Old Cushions from a Contemporary Patio Furniture Sale? – Smart Easy DIY Tips..

Have you recently found gorgeous cushions from a contemporary patio furniture sale that you recently took the time to visit? You can certainly hide those small rips and tears, design a quick slip-on, or create new patterns in place of old ones for some inexpensive DIY makeovers that you can achieve with a little effort.

Paint plastic cushions

Redecorate plastic outdoor cushions with paint. Clean the surface of the cushions with a water and mild soap mixture and allow them to completely dry. Spray on plastic paint thinner and then with a color spray paint. You can find spray paint for plastic with a built-in primer but your color choices will be very limited. For an added decorative touch, spray on stencil patterns to the cushion. Then protect the paint and seal it with a clear spray sealer.

Recover fabric

You can also cover your cushions quickly with a vinyl or vinyl-coated fabric or tablecloth. Fraying should not be an issue with vinyl cloth so this is a great and inexpensive solution. Cut the fabric into squares so that the whole cushion can fit in between. Put the squares face to face then stitch the three sides together. Slip the cushion in and seal the fourth side with Velcro. Otherwise known as vinyl oilcloth, you should easily find this in your local fabric store.

Add more pattern

If the cushion has a few tears or rips that need patching, fix them by stitching new patterned fabric right on top of the damaged area. Look for a fabric that matches the existing one and pick a patch fabric with a pattern of the same color palate of  the cushion. Cut an oversized patch of the new fabric, ensuring that it is larger than the tear so that it still has room for you to stitch around it. Remove the covering, put the patch on top of the tear and directly stitch it to the covering. You can also use fabric glue.

Patio Chair Cushion (All Sunbrella Fabric Choices) by Meadow Décor

Perfect for your dining chair, swivel rocker or barstool, the Patio Chair Cushion (All Sunbrella Fabric Choices) by Meadow Décor is made with polyester fiber batting for a soft and durable fill. It comes with four ties to keep it securely attached to the seat.

Accent Outdoor Small Pillow in White &Brown by Nuevo Living

Perfect for your outdoor loveseat or sofa, the Accent Outdoor Small Pillow in White &Brown by Nuevo Living is a small outdoor pillow that will add cushioning and support while you lounge and enjoy the outdoors. It comes in White with Brown piping.

Comfort Care Barstool Sunbrella Cushion Set by Infinita

The Comfort Care Barstool Sunbrella Cushion Set by Infinita comes with a seat bottom and back cushion, along with straps to fix it to the barstool frame. This cushion is available in size colors: Natural, Jockey Red, Cocoa, Parrot, True Blue and Coal.

Contemporary Outdoor Patio Furniture Tips: Setting Up Your Hammock

What is an outdoor space without a hammock to relax and take that much deserved afternoon? Every homeowner would surely want one of their own. The problem is that not all of us know how to handle them. You might that it is simple enough, until you find yourself in a heap on the ground wondering what went wrong. But with these tips, you should do better for sure installing this contemporary outdoor patio furniture item.

Support

You need two trees to support the hammock, ideally about 12 to 15 feet apart. Any less than this and the hammock will not have enough sag; too far and it will not be taut enough to take hold. Its important to be sure the hammock is suspended about 3 feet from  the ground.

Sagging

When you set up the hammock, make sure that it has a little give, enough so you do not spill out of it as soon as you get in. Make loose initial knots and test it before you ultimately tighten them by pushing on the hammock with your hands. It’s  center should remain at least 2 feet off of the ground with about a foot of sag right in the center.

Tying

The best knot to use when you tie a hammock is the bowline. This will keep the hammock straight for easy access. If you are not good in tying knows, don’t panic just yet. You can try another alternative with large screw eyes. This works perfectly when  you use them with the loop facing up;  just like that of a basketball hoop.

No trees?

If you have no trees to properly support the hammock, use 2 posts instead. Make 2 holes, each an inch deep, about 12 to 15 feet apart and insert 2 4×4 posts into it. The posts have to be at least 4 feet tall. Use a level to get them straight and cement them in for safety, bracing them while the cement dries. Then you just insert the screw eyes and set up the hammock.

Parachute Nylon Hammock – Double in Beige/Navy Fabric by Vivere Hammocks

Inspired by a memorable vacation, the Parachute Nylon Hammock – Double in Beige/Navy Fabric by Vivere Hammocks promotes relaxation and healthy lifestyles. Made from 100% nylon, this double parachute nylon hammock is definitely a hiker’s dream.

Brazilian Style Hammock – Double Deluxe in Natural Fabric by Vivere Hammocks

Have a great time relaxing in your outdoors on the Brazilian Style Hammock – Double Deluxe in Natural Fabric by Vivere Hammocks. A hidden gem, this hammock is complimented by an elegant hand crocheted fringe that will make you feel like royalty.

Headdemock Hammock by Fatboy

Giving you the ultimate spot for relaxation is the Headdemock Hammock by Fatboy. It comes with oversized dimensions, giving plenty of room for up to three people. This hammock is made from practical and easy to clean material with special stain and water resistant coating.

