Metal Outdoor Furniture - Explained
Mention metal patio furniture and you probably think of the light, fly-away aluminium loungers of your youth or that half-ton cast iron table and chair set on your neighbour's lawn. But metal outdoor furniture has come a long way. Here's a quick primer on the available types and their care. Construction MethodsMetal is fashioned into furniture in one of three main ways: extrusion, casting, and welding. Extrusion forces melted metal through long pipes and forms long narrow tubes of metal, sometimes solid, but often hollow.
Casting metal involves a form, or cast, shaped like the finished product. The molten metal is poured into the form and then the form is removed when the metal has solidified. Cast pieces are almost always solid. Forging, a process in which metal is heated and hammered into shape produces the type of furniture known as "wrought" metal. It uses pipes and various solid pieces of the metal and joins them together by welding or bolting.
Common MaterialsThe most common metal outdoor furniture is made from iron or aluminium, although the use of steel, especially stainless steel, is growing. Iron is a chemical element that is naturally malleable and rusts easily. Vintage pieces, usually in black or dark green, can be found at premium prices and must be carefully maintained to prevent further rusting. Modern reproduction pieces will usually have a rust-resistant finish or coating that protects against chipping, scratching and corrosion. There are a variety of finishes available such as primer and paint, powder coatings and galvanizing.
They are available in a range of colors and styles. Since iron is heavy and solid, it is well-suited for windy spots where light furniture might be blown away. Don't expect it to be highly portable, though. Well-cared for, iron furnishings can last for 100 years. Much of the iron furniture available today is wrought iron, rather than cast iron.
When you're buying wrought iron, look for pieces made with solid metal rather than hollow tubing, and that are welded, rather than bolted, together. Generally, the better furniture is North American made. Iron furniture requires more maintenance than other types of metal furniture. Clean it regularly with warm soapy water and then dry it thoroughly. Wax the smooth surfaces and apply mineral or baby oil to textured surfaces.
Oil springs and moving parts once per year. Immediately touch up any scratches or rust by lightly sanding the spot with a fine steel wool. Then apply several thin coats of metal paint, letting each coat dry well before applying the next. If you're using a spray paint, apply with short light stokes. Aluminum is a silvery, lightweight and easily worked metallic element that never rusts.
Much of the early aluminum furniture from the 1960s was made from hollow-core extrusion tubing. Such furniture was extremely lightweight but not exceedingly wind-stable. Such pieces are still available today and are best used around a pool area. Cast aluminum is better used in outdoor dining or sitting areas. Whether you're looking for extruded, cast or wrought aluminum items, there are a few items that indicate a quality piece.
As with wrought iron, joints should be welded (preferably full-circumference welds) rather than bolted. If bolts are used, for example to connect webbing, they should be made of aluminum or stainless steel. Otherwise they will begin to rust even though the main frame does not. Best quality aluminum pieces have a powder-coated finish, which determines the final color of the piece and the durability of the metal. Powder coating is a process in which colorful polyester powders are applied and then baked onto the frame.
If you're buying aluminum furniture with vinyl webbing or straps, look for vinyl that has been processed with mildew inhibitors and ultraviolet stabilizers. Any wooden pieces mounted on aluminum frames should be treated with a finish to guarantee durability. Suntan oils, human perspiration, car exhaust and salt spray can all eat away at the powder coating on aluminum furniture. To ensure long life, clean your aluminum furniture twice a month with a solution of mild dish detergent and warm water. Rinse well.
You can then apply paste car wax to any smooth finish frames. Steel, a hard tough metal, is an alloy of iron and various small percentages of metallic elements. The alloys produce hardness and resistance to rusting. Galvanized steel has been plated with zinc; stainless steel has been alloyed with chromium and is virtually immune to rust and corrosion. Before the production of aluminum furniture in the mid 20th century, steel furniture was common, dating from popular French-made items manufactured in the later half of the 1800s.
American companies used solid steel until the Second World War when the heavy military demand for steel dictated the use of lightweight tubular (hollow) steel in outdoor furniture. Vintage steel sets can still be found at flea markets. If you're looking at modern steel furniture, be sure the product is either stainless or powder-coated and that any hardware used is also rust-resistant. Metal outdoor furniture in its many shapes and designs can be a wonderful addition to your outdoor living space. Choose wisely and enjoy!.
Debbie Rodgers, the haven maven, owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Her latest how-to guide ?Attracting Butterflies to Your Home and Garden? is now available on her web site. Visit her at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on ?Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space?. Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.comparadiseporch@lincsat.comAmericans Offers Condolences to Britain, to Londoners, to Good Friends
Over two centuries have passed since Americans and British raised their guns toward each other in war. We drove the Red Coats out of our land but we kept them in our hearts in many ways. After all, surpassing the Irish, French and Italians, the largest group of immigrants in this country is still the British. Our ancestry could not be extricated from Great Britain any more than the Sun could be disassociated from the morning.With dignity you finally recognized that a new country was being birthed. We joined in trade and commerce and later in war, fighting common enemies and working toward common causes.
