One Tough Umbrella - Let The Winds Blow

I don't care what you call it, this has been one harsh, snowy winter! It has me dreaming of lounging by the turquoise waters of a tropical beach.  Nothing beats the feel of the sun, salt and wind on my face.  It may not be good for the skin, but it sure is good for the soul.  After a full day of sunning, it may be a good idea to retreat to the shade of a good umbrella. That is if you can find one that hasn't blown away or been closed due to high winds.

Well, there are umbrellas that hold up to the harshest weather conditions - intense sunlight, high winds, salt air and driving rain. We have found a company, FiberBuilt Umbrellas, that 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.

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

So whether you are by the beach, pool or lounging in the comfort of your own backyard, if your space needs some shade and you want a quality umbrella that is virtually unbreakable and windproof, take a look at the great selection we have at patioandyards.com

Choosing The Right Outdoor Furniture

Shopping for patio furniture can be a daunting experience for some. With so many products on the market today, how do you find the perfect fit for you? First you have to consider the climate in your area to decide what works best for your outdoor living space. We all desire a product that is both comfortable and attractive, as well as one that is durable. After all, you never know what Mother Nature has to throw at you.

There are several types of materials to choose from, each with their own benefits and manufacturers warranties. Most high quality furniture is designed to withstand the elements and can hold up for many years, unlike the lower cost manufacturers. A couple of things you want to consider are whether you live in an area that is dry or humid, or in an area that is prone to high winds and salt air.

Regal Teak Chippendale Bench

Tropical Teak is one of the priciest but is one of the most durable. Even exposed to the elements it can last 50 Years, untreated it will age to a beautiful silvery patina.With the natural teak oil that is produced from within the wood itself, teak will continually recondition naturally, making it an excellent weather and insect resistant wood.

Seaside Casual Envirowood Nantucket Collection

Synthetic Wood Substitute
outdoor furniture closely resembles painted wood. Crafted from recycled plastic bottles and containers that are permeated with UV-stabilized coloring. offers the quality, comfort, and beauty of traditional painted wood without the associated maintenance. Resistant to outdoor elements, they will absorb no moisture, and therefore will not rot, warp, crack or splinter. Virtually low maintenance.





Cast Aluminum Furniture When it comes to leaving your furniture out even in hurricane conditions, you won't have to worry about this heavy furniture blowing away. Cast Aluminum furniture outperforms all other types of outdoor patio furniture. Aluminum is extremely durable, and will maintain its structural integrity for many years and will not succumb so easily to the elements. Aluminum by nature does not rust or tarnish, so its original brilliance will last for the lifetime of the furniture.

Three Coins Cast Aluminum

At PatioandYards.com, we have gone to great lengths to bring you only the highest quality outdoor furniture, whatever you choose.

Take a look today to find your perfect fit.

Gel Fuel & Electric Fireplaces - Transform Your Space

Gel Fuel Fireplace

There is nothing like curling up in front of a fire on a cold winters day. If you are not among the fortunate folks to have this luxury, there are popular options available today, which can provide you with the warmth and beauty of a fireplace.

Some people may enjoy chopping and splitting wood for a fire but, if it's not on your list of fun things to do, you don't have to be left out in the cold.  An empty wall or corner can be beautifully transformed with an addition of a gel fuel or electric fireplace. They are a perfect choice if you live in a small apartment or condo.



Each inspired fireplace is made from real wood and comes complete with a mantel and molding.
Some also double as an entertainment center. They require no ventilation and meet all clean air requirements established by both OSHA and the EPA.

Let's compare the two fireplaces and find the perfect fit for your home.

A Gel Fuel fire is an all natural, jelled alcohol that is 100% efficient and ecologically sound. Each can burns for two and a half to three hours and can be reused until empty. It even crackles just like a real fire. Although not designed as a heating source, gel fuel does provide some warmth.  You will be amazed at the robust red, yellow and orange glowing flames that create a full, wide and high fire. No chimney, no gas hookups and no electricity needed. It makes an ideal addition to any room in all types of homes adding the warmth and ambiance of a real fire without the hassle and expense of costly installations.

Real Flame Gel Fuel Pack

Electric Fireplace

If you desire a fireplace that delivers warmth as well as appeal, then the Electric Fireplace is the best choice for your home. The vivid flame Electric Firebox plugs into any standard outlet for convenient set up. The features include remote control, programmable thermostat, timer function, brightness settings and ultra bright Vivid Flame LED technology.

