| I made a fatal mistake last week when I told my | | | | coating. |
| wife that I had been researching dining sets for my | | | | When it comes to wood then it's really a choice of |
| BBQ website. First of all she wanted to know exactly | | | | the type of wood. The best regarded are Pine, |
| what I meant my a dining set and once I'd explained | | | | Cedar or Teak with teak coming out tops. This is the |
| that I was referring to tables and chairs it was at | | | | wood used for decks on yachts so you know it's |
| that point that the tirade of questions such as "why | | | | going to be pretty hard wearing. The reason that |
| don't we get some new furniture" started. For those | | | | you are looking at these particular woods is to |
| of you men that have read "When Mars And Venus | | | | ensure that your furniture does not warp as a result |
| Collide" by Dr John Gray you will know how to | | | | of being exposed to the sun and the rain. Wood is |
| interpret this inquisition in a manner that does not | | | | weather proof if treated properly so it does need |
| describe it as nagging, but at the end of the day we | | | | regular treatment but maybe only once a year. |
| all know that it's going to end in a new set of dining | | | | Wicker is the final option and this is supremely comfy |
| furniture and a dent in the credit card! | | | | but it's not as weather resistant as metal and todays |
| So if you end up in the position that I find myself in | | | | wicker is really a plastic coated onto an aluminum |
| then you are going to have to start the research to | | | | frame. If it is comfort that you are after then go this |
| ensure that you buy the right set for you and to | | | | route but you may have to accept renewing your |
| that end I thought that I would share some of my | | | | patio dining set a little more often. |
| findings and save you some bother. | | | | 2. Size |
| What Do I Need To Think About When Buying New | | | | You want the size to be in keeping with the amount |
| Furniture? | | | | of space you have available. If you're blessed with |
| If you are anything like me then the last thing you | | | | lots of space then maybe this is not such a big deal |
| want to be doing is spending time looking after the | | | | but if you are space constricted then you might |
| furniture once it is outside or bringing it inside every | | | | want to consider a bistro style patio set. |
| time it rains. To be honest I could not do the latter | | | | Consider how you are going to use your furniture. Do |
| anyway because I would not have the space so | | | | you entertain regularly or is this patio dining set just |
| when it comes down to it, the single most important | | | | for the family barbecue? Most sets come as five |
| factor to consider is the construction material and | | | | pieces (table plus four chairs) which is OK for the |
| relate that to the climate in which you live. | | | | family but if you want the option to spread out then |
| 1. Construction Materials | | | | consider conversion sets because these will give you |
| This area can be broken down into three main | | | | greater flexibility. |
| materials, metal, wood and wicker. In the metal | | | | 3. Mosaic |
| category there is Aluminum - Lightweight, doesn't | | | | Mosaic table tops really do look great but these |
| rust and is pretty much indestructible, an all year | | | | surfaces do need special care and attention. The |
| round choice provided you don't live in an area | | | | grout around the tiles can crack in extremes of |
| susceptible to wind! Aluminum can also be cleaned by | | | | temperature so this type of furniture really does |
| most household cleaning materials. The other metal | | | | need to be housed indoors if you are expecting |
| option is Wrought Iron - Again an all year round | | | | freezing temperatures. |
| choice. It's heavier in weight and also rust proof | | | | Anyway, I have now take everything into |
| provided that the powder coating isn't chipped. Very | | | | consideration and if you'll excuse me I will now get on |
| robust and easily cleaned with soapy water, but do | | | | line and keep my wife happy with a new set of patio |
| not use abrasives as this will scratch the powder | | | | furniture and then I will light the BBQ! |