Monthly Archives: December 2020

Deep Seating Patio Furniture Done Right

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There is nothing better than relaxing in your personal backyard patio in a deeply seated piece of outdoor furniture. Whether it is sleeping on a warm summer night or sipping a hot beverage on a cool winter’s morning, lounging in a deep seating chair or lounge can be done all year if you buy intelligently. Now with people spending more time at home than ever before because of the pandemic, it is the perfect chance to upgrade your patio space for maximum comfort. Don’t miss out any longer on getting the most out of your outdoor patio space.

Materials Matter

The important thing to remember when it comes to outdoor patio furniture is that materials matter. Depending on where you live and what the weather is like, this may be truer for some than for others. Weather and lifestyle can play a big factor in what materials are best suited for your outdoor space and it’s an important factor to consider when investing in quality outdoor furniture.

Choosing the right material can be the difference between long-lasting furniture that requires minimal upkeep and furniture that needs to be replaced within a couple of years. Let’s take a look at the most popular materials used for outdoor deep seating and which environments they are best suited for.

Metal:

Back in the day, outdoor patio furniture of quality was often made of wrought iron. This furniture was great because it was heavy and would not blow around in the wind. On the downside, it rusted very easily and required constant maintenance. Nowadays, we have evolved into using much more efficient and durable metals that will last for years.

The two main types of metals used in deep patio furniture seating these days are steel and aluminum. Steel is hands down the strongest material, the heaviest, and most expensive metal available. This makes steel furniture a great choice if you live in a very windy area or experience hurricane weather on an annual basis. On the other hand, aluminum is an incredibly lightweight and versatile metal that can be shaped into any design imaginable.

Aluminum is perfect for homes near the beach or bodies of water as it stands up to rust like no other. Aluminum also stands up to the sun’s rays better than other metals. If you live in a windy city, aluminum is not the choice for you as it will certainly blow away at a moderately strong gust of wind. Aluminum is also more affordable and easier to clean.

Pro Tip: If you decide to go with a steel frame for your deep seating patio furniture, make sure to choose a steel that has been galvanized or is labeled as “stainless”. If you don’t you will end up with a steel frame that is going to rust at the slightest hint of moisture in the air.

Wood:

Wooden outdoor furniture is pure class. Nothing screams luxury like finely crafted wooden furniture, especially if it is made of high-quality wood. The most common types of wood used in outdoor deep seating patio furniture are eucalyptus, cedar, and teak. Each type has its benefits, but in terms of durability and strength to stand up to mother nature, one wood stands above the rest.

Even though teak itself is a rarer and more expensive wood, it remains the most popular choice for wooden outdoor deep seating patio furniture. Teak is so prevalent because it can withstand very hard environments and weather. Because of its naturally high resin and oil content, teak is essentially waterproof, if not extremely water-resistant. You will never run into water permeation and wood expansion issues if you select a teak deep seating option.

Pro Tip: Teak will change color over time if left untreated. The strength and durability of the wood will not change, but you may want to invest in a quality wood sealant to prevent the wood from becoming a pale gray color. There are several great quality wood stain and sealant combos available so you can get the perfect color for your furniture while keeping it protected at the same time.

Resin and Plastic:

A very modern and increasingly popular choice for outdoor deep seating patio furniture material is high-grade synthetic resin or plastic. You will often find these options style to look like a natural wicker rattan chair, but don’t be fooled, these are anything but the easily faded natural lookalike. While this is a commonly found style, resin and plastic can be used to create all kinds of outdoor furniture.

There are a select few synthetic materials used including PVC, polyethylene, resin wicker, and nylon. These are used because they are generally accepted to be lightweight yet durable in the face of extreme weather conditions. These furniture pieces are also considerably easier to clean and maintain as not much will stick to them that can’t be easily wiped off with a towel.

Due to the incredibly malleable nature of plastic and resin, furniture pieces are often available in a wider array of colors, shapes, and sizes. In today’s world of 3D printing, your imagination is the limit on what can be brought to life.

Pro Tip: When selecting a piece of outdoor patio seating furniture with a resin or plastic frame, make sure to look for the highest quality material. Be on the lookout for pieces that state they are made of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) wicker. These are made of a much higher grade of thermoplastic and can withstand much higher temperatures.

