Outdoor Bistro Sets - Perfect for Small Outdoor Patios

If you are looking for outdoor furniture but the area you want to furnish is quite small, such as a balcony, porch or small patio, an outdoor bistro set is the perfect solution. These sets consist of a small outdoor table and chairs making the entire set quite small in size. This is a very handy solution to furnishing a small outdoor space. Adding furniture to your outdoor space, no matter how little space you have, will encourage the area to be used a lot more. Your patio or balcony will be more inviting with an attractive and comfortable bistro set ready and available for use. As it is a 3-piece set they are designed for use by one or two people, making a cozy and intimate getaway. This can be all someone needs to enjoy their outdoor space. Those without much room can use the one set for dining, drinks, resting, reading and more. This type of set also comes in folding models, allowing you to save space when it is not in use, if this is something you are after.

Outdoor bistro sets have quite a variety of uses. They can be used for light meals, snacks and even dinners. Have a quaint and cozy dinner for two on your patio with a stylish bistro patio set to keep you comfortable. They also make a nice place to have cold drinks, cocktails as well as hot cups of coffee and tea. This casual dining alfresco is where the idea of having outdoor bistro sets for your home came into play, inspired by European outdoor cafe's.

An outdoor bistro set can also be used as a cozy spot to read the paper, a book or a magazine and one can even pop their laptop up on the table to catch up on some work whilst enjoying being outside. These small 3-piece sets can be used as a rest spot in your garden to have a sit in for a few minutes, or as a place to rest after doing some gardening. They can also be used strictly for decoration purposes to beautify that empty outdoor spot in your backyard.

It goes without saying that an outdoor bistro set  also makes for a very nice and cozy spot to have a quiet chat or get together with a friend. If looking mainly for outdoor socializing with drinks and cocktails a patio bar set may also suit you needs. Sometimes also referred to as a bistro or bar set, a patio bar set is often very similar to a bistro set except it is of bar height. This makes it ideal in a stylish outdoor bar setting.

Outdoor bistro sets are available in a variety of materials including cast aluminum, iron, steel, resin wicker and wood. It is very important when shopping for any outdoor furniture to make sure it is suitable for outdoor use. Bistro furniture sets can also come in indoor varieties so be careful to pick an outdoor model which will last a long time even when exposed to the elements.

Outdoor bistro sets are perfect for small outdoor spaces and make a cozy place to dine or have a drink. A nice little bonus is they are also extremely affordable. So if you are looking to furnish your patio at a low-cost, you can't go wrong with an affordable bistro patio set .

Deck Heating Options: Chimeneas, Fire Pits, and Heated Furniture

Chilly or otherwise inclement weather can prevent you from getting the most out of your deck during many moths of the year. With some integrated heat sources, you can keep your deck parties from being cut short by less than ideal weather.

There are many different heating options for your deck, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Homeowners should consider these pros and cons before investing in a heating option for their deck. Here are some of those options, as well as a look at what they're most appropriate for.

Deck Heaters

For practicality, small portable heaters are your best bet. The traditional outdoor heating option is the radiant heater. These are the ones often seen in commercial venues where outside seating is available. You can also find natural gas deck heaters.

Increasingly, though, radiant and natural gas heaters are being replaced by newer infrared heaters, which are more efficient and safer for cedar decking. Retailers offer a wide selection of heater choices, so you shouldn't have trouble finding whichever style you choose.

Chimineas

A chiminea is a cross between a small chimney and a fire pit. Popular because of their aesthetic appeal and simple design, chimineas fit in almost every price range. On the low end, you can find relatively inexpensive chimineas that will provide a nice amount of heat for a reasonable price; on the high end, some cedar deck owners have constructed much larger chimineas that double as fireplaces built into the deck.

Heated Lighting and Furniture

If you really want to move into the 21st century on your cedar deck, retailers may offer heated furniture or lights. Heated Furniture is a recent trend - imagine a table or chair with small charged-electric heaters. This trend requires minimal installation and upkeep.

Heated lighting works in a similar way, which is perfect for those slightly chilly summer nights.

Fire pits

If you love a good campfire, you may want to consider a fire pit. These will give you the look, feel, and smell of a campfire. They come in many different styles and sizes, and can be either installed into the surface of your deck or be portable. You can also choose between a traditional wood-burning or gas-fueled fire pit.

A fire pit makes a great focal point and gathering spot for your outdoor living space. However, when considering a fire pit for a cedar deck, take care to prevent the decking material from catching fire. A good way to do this is by surrounding the fire pit (whether portable or built-in) with a non-flammable surface, such as deck tiles. In general, fire pits take up more space and require more care than other heat providers.

