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How do you choose the right kind of outdoor patio furniture material?

And the answer to that question is kind of complicated. Well, at least it’s not simple, and the answer hinges on what kind of person you are and how you get through life.(Didn’t have any idea this would be so deep, did you?)

Because you want furniture that fits your lifestyle and maintenance style. Furniture that’s comfortable, convenient and fits your budget,right? Every outdoor furniture material has its advantages and disadvantages – we’ll help you determine which is the best for you.Let’s look at our options.

Sunbrella Fabric
One of the hottest new fabrics on the outdoor market umbrellas, and for very good reasons. Sunbrella fabric is a 100% acrylic woven fabric. That means it’s not cotton, it’s not canvas, and it is:

  • Fade-resistant. The color is actually added to the liquid acrylic before it harden sand woven into fabric. So if you look at the end of a Sunbrella acrylic thread you’ll see color all the way through and not just on the surface. So it can’t fade – and it won’t wash out!
  • Energy-efficient. Sunbrella fabric has been tested at 20% cooler than other outdoor and window fabrics. In the heat of the summer sun that’s worth a lot.
  • Strong. Acrylic fabric is resistant to chemicals: oils, acids, solvents and alkalis. Just imagine how easy it will hold up to average, everyday wear.
  • Water resistant. Of course – it’s acrylic, not cotton.
  • Mildew-intolerant.Yes, not just resistant, but intolerant of mildew.How? The pores in Sunbrella fabric allow air and moisture to pass through – they can’t get stuck on the surface and cause mildew or even condensation.
  • Soil-resistant. Yes, and when it gets dirty just hose it down, and use a mild soap if necessary. That’s all you need to keep your Sunbrella fabric looking new season after season.

Conclusion: low maintenance, long-lasting. Costs more than cotton, but well worth it.

Sunbrella Fabric Outdoor Market Umbrella$778.99 @Vista Stores

Wicker furniture
Nothing gives the beach look and feel to your outdoor space like wicker furniture. Its classic construction and smooth lines make it a long-term keeper for your porch, patio or outdoor space.

Today’s modern wicker furniture is constructed of very durable synthetic materials. That means it will stand up much better outdoors than tradition woven wicker furniture. But you still want to take some precautions.

  • Today’s wicker won’t fade quickly, but it will need some protection from a season’s worth of sun. Invest in furniture covers, place it under a roof or overhang or be prepared to move it between sun and shade every several days or few weeks.
  • Clean it regularly. The newer materials won’t mildew easily, but debris will still get stuck in the open weave and require removal. A mild soap is all you need to keep your wicker looking great.
  • Be ready to lightly sand and re-paint peeling paint. This just takes a few minutes and is well worth your time and attention.

Conclusion: a classic beauty that requires minimal maintenance and is priced competitively.

Wicker Furniture
Metal furniture
Metal furniture makes a statement about strength, confidence and simple beauty. And those traits keep it on the cutting edge and at the top of the outdoor furniture popularity charts today.With today’s powder coat painting techniques, your outdoor metal furniture will hold up for years without major maintenance. If it gets a scratch, it just takes a moment to repair:gently sand the spot, wipe clean and repaint. If you find a spot of rust, use the same technique: gently sand, wipe clean and repaint. After sanding, you can also prime with a rust inhibitor for increased protection.

Conclusion: competitively priced, available everywhere and very low maintenance. Martha Stewart have shared such a great tip for metal protector. Read More: Martha Stewart

Metal Furniture Protector
Wood furniture
There are wooden buildings in Europe that are over 800 years old, so it doesn’t take a genius to know that outdoor wood furniture can lastmany years when maintained correctly. For many, the beauty and warmth outdoor wood furniture provides make it worth the time and effort it takes to maintain over the years. Here are a few basic maintenance tips for outdoor wood furniture:
  • Except for cedar and teak, seal outdoor wood furniture with an exterior varnish to protect it from environmental effects. Watch for breaks in the seal and touch up those areas as you find them.
  • Outdoor wood furniture is susceptible to fading, so keep it covered or in the shade when not in use.
  • At the start of the summer season, check your outdoor wood furniture’s varnish seal. Gently sand all areas that show sun discoloration or breaks in the seal, and re-seal or coat with a wood furniture wax.