From the trenches of the Great War to the Second World War we fought and died, side by side, as friends and for some as brothers. At this moment you stand with us in places throughout the world where people are struggling to be relieved of oppression, dictators, and economic woes. As Americans we are seen as the klutzes of the world the arrogant and unsophisticated country bumpkins...
Americans Offers Condolences to Britain, to Londoners, to Good Friends
Coats > Americans Offers Condolences to Britain, to Londoners, to Good Friends
Exterior Painting - You Can Do That
Copyright 2006 Dennis Watson
Don't under estimate your ability, grab a paint brush this summer and get out there and paint your house. Over the years I've been tempted to pay someone to do the job but after getting their estimate I decided real quick to do it myself.
If you have vinyl siding painting the windows, trim and doors will give you a chance to be creative. You can design a color scheme by using colors that complement your homes exterior siding.
Below I will give you some pointers on how to go your project.
The time it will take to complete varies on your skill level, size of your home, how much help you have and how many coats you apply.
Beginners will take about 8 to 10 hours Intermediates will take about 7 to 8 hours Advanced will take about 6 to 7 hours
When painting trim always use a higher sheen than the exterior siding to help them stand out. Semi-gloss or gloss for windows, trim and doors will...
Coats > Exterior Painting - You Can Do That
So You Want a Bichon Frise
We have also translated parts of this composition into French and Spanish to facilitate easier understanding of dog breed. In this way, more people will get to understand the composition.
This article on dog breed was written with the intention of making it very memorable to its reader. Only then is an article considered to have reached it's objective.
We had at first written a rough assignment on dog breed. Then after a few improvisions and enhancements here and there, we have ended up with this end product.
If you suffer from allergies, but want to have a dog, you may want to take a look at the Bichon Frise. This charming little dog's sole function is to provide companionship and it does its job extremely well.
The Bichon Frise is classified as a part of the Non-Sporting Group by the American Kennel Club.
The Bichon is a seven to thirteen pound dog that stands only nine to eleven inches tall. These fluffy little dogs...
So You Want a Bichon Frise
Coats > So You Want a Bichon Frise
Americans Offers Condolences to Britain, to Londoners, to Good Friends
Over two centuries have passed since Americans and British raised their guns toward each other in war. We drove the Red Coats out of our land but we kept them in our hearts in many ways. After all, surpassing the Irish, French and Italians, the largest group of immigrants in this country is still the British. Our ancestry could not be extricated from Great Britain any more than the Sun could be disassociated from the morning.With dignity you finally recognized that a new country was being birthed. We joined in trade and commerce and later in war, fighting common enemies and working toward common causes.
From the trenches of the Great War to the Second World War we fought and died, side by side, as friends and for some as brothers. At this moment you stand with us in places throughout the world where people are struggling to be relieved of oppression, dictators, and economic woes. As Americans we are seen as the klutzes of the world the arrogant and unsophisticated country bumpkins...
Americans Offers Condolences to Britain, to Londoners, to Good Friends
Coats > Americans Offers Condolences to Britain, to Londoners, to Good Friends
Online Casino Craps
All top-rated casinos offer the game of Craps in its classic version as well as a specially designed web version. The newer versions of the game commonly played are: Private Craps, Money Craps, Bank Craps, Scarney Craps and New York Craps.
The preference for a particular Online Craps may depend upon the choice of the players to play just for fun or for real money. They may prefer a casino that offers a single-player or a multiple-player option, or both.
Some casinos...
Coats > Online Casino Craps
Metal Outdoor Furniture - Explained Coats
Metal Outdoor Furniture - Explained Coats
Metal Outdoor Furniture - Explained Coats insurance quotes
Family of Texas Deathrow Inmate, Pedro S. Sosa, Due to be Executed on October 25th, 2005, Has Launched a Website Contesting His Death Sentence
(ContentDesk) October 12, 2005 -- The family of Mr. Pedro Sosa, State of Texas, death row inmate #000778, says that the state has taken his children, family, and now they want to take his life on October 25th, 2005 at 6:00 pm.Earlier execution dates were set in 1987, 1993, and 1999, but each time Pedro S. Sosa was successful in obtaining a stay of execution. At the moment, Pedro Sosa, his attorney, Cynthia Orr, and his family await a Federal Supreme Courtstay of execution. After this, they are...
Metal Outdoor Furniture - Explained Family of Texas Deathrow Inmate, Pedro S. Sosa, Due to be Executed on October 25th, 2005, Has Launched a Website Contesting His Death Sentence Coats
Coats > Family of Texas Deathrow Inmate, Pedro S. Sosa, Due to be Executed on October 25th, 2005, Has Launched a Website Contesting His Death Sentence