Iconic Roots

Thomas Lee first created the chair in the early 20th century in the Adirondack Mountains, after he had trouble finding furniture for his lakeside home. Lee wanted comfortable outdoor seating, but none of the chairs he found suited his taste. So he built several prototypes in an effort to create the most comfortable outdoor chair. He had his twenty-two family members test them, and they settled on the one with wide armrests and a slight recline. He named it the Adirondack chair, and his design has held the test of time. It continues to be a popular patio item, and many people love it for its comfort and practicality.

Adirondack Options

Adirondack chairs have evolved from Lee’s original design. The original chairs were made from hemlock or hickory. But now they come in a variety of natural woods, including cedar, cypress, and pine. They are also available in modern options like polywood, a recycled plastic lumber.  These options have resulted in differing levels of durability, weather resistance, and maintenance.

Wooden Adirondack Chairs

Wooden chairs generally offer less durability, less weather resistance, and more maintenance than their poly wood counterparts. The type of wood determines the level of maintenance, and some people enjoy the labor of caring for their furniture. For instance, cedar is considered very durable, but it will splinter unless refinished annually. Pine, meanwhile, is susceptible to insect infestation and rotting. It, too, needs refinishing and resealing every year. Both are affordable options, starting at around $120 for a decent quality design, but maintenance is a major drawback.

Only teak offers limited maintenance options. Teak wood is not prone to insect infestation and rot, though it is vulnerable to sun damage. Durability comes at a cost, though: teak is scarcer than pine or cedar, so teak Adirondack chairs often start in the $700 price range. They are not for the price conscious buyers.

Poly-wood Adirondack Chairs

First introduced in 1990 by two high school friends, polywood is made from recycled plastics like milk jugs, which are processed to look and function as lumber. Made from polyethylene, these muskoka chairs will outperform wooden ones in both durability and weather resistance. You can leave them outdoors in virtually any kind of weather, and you don’t need to apply additional special treatment. All they’ll need is a simple washing with soap and water. No refinishing or resealing is necessary.

In addition to low maintenance, poly-wood offers the advantage of customization. Polywood Adirondack chairs come in many different colors, some of which look like traditional wood. They’re more expensive than wooden ones—they start at around $250 per chair—but they’re an eco-friendly option with advantages like low maintenance and long durability. So if you’re looking to invest in timeless patio furniture and don’t want the hassle of yearly upkeep, then poly wood muskoka chairs are the option for you.

Article by Angie Picardo – staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance site that helps consumers set financial goals and get the most from their money.

Designer Patio Furniture Blog

We want to hear your funny and exciting memories of your favorite patio or deck.  Was it a cocktail party in the garden or watching someone get pushed into a pool? Share it with us here and you could win $500 in patio furniture.

We are looking for Canada’s best stories. Leave a comment to this post describing your most memorable patio experience or tell us what happened the last time you were actually on a patio. We will randomly draw a winner every 45 days.

You can participate in every draw, but may only submit one comment per 45-day period.  The winners will receive a $500 voucher for outdoor furniture by velago.ca. Even though not a requirement for participation, we appreciate your tags and bookmarks!

You can enter an extra draw for a $500 voucher by following the link below and giving us your like on FB:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Velago-Patio-Furniture/143268375701249

We will not share any emails nor use them for any marketing purposes, we simply ask for them so we can contact the winners. Your personal details will not be visible to other users.

By entering the contest you confirm to have read and agreed to the Contest Rules.

Congratulations Briar-Rose! Our winner from our April/May contest.

Good Luck!

Designer Patio Furniture Blog

Odds are that your outdoor furniture is made out of resin wicker, also known as all-weather wicker. Resin wicker isn`t made out of a natural substance, but instead a synthetic material created in a lab.

Evolution of Wicker

Believe it or not, but the term, `wicker` doesn`t apply to a specific material, but the ancient weaving technique created by the ancient Egyptians. There have been archaeological digs that have found wicker furniture dating back to 3000 B.C.

