If you are considering getting new furniture, perhaps you are thinking about ways you can save money. You might believe that you are getting a deal if you buy second-hand. However, there are some pieces you should only consider buying new from furniture stores.

A Dining Room Set Is the Heart of Your Home

Buying a brand new dining set ensures that you have a high-quality table and chairs. More than just for meal times, a dining room set is the heart of the home and family. As a place where you have everything from family talks to holiday meals, it provides an essential meeting place for your household. By purchasing a new set, you can ensure that it is in beautiful condition, and has enough space for everyone.

Mattress Sets Should Be Brought New for Safety and Cleanliness

This is perhaps an obvious choice, but purchasing a new mattress set from furniture stores is safer than buying used. This allows you to try out various mattresses based on firmness and size to fit your lifestyle. Buying brand new gives you peace of mind, since you will know that no one else has used the mattress, and you will know for sure it is clean and safe.

New Sectionals Offer the Best Comfort and Look for Your Home

Sectionals are becoming an attractive alternative to sofas. Since they can seat many individuals and form a circular shape, they are popular for watching TV or spending time as a group. Sectionals also offer features including reclining chairs and even foldout beds for overnight guests. When you opt to buy brand new, you will know that your living area is well equipped and functional. You will also be able to coordinate with the rest of your home and pick a color that matches your décor. If you choose leather, you will rest assured knowing that it won’t be scratched or torn up by overuse from a previous owner.

Buying A New Bedroom Makes Matching Easier

When you choose to purchase your bedroom set brand new, you have furniture that looks put together. It saves you the trouble of trying to mix and match your bed to your dresser. Furniture stores offer bedroom sets for both adults and children that can help you save time and money. If you can get everything you need from the same location, setting up your bedroom is quick and easy.

Having a Kitchen Set Allows You to Update Easily

While your appliances may be just right, you might want to update your breakfast bar or table with a low-key look. If you only need to get a couple of chairs or a few new barstools, buying new allows you to replace items that have had wear and tear without going over budget. You can even choose to buy one item and keep your others as you match to the correct color scheme.

While second-hand is a popular and money-saving option, certain items are better off brand new from furniture stores. Doing so promises a cleaner, more coordinated and stylish look for your home.

Source by Andrew Stratton

Name:

Binturong

Scientific Name:

Arctictis binturong

Status:

Least Concern

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora

Family: Viverridae

Subfamily: Paradoxurinae

Genus: Arctictis

Species: A. binturong

General Information:

The binturong also goes by the names of the Asian bearcat, the Palawan bearcat, or, simply, the bearcat. It is a nocturnal creature of Southeast Asia, often dwelling high in the trees for both sleep and food. It is known to make a chuckling sound, and reportedly smells like a batch of freshly-made popcorn. Althought listed as an animal of “Least Concern”, the binturong has come under sustained pressure. Deforestation has claimed much of its natural habitat, and in some parts of its range it is listed as “vulnerable” or “endangered”. It is also hunted as a culinary delicacy and for medicinal purposes, in which it is commonly used as an aphrodisiac.

Physical Description:

In size, the binturong is close to that of a small dog. It averages a length of 2 – 3 ft, with an additional tail length of another 2 – 3 ft. It usually weighs 30 – 60 lbs. The binturong has thick, black fur, small rounded ears, and a long busy tail. Along with the kinkajou, the binturong is the only carnivore with a prehensile tail, which it uses as a kind of “fifth hand”. Females are generally about 20% larger than males.

Diet:

Binturong are known to eat a variety of foods, including fish, birds, eggs, leaves, plant shoots, small inverterbrates, and even carrion. Despite the diversity of its appetite, the binturong is frugivorous, and feeds primarily on fruits.

Habitat:

The binturong resides in the forests of Southeast Asia, roaming high in the trees. It sleeps on branches during the day and is active during the night. It can be found in areas of Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia (including Java, Sumatra, and Borneo), Burma, India, Thailand, and Palawan.