Conclusion: costs a little more, requires more maintenance than others but its classic beauty and long life are a worthy return on investment.

Outdoor Wooden Furniture
So you see, the kind of outdoor furniture best suited to your lifestyle and maintenance style is not something we can tell you. But you can probably figure it out from here – so pick the materials made just for your styles and fill that backyard with plenty of outdoor furniture enjoyment!

Outdoor Decorating Ideas for Summer: Improve your outdoor entertainment space!

Looking to make a few improvements to your outdoor entertaining areas? We’ve compiled some of the most popular ideas, so read more to redecorate your outdoor entertaining space, upgrade or update your cooking space, improve guest seating and addimportant details to increase everyone’s enjoyment.

1. Redecorate!

We’re starting with the obvious, the idea that you can totally redecorate your outdoor space. There are many options available: new furniture (chairs, tables, couches, patio umbrellas, etc.), new colors (cushions, flowers and pots, fence colors, etc.), new styles (classic to rustic to elegant, etc.), new focus (pond, pool, gardens, etc.) . . . . get the idea?

If you want a change but don’t know where to start, begin by browsing our pages. Take note of what you like and what you don’t. Then start imagining some of your “likes” in your backyard space. That will give you a great start.

A 2011 Coty Award winning project by Tim Johnson contemporary landscape
2. Update your outdoor kitchen.

If you want to entertain more outdoors, you’re probably going to be preparing and serving more food. Whether your outdoor cooking facilities consist of just a grill on the grass or you have a full outdoor kitchen, you can always find ways to improve and make your entertaining easier, more efficient and of course more enjoyable for you.

Think about this: what was your biggest frustration last summer with your outdoor cooking accommodations? Maybe you wanted a flat surface near the grill. Maybe you would have loved a sink with running water. Or utensils right in reach.
Another great update for making summer entertaining easier is to store utensils, plates, pans – everything “kitchen” – right outside where you use it. You don’t have to install complete outdoor kitchen cabinets to make this possible; just look at storage units that are made for the outdoors – from chests to self-standing cabinets to walk-in storage buildings, you can keep everything right in reach.

Private Residence - Mediterranean Style Estate mediterranean landscape
3. Improve your seating.

There are a few different perspectives for considering improving your outdoor seating: comfort, quantity, convenience and practicality. Let’s consider these seating criteria.

Comfort. Test out your current chairs – sit down, stay awhile. How long could you sit in comfort in this chair? Maybe you want to consider a different and more comfortable style, maybe just new cushions. Or maybe you want to consider a variety of seating options – rockers, loungers, straightbacks – to provide every seating option for all your guests.

Quantity. Do you have enough seating for your entertaining events? Maybe four chairs around a dining table are enough for you. Or you have a chair stash for those big events. Best-case scenario: have enough seating for most of your entertaining events and be ready to borrow or rent more seating for the once-a-season backyard blowouts.

Convenience. If you don’t like making the mad dash between raindrops to save your cushions from the deluge, consider investing in today’s new, water resistant fabrics. They can stay outdoors through every single rain, dry out quickly and be ready to use. That’s convenience.Another convenience available in today’ seating: portability. With sturdy and lightweight materials, you can fill your outdoor space with chairs that are easy to move whenever you choose.

Practicality. It may be beautiful, but if it’s uncomfortable, impossible to get out of, won’t hold up with your kids or takes up too much space, replace it.Another consideration: are your guests short, young, tall, old, mobility-challenged? Make sure you have enough of the right kind of seating for your guests. It’s another way to say “I’m glad you came.”What about the social event itself? Will you and your guests be socializng, eating, sunbathing, watching a game, roasting mallows and dogs?From luxurious relaxation to tree stump practicality, there’s a seating option available for every need!

Greenwich Village Townhouse modern patio
4. Mix it up for everyone to enjoy!
Do you like to entertain people with different interests? Keep in mind that visiting families will appreciate outdoor activities geared toward the children. And some guests will appreciate seating that’s easy to get out of and placed out of direct sun. So consider who you love to entertain and how you can make their time in your backyard the most enjoyable.There you have it, a few ideas to freshen up your outdoor entertaining space. So open the doors, invite your guests in and have a great, entertaining summer!