Synthetic Fabrics:

While it is completely acceptable to have deep seating patio furniture that is unupholstered, you are sacrificing greatly in the way of comfort and relaxation. Upholstered outdoor furniture is incredibly comfortable and can elevate your deep seating experience. There are a range of materials and fabrics to choose from and those come in all kinds of colors in patterns, giving you ultimate control over the final look of your patio.

Other than style, it is important to focus on getting the right material for your environment. Most outdoor fabrics are made out of water-resistant synthetic fibers such as acrylic, vinyl, and polyester. These weaves are often breathable and resistant to moisture and UV rays.

Cushions and Comfort

As we just mentioned, choosing the right fabric for your deep seating patio furniture cushions is important. Equally as important is the material inside the cushion that will be providing your backside with all the comfort and support. You will often find cushions that come with a patio chair to be of lower quality than those you purchase separately. In the case of cushions, you do get what you pay for. Look for outdoor cushions that offer at least 3 layers of material: a center layer of memory foam in between two layers of water-resistant polyester. These cushions will intersect at the crossroads of comfort and weather resilience.

One popular brand of fabric that is found all over for outdoor furniture is Sunbrella® fabrics. These fabrics are unrivaled in their class and offer protection from the sun and rain like no others. The best part of Sunbrella® fabrics is their warranty. If you follow their instructions on maintenance and care they will back up and replace your fabric for life. Hard to beat a guarantee like that!

Cleaning and Care

Once you’ve selected the right frame material for your deep seating patio furniture and have picked your favorite cushions, it’s time to enjoy your patio space. But don’t get lost in the comfort for too long, as your furniture will require maintenance regularly. The quality of your furniture combined with the dedication to cleaning and maintaining it will completely determine the longevity of your investment. Here are our basic tips to keeping your deep seating patio furniture in tip-top shape.

  1. Cleaning a dry surface is easier. Start by removing the cushions and wiping down the frame of your furniture to remove any loose debris or liquid. Proceed to clean the frame thoroughly with a chemical cleaner or soap and towel once the debris is cleared. Make sure to dry the frame afterward to discourage any potential rusting around the bolts and fasteners.
  2. Periodic deep cleaning is advisable. Using power washing tools or hiring a professional cleaning service on a semi or annual basis will extend the life of your furniture.
  3. Let it dry completely. It sounds simple enough, but drying off heavy water and letting it dry fully before using again is essential to the health of your frame and cushions. No one wants mold growing underneath them as they sit.
  4. Protect your cushions. Even if you have invested in weather-resistant cushions, it is still advisable to bring them inside during the worst weather conditions.

Visit our All American Outdoor Living locations if you have any questions, we are happy to help.

Top 8 Tips for Creating a Christmas Wonderland in Your Outdoor Patio

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Whether you are in a hotter climate or a classic winter, you can find ways to make your outdoor patio space feel just as festive as the indoors.

As Thanksgiving approaches, our thoughts turn to the upcoming holiday season — and immediately after Turkey Day the world shifts from warm-toned, orange hues to the classic reds, greens, and sparkle that indicates the Christmas season is upon us. Most Christmas decor is focused on the indoors; staircases, mantlepieces, etc. 

Why not spruce up your outdoors with a little spruce tree, create an outdoor patio as cozy as a living room with a roaring fireplace, and decked out a Christmas tree? We’ve compiled a list of design ideas to help get you started on your journey to a winter wonderland regardless of the weather!

Stick to a Traditional Christmas Color Scheme

When piecing together the plan for your great outdoors, stick to the traditional color scheme of red, green, and white. Add in your favored metallic (gold or silver) in accents to complete the look. It might be time to retire your summer accessories and get fresh cushions for your chairs, lounge furniture, and sofas, and swap out those throw pillows. 

Do not be afraid to go bold. It is the holidays, after all! Go for a red couch cushion and compliment the couch with a textured white pillow that is reminiscent of snowflakes and the magic of the season. Throw in a couple of green checkered or woven pillows to tie in the traditional look of the season. Grab an outdoor rug that helps make the colors pop, add a plaid throw blanket into the mix, and suddenly your outdoor seating is as cozy as the couch inside in front of the roaring fireplace.

Don’t Forget the Twinkle Lights

A staple in Christmas decor is the classic twinkle light. Not to be confused with the colorful Christmas lights put up on the front of houses, the twinkle light is more delicate, evoking the magic of a starry night in the dead of winter. Here at All American Outdoor Living, we can’t get enough of festive twinkle lights.

