People love spending time outdoors. Whether it’s having cocktails before dinner on your deck or watching the kids play in the backyard from your patio, being outside brings happiness. It also gives us an excuse to get out of the house, the office, the car or wherever we spend most of our time and experience the fresh air and diverse landscape of your own backyard. 

When talking about outdoor spaces, you have to talk about outdoor furniture. Anyone that spends time outdoors probably has a favorite hammock or Adirondack chair or garden bench. But what about dining outdoors? Most of us have hosted a bar-b-que or cookout for friends and family and experienced the joy of outdoor eating. 

Most of us have also experienced the discomfort of balancing a paper plate on your knees while sitting in a metal and plastic folding chair. This does not make a happy outdoor dining experience. Now if you only plan on hosting an Independence Day cookout every five years, you probably don’t need to invest in quality outdoor furniture.

 However, if you are someone who loves to entertain and enjoys outdoor dining, you need a good quality outdoor dining area. This doesn’t just mean mix and match chairs and tables. This means real made-for-the-elements outdoor furniture that acts and looks like real dining tables and chairs. 

Oxford Garden is one of the best companies for outdoor furniture and a great place to start looking. They offer high quality outdoor dining furniture that is made from shorea wood. This material is similar in properties to teak but with a lighter color and repels water, making it an excellent outdoor material. 

Oxford Garden offers many table and chair sets that would suit any outdoor dining area. From traditional square or round dining tables and matching chairs, to tall bar-height sets and café sets. Oxford garden also has long rectangular tables that you can pair with several chairs or cushioned benches to allow for larger dining parties and events. 

For a really comfortable area, leave some room nearby for a coffee table and outdoor couch area where you can chat before or after dinner with drinks. Or include an outdoor bar with some tall tables and chairs. With outdoor furniture like this, you’ll feel like you’re at an elegant resort right in your own backyard. 

Add umbrellas to the tables, outdoor lighting and some accent plants and you have an elegant outdoor area perfect for any kind of entertaining.

If you love the look of Adirondack chairs, but feel that they just aren’t versatile enough for your outdoor setting, think again. Because of the timeless design of Adirondack chairs, they are always in style. Manufacturers have picked up on this and used the essence of Adirondack style to create many different chairs as well as other furniture. 

An outdoor setting with nothing but traditional Adirondack chairs would seem rather boring, and may not function well for all your outdoor entertaining purposes. However, you can find Adirondack-inspired style in all kinds of furniture from dining chairs and tables to chaise loungers to garden benches and rocking chairs. Any kind of outdoor furniture you can think of can be found with Adirondack flair. 

Polywoodis a brand that has figured out how to work the traditional Adirondack style into different types of chairs and other furniture. This brand makes all of their products from recycled plastic that is turned into lumber. This material makes Polywood eco-friendly and incredibly durable. The Adirondack style makes them absolutely beautiful outdoor pieces. 

In addition to traditional Adirondack chairs, Polywood makes dining, reclining, lounging, rocking, swinging and counter height chairs. All with the classic Adirondack style that everyone loves. Imagine an entire outdoor setting with the relaxing feel of Adirondack style. You could pair a couple of Adirondack chairs with a lounge chair, a dining set, a rocker and bench and voila! An outdoor Adirondack paradise with all the versatility of an indoor dining and living room. 

Polywood has great accessories too like dining tables, side tables and ottomans to complete your space. These accessories can help to add depth and color to your outdoor area, making it really feel like an outdoor living or dining room. Besides their versatile selection of Adirondack-inspired outdoor furniture, Polywood offers a large selection of colors sure to match any setting. Polywood has it’s famous bright and bold colors as well as more subtle, neutral colors to suit most tastes. 

Because of Polywood’s special material, it is resistant to many elements that can quickly wear down other outdoor furniture. Polywood furniture won’t rot or splinter like wood or other materials. The plastic lumber made from recycled plastics is very durable and heavy enough that you can be sure this furniture won’t blow away.