Abbyson Living 3 Piece Top Grain Italian Leather Brownstone Collection on Sale

Abbyson Living presenting the all-new Brownstone Italian leather collection – a timeless classic that will provide your home with both luxury and functionality. Brownstone is designed as a 3-piece set, featuring a stationary sofa, complimented by 2 reclining armchairs. However, the alluring transitional design is not the only feature that makes this collection so special.

“Price on Vista Stores: $1900.00 with FREE Shipping!”

Featuring zero-wall functionality, the Brownstone collection allows you to hug your recliners against the wall without the worry of losing the reclining capabilities. The durability and comfort continues on with the ultra-thick and premium top-grain Italian leather coverings, which feature beautifully contrasted gold hand-stitched details against the classic, multi-toned dark brown color. This exclusive collection will enhance the style of your existing décor and provide a new statement to your living space.

3 Piece Top Grain Italian Leather Brownstone Collection

  • 3-pc collection includes: stationary sofa & 2 recliners
  • Features  top-grain, hand-cut Italian leather on all seating areas, with leather match on the sides and back
  • Leather color is a classic, multi-toned dark brown
  • Features thick, durable leather coverings
  • Armchairs are recliners and feature zero-wall functionality
  • Thick-stranded gold stitching provides contrast for a classic touch
  • Frames are foam-encased to protect the leather
  • Constructed of solid hardwoods for sturdy long life
  • No-sag spring construction for added seating comfort
  • Accented by warm brown-colored wooden legs

Patio Furniture Alleviates Strain of Soaring Gas Prices

With gas prices hovering around $4 a gallon, and experts predicting this number to rise even further, families are desperate to find creative ways to cut costs and still maintain a high quality of life.  One of the first things to go in the reduction of a family budget is money set aside for vacation or leisure.  However the budget squeeze does not eliminate the need for stress-relief and family relaxation time, and modern families are scrambling to find creative ways to fulfill this need as economically as possible.

Patio Furniture near Swimming Pool with Patio Umbrellas
One creative solution is to invest a small amount of money in patio umbrellas.  With a dash of creativity, a set of patio umbrellas can turn an overlooked corner of a property into a relaxation center and party space.  Instead of meeting with friends and colleagues at bars, cafes and restaurants, professionals can arrange much more cost-effective reunions in the comfort of their own backyard.  This allows them to fulfill their need for stress relief, as well as to save the strain on their pocketbook.

Patio umbrellas come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and can be arranged to form outdoor recreation areas that greatly extend the livable area of a home.  Families are finding that the construction of patio umbrella gardens can eliminate the need for expensive day trips to parks or other recreation areas, and are just as effective as more distant relaxation destinations.

Why reach for car keys when you can quickly and easily build a vacation zone that is only a sliding glass door away?

Patio umbrellas can be arranged to form a light and airy illusion of enclosure, while still remaining open enough to let the summer breeze float by.  Furthermore, patio umbrellas can be rearranged with ease since they are designed to be light and portable.  Rearranging the patio umbrella garden into new and dynamic settings has the same soothing effect as traditional gardening, and eliminates the need to seek alternate horizons elsewhere.

With some pundits forecasting gas prices in the $9 range, it’s possible that more and more families will seek out creative solutions such as patio umbrella gardens to cut out needless travel and maximize the ability to find stress relief at home.

Special Offer on Gardenglo Solar and Electrical Illuminated Planters

I would like to offer you an exclusive offer on Gardenglo Illuminated Planters from Patio Living Concepts. Patio Living Concepts offers 20% discount on items listed below.

Gardenglo Solar Illuminated Planter: The totally self sufficient solar GardenGo planter has a separate control unit mounted on a ground stake for positioning in direct sunlight, and an on/off swith with auto on function at dark.  Includes 3 AA rechargeable batteries.  LED bulbs last 20,000 hours.