Get creative with where to hang the lights — wrap them around the base of your umbrella stand, for starters. But don’t stop there. Any support beams or columns on your patio are primed for twinkle lights. If you have an awning, line the edge of the awning with the lights. Hang them across the entire outdoor space, back and forth, creating a veritable night sky specific to your own backyard. (Think bistro lights but much smaller and much prettier.) Do the same underneath your umbrella and have a delightful mini sky. You could also take the twinkle lights one step further and add them to your garden. 

Decorate Your Garden

Add twinkle lights throughout your garden, lining trees with them, weaving them through bushes and hedges, even laying them in the flower beds to create a sense of wonderment. And do not stop at just the lights — turn your garden, whether planted or potted, into replicas of your Christmas tree. Deck the garden with ornaments, tinsel, and tree toppers. If you have a lawn, find some Christmas gnomes and elves that can be sprinkled throughout the space.

If you live in a warmer climate and want to replicate the feeling of a white Christmas, go ahead and use a biodegradable flocking on your bushes and hedges. Treat your entire garden as if it is a Christmas tree. Whatever you put on your Christmas tree inside, try it outside in your new Christmas garden.

Have fun with turning your garden into a Christmas wonderland. If all you have are cacti to work with, treat them like a tree! Wrap lights around them, hang ornaments off of the needles and toss some tinsel over everything.

Bring All the Christmas Plants Outside

After turning your garden into a flatter, wider Christmas tree, go ahead and get some potted Christmas trees to accent your patio space. You can treat them the way you would any Christmas tree and decorate them until they are overflowing with Christmas spirit, or you can just leave them to be beautiful and bare, creating a verdant Christmas forest in your garden. 

And you cannot forget to include the other Christmas classics! Poinsettia makes a beautiful, bright red, cheery accent to any space that adds that holiday pizazz. Little bushes of holly here and there add that extra ambiance and detail that makes space feel cohesively like Christmas. For an extra fun touch of romance, hang mistletoe any place that you can think of. Under the umbrella, any awnings or overhangs, and above any tucked away alcoves found in the garden. Make sure to include lighting so that no one misses their chance!

Add More Warmth with Lanterns and Candles

Get moody with your use of candles outside to increase holiday cheer and atmosphere. Grab some lanterns of varying sizes and fill them with electric wax candles. Some of the candles available today have realistic-looking wicks and timer settings so that they automatically turn on at the same time every evening. Set them up on all the tables and counters, as well as on the ground around the patio. 

Mix and match the lanterns around the space, using odd numbers in each cluster to create balance. You can never have too many lights, so do not be afraid of overdoing it. Allow for the lanterns to create enough warm light that your outdoor space is filled without turning the outdoor lights on. With the candles in lanterns and twinkle lights hung throughout your patio and garden, space will take on an otherworldly Christmas charm akin to what you see in films.

Create a Christmas Tablescape to Rival Your Dining Room

Do not hesitate to outdo your indoor dining room here. Imagine a deep, dark wooden table such as the Farmhouse Dining Table, with garlands of deep green fir offset by red berries and candles flickering. Or even mixing in the twinkle lights through the garland. Golden or silver charger plates can simultaneously blend into the scenery and help a festive red or green plate pop against the dark wood. Allow your imagination to run away with you. The safe-for-outdoors melamine dinner and drinkware available today has reached new decorative heights; to the point that you are guaranteed to find something that meets your tastes and sophistication. 

Have Christmas Themed Treats Ready to Go

Not all Christmas treats are equal! At All American Outdoor Living, we can’t get enough of treats with a holiday twist. As the outdoor and patio experts, we brought you our favorite outdoor treats with a Halloween twist and now we are bringing you our top convenient outdoor treats made for the perfect holiday season. And having them prepped for popping out at a moment’s notice can be as easy as one, two, three.

The easiest and most reminiscent of Christmas is the chestnut. Grab some chestnuts from the store to have on hand, and whenever you feel like living the classic song, throw some in a cast iron pan and pop it onto your grill or fire pit (if you are extremely bold!). About ten minutes later and you have delicious, buttery, roasted chestnuts.

An outdoor staple in the world of treats is the S’more, which also happens to have the longest shelf-life; ideal when you want something easy to pull out of the pantry and throw together. But here we add in something slightly different — peppermint bark. Instead of the traditional Hershey’s bar, we take a chunk of dark chocolate or white chocolate peppermint bark and complete our peppermint s’ more in true Christmas fashion.