The outside aesthetics of your home are some of the most important aspects of getting potential buyers to walk in your door. A very appealing outside view of the home – known in realty as “curb appeal” is one of the top reasons why people stop to look at a home that is for sale. That’s why it’s important for homeowners trying to sell to remember to focus on the outside of the home as much as the inside. 

The more visually appealing the outside of the home is, the more a buyer wants to see the inside. A home without outside characteristics such as nice paint, colorful landscaping or outdoor furniture is likely to go unnoticed. Contrariwise, a home with a vibrant color scheme, dynamic landscaping and a full outdoor furniture set speaks volumes to buyers.

Many people neglect the outside of their home when selling, often preoccupied with the inside. Although the inside of your home should be clean and organized, have fresh paint if needed and be “walk-through ready” at all times, the outside is what will bring them in.

When you are ready to get your home’s exterior ready for curb appeal, the first step is to take care of any maintenance issue. Damaged shutters, chipped paint, badly cracked sidewalk, old mailbox, ratty welcome mat – anything that makes you home look neglected or unwelcoming must be taken care of immediately. It is probably a good idea to get a friend, family member neighbor or your realtor to take a look and give suggestions. If you have walked by the same cracked pot or rusted wind chimes everyday for the past three years, you may not notice that it doesn’t look nice anymore.

The next step is landscaping. A nice, green lawn is always a big selling point. If your lawn needs some work, it may be worth the investment to have a professional company take care of getting your grass in shape, trimming trees and laying down mulch. After the clean-up, add some variety with shrubs and flowers of different colors and sizes.

To really add an appealing point to your home’s exterior, consider investing in some nice outdoor furniture. A porch swing in the front of a house is sure to be noticed by potential buyers as something that says this home is relaxing and enjoyable. A couple of Adirondack chairs and side tables on a patio or deck says you can really enjoy yourself here. Other great outdoor furniture features include benches in garden areas and café tables and chairs in smaller areas like porches.

Have you ever noticed that Adirondack chairs fit into almost any outdoor setting? Think about it. We’ve all seen brightly colored Adirondack chairs adorning beaches. Classic white painted Adirondack chairs placed outside seaside villas and New England style resorts. Rustic cedar and teak Adirondack chairs furnishing the inside and outside of woodsy retreats, cabins and lodges.

Adirondack chairs can be seen in entirely different spaces across the country. Why does something so unique appeal to so many different settings? Because Adirondack chairs have a uniquely American style that is not only welcoming and comfortable, but timelessly stylish and adaptable to almost any setting.

For lovers of Adirondack chairs, you can rest assured that you can have this timeless look in your own home and outdoor space as well. And unlike other types of outdoor furniture, you can get Adirondack furniture that conforms to your own personal style.

For instance, plastic and metal outdoor furniture always look boring and cheap no matter where the setting. Adirondack furniture is fundamentally more pleasing plus it is available in almost any material and color you can think of.

If you decide that your outdoor space needs Adirondack chairs with a sense of your personality and style, you are sure to find what you are looking for. There are many high quality manufacturers that create Adirondack furniture in various materials, colors or with the option to stain or paint your own.

For a rustic look, you could go with an unpainted cedar chair. Cedar is a great outdoor material (very insect and rot resistant) and its natural coloring is great. After some time in the elements, the reddish color turns to a lovely silvery finish. Rustic Cedar brand makes traditional Adirondack furniture with this great material. There are slated Adirondacks and log-style Adirondacks depending on how rustic you want to go.

For a fun, beach-inspired look, brightly colored Adirondack chairs look great and make a bold statement. PolyWood has an amazing selection of beautifully colored Adirondack chairs that are made from recycled plastic milk jugs. Bold, environmentally-friendly and nearly indestructible, PolyWood is always a great choice for Adirondacks.

For those that want a touch of elegance in their outdoor setting, Eden Outdoor makes Adirondack chairs and other outdoor furniture with a very polished and sophisticated feel. Their furniture is made from Asian Mahogany, another material that is well-suited for sustainable outdoor use.

You’re an outdoor living nut. You think about gardening and landscaping all day. You love relaxing and recreation in your own backyard. And, you have invested in some great outdoor furniture to enjoy it all in. But there’s something missing – you still haven’t bought that outdoor swing that you have always wanted. Here is your guide to help you choose the perfect outdoor swing to complement your outdoor space and personal needs.