Gardenglo Electrical Illuminated Planter: Elegantly simple design highlight this large clarified resin planter which will enhance any patio setting while illuminating the night.  Available in three decorator body colors. The 120 Volt electric GardenGlo is complete with 12 foot cord and plug and a 4,000 hour florescent bulb.

Gardenglo Stone Fluorescent Electrical Illuminated Planter$80.99 + FREE Shipping

Gardenglo Stone Solar Illuminated Planter$119.99 + FREE Shipping

Stone Solar Illuminated PlanterGardenglo Lemon Fluorescent Electrical Illuminated Planter - $80.99 + FREE Shipping

Gardenglo Lemon Solar Illuminated Planter$119.99 + FREE Shipping

Lemon Solar Illuminated PlanterGardenglo Green Fluorescent Electrical Illuminated Planter$80.99 + FREE Shipping

Gardenglo Green Solar Illuminated Planter$119.99 + FREE Shipping

Green Solar Illuminated Planter

Don’t forget to visit our patio umbrellas collection. You can find out 25% to 50% discount on different outdoor umbrellas and market umbrellas. If you have any additional comments or question about this offer so let us know by following comment box.

Top Products: 8 RIB Octagonal Market Umbrellas by Fiberbuilt Umbrellas

Today, we are happy to start attractive series on different products. We will share some fabulous products from our different category. This will help you to drill down more on existing products which will includes unique product images, features and specification. We hope you will enjoy it. Again, we are eager to see your valuable comments in following comment box.

FiberBuilt Umbrellas is dedicated to manufacturing state of the art fiberglass ribbed umbrellas for use at hotels, apartment complexes, condominiums, country clubs and restaurants as well as many other locations requiring contract quality products.

Their innovative fiberglass support rib construction ensures strength, resilience and durability.

They have developed a full line of contract quality umbrellas that hold up to the harshest weather conditions – intense sunlight, high winds, salt air and driving rain – and will not decay or lose their shape.

Their flexible fiberglass ribs absorb wind gusts without breaking and last four to five times longer than traditional steel or wood ribbed umbrellas.

For its inherent strength and longevity, the standard canopies of their Market, Beach and Patio Umbrellas and Cabanas are made of marine grade fabric.

Let’s start with Market Series

1) 8 RIB OCTAGONAL MARKET UMBRELLA with PULLEY & PIN LIFT

8 RIB OCTAGONAL MARKET UMBRELLA with PULLEY & PIN LIFT

  • Flexible fiberglass ribs
  • Molded nylon joints, hubs and end tips
  • Powder coated finishes
  • Single vent canopies standard with vent ties
  • Storage ties are standard
  • Custom top options include double vent, sewn vents, valance, alternating panels, trim, banding and logos.
  • Standard tops are made of marine or furniture grade, solution dyed acrylic. See Fabric selections on pages 28 – 30. Tops are also available in COM (Customer’s Own Material).
  • Customized panel patterns are available.

This market umbrella is available with different vent option. Square with single vent and Double vent with (3) 4″bandings.

A) Square market umbrella with single vent

 

Square Market Umbrella with Single Vent

B) Double vent with (3) 4″bandings

Double Vent Market Umbrella

2) 8 RIB OCTAGONAL MARKET UMBRELLA with CRANK LIFT

8 RIB OCTAGONAL MARKET UMBRELLA with CRANK LIFT

  • Flexible fiberglass ribs
  • Molded nylon joints, hubs and end tips
  • Powder coated finishes
  • Single vent canopies standard with vent ties
  • Storage ties are standard
  • Custom top options include double vent, sewn vents, valance, alternating panels, trim, banding and logos.
  • Standard tops are made of marine or furniture grade, solution dyed acrylic. See Fabric selections on pages 28 – 30. Tops are also available in COM (Customer’s Own Material).
  • Customized panel patterns are available.

There are two options in market umbrellas with crank lift. Collar tilt and single vent with optional valance in contrasting color with trim.

Single vent market umbrella

Red Market Umbrella

Collar tilt market umbrella

Blue Market Umbrella

I’m quite excited to understand requirement about market umbrellas and publish it on this series very soon.