Another quick and jolly option is the hot chocolate ball. Coming in flavors rich in holiday spirits such as caramel and peppermint, there can be a variety on hand to satisfy everyone’s desires. Just throw a kettle on with milk, pour it over the ball in a mug, and watch the mini marshmallows appear in the perfect cup of hot chocolate. Fun, fast, and effortless! Our favorite variation on the hot chocolate ball is to heat eggnog instead of regular milk, amplifying the cozy Christmas factor.

The Pièce De Résistance for the Perfect Outdoor Christmas: The Fire Pit 

Add an outdoor fire pit to your seating area to take your patio to the next and final level for the perfect outdoor Christmas. With your upgraded and holiday focused cushions and seating, the fire pit takes the place of the indoor fireplace, elevating your newly decorated wonderland garden and patio into the new living room. It becomes the gathering point for family and friends, to warm themselves while enjoying each other’s company.

There is nothing cozier than a night spent enjoying your outdoor furniture, under the twinkly lights, and surrounded by warm candlelight, with a peppermint hot chocolate in hand, the smell of freshly roasted chestnuts hovering in the air, chatting with loved ones around an open fire.

Weatherproof Your Patio for Fall and Winter Weather

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Patio Covers

Fall is in full force here in the United States and Winter is just around the corner. This magical time of year is best enjoyed with family, friends, and loved ones. In a year that has been defined by a worldwide pandemic and nationwide quarantines, most of us have been rediscovering the love for our outdoor space at home. As the much-needed holiday’s approach, now is the perfect time to update your outdoor patio for maximum comfort.

If your patio is already in tip-top shape, now is the time to consider making some seasonal adjustments to your yard. Not only is it a great time to bring out the box of holiday decorations, but it is early enough into the season that you can take some proactive steps to weatherproof and protect your outdoor furniture and accessories. Let’s take a look at some of the options for preparing your yard for Fall and Winter.

Lodge Redwood Outdoor Rug

Outdoor Rugs

A lot of Americans spent their Summer upgrading their backyard space due to the quarantine and all the extra time spent at home. If you did this, you may have overlooked adding an outdoor rug to your patio since it wasn’t necessary during the hot months. Now that the weather is cooling down, you might find walking around your outdoor space a less enjoyable experience for your uncovered feet.

Cold concrete, wet grass, and dirt becoming mud are all problematic during the colder months. If you want to take a simple step to really improve the quality of life in your outdoor space, invest in a couple of high-quality outdoor area rugs. Not only will they keep your feet warm and dry, but they can add a pop of color or class to your patio space.

All American Outdoor Living has a wide selection of rugs to fit your design tastes. From rustic styles like the Lodge Redwood Outdoor Rug, classy and contemporary patterns like the Florence Mocha Outdoor Rug, to laidback Hawaiian beach vibes with the Maui Silver Outdoor Rug, there is surely something to fit your style.

Florence Mocha Outdoor Rug

Patio Covers

Rain, hail, snow, high winds, and in certain areas, even sunshine can be problematic during the Fall and Winter months. Rain and snow can rust your furniture, high winds can whip your patio accessories around or carry them off, and hail can cause physical damage to your property. If you’re an Arizona local like us, you also know that the sun doesn’t leave in the winter months, making your patio vulnerable to sun damage and discoloration all year round.

Your patio is most likely exposed to the elements in some way, even if you have custom retractable awnings installed. Investing in proper or custom fitting patio covers will save you money in the long run and keep your investment in top shape.

All American Outdoor Living outdoor patio covers are constructed of top-grade fabrics and fibers, made of solution-dyed acrylic and nylon fabrics. Our outdoor patio furniture covers are durable and breathable, water-resistant, and will not crack or peel like vinyl. The patio covers are beige in color and have a variety of sizes that fit table and chair covers, individual covers like an outdoor sofa, or love seat; also available are fire pit covers, chaise lounges, and umbrella covers.