With so many design options and finish colors, you are sure to find the the perfect fireplace to fit your space. Whether you choose the Real Flame Gel Fuel or Real Flame Electric Fireplace, both fireplaces are great alternatives to traditional or gas fireplaces. Both are easy to install and hassle free. All you need to do is relax and enjoy your cozy time by the fire.


To learn more about the Real Flame products from PatioandYards.com, click here:
http://www.patioandyards.com/Electric_Gel_Fireplaces_s/271.htm

EXTENDING THE LIFE OF YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Autumn is just around the corner, and depending on your area of the country, the outdoor entertaining season is drawing to a close. For many folks it is the time to start thinking about winterizing the patio furniture. Most outdoor furniture is manufactured to remain outside for the winter, but taking precautions against the weather conditions will keep your patio set looking new for many years. 

When you're ready to winterize, you need to take a few steps to clean and store your furniture. It's important to properly clean your furniture before storing or covering it. Most manufacturers will give you instructions for your type furniture or cushion. Vacuum or shake off outdoor cushions, spot clean with mild detergent, and let them air-dry thoroughly before storing indoors or in a watertight cushion keeper for winter. Brush loose dirt from tables and chairs, then wash with mild soapy water. Once dry, move to storage or use protective covers, and you're finished for the season.

PatioandYards.com offers protective covers from Duck Covers and KoverRoos, made of state of the art fabrics to cover everything from furniture, tables, umbrellas and grills. 

KoverRoos

Outdoor furniture covers need to breathe so that moisture can escape, keeping mold and mildew from developing under the cover. KoverRoos use technologically advanced materials that are one-way breathable - moisture leaves, but dust and dirt can't get in. Water resistant and breathable, these covers are truly unique and the best that you'll find to protect fine outdoor furniture. Choose from four fabric choices.

KoverRoos Medium Oval Dining Set Cover

Features:

KoverRoos Chaise Cover

Our patented 'drain through' system for table and chair sets eliminates puddling on tabletops and chairs. And our fastening system ensures a snug fit and eliminates sagging and water puddles. No water buildup to get on someone removing the covers - they go quickly and easily into their signature storage pouches. 

KoverRoos® are extremely lightweight, making them easy to put on, remove, and store. Our umbrella cover weighs a mere 10 ounces and is a breeze to put on. Like all of our covers, it easily folds up for storage. No rods to screw in or lose and no jam-prone telescoping poles. A chaise cover can be removed and stored in 60 seconds.

Every product, including our umbrella cover, has a storage pouch to store KoverRoos® right near the furniture. KoverRoos® are the only covers with this feature. Some of our chair cover pouches can even be conveniently attached directly to your furniture or used as a pillow.

To clean your KoverRoos® cover, just wipe and rinse. You can use a mild solution of warm soap and water. You can also safely wash KoverRoos® in a front-loading washer. Wash in cold water, do not use detergent, and hang to dry. Do not place your KoverRoos® in a dryer, as high heat can destroy the fabric. Always store your cover dry.

Duck Covers

Duck Covers use an innovative inflation design that helps furniture stay clean and looking as good as new. Combined with Duck Covers’ secure tie-downs, it’s the most reliable way ever to protect and maximize the life of your patio furniture

Our patent pending Duck Dome solution fits into the low points of your outdoor furniture and creates an elevated, dome-shaped surface under the cover to repel water and debris—much like water off a duck’s back. The Dome also creates superior airflow between the furniture and cover, eliminating the condensation that causes mold and mildew.

Duck Dome inflates in less than 90 seconds using our handheld, rechargeable inflator. Just secure the Dome to your furniture using its attached reinforced nylon tie-down straps, and place the cover over it. The Duck Dome comes standard with all Duck Covers.

Duck Covers come in wide variety of stylish, outdoor patio furniture covers—including covers for patio tables, lounge chairs, BBQ grills and more. Use our covers with our patent pending Duck Dome integrated air bag, and you’ll keep your furniture protected and looking great for years.

Duck Cover Sofa Cover

Features:

Duck Dome

Fast and Easy To Use. 

Duck Covers comes with a patent pending integrated Duck Dome airbag solution that prevents just this problem. Just place Duck Dome on the flat surfaces or low points of your outdoor furniture and use our rapid inflation deflation system. Duck Dome inflates in less than 90 seconds with our handheld, rechargeable inflator, creating a higher dome-shaped surface under the cover that repels water and debris

Prevents Mold and Mildew

Elevating the cover also creates better airflow between the furniture and cover to eliminate condensation, the leading cause of mold and mildew build-up.