April 2012: Super Buys: Office Star Best Office Chairs on Vista Stores

Listed below are the monthly specials for April. Office Star Office Chairs have super buys offer for month April 2012. There are too many attractive home office furniture and office chairs which have huge discount and great deal in price. We are happy to share each and every product on our blog section. We’ll update and maintain this segment on monthly bases. We are trying our best to capture best offers on all products. Enjoy your shopping on Vista Stores -

OSP Space Seating AirGrid Super Buy:

OSP AirGrid Super Buy Office Chairs April 2012

15-66C615R Office Star Office Chair: $249.99

>> 15-66C615R Office Star Office ChairLight Air Grid® seat and back with adjustable lumbar support
>> 2-to-1 synchro tilt control with adjustable tilt tension
>> Height adjustable arms with PU pads
>> Heavy duty platinum coated base with black end caps and
>> oversized dual wheel carpet casters
>> GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®

 

15-46C61PR3 Office Star Office Chair: $249.99

 15-46C61PR3 Office Star Office Chair>> Light Air Grid® back with adjustable lumbar support
Thick padded black leather seat
>> 2-to-1 synchro tilt control with adjustable tilt tension
Cantilever arms with PU pads
>> Heavy duty platinum coated base with black end caps
and dual wheel carpet casters
>> GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®

 

63-57G944 Office Star Office Chair: $319.99

63-57G944 Office Star Office Chair>> Dark Air Grid® back with adjustable lumbar support
>> Thick padded layered leather seat
>> 2-to-1 synchro tilt control with seat slider and
adjustable tilt tension
>> 4-Way adjustable arms with PU pads
>> Heavy duty angled gunmetal finish base with oversized
dual wheel carpet casters
>> GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®

63-56R944 Office Star Office Chair: $319.99

63-56R944 Office Star Office Chair>> Light Air Grid® Back with Adjustable Lumbar Support
>> Thick Padded Layered Leather Seat
>> 2-to-1 Synchro Tilt Control with Seat Slider and
Adjustable Tilt Tension
>> 4-Way Adjustable Arms with PU Pads
>> Heavy Duty Angled Platinum Finish Base with Oversized
Dual Wheel Carpet Casters
>> GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®

13-38N1P3 Office Star Office Chair: $149.99

13-38N1P3 Office Star Office Chair>> Latte Air Grid® back with built in lumbar support
>> Thick padded black mesh seat
>> 2-to-1 synchro tilt control w/adjustable tilt tension
>> Cantilever arms with PU pads
>> Heavy duty angled nylon base with oversized dual wheel
carpet casters
>> GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®

GreenCorner Patio Umbrellas to Protect Your Investment and Ensure Lasting Value!

You can get the lasting quality and value you expect by purchasing of GreenCorner Patio Umbrellas. You can select patio umbrellas that will protect your investment for many years and offer valuable return engineered to last from the marine grade fabric to the African mahogany wood to the to stainless steel hardware, each component is precisely selected to ensure lasting beauty . All patio umbrellas are constructed with a modular design and durable manufacturing techniques to further protect your investment and ensure lasting value.

GreenCorner Patio Umbrellas

Buy with Confidence knowing that your patio umbrellas are manufactured (not outsourced) and backed by a company with decades of specific expertise and reliability. Rest assured knowing that they were Independently Tested by the experts at Bureau Veritas Group for Wind Resistance, Corrosion, Fading and Seam Strength. Bottom line… your GreenCorner patio umbrellas will perform well in all conditions.

You can find out 10′ x 13′ Rectangle, 10′ x 10′ Square, 11′ Square, 9′ Octagonal and 6.5′ x 6.5′ Square patio umbrellas on Vista Stores with FREE shipping and 100% price guarantee! You will enjoy unique design of patio umbrellas.

10′ x 13′ Rectangle Sunflower Yellow Sunbrella Patio Umbrella

10′ x 10′ Square Beige Sunbrella Patio Umbrella

11′ Octagon Royal Blue Sunbrella Patio Umbrella

9′ Octagon Forest Green Sunbrella Patio Umbrella

6.5′ x 6.5′ Square Orange Sunbrella Patio Umbrella

Fabric: All GreenCorner canopies are made from high quality acrylic canvas – designed to maintain its rich color and functional integrity for years in the most demanding outdoor conditions. Patio umbrellas are sewn with five-thread stitch seams to provide reinforcement to the canopy’s most vulnerable points.