The funny thing about outdoor swings is that they are usually the very first or last item that is purchased in an outdoor collection. For front-porch people, a swing is often the first item. For backyard people, it is often the last – mostly because the backyard has more room and lends itself to prioritizing outdoor dining tables, chairs and benches first.

We’ll assume that most readers are backyarders still searching for that perfect swing and already have a few essential outdoor furniture items. Before you buy a swing, you have several important factors to figure out. Ask yourself these questions and keep the answers in mind before you buy:

How big do I want my swing?  This is an important question – especially if you are purchasing online. Consider how many people you want to be able to sit in the swing and measure that length. You will then have a rough idea when you order so you don’t get something too big or too small.

Will it hang from a porch or will I need a frame?  If your home will accommodate a swing hanging off a porch you will only need a swing and the ropes or chains and hardware. However, many people will need or want a swing that includes a frame. This allows you to choose where you want the swing to be placed. There are also many options when it comes to swing frames. Arbor frames can be a beautiful addition to your outdoor area, shaded frames are great if you want to escape the sun. Consider what is ideal for you.

What style and color do I want my swing?  This may depend on your existing collection and will certainly depend on your personal taste. There are Adirondack swings, rustic swings, classic, mission, you name it. Keep in mind though, if you are thinking of updating all your outdoor furniture to be sure to choose a style that you may purchase additional pieces in so that they will match.

What kind of material should I buy?  Remember – it must be outdoor-friendly. This means Teak, Shorea wood, or any other high-oil content wood. Other options include non-wood material such as PolyWood. This is made from recycled plastic milk jugs and is very durable. The material you choose should be relatively low-maintenance and resistant to insects and weathering.

When money gets tight, like it has for many Americans during this recession, some of the first things to get cut from the budget are often non-necessities like summer vacation funds. However, Americans being the resourceful and fun-loving people that we are, aren’t willing to give up their warm-weather fun altogether. 

Some market analysts predict that sales of outdoor items like furniture, grilling accessories, and gardening products will remain the same – maybe even increase with the recession. With more people staying home and planning “stay-cations” why not use just a bit of that vacation budget to make your own backyard a summer retreat? 

Outdoor products that have always been popular are Adirondack chairs and accessories. You can invest in well-made, high-quality Adirondack chairs, tables, chaise loungers, benches, dining sets or whatever style you like for a fraction of what you might spend on a trip to the beach. 

And the best part is it truly is an investment. High-quality outdoor furniture is built to last and makes an excellent addition to your home. And Adirondack chairs and other furniture in particular are a good investment because of their classic design and versatile style. 

Many people have turned to growing their own produce to help save money while times are tight. Growing your own fruits and vegetables can be a fun and rewarding activity that also helps cut down on the grocery bill. Gardening requires minimal investment as well. 

Another very popular and very American pastime for warm-weather is outdoor grilling and bar-b-que. If you don’t already own a grill or smoker, you will need to invest in one. The good news is, you can spend as little or as much as you would like in this area. A basic grill is very affordable but you can upgrade to a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen if you like. If you are watching your money, a good old grill will do the trick. 

Now add up all that money that you would have spent on that Caribbean vacation this summer. Include travel money, the cost of eating out plus the time you would have to take off of work. With just a portion of that money you can now invest in some relaxing Adirondack chairs and a couple of tables, a grill and some gardening products. 

By making these investments in your backyard, you set the scene for an entire spring and summer of relaxing with your friends and family, enjoying cookouts and gardening and relaxing with that money you saved back in your savings account. 

When you look at it that way, the view from your new Adirondack chair in the backyard is even better than on the beach.

When decorating outdoor spaces, there are two very important things to keep in mind. First is style. Just like any other space in your home, your outdoor area should reflect your style, be welcoming to guests and accommodate your needs for entertaining, everyday relaxing or both. 

The other is functionality. Because we are talking about outdoor spaces, you have to be conscious about what you put to the elements. Fortunately, there are products that are very high quality and stylish, while also being outdoor-appropriate. 