The wicker weave was used for packing material for cargo in sailing vessels because of its flexibility. It was originally made from natural materials such as rattan, but with the creation of plastics, wicker furniture is likely to be made from resin that has been created to look similar to natural wicker furniture.

Benefits of Resin Wicker

The biggest benefit of resin wicker is durability. The synthetic material doesn`t easily succumb to the effects of time, heat, cold or water. Hence, it is called all-weather wicker. Resin wicker furniture can be placed outside during all kinds of weather and it will hold up for many years. This is not true of natural fiber wicker, no matter how much it has been treated.

Over time, natural wicker, such as rattan, will weaken and begin to break until the furniture can no longer support weight or becomes an uncomfortable eyesore.

Resin can also be made into any color without painting. The color is simply added to the resin material prior to being molded into the outdoor furniture. This is not true of the natural materials. It must be painted and, therefore, over time, the paint will chip off.

Traditionally, resin wicker is placed over a lightweight aluminum frame to create the popular outdoor furniture. See also Wikipedia ‘Resin Wicker‘.

Resin Wicker versus Rattan

The primary difference between resin wicker and rattan is they are two different materials. Rattan is a natural and flexible plant fiber that has been used for outdoor wicker furniture for a long time. Resin wicker is synthetic and created in a laboratory as compared to being harvested. Rattan is incredibly strong and is first steamed until pliable and then placed in the wicker weave. When the material dries, it retains the new shape and will hold that shape forever. Unlike resin wicker, rattan furniture does usually use an aluminum frame and the entire chair is made from the rattan material.

Rattan furniture needs to be taken inside to avoid negative outdoor weather, which can shorten its lifespan. Since it`s a natural fiber, it`s also susceptible to mold growth, which is not a problem with resin wicker.

Resin wicker has become a favorite for swimming pools, resorts and hotels because of its low cost, high durability and easy maintenance. Wicker is the favorite of people who prefer traditional outdoor furniture or furniture for enclosed patios.

Resin wicker is available at many stores and online outlets including www.forrestfurnishing.co.uk. They have a wide selection of resin wicker furniture for any outdoor arrangement.

Designer Patio Furniture Blog

Color Trends

Neutral colors are very popular choices for outdoor tables and chairs as they are easy to coordinate with boldly patterned cushion fabrics. Many shades in the gray family, including charcoal gray, dusky gray and weathered gray, are currently desirable for outdoor furniture pieces. Other neutral color options include white, ivory, black and beige. These timeless hues will remain on trend as cushion patterns evolve from season to season. Keep your furniture looking vibrant in color by cleaning it often and touching up peeled paint when necessary.

Material Trends

When purchasing new outdoor dining furniture, you can benefit greatly from choosing pieces that are crafted from sturdy, functional and practical materials. Metal materials such as wrought iron and cast aluminum are ideal for chairs and table bases. Vinyl-and-resin wicker, with its chip-resistant properties, is a much more appealing option than the easily damaged natural wicker of years past. You may also wish to consider sling fabric chairs, which are lightweight and capable of drying rapidly. In regard to table surfaces, opt for stone, glass or concrete designs with mosaic, speckled or distressed patterns.

Design Trends

Modern design trends for outdoor chairs improve on traditional designs through the addition of sculpted lines that allow for comfortable seating. In contrast to straight-backed and straight-legged chairs, the current designs feature curved legs, backs and seats for a simple, yet stylish look. Chairs with swiveled bases also work well outdoors. Both cushion fabric and table umbrella fabric are bright in color this season, with orange, red and yellow featuring prominently in various design patterns and themes.

Aesthetic Trends

In addition to ensuring that your outdoor furniture is aesthetically pleasing when in place, you can also benefit from buying pieces that retain their appeal when moved or manipulated. Stackable chairs, bar stools and tables crafted from wicker or aluminum help to create more open space when needed without looking cluttered or unsightly. You can also enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor dining furniture with patio accessories such as rugs, curtains and table centerpieces.

With their classic look and high degree of functionality, the latest designs in outdoor dining furniture are not only on trend for the upcoming summer season, but will also remain fashionable in the years ahead. You can easily update your outdoor tables and chairs by shopping at online or on-site furniture stores and selecting the designs that appeal to your tastes and complement your home decor. Be sure to store your outdoor furniture properly during off-seasons so that its quality and appearance are not compromised by inclement weather.