Wood and Wood Finish: Exceptionally strong and durable, African Mahogany has been used in boat and bridge construction for centuries. The wood is first coated with a 2K epoxy primer, before being finished with two coats of 2K polyurethane yacht varnish. This solid finish, designed for marine exterior surfaces, contains ultraviolet light absorbers that offer excellent protection from sun, salt air and water.

Hardware: All GreenCorner hardware is made from low carbon content 304 stainless steel, also known as “marine-grade” stainless steel. This higher quality metal keeps the GreenCorner Umbrella looking sharp for an extending period.

Thread: Highly durable 100% polyester thread for best resistance to ultraviolet rays, microorganisms and mildew.

Pulley & Cordage: They are offering a pulley-based lift system, making it easy for most any adult to open and close. A pulley lift system is a signature trait of a true market umbrella. While a crank system seems convenient at first glance, this lift system is too fragile for long term commercial use, particularly when lifting heavier, larger and more durable umbrellas we produce. The cordage used offers superior UV resistance, high durability, excellent long-term performance and is typically used in the boating industry.

Wind Vent: The large wind vent allows gust of wind to be released and heat to dissipate. This design provides higher wind resistance and greater overall stability than competing products.

Single Pole: At the heart of every GreenCorner patio umbrella is a one-piece mahogany pole – a sturdy support system. To save on material and shipping costs most competitors compromise on their umbrellas strength and appearance by gluing or screwing together multiple smaller pieces of wood.

Protective Sleeve: Each pole is equipped with a protective aluminum sleeve at the bottom. This sleeve prevents moisture from swelling and distorting the wood.

 

Source: GreenCorner Patio Umbrellas

Fresh Air: Back yard inspiration!

It doesn’t take much to update your outdoor space to make it more inviting, more exciting and more usable. If you’re a rare one-percenter who says you already have your perfect outdoor space well, that’s awesome for you! But . . . for the rest of us 99-percenters well, most of us know we need a little help. From sprucing up what you already have to adding small but important items, you can make over your yard in no time and with little expense. Have you thought about fixing up the steps on the deck or setting up patio umbrellas? Or adding a bench near the flower garden to while away a beautiful afternoon. It takes just a little bit to make a big difference!

Want to get some “fresh air” in your backyard living? An outdoor update provides a refreshing change that makes your outdoor space a great opportunity for relaxing, reflecting and laughing in your own backyard. What an amazing way to end a long day!

Now, if you’re a rare one-percenter who says you already have your perfect outdoor space well, that’s awesome for you! But . . . for the rest of us 99-percenters well, most of us know we need a little help.

Here’s our list of ten inspiring ideas for outdoor updating. Each idea provides a starting point to get you on your way. After that, let your imagination run wild – outdoors of course!

