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Creating A Fun, Safe Garden For Your Children

As the mum of five young children, I know how important it is to have access to a safe outdoor space for your children to play. Being cooped up in the house all day isn't good for the kids or the parents, but you also can't let young kids play in a space that's hazardous. When we bought our new family home, there was a lot of work to do in the garden to make it childproof, and we also wanted to make it a fun place for the kids to play. We erected a new fence, fitted a combination lock on the garden gate, had poisonous plants removed, cordoned off the pool and created a play area complete with swings, a slide and outdoor games. I started this blog to share my DIY gardening tips, and I hope you find it interesting and useful.

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Creating A Fun, Safe Garden For Your Children

Stylish Furnishing: 4 Outdoor Furniture Materials to Transform Your Patio Space

by Darlene Jenkins

Spending time outdoors in summer is a favourite Aussie pastime—whether it's a casual afternoon get-together with barbeque and beers or an evening soiree to celebrate a special occasion. With so much time spent outdoors, it's natural that you'll spend time considering your outdoor furniture—almost as much as the time you spend with your indoor furniture.

Outdoor patio furniture ultimately boils down to style, appearance and preference. Here are some outdoor furniture materials that will transform the look of your patio in different ways.

Wicker

Wicker embodies an idyllic notion for your patio space with its naturally entwined patterns and light airy designs. Wicker is lightweight and easy to clean, making it perfect for outdoor entertaining with a variety of colours, patterns and designs to create a unique patio décor style. When buying wicker outdoor furniture, keep in mind that tighter weaves mean higher quality; you'll want something to weather the elements easily.

Wood         

Wooden outdoor furniture creates rustic appeal for the patio. There are several different kinds of wood available when it comes to furniture: cedar, teak and pine. Keep in mind that wood can get damaged in harsh external conditions, which is why applying polyurethane sealant and waterproofing is a good idea for wooden outdoor furniture.

If you're looking to paint your furniture every few years to match your décor, pine lends itself well to different colours. Teak is an excellent weather-resistant material that beautifully elaborates many backyard landscapes perfectly.

Plastic

Plastic is a practical choice when planning your backyard furniture, especially if you like making alterations to the appearance of your patio. Since it is inexpensive, it allows you the flexibility to make frequent changes without worrying about the expense. Some people like the comfort and convenience of plastic, because it is available in a range of colours, styles and configurations and it's easy to store and clean when winter arrives.

Metal

Metal is a classic choice for patio outdoor furniture, because it is able to withstand natural elements without getting damaged too easily. Keep in mind though that while stainless steel can stand tall in harsh weather, it is not rust-free and requires waterproofing to avoid oxidation. Wrought iron is an excellent choice in metals and is almost perfect. It brings a touch of elegance and attractiveness to the patio, while remaining durable and sturdy. Wrought iron is heavier than other metals like aluminium, so it is unlikely to blow away when a strong gust of wind passes through your patio.

Choosing between outdoor furniture materials is a matter of taste, preference and style. Keep your specific situation in mind when making a decision for your patio. You can check out resources like http://www.furniturenmore.com.au for a better idea of your options.

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