Friday, December 24, 2010

Wicker Bar Stools


Wicker bar stools are a real classy act. They have a dignified and airy appeal that can not be matched by other bar stools. Despite their charm these stools are comparatively uncommon and can be difficult to find. A great many wicker bar stools are custom ordered and with most items that are custom ordered the expensive can be significant. However, give the charm of wicker outdoor furniture the expense of wicker bar stools can be worth it.

Not all wicker furniture is intended for outdoor use. You can find a great deal of wicker items for the home including many different wicker coffee tables and wicker end tables that are solely intended for interior household use. However, for the most part wicker furniture is often associated with outdoor furniture and wicker bar stools are quite often intended to be used as patio bar stools.

Outdoor patio furniture has come full circle. The patio furniture found on the wrap around porches of years gone past was most often wicker. Think, if you will, of movies set in the 1920s and 1930s like "Gone With the Wind". No other front porch furniture would have looked authentic. All of us that had parents or grandparents or other relatives that grw up on farms or in small towns will remember the sight of a few wicker rocking chairs adorning most porches. Handmade wicker furniture was beautiful and very durable. It required a new coat of white paint every few years but otherwise was maintenance free.

With the advent of mass produced merchandise came the demise of wicker furniture. The next cycle of outdoor furniture consisted of the terrible nylon webbing over aluminum pipes. This type of furniture was great in one respect because it was collapsible and light weight. It could easily be carried and would fit in the trunk of any car. It was great furniture to bring to baseball games and it was easy to store in sheds during the winter. This type of furniture was maintenance free unlike wicker bar stools but was pretty darn ugly and unattractive.

The next cycle of patio furniture or patio bar stools consisted of furniture constructed from wood. The best type of wood for this purpose was either teak or cedar. Both types of wood are resistant to insect infestation and rot. Furniture made out of this type of material are also very easy to maintain. It is also possible to find outdoor furniture made out of pine. This furniture can also be very beautiful but will require some protection from the elements and some annual maintenance.

As was previously mentioned, the cycle has come full circle and the newest and hottest type of patio furniture is now resin wicker patio furniture. Resin wicker patio bar stools come in all sorts of funky designs. There are backless wicker bar stools, rounded back wicker bar stools, and wicker seated bar stools. The best part of resin wicker bar stools is that are virtually maintenance free. A damp cloth is all you need to clean them. If you protect this furniture from the harsher elements it will stand up and look great for many years to come. In addition, this type of wicker stool can be easily found in a number of different locations.

A quick internet search will result in dozens of different distributors. Often these distributors will offer free delivery within a limited area or they may ship to a nearby depot area that is convenient to your home. From an online search you can review all of the different types of models and designs and thereby narrow you choice. Also many big box home renovation stores like Home Depot and Lowes will carry wicker bar stools among their seasonal furniture selections. You can also find this type of stool at specialty furniture shops.

Lastly, you can always choose custom made wicker bar stools. This will likely be your most expensive option. However, you will get exactly what you want and you will know that the furniture will be durable and last a life time. Well made wicker bar stools will come with a guarantee and can also be easily repaired by those with expertise in the field of wicker stools.

Wicker bar stools have a light weight airy appeal and are incredibly charming.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Patio Bar Stools


Patio bar stools are a great addition to your outdoor living space. These stools add some flair to most backyard furniture arrangements or can look dazzling on pool decks. There is something exotic about poolside bar stools. It evokes images of 1950s and 1960s glamor movies or perhaps the imagery just makes us feel as though we are on vacation. Even if you do not have a pool, patio bar stools can fit nicely into most backyard landscaping themes. A little raised bistro table with four bar stools can be charming or perhaps the stools can be placed in front of an outdoor bar.

Patio bar stools can be constructed with a number of different materials. Each material as varying degrees of durability and therefore will require varying degrees of maintenance or repair. Wooden patio bar stools are very popular. The most common woods used for outdoor furniture are cedar and teak. Neither of these types woods will rot or succumb to the elements. Teak will retain is deep reddish brown color while cedar, if left untreated, will transform into a lovely silvery color. Pine can also be used for outdoor furniture but it will need to be treated with a stain and some sort of sealant. Pine furniture will need to be re-stained every year as the sun and rain will erode any protective finish. For the most part wooden patio furniture is very durable and is very attractive.

Resin, wicker, and plastic are also materials used in the construction of patio bar stools. Each of these materials has pros and cons. Plastic patio bar stools tend to be the cheapest bar stool on the market. They are light weight and easy to store. This type of stool comes in a variety of different colors. When choosing a color ask the clerk whether the stool is made from fade resistant plastic. If the plastic does not specifically say it is fade resistant then you are best to pick the color white. Brighter colors such as blue and red can fade into really ratty colors in no time. White bar stools tend to look new longer. It is possible to freshen up plastic chairs with a coat of paint but they will need to be repainted every season.

Wicker and resin wicker patio bar stools have an old time appeal. Wicker patio furniture has been around for many decades. If properly cared for wicker furniture can be handed down through generations. You can find wicker patio furniture in many antique or vintage furniture shops and you can also buy this furniture brand new. Even shabby looking wicker furniture (but structurally sound) can look great again with a coat of paint. Resin wicker is a more modern type of material with which to build patio furniture. This material can withstand the elements better than traditional wicker but still retains the old fashioned and charming look of wicker. This material tends to be quite expensive but it is very durable and extremely attractive.

Cast aluminum bar stools are also widely available. As are bar stools constructed with webbing and an aluminum frame. These types of stools vary widely in durability and price.

These stools will come in a variety of heights. The proper height will be dependent on the table, bar or counter height you wish the stools to service. Tables and stools come in standard heights but there is can be a little variation amongst stools so it is best to measure to make sure. The standard ratios can be provided by the store clerk and the standard ratios will feel the most comfortable to sit at.

You can find this type of stool at any specialty outdoor furniture shop. It is also possible to find them at large furniture stores and some home renovation stores. The best selection of patio bar stools can be found online. There are a number of different online distributors that offer this product. The internet is likely the best place to start your search. You can review a number of different types and also look up customer reviews. Many internet furniture distributors offer extremely reasonably priced shipping. Some even offer free shipping on certain products.

Are you thinking of updating your outdoor patio furniture? Perhaps you might add a touch of flare to your outdoor living space with the addition of patio bar stools.