An important feature to look for is material that is insect and water repellent – two of the most damaging elements of wood. You should seek out furniture made from wood with high natural oil content for these reasons. For example, Oxford Garden furniture makes a very large line of outdoor furniture and accessories that can withstand the elements quite beautifully. This particular manufacturer makes their products from Shorea wood, which is very high in natural oils. 

Once you can be sure that your furniture is outdoor appropriate, you can start looking for the specific pieces you will need to suit your space. If you enjoy entertaining, you have several options. Oxford Garden furniture features several styles of outdoor dining tables and chairs if you want a classic dining theme. However, because you have several options, why not get a little creative? 

Oxford Garden furniture has many different styles including bar tables, bar stools, café-style tables and chairs, loungers, couch style benches, etc. For the outdoor entertainers, you could mix and match a long bar table with chairs with a few smaller café tables and umbrellas. If you have a pool, chaise loungers are a must for relaxing after a dip in the pool. 

For those who like to use their outdoor area for relaxing, you have many options as well. A popular look is to re-create a living room style setting outdoors. A bench with a back and outdoor cushions works well as a centerpiece for this kind of setting. Add a couple of armchairs, a coffee table and side tables and you have a lovely outdoor living space to relax, read the paper and enjoy your morning cup of coffee or have wine and hors d’oeuvres with friends.

 There are so many options available to style your outdoor setting to suit your needs and style perfectly. Remember to think about what you can use your space for. Your options are limitless with the variety of furniture and accessories available. The only maintenance that material like Shorea or Teak wood will need is the seasonal application of Teak oil and wiping down with water should the furniture get dusty or dirty.

Recycled, repurposed, reused, etc. are words that all carry new meaning in today’s environmental-wise society. Re-usable shopping bags are trendy, practical and widely used. Furniture, accessories and clothing made from sustainable or recycled material earns one points on the environmental scoreboard as well as kudos from peers.

Not only is this trend good for the environment, but often these products have shown to be of superior quality and practicality than what they had been manufactured from before.

Take for example Poly-Wood Adirondack Chairs. We all know Adirondack chairs as the classic wide-armed slanted-seat wooden chair popularized throughout resorts and homes across the country. Traditionally, the Adirondack chair was made from various types of wood to accentuate its rustic appeal.

A Poly-Wood Adirondack chair, however, is made from recycled plastic milk jugs. Doesn’t sound very rustic, does it? And yet the manufacturers of Poly-Wood products have found a way to make their milk-jug material look just like a classic Adirondack chair. There is one major difference with a Poly-Wood Adirondack chair though. In many ways, it is vastly superior to the classic chair made from wood.

Besides being made of a material that otherwise would have contributed to a landfill, Poly-Wood products are practically impermeable to the elements. When it comes to outdoor furniture, this is a huge advantage. Think about all the maintenance that is needed for outdoor wooden furniture. It is susceptible to insects, damage from water, humidity and other precipitation, wind, heat, etc.

Wooden furniture also needs maintenance such as sanding, re-painting, oiling, etc. Poly-Wood furniture is essentially made from plastic lumber – the “lumber” that is made from recycled plastic milk jugs. This material isn’t affected by sun, rain, chlorine, insects, etc. so needs very little maintenance. In fact, all you really have to do is clean it with soap and water if it gets dirty.

This product is a perfect example of the benefits of innovation using recycled materials. Poly-Wood Adirondack chairs and furniture solves several problems: The problem of high maintenance outdoor furniture, the problem of non-degradable plastics in landfills, and the problem of harvesting natural materials for outdoor furniture.

Recycled products shouldn’t be trendy for the sake of being trendy. They should be popular because of their quality, the purpose they serve and the problems they solve. Poly-Wood and other products are just the tip of the iceberg of future environmental innovators.

As outdoor living areas become nearly as furnished, used and loved as indoor living areas, higher-end products are seen more on back-yard patios, decks and porches. The taking-it-outside phenomenon has been growing for decades, ever since builders and developers saw more value for homeowners with a comfortable backyard space as opposed to large front porches.