Designer Patio Furniture Blog

There is no question, somebody will have to pick up the tap for our wasteful lifestyle. And here it is, the little flame inside me that is barely burning still, telling me we need to leave a somewhat intact world to our kids. And I guess that little flickering makes me discover things once in a while, that seem worthy to note and share.

Of course, it has to do with patio furniture! Well, it ain’t gonna save the world. A little step though in the right direction and a good example for our children, neighbours, friends. Patio furniture made from plastic out of the ocean. Each year millions of tons of plastic bottles and the like end up in the seas. Some of it will be washed up on a shore. The caribbean resort that you stayed at last time probably had all that garbage removed by the time you had enjoyed your breakfast and headed for a morning swim at the beach.

Re-using these plastics is a great idea, of course. Re-purposing materials saves on resources, which are valuable assets, so why not treat them like that. In particular, plastic is made from oil derivatives and we wouldn’t otherwise waste that, right? Hm, I am a little torn now, because I really like that new Range Rover…

So here’s your chance to be your better self. If you need new outdoor furniture, this is certainly a green alternative. The environment will thank you with a smile every time you use it and the odds of your kids and grand children growing up on an intact planet are ever so slightly better.

Find more information on the Sea Chair Project: http://seachair.com/

Designer Patio Furniture Blog

Got any funny or exciting patio stories to share? Great wine or food that you enjoyed, a cool party that you and your friends still talk about, a funny encounter or joke somebody told on a patio?

We are looking for Canada’s best stories, whether you are in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal or any of the other great places in this country. Leave a comment to this post describing your most memorable patio experience or tell us what happened the last time you were actually on a patio. We will randomly draw a winner every 45 days.

You can participate in every draw, but may only submit one comment per 45-day period.  The winners will receive a $500 voucher for outdoor furniture by velago.ca. Even though not a requirement for participation, we appreciate your tags and bookmarks!

You can enter an extra draw for a $500 voucher by following the link below and giving us your like on FB:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Velago-Patio-Furniture/143268375701249

We will not share any emails nor use them for any marketing purposes, we simply ask for them so we can contact the winners. Your personal details will not be visible to other users.

By entering the contest you confirm to have read and agreed to the Contest Rules.

Good Luck!

Designer Patio Furniture Blog

Salvador is certainly not the first city that comes to mind when international tourists think about visiting the country. But it offers some interesting sites, like the largest outdoor market of the continent and wonderful outings to nearby resorts and fishing towns. Not to forget of course, the carnival! I have learned that it pretty much runs year round with all sorts of events. But it certainly peaks in February for the official celebrations, when this town goes completely nuts. Millions of people will fill streets and restaurant patios.

We are lounging on some cool patio furniture on the deck of the boutique Hotel Aram Yami. It is located on the top of the city’s old town, the Pelourinho. We overlook the enormous bay on which Salvador is situated. At the bottom lies the harbour where huge ocean cruisers are being loaded, quite the spectacle.

It’s hot out, so you might want to jump into your suite’s private infinity pool and leisurely float towards the sunset. You might prefer some fresh mango, pineapple or the native umbu. The fruit is absolutely delicious here, unbeatable in flavour. A caipirinha or caipiroska is also ready on the patio table next to your outdoor wicker deep seating chair. The drinks are made with lime and raw sugar, cachaca (local rum) or vodka complete the tasty refreshment.

Time to relax and enjoy!

Designer Patio Furniture Blog

We have all seen the ads for condominiums online and in papers. Images of beautiful pool areas and modern design roof top patios. Toronto condo builders are setting the bar high. Brochures and sales displays show mock-ups of rooftop patios and common areas with trendy high-end outdoor furniture – sectional wicker lounges with coffee tables, outdoor conversation settings, pools with chic sun loungers. Only question is, who can afford all this?

