style rather than comfort, so the key to success is try before you buy. Do not be seduced by the latest fad or trend, opt for comfort first then think practically, do you have anywhere to store it? If not, then be prepared to treat timber models annually with a preservative. Finally, think style, there is a lounger out there to suit every sun worshiper, from the sublime to the ridiculous.
Sun Worshipper Essentials
Lounging in the sun should be the ultimate relaxation experience and a time for pampering and self indulgence. Unfortunately this idyllic scene can be all too easily ruined if you are plagued by insects or fall victim to sunburn. Some clever planting can repel unwelcome visitors and produce your own supply of natural remedies.
Lavender is perfect for scattering in pots around your lounging area, as not only does it have wonderful aromatic relaxation properties but at night it keeps moths away. Chamomile and eucalyptus are equally good at repelling mosquitos and peppermint and chrysanthemums are ideal for driving away ants, so try to work them into your plans for a dining area. If you over do the sun worshipping just break the leaves of an aloe vera plant and rub the sap directly onto your skin for a wonderfully cooling effect.
Garden Seating Design
Designing a beautiful patio is no good if you have not got somewhere to sit and enjoy it. However small your plot there must be enough space for at least one chair out there.
There are masses of different types of garden seating on the market but it can be difficult to find something that suits your space perfectly. You could be adventurous and try making your own. Designing and building your own garden furniture is something most of us would never contemplate inside our homes but outdoors the possibilities suddenly become more accessible and exciting.
If you do decide to build your own then think imaginatively, can your seat be multi purpose? In a small area, space is at a premium and storage is inevitably an issue. Look at what you already have in your garden, are there any existing walls that face the sun and the garden? If so, you can simply design a squarish, chunky bench out of block or render. Construct the actual seating base out of decking planks on hinges, so it can double as a lid, the inside of the seat can then act as a hidden storage area.
For sculptural and practical seating concrete is a versatile material, you can mould it into just about any shape you want and paint it any colour. Some people think it looks wonderful in its natural raw form, slightly industrial and brutal but a perfect contrast to the warm, soft tones of timber. If you do go for the concrete option. thing carefully as it is very permanent and once it is in place you will have a job moving it.
Decking Wood Choices
There is an increasingly large variety of timber on the market to choose from. Your choice should be based on budget and aesthetic appeal and the decision made as if you were choosing new flooring for your living room.
Hardwood Timber
Hardwood timber is the luxury choice for decking. If treated well it will last a lifetime. The more familiar woods such as mahogany and teak have now been joined by a host of tropicals with such exotic names as ekki, bilinga, ipe and karri. The advantage of these tropical woods is that they are dense and relatively heavy, therefore making them naturally fire resistant, free from knots and extremely durable. Hardwoods accept sealers and stains well although their rich deep colours make staining seem unnecessary. Left to weather naturally they develop a beautiful soft silvery sheen. Always check that your lumber comes from well managed renewable forests. Most dealers should be able to produce certification from the Forestry Stewardship Council.
Softwood Timber
Softwood timber does not mean that it is any less hard wearing than hardwood. It means that it is farmed from evergreen trees compared to hardwood deciduous trees. It is usually the cheaper choice but top of the range softwoods such as western red cedar share the same warm tones as hardwood and look just as luxurious. A well treated softwood deck will last up to twenty five years. The decking boom has resulted in a large selection of quality durable softwoods being available off the shelf in just about any DIY store, ( Homebase garden furniture or B&Q DIY Furniture Online are some good starting points ) either in traditional planks or in pre formed squares for the really lazy and slightly more expensive option. Other softwood products include redwood, cypress, fir and pine, and they are all characterized by a paler yellow colour and a more raw appearance.
Garden Decking
Since making its jump from the boardwalk to the back garden, decking has proved to be the perfect flooring material for a small, open space. Decking is very adaptable in that it can be cut into almost any shape, so it is great for fitting into those awkward pokey corners. It is relatively lightweight so it is ideal for balconies, roof terraces or anywhere there is a load bearing issue.
Compared to other surfaces it is easy to lay and with modern lifestyles becoming more hectic it provides the perfect low maintenance choice, doing away with lawn mowers and getting rid of high maintenance borders certainly adds up to perfect stress free gardening. As well as looking good, its warm and soft underfoot and its sleek and stylish durability will make the most mean and dingy of spaces into something long lasting and magical.