Take Advantage of Modern Patio Furniture Clearance Sales in Three Places

Maybe it’s about time that you updated  your patio furniture without stretching your budget. Just like all potential purchases, you should be able to focus on your goal if you just have an open mind and do the creative searching that will be required. By looking beyond the traditional and obvious sources, you could be in for a pleasant surprise. Here are some really great places to find modern patio furniture clearance sales. Whatever you do you must enjoy the hunt!

Flea Markets

Going to flea markets and exploring  is a fun activity that you can do on your own or with friends. Your best bets in finding outdoor furniture are vintage pieces. It is best that you arrive early when it first opens, or towards closing time. Early birds get the first and best picks. When you go at the end of the day, it would be easier to negotiate with the dealer for cheaper prices.

Consignment and Thrift Stores

The thrill about going in these stores is that you will not know what to expect when you get there. Pricings are mostly at the discretion of the employees or owner. There are times when they are not aware of what is valuable or collectible, and live with the belief that new is better than old. This is where you will swoop in and score a highly valuable Woodard wrought iron chair or midcentury Santorini dining set.

Yard and Estate Sales

Such kinds of sales happen during weekend mornings. If signs and advertisements were put up, diehards will usually show up early. It is the collectibles that are bound to be the first to go, so you need to be there first thing to get it. If you are just a casual cruiser, you should be able to cover lots of ground during the morning. You can negotiate in estate sales, but be reasonable, though.

Below are some great and affordable furniture pieces for your outdoors.

Rimini Elevated Planter & Beverage Cooler – Azul by Alfresco Home

The Rimini Elevated Planter & Beverage Cooler – Azul by Alfresco Home is a handsome and handmade container work double0time as an outdoor beverage cooler and a chic elevated planter. It has with a glazed finish and comes with a cork and drainage hole.

Pop Up Table Renaissance Atlantic Bench by Vifah Modern Patio

An ingenious bench made to serve all your moods, the Pop Up Table Renaissance Atlantic Bench by Vifah Modern Patio features a middle table when you want it, and a plain space to sit when you don’t. This is made from eco-friendly high-density Acacia hardwood.

Round Folding Outdoor Dining Table by All Things Cedar

With its fold-away design, the Round Folding Outdoor Dining Table by All Things Cedar should be easy to store when not in use, giving you your space back. Constructed with exceptional strength and longevity, this table comes with brass fittings and a 2-inch umbrella hole.

Outdoor Patio Furniture Tips: Design Ideas on Five Patio Flooring Choices

From brick to concrete pavers to cedar decking, your outdoor flooring options can easily get complicated. But when you have an idea on how you can incorporate them into your outdoor patio furniture and individual style, it becomes easy to pick a type of flooring that will fit your space. Read on and know the first on five of the most common outdoor flooring materials.

Natural Stone

Use irregularly-shaped stones to create a meandering mosaic pathway. If you want a more uniformed appearance, opt for cut module stones. Natural stones come with lovely color variations from blue to red to grey, which can become a part of the pattern and overall design of your outdoor space.

Concrete

New stamping and color options make concrete resemble brick, stone or other high-end material. Concrete pavers are low-maintenance, durable, and come in a wide range of designs from flagstone to brick.

Wood

Using local hardwood in building your deck is much greener and less expensive because you do not have to get the wood trucked in. if your ground is sloped, you might want to build the deck in levels that follow the slope.

Brick

Brick can be installed in various patterns, like circular, herringbone, and basket weave. Encourage moss to grow in between the brick pavers to fill in the cracks and help prevent the growth of weeds. Caution has to be exercised, though, because it can slippery when wet.

Tile

The use of accent tiles creates a border. You can also lay contrasting tiles in a diamond pattern or create a pathway within a big patio by laying contrasting colors in a walkway formation. For your focal point, use smaller tiles set I a mosaic pattern.

Now that you have ideas on how to style them, choose from these great patio flooring materials.

Vifah 4 Slat Teak Finish Interlocking Deck Tiles (Set of 10) by Vifah Modern Patio

Create a solid hardwood floor on the patio with the Vifah 4 Slat Teak Finish Interlocking Deck Tiles (Set of 10) by Vifah Modern Patio. This is an economic choice that will let your build your floor in only a matter of hours.

Joint Stone Granite Tile – Dark Grey by Infinita

Featuring a strong and durable design, the Joint Stone Granite Tile – Dark Grey by Infinita offers you superior drainage. With its interlocking design feature, you can do your decking and flooring in just minutes without any contractors or permits needed.

Delite Floor Mate by Cedar Delite

Made with 100% Canadian Western Red Cedar, the Delite Floor Mate by Cedar Delite feature natural beauty with its range of warm colors. It is lightweight with polymer feet that provides superior stability. It has a soft surface with a fine texture and elegant sloping grain.