Consequently, the furniture on the promotional material rarely makes its way into the actual building. Often, builders don’t see themselves as being responsible for buying these items. The project is handed over to the condominium corporation which ultimately appoints the property manager to find a cost effective alternative to whatever was advertised in the condo marketing material. The budget is tight in most cases, since nobody wants to be responsible for higher condo fees. The gap is ever so much bigger as the furniture that was shown in the brochures was the ultimate modern designer piece worth ten grand each.

There are alternatives of course, but it’s hard not to disappoint. It becomes the challenge of the property manager to find something that impresses with a clean modern look, but doesn’t break the bank, patio furniture that is durable and low maintenance.

The Canadian online retailer Velago tries to accomplish exactly that – provide modern design outdoor furniture at clearance prices. Avoiding the cost of expensive retail locations enables them to offer fantastic deals on great quality products.

Designer Patio Furniture Blog

Toronto is covered in snow today and most other parts of the country are too. Montreal will be -15˚ tomorrow. Restaurant patios are closed, the outdoor furniture is tucked away. People are walking fast in the city, limiting the time they are exposed to the cold weather. But wait, there are the other ones too! After all, Canadians are no wimps. Leisure embraces them in this holiday season, no rush wandering through the distillery district. And there it is: that patio with the stylish modern patio furniture and that comfy outdoor lounge in front of a fire pit.

It’s not just the smokers that are sitting out here. All kinds gather around, attracted by the homey smell of the fire. Most with a warm coat, winter boots, some with 5 golden toques. They have a seat on the outdoor furniture, holding a cup of warm beverage, be it mulled wine or hot chocolate. The perfect escape in the city, cottage feel for a couple of hours together with friends. Hibernation is for bears, not for us!

Designer Patio Furniture Blog

Since you are way to busy to DIY, you have done your research online and found a bunch of providers that could do the installation. But before hiring a contractor, you want to be aware of the basics to understand the process. So, here is some input: During the interview process, these are the questions that you should ask a prospect. They will help you hire the right contractor for your project.

1.    Do you have samples of your work, and previous customers that I can contact?

This is one of the most important questions that you can ask a patio contractor because it will tell you a few things about the contractor right out of the gate. If the contractor has no pictures of previous work, then he was not prepared for the interview. The contractor should have a list of a few clients that have agreed to be contacted. He should have all that information on hand if he is serious about getting your business.

2.    Do you have insurance in case of worker injury and to cover any accidents to my property?

Another important question since you do not want a worker hurt on your property while on the job trying to receive compensation from you. You do not want to be left with damage to your home after work is done on your patio either. The contractor’s insurance should cover accidents and damage to your property from machines like jackhammers or large concrete mixers.

3.    How long will this project take, and will you have our agreement written up in a contract?

Any guarantees made by the contractor should be in writing. Contractors have more than one client. Don’t be the one he ignores to complete another job. You should agree on a time line for the project and whether payments should be staggered during completion. The contract should have project price, payment schedule and any warranties.

4.    Do you have an on-site supervisor?

If the contractor is the owner of the business, most likely he will not be the one on-site overseeing his workers and subcontractors. There should be a supervisor that is on-site for most of the project. Beforehand, it should be clear whether you will allow workers into your home to use your facilities. Discussing this with the contractor will ensure that the project runs smoothly.

5.    What kind of materials will you be using on my project?

Patio work may be beyond your understanding, but research to make sure the materials are suitable for the job being done. The contractor shouldn’t be using inferior materials to cut costs. When he lists the kinds of materials that you need, write them down and research to find out if those materials are correct. Concrete comes in different grades depending on the project. Your patio project won’t need a high-grade concrete. Protect yourself against contractors who are trying to hike up the price. Once you have hired a contractor, bring your list to the site and see that the workers are using what was quoted during the interview.

This article was written and kindly provided by the team at Great Aussie Patios. They’ve installed hundreds of outdoor patios across Perth. Visit their shop at 1/15 Alloa Road, Maddington or give them a call on +61 8 9493 7115 for a free quote within 3 days!

If you like the furniture in the photo, please leave us a message. We will expand our collection for next season and will have some exciting new outdoor dining furniture.

Designer Patio Furniture Blog