Other Considerations - Style and Ambiance

Take ambiance and style into mind when deciding how to heat your cedar deck. Homes with a more rustic style may not jive with futuristic-looking heated furniture, for example. chimineas and fire pits provide a different ambience than traditional deck heaters.

Four Ways to Make Your Deck More Inviting

When the weather allows, a deck or patio is a fantastic place to have any kind of event. However, many people overlook the wonderful decorating opportunity that comes with an outdoor hang-out area. Adding some pizazz to your deck or patio can be done fairly easily, quickly, and inexpensively, so it's a perfect spring project to get into the groove of outdoor chores. Doing it in spring also means you'll be ready for those summer parties!

When planning your deck or patio décor, you'll want to keep in mind how you want the space to function. Will you be having lots of big parties and barbeques? Small get-togethers? Maybe it's primarily the place where you go to relax with a book and coffee. This should determine what kind and how much furniture to use and where to place it. You should also consider what you want the theme or feel of the space to be. Do you want it modern and jazzy? Warm and earthy? Somewhere in the middle? These can be achieved with both the furniture, colors and décor.

Before you Decorate

Before you start with the decorating itself, however, you'll need to make sure that your deck or patio has received the proper care. You should clean and re-seal the wood once a year, and keep it in good repair. This is especially important in the Midwest, where the weather can be harsh. You can do these things yourself, or hire a professional.

Tips for Décor

1. Paint, whether vibrant or neutral can make your deck beautiful and distinct. Many people elect a paint scheme similar to the color of the house, but this isn't necessary. Using the correct complementary colors, and applying it in subtle areas (such as posts and handrails), will make a unique and fun area.

2. Adding fabrics to any room will make it more welcoming, and a deck or patio is no exception. Putting curtains on the windows, and adding throw pillows and rugs will be reminiscent of a comfy sitting room, and will put your guests at ease. However, keep in mind that rain can not only ruin fabrics, but encourage mold and mildew growth. So you'll need to either take cloth items inside during a rainstorm, or clean them frequently. Either way, it is a good idea to pick a durable and water-resistant material.

3. Adding lights is wonderful for a deck or patio, especially if you plan on having many nighttime gatherings. There are so many options for outdoor lighting: hanging lights, paper lanterns, solar lights, and much more. Peruse a hardware store or the internet, and you'll be sure to find lighting that's right for your deck or patio.

4. There are many ways to use furniture as decoration, many of which are inexpensive. You can repaint an old table using stencils to add your own design. You can use tree stumps for seats and tables. Look around your local hobby and craft store; they are full of unusual outdoor décor and furniture that will add your own type of charm to your deck or patio.

Plants to Decorate a Shady Deck

The woody wonderlands of Washington provide a plethora of species that can flourish around the shady areas around your deck, while encouraging native wildlife to thrive.

1. Pink Wintergreen (Pyrola asarifolia)
Small, pink, bell-shaped blossoms grace the pink wintergreen in late spring. This woodland herb has glossy green leaves and stalks that grow to 20cm in height. Consider placing one in a planter on your cedar decking, Washington homeowners. This will provide the right combination of moist, quick-draining soil that the Pink Wintergreen craves.

2. Fringecup (Tellima grandiflora)
With whimsical white - or purple-fringed flowers, the fringecup can grow to two feet in height. Around cedar decking, Washington homeowners will find fringecup plants are wonderful for lining the deck's perimeter. Well-drained, moist soil in fully shaded areas will allow your fringecups to burst with blossoms from April to July.

3. Tiger Lily (Lilium columbianum)
The stalks of the tiger lily can exceed three feet in height! That makes them a wonderful plant for a cedar deck; Vancouver homeowners can outline the perimeter of the structure with stunning orange tiger lily blossoms. It is best to grow Tiger Lilies from bulbs or in containers, since they don't transplant well. When growing Tiger Lilies around a cedar deck, Vancouver green thumb types should use compost and soil that drains well.

4. Oak Fern (Gymnocarpium dryopteris)
The oak fern's delicate fronds are an excellent way to soften the look of your cedar deck. Vancouver residents can place oak fern-filled planters on cedar deck rails to create the look of cascading leaves. Alternatively, oak ferns are wonderful accent plants on the decking itself, or next to nearby shrubs or trees. shady areas with moist, well-drained soil allow the oak fern to thrive. (Are you seeing a pattern yet in the soil conditions for these woodland plants?)

5. Vine Maple (Acer circinatum)
The Vine Maple is native to the woods of Washington and Oregon, where it grows as a shrub or small tree, always within 300 km of the Pacific Coast. The Vine Maple's green leaves turn orange-red in the fall - assuming the plant is in partial shade, that is. In full sun, the Vine Maple takes on a red hue in the autumn, and in shady locations it puts out a golden glow. Small white flowers with red or purple highlights flowers bloom on Vine Maples every May and June.