These outdoor patio covers will fit aluminum furniture companies such as Tropitone, Mallin, Brown Jordan, or Castelle, as well as wicker manufacturers like Ebel, NorthCape International, and Lloyd Flanders; along with outdoor wrought iron companies like O.W. Lee and Meadowcraft.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting for your patio is not only essential during the Fall and Winter if done properly, but it can also turn your plain space into a magical winter wonderland. As the sun sets earlier and the night comes sooner, you’ll want to plan for proper lighting in all spaces of your yard. Technically speaking, most lamps that can be used indoors can also be used outdoors, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are suited for the outdoor conditions. If you are looking for an all-around solution to light a large space, look for ceramic lights. These lights are built with a hearty exterior that is meant to stand up to tough weather conditions.

As mentioned above, it is cheap and easy to turn your backyard into a winter wonderland. String lights are incredibly popular and have been for the past decade or so. These simple light strings can elevate your space from bland to magical. Installing string lighting around the upper areas of your patio can transform your yard into a space fit for a magazine cover. String lights are an affordable solution to add light and ambiance to your outdoor patio space.

Outdoor Blinds

When you think of blinds, you generally think of them as a way to block out the sun. When you discuss blinds in the context of your outdoor patio, however, they actually serve multiple purposes. If you’re on the west coast, outdoor blinds can absolutely help you stay in the shade during the day. Once night comes though, outdoor blinds serve a different purpose: blocking the wind. If you experience windy nights as the temperature drops, consider strategically installing outdoor blinds to drastically reduce airflow and windchill. Outdoor blinds can also assist in protecting your outdoor furniture from rain, hail, and snow.

All American Outdoor Living offers custom outdoor blind solutions. Featuring magnetic locks, guided tracks, and the ability to roll up and disappear, these blinds are second to none. Outdoor blinds are also seen as a valuable investment as they can increase the value of your home.

Protective Cleaners

Now that you’ve invested in proper covers for your patio furniture, it’s time to consider protecting the furniture while it is in use, as well as the covers while the furniture is not in use. All American Outdoor Living offers a wide array of outdoor furniture cleaners and protectants for your patio furniture. Originally created to withstand aviation weather conditions, the Indoor/Outdoor Protectant™ formula is strong enough to protect all the stuff you use every day. And because it’s water-based, this premium protectant is safe for use on virtually any material. Maintain colorful umbrella awnings, cushions, and slings. Keep finished powder-coated aluminum, outdoor wicker, and wrought iron looking beautiful year after year.

If your furniture is fabric heavy, consider cleaning it with 303 Fabric/Vinyl Cleaner and then protecting it with the 303 Fabric Guard. 303 High Tech Fabric Guard is safe for the finest fabrics, wool, silk, and fine leathers, including suede. When used on outdoor fabrics, 303 High Tech Fabric Guard restores lost water repellency and stain repellency to factory new levels. 303 High Tech Fabric Guard resists soiling, impedes mildew formation and helps protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Proper maintenance with 303 Products will add to the life of your fabrics and save you money.

Once your furniture is cleaned and guarded, consider adding the 303 Aerospace Protectant into the mix. This solution is the equivalent of adding SPF 40 sunscreen to your furniture, protecting it from sun damage and discoloration.

Outdoor Cushions and Poufs

An often-overlooked aspect of weatherproofing your patio is that of your personal comfort. There is lots of information and solutions to protect your patio furniture, but what about protecting yourself while enjoying your patio in the cold weather? Consider sitting down at your outdoor dining table during winter. If your furniture is made of anything other than plastic, it is very likely going to be cold and unpleasant.

Avoid sitting on cold metal furniture by adding cushions to your outdoor seating. All American Outdoor Living has options and styles for all types of patio furniture. Choose from chair cushions, chaise lounge cushions, cushions for benches, and for loveseats. 

Outdoor Fire Pits

Outdoor Fire Pits

There is no better time of year than the cold Fall and Winter nights to sit around a fire with your loved ones. Fend off the cold nights around the fire with snacks, warm beverages, and good company. Looking for some real authenticity? Try roasting your own chestnuts over an open fire this year with an outdoor fire pit.

Here at All American Outdoor Living, we have a selection of pits to fit your space and design tastes. This year, the Moderno style concrete pits have been incredibly popular due to their design and how little space they take up. The volcanic rock options can also add immediate class to your backyard space. If you are looking for something a little bigger and to be more of a centerpiece, consider the Flo fire pits.

If you don’t have the space to install a permanent fire pit, consider a fire table, a new option that is more available and affordable. These tables offer the luxury of a fire pit but don’t require a large investment or a ton of space. These tables can also be customized with volcanic rocks to really add some class to your outdoor space.