Also, people with condominiums, townhouses, even apartments are getting creative with the relatively smaller backyard spaces and finding ingenious ways to have a legitimate outdoor space as well.

One of the key components to a real outdoor living space is the furniture that you use. Just like people’s living rooms, the furniture needs to be comfortable and must reflect the style of the owner and the space that it’s in. Years ago you could look at a typical American backyard and see a few cheap aluminum folding chairs. Now, you can see entire sets of couches, chairs, end tables, dining tables, and other comforts – all made specifically to hold up (and look great) in outdoor settings.

A great example of a company that manufactures this type of outdoor furniture is Oxford Garden. Although there are many companies that build outdoor furniture, Oxford Garden has modeled its products after the needs of consumers: high-quality products that can hold up to the elements and still look as good as your indoor furniture.

The best outdoor furniture is made from practical materials. After all, it is outdoor furniture. Some of the best materials available are wood products high in natural oils such as Teak or Shorea wood. High oil content serves several purposes including highly water-resistant and highly insect repellent. These two features help to ensure that your fine outdoor furniture is protected from moisture and damaging insects.

These types of wood are also very beautiful and durable, making them all-around good choices for furniture – as well as a good investment. Because pieces made from high-quality wood will last much longer, you wouldn’t have to replace them for years and even longer with proper care. Typically the only maintenance needed is to apply Teak oil.

Companies like Oxford Garden have many different styles available to suit the needs of everyone’s outdoor needs. Armchairs, dining chairs, couches, benches, coffee tables, etc. – you can create any type of outdoor area you like.

Many people like the living room feel with an outdoor couch, a few armchairs, a side table and coffee table. Others like a long dining table with dining chairs, and umbrella and outdoor bar cart. Whatever your personal style is, remember to look for products that are practical for outdoor use, easy to maintain, and will last for many, many years. The enjoyment you will get from your outdoor space is well worth the investment.

Who does not love spending a lazy summer day outside on a porch swing?  When I was going up I longed for those summer days of relaxing when my only care was when I was going to the swimming pool next and what I was going to order when the ice cream truck came rolling around the corner.  Nothing says ‘summer’ to me more than a porch swing.

When you are looking for a porch swing that will best suit your home, survey your needs and determine if you would like a free-standing swing supported by an A-Frame, or if you would like the swing attached to a porch ceiling or tree.  I am a big fan of the porch swing, if you have enough space to attach the swing securely to the ceiling of your porch.

The area that you choose should have 3 feet of unobstructed space behind the swing to allow for enough swinging room.  The frame, patio or tree should allow for a 6’6” clearance below it.  The average clearance below a porch over hang is 8’.  Depending on the height of the people that will be using the swing, the swing should sit 17” to 19” from the ground.  After you have determined the how high you would like the swing, and the area that has the best space it is time to place the chains or rope.

You will need to secure the hook screws into solid beams in the ceiling of your porch.  This would be a good time to break out that stud finder to locate the solid beams.  Once the solid beams are located, have a carpenter, or a person knowledgeable in the field, assess the beams to ensure they will be able to support the weight of the swing and the users.  Use a carriage-style bolt hook or an S-hook for the highest security.  If is important to place the chains/rope an inch or two wider than the actual swing.  This will help distribute the weight of the users and the chair evenly.  Drill the holes for the hooks into the beams to help prevent any splitting of the wood.  Use four chains/ropes to support the swing, one in each corner of the swing.

The Oxford Garden Chadwick Swing is one of my favorites.  The classic style of the swing and the ropes that come standard with the swing make it a perfect porch swing. A Sunbrella fabric cushion is available for this swing and is available in wide variety of fabrics, or you can order a custom Sunbrella fabric to match your outdoor living area.

Alternatively, you can use an A-Frame to create a free-standing swing.  The measuring will be the same, make sure you have enough room in front, behind, and below the swing.  Place the chains/ropes an inch or two wider than the swing and securely them with a carriage-style bolt hook or an S-hook.  Great American Woodies makes a natural Cypress Swing and A-frame.

However you decide to setup your swing, it will provide endless hours of relaxation in your outdoor living area.