A stunning way to incorporate a Vine Maple in your decking design is to grow it as a bonsai. Bonsai is the Japanese art of growing a plant in a shallow dish. This allows you to carefully control the plant's height and shape. Planted this way, a Vine Maple provides a striking focal point for a shady cedar deck. Vancouver residents will appreciate that a Vine Maple bonsai may be kept on the decking all year long, as this plant thrives in partial and full shade.

To grow a Vine Maple as a bonsai on their cedar decking, Washington homeowners should purchase a shallow, quick-draining dish, along with specially-made plant food and potting soil for bonsais.

Cantilevered Decks: Top 23 Waterproofing Tips

Covered patio or second floor deck leaking? Here are 23 simple moisture-proofing strategies to help prevent damaging water intrusion into your deck system.

Cantilevered structural deck systems safely separate exterior habitable areas from the surrounding ground surface environment. When covered, these deck (a. k. a. terraces, patios, etc.) structures shelter occupants from the undesirable effects of direct exposure to the outside environment. When elevated and structurally connected to building walls, these deck systems allow unobstructed panoramic views while safely supporting their occupant loads.

Building material products sensitive to adverse weather such as hardwood floors, unprotected structural wood members, and sheetrock must be adequately protected to prevent their damage and decay. Dry wood structural members can expand, twist, distort, and deflect unpredictably when exposed to ongoing excessive moisture. If rainwater infiltrates into the deck and wall structural cavities, it provides a continuous moisture source to the dry wood structural components supporting each deck (North and southeast decks). The result: structural component deflection which transfers excessive tension stress to its connected brittle material coverings causing visible stucco and tile separations. Here are twenty three tips to help waterproof your cantilevered patio deck:

1.Stucco penetrations such as metal deck railing should be properly flashed or integrated into the water-resistive barrier before lath and stucco installation.

2.Water-resistive barriers degraded by moisture exposure or damaged by tearing should be replaced before applying the stucco.

3.Place water resistive barriers to assure all exterior moisture sensitive material surfaces are completely covered.

4.Install wood based deck sheathing panels in accordance with APA requirements with 1/8 inch spaces between all meeting panel edges.

5.Water-resistive barriers that have been degraded by moisture exposure or damaged by tearing should be replaced prior to the application of stucco.

6.Place water resistive barriers to assure covering the entire exposed surface of the floor support beams and girders where possible without having to remove undamaged materials or demolishing functional structural connections.

7.Paper backed stucco lath shall have at least one barrier layer of an approved water resistant paper backing.

8.An approved water resistive barrier is one layer of No. 15 asphalt felt, free from holes and breaks, complying with ASTM D 226 for type I felt, or an equal alternative or better. Equal alternatives are DuPont Tyvek (Home wrap, Commercial wrap, and Stucco wrap) or equal.

9.Placement of at least two water resistant barrier layers is recommended (not required) between stucco metal lath and any untreated natural wood surface to enhance long term prevention of moisture infiltration into the stucco system.

10.Assure OSB sheathing substrates are classified as Exposure 1 or Exterior Grade.

11.Assure wood framing and wood based sheathing is reasonably dry with a moisture content of 19% or less when the water-resistant barrier and lath are installed.

12.A framing inspection should take place before a lath inspection. Appropriateness of flashings, treatments of penetrations and rough openings should be evaluated at that time.

13.Water-resistive barriers should be installed with staples that do not protrude through the back side of the sheathing.

14.Water-resistive barrier should be installed flat and taut to the substrate surface.

15.All flashings and water-resistive barriers should be installed for positive drainage.

16.Metal flashing materials should be a minimum 26 gauge galvanized sheet metal or anodized, coil coated or painted aluminum.

17.All trim accessories should be galvanized steel, zinc alloy or anodized aluminum.
18.Joinery of abutting ends of trim accessories should be spliced or lapped and sealed with appropriate sealant.

19.Joinery of flashing sections should be appropriately lapped, sealed and mended together by application of sealants, adhesive backed membrane or other appropriate means of continuity.

20.Any water-resistive barrier or membranes covering OSB joints should be lapped across said joints where appropriate and should remain unbroken where possible.

21.Expansion joints should be located at points where significant building movement is anticipated: Wall penetrations, structural plate lines, junctures of dissimilar substrates, existing construction joints (stone), columns and cantilevers.

21.Pullout resistance of drill and drive fasteners, power or powder actuated fasteners should meet the requirements of the fastener manufacturer.

23.If there is any question about the effectiveness of the pullout strength of drill and drive fasteners, power or powder actuated fasteners into concrete or concrete masonry block, sample testing is recommended.