  • The first step into your outdoor updating project is really . . . the first step. How comfortable are your outdoor stairs, and are they in good shape? The stairs to your outdoor area can be brick, wood, landscape stone, paved stone or a simple box step created with lumber and mulch. Make sure your steps are in good condition and visually appealing. Call a contractor or handy person if you need help or don’t want to do it yourself. After all, that first step can be a doozy!
  •  After taking your first step, consider the next: the deck or patio itself, which is the base of your outdoor living space. Again, this can be brick, wood, landscape stone or paved stone. Does the wood need staining or sealing? Are those pavers ready for a sand refill? A good idea is to get online and find out what you can do and how to do it – usually much easier than you think!
  •  Once you’ve completed your first steps you’ll find yourself on the pathway to the rest of your outdoor space. Yes – literally your yard’s pathways! Maybe you don’t have any yet, or maybe your pathways need a little uplifting. Think about this upgrade idea: some folks like to create a patterns or maze of pathways leading from one area to another….
  •  If you decide to create a maze of pathways, it’s always nice to add a bench or two. Benches create relaxation points along the way, places to sit alone or together, to reflect or nap. What an easy and affordable update!
  •  Enhance and increase the opportunities to sit and relax along your pathways with plants. What flowers grow best in your environment? What do you want to look at? Think about the type of flowers, shrubs, trees and grasses you enjoy most. It helps to start looking around your neighborhood and community to see what plants thrive and which ones you love.
  •  Of course you want your outdoor space to reflect your personality. One way is to be creative in your thinking. Do you like golf? Why not add a putting green to your outdoor space! Are you a bird watcher? Then a few birdbaths placed throughout your outdoor space could be your answer.
  •  If you’re entertaining for the evening and want to impress your friends, update your outdoor lighting. You can go all-out and have an electrician run wire and lighting, or start the easy way: invest in a few beautiful candle lanterns and strategically place them around the yard. It will set the stage, improve the atmosphere and give you the desired effect for the party. Oh, and your new, updated outdoor lighting will light the way for your guests too!
  •  There you have it: easy, simple and affordable ways to update your own outdoor space. Now don’t just sit there – get outdoors and enjoy your “new” space!

DIY: All the summer shade you want!

Is your yard too hot to enjoy? Can’t find enough shade or patio umbrellas? Let’s consider an interesting option: make your own shade! Yes, it’s possible to make your very own shading device – you can call it a shade sail, a sun curtain – whatever you want. We’ll explain the basics of how to make one right here, and all you DIY-ers can take it from there! We’re assuming you know how to measure, how to anchor hardware in various materials and can sew the fabric yourself or know someone who’ll do it for you. Once you understand this sun shading concept you can take this idea way beyond basic and provide shade in all kinds of outdoor spaces.

We’ll explain the basics of how to make one right here, and all you DIY-ers can take it from there!We’re assuming you know how to measure, how to anchor hardware in various materials and can sew the fabric yourself or know someone who’ll do it for you.

First, let’s paint a picture for you – it always helps me if I can “see” what I’m doing. Imagine a kite – a traditionally shaped rectangle. Now imagine you have an oversize kite you can hang wherever you want to provide shade.

Picture your yard and the area you want to shade. Just like a kite, your sun shade needs an anchor to keep it from flying away. Is there a building wall nearby? How about a fence, or other permanent structure like a tree? You can also use non-permanent objects to anchor your sun shade, like a heavy metal bench, a patio umbrella base, a large (very large) flower pot. What you’re looking for are four anchor points. Use appropriate hardware for your anchor points, to attach your sail shade and hold your sail frame in place.

Now for the fabric.Here’s the interesting thing: you can use curtain lining, an inexpensive material available at most fabric shops, or you can use a new shading fabric available at some big box home improvement centers. Both work well, both can be hosed down for cleaning, and both look great. One exception: although the shading fabric is more expensive, it’s also much sturdier and will last longer than the lining fabric. On the other hand, the lining is cheap enough you can afford to replace it every couple years and still have less expensive shade. Your choice, just decide what’s more important to you.

On two opposite ends fold your fabric over to form a pocket about 2” deep.On window curtains they’re called rod pockets.We’ll use these pockets to hold the support rods to shape and support the sun shade.Sew down the length of the rod, and be sure to leave each end open. (BTW, if you’re not a sewer, don’t cut your fabric until you know how much extra to include for the turned-under pocket.)

You’ll need “rods” for your sun shade. I recommend using PVC pipe – it’s very inexpensive, totally weather resistant and you can get all the connector sizes and shapes you want. Cut your lengths 2” longer than the rod pocket sides of your sail, drill a ¼” hole by each end, slip the rod in your fabric pocket, then insert a u-bolt or s-hook into those holes and hook them on to your support.

Okay, folks, time to hang your sail shade and start enjoying the fruits of your labors. Once you understand this sun shade concept you can take this idea way beyond basic. Want a different shape? Sure – just pick a shape: triangle, square, trapezoid, parallelogram (no, I really don’t remember enough geometry to know what I’m talking about here….). Wow, the possibilities are endless! Can you imagine if we . . . .

I want to share such an interesting video with you which was uploaded by DIYVanessa!