Fits Securely

Unlike ducks, our covers don’t migrate. The Duck Dome airbag is held into place with four nylon tie-down ropes attached to the airbag. Simply tie them to your furniture, place the cover over the furniture and secure it into place. The Duck Dome comes standard with all Duck Covers.

Regardless of which company you decide on, you will not go wrong protecting your investment.  The best part is that your furniture will be clean, protected and ready for use when spring arrives next year!

 

How to Measure for  Sling Replacement

We have had a busy season with customers ordering replacement slings for their patio furniture. Due to the fact that our patio slings are made from direct customer measurement specifications, it is very important to accurately measure your sling furniture before ordering. Below are detailed instructions on how to make these measurements of your outdoor patio sling furniture accurately.  Like the old saying goes, "measure twice and cut once."

Instructions:

When measuring a sling for replacement, make sure the measurements are taken while the sling is still tightly installed in frame, even if the fabric is cut or ripped. Taking measurements from just the sling will result in an inaccurate size. Measure to the nearest 1/8″ and do not add more. We will add the necessary fabric for seams.

  A tailors measuring tape should be used to measure with as it can follow the contour of the chair which is necessary to get an accurate measurement.
Measure the width starting about 3″ from the top of the sling and by identifying the center of the sling rail channel as shown.Measure across to the center of the channel on the other side to the closest 1/8″.

  

Do not take measurements from the very top or the very bottom as the sling tends to flare out.Measure the width of both the back and seat of the chair as they may differ slightly.

   Measure the width of the seat in the same manner as the width of the back was measured. Start about 3″ from the bottom edge at the center of the rail channel and measure straight across to other center of the other rail channel. Take measurements to the nearest 1/8″.

  
 To measure the sling length, start at the very top edge of fabric. Measure the entire length making sure to follow the curves of chair. Following the edge will give you an accurate measurement remembering to round down and not up to the nearest 1/8″.

When taking measurements of your sling furniture, make sure to gather measurements from several of your sling chairs in the set to make sure there are no random variations. Do not alter or add any adjustments to your measurements. We will add any necessary seams and material necessary for a perfect fit!

We offer replacement slings for chairs, ottomans and chaise lounges. Our prices range from $24-$86. 

If you have questions or concerns when measuring for your slings, give us a call at 

877-246-3871 and we will be happy to assist you!

Removing Summer Stains

July 16, 2013

The kids are home from school and the age old family tradition of the backyard barbecue is in full swing. Along with the barbecues comes the likelihood that someone will leave behind a little mustard, ketchup or red wine stain on your beloved patio cushions. Chances are also good that your favorite songbird might leave behind a little gift of their own. It has happened to all of us at one time or another. This month we wanted to share with you some cleaning solutions for those pesty stains from the good folks at Sunbrella.

One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good and to delay deep or vigorous cleaning is to properly maintain the fabrics. This can be accomplished by simply brushing off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabrics, wiping up spills as soon as they occur or spot cleaning soon after stains occur.

Bird droppings: Dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water, or try Goo Gone Grease Cutter (a hand cleaner), Greased Lightning, or Clean Rite Purple Power (available at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc.)

Ketchup or Mustard: Dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water

Mildew: Bleach (1 cup) / Dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water

Suntan Lotion: Pine Power® or pine oil detergent / water (mix as directed)

Wine:  Dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water / ammonia (4-8 oz.) / white vinegar (3 oz.)

Check back with us soon at www.patioandyards.com/  for more tips on cleaning those summer stains.

This year Summer Solstice falls on June 21^st, the longest day of the year.  Summer solstice occurs on the day that has the longest period of daylight.  It marks the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere and simultaneously heralds the beginning of winter in the southern hemisphere. It is a very important day for our planet and its relationship with the sun. For those of us planning family vacations it is a time for fun and adventure!

Many of you may have children that are packing for summer camp or maybe your family enjoys vacationing at the lake or mountain cabin.  I love these great vintage signs that can be personalized to keep those memories of summer with you throughout the year.

http://www.patioandyards.com/Vintage_Signs_s/78.htm

Summer is also a busy time for weddings.  Maybe you are hosting a party or reception for the happy couple.  Planning a large party or corporate outing?  You will love the Fill N' Chill Party Table for your next party or catering event.  

Fill N' Chill Party Table

Be the hit of the party.  It’s easy to set up. Just add ice, your food or beverages and you are ready to go. These lightweight and durable tables come with a variety of add-on accessories that make it the perfect choice for your next outdoor party or catering event. 

http://www.patioandyards.com/Fill_N_Chill_Party_Table_s/287.htm

Whatever your plans, we hope that you enjoy those extra hours or sunlight!