Home Patio Furniture DIY: What Paint Should I Use on My Patio Umbrella?

Hail, sleet, rain and sunlight can be quite damaging to your home patio furniture and patio umbrella. When exposed to the elements for long periods of time, your umbrella can start to fade and look less attractive. To spruce it up, consider painting it. The kind of fabric that the umbrella was made from will determine the kind of paint that you should use.

Textile Paints

Just as their name suggests, textile paints are especially designed for painting fabric. This makes them the ideal choice for outdoor patio umbrellas which are usually made from canvas. Fabric paints can be applied with a paintbrush, but applicator-tipped products should help create a three-dimensional effect. Textile paints can be found in practically any arts and crafts stores as well as in home improvement retailers.

Lumiere Metallic Paints

These are fabric pains that give an iridescent and shimmery look when dry. Just like conventional fabric paints, they are easily applied to canvas umbrellas with the use of an applicator tip or paintbrush. The added glitz that lumiere metallic paints give makes them a lot more expensive than the traditional products. However, this might make them inappropriate when large surfaces have to be covered. Rather, they are only recommended in defining or highlighting certain areas on the umbrella.

Acrylic Paints

Usually recommended for painting umbrellas, acrylic paints are ideal for nylon or other kinds of synthetic fabric since they tend to stick well and last a long time. Most of the time, these paints will feel stiff once dry. This might be acceptable for some people, but there are others who opt for a more natural look. By adding a small amount of textile paint or water to the acrylic base, you can have a durable product with a softer and more natural feel.

But if your patio umbrella is already beyond refurbishing and repair, you can always opt to purchase a new one.  Below are exceptional picks.

Teak Furniture Umbrella by All Things Cedar

With its 10-feet vented canopy and solid teak pole, the Teak Furniture Umbrella by All Things Cedar is designed to give you practical and pretty protection against the sun. It comes available in three bright colors to give your yard a splash of personality.

9′ Market Polyester Umbrella – Green by Bond Manufacturing

The 9′ Market Polyester Umbrella – Green by Bond Manufacturing is a terylene canopy that comes with eight wood ribs. Teak oil finished with a hard wood pole, this patio umbrella has a double pulley system with 4 chain wheels and a skylight without swags.

9′ Wood Market Umbrella by Jordan Manufacturing Company

A beautiful addition to any patio or deck, the 9′ Wood Market Umbrella by Jordan Manufacturing Company is an elegant and rugged umbrella with a solid birch pole. The acrylic fabric canopy is available in 10 attractive colors.

What Contemporary Patio Furniture Material Requires the Least Maintenance?

A couple from Los Angeles is looking to update their patio in the home where they mostly spend their weekends with their three little children. Because of their hectic schedules as working parents, they want to create an outdoor space that will be a perfect bonding area for their family and, at the same time, be  low maintenance. Of course, they would rather spend their free time playing with their kids and not cleaning their outdoor pieces. So how should they decorate their al fresco sanctuary? What low-maintenance yet stylish contemporary patio furniture material is best?

Creating an outdoor dining area would be perfect for outdoor breakfasts and late afternoon picnics. Get a sturdy table and come chairs to make that will make it look like an agreeable outdoor room. Have a table that is large enough for the family plus a few drop-ins. The chairs should encourage lingering (extra cushions should help).

For this heavy-use area, aluminum designs would be best. This material is inherently rust proof and durable. It is also lightweight, long-lasting and hard-wearing. You can leave this out year-round and requires very little upkeep (just the occasional washing with mild liquid soap). Get those that come with seamless welds, rustproof hardware, and UV-resistant coat finish for protection against oxidation which can lead to streaks on unfinished aluminum. Choose from any of these three common types.

• Tubular aluminum. This is cost-conscious but very durable pick. Hollow tubing is cut and then bent to form smooth shapes.

• Wrought iron aluminum. This is similar to tubular but costlier because it is has more has durable welding.

• Cast aluminum. This is made by pouring molten aluminum into molds. This is a heavy and solid material that retains fine design detail.

We recommend the following great pieces.

Comfort Care Cast Aluminum Swivel Barstools 30″ by Infinita

Along with its simple and attractive design pattern, the Comfort Care Cast Aluminum Swivel Barstools 30″ by Infinita features a durable powder coated cast aluminum construction combined with a lavish cushion to take your relaxation time to resort style comfort.

Kingston 48″ Table with Propane Burner by Meadow Décor

The Kingston 48″ Table with Propane Burner by Meadow Décor is a great source for heat on chilly evenings and a lovely centerpiece in your patio. This table is made with cast aluminum and stainless steel in a walnut or Black finish.

Biscayne 48″ Round Outdoor Dining Set Rust Bronze Finish by Home Styles

Made up of a round dining table and four arm chairs, the Biscayne 48″ Round Outdoor Dining Set Rust Bronze Finish by Home Styles is made of cast aluminum with Rust Bronze finish. Its attractively patterned table top comes with a center opening to accommodate umbrellas.