Reproduction:

The binturong is one of only about 100 mammals capable of delayed implantation. This allows the female to time birth with favorable environmental conditions. This means that mating can occur at anytime during the year. And although breeding is not seasonal, it has been observed that parturition (birth) happens more frequently between February and April, with additional periods in July and November. Gestation lasts for a period of about 91 days, after which time usually 2 – 3 cubs are born. Binturongs reach sexual maturity at around 840 days.

Source by Tony Mandarich

I had planned this cruise for seven months. A friend and I who had previously cruised with Carnival and Celebrity were eager to try Royal Caribbean after hearing so many positive things about the beauty of the ship, quality of food and service, etc. For the second time, I surprised my retired parents by taking them with us (the previous year I had surprised them with an Alaskan cruise which I will review later), and they were absolutely giddy with excitement when they found out that they would once again be traveling aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, which they claimed was their favorite ship of 13 other cruises they had taken. With the ship fresh out of dry dock for upgrades, were set to go to some brand-new destinations none of us had ever visited: Roatan Island, Honduras and Belize City. Expectations were high.

Then cruise time came. While I am not prepared to say that we had a BAD time on this cruise, I think it is fair to say that our expectations were a bit deflated, pretty much from the minute we arrived at the Port of Galveston. Allow me to take you through the high and low lights of life on the high seas aboard Navigator of the Seas.

The Highs

Our dining experience– Most definitely the best service we received on the ship was in the main Sapphire Dining Room, which is without a doubt the most gorgeous dining room I have seen on a cruise ship. Walking into the dining room is like entering a regal opera house complete with grand stair case and three levels of dining with windows on each side. Our two servers were extremely attentive, noting my step-mother’s preference of making her own ice tea with two glasses of ice, 2 tea bags and some hot water, which was waiting for her every night after night one. I could fault her for being a “tea snob,” but then I’d have to look at myself in the mirror with my Starbucks in hand turning my nose up at Folgers. All of us enjoyed the variety of meal choices and thought the food was of very high quality, with service running like clock work. It was truly a pleasure to dine each evening.

Here we are at dinner. I am the goof-ball in blue.

The Cabin– Inside cabin 7667 (Aft Port) was home sweet home for our week at sea. My parents were right next door in 7669. For an inside cabin, there was plenty of room to stow all of our stuff and have a completely clear space to move in. I would say the bed was a bit hard, but it’s all about your preference as my friend and traveling partner Jay (the guy in purple) said his was just right. Ample closet and drawer space allowed us to each have sufficient space to unpack. Our steward service was also top-notch, re-stocking and tidying up twice daily.

The ship– Navigator is definitely a beautiful ship. Of note is the Royal Promenade, a series of shops, restaurants and bars running aft to forward giving cruisers the feel of strolling down a cobblestone street while at sea. I recommend the Two Poets Pub for some nice ambiance and people-watching. The main atrium is gorgeous, and the various lounges and bars are designed with a very classy yet comfortable feel. The pool deck is also impressive, featuring two main pools flanked by several hot tubs, some of which are shaded. For the most part there are plenty of chairs both in and out of the shade, but if your cruise is full you had better get there early to snag one. We also thought the nightclub overlooking the pool deck with its floor-to-ceiling windows added a nice touch to the ship’s offerings. The ship’s casino is also pretty decent, but since smoking is allowed in there, you may come out smelling like an ash tray.

Overlooking the Royal Promenade

The Grand Atrium

Beverage Package–Three of us on this cruise had the premium package for $55 per day, but since my dad only drinks beer, we got him the basic package. At first glance, this package might seem a bit pricey (Royal Caribbean’s beverage packages are some of the most expensive at sea), but overall we got our money’s worth. What I especially liked was that basically nothing on the drink menu was off limits short of the super premium stuff. You could even opt for Grey Goose vodka at no extra charge. The flip side here is the bar service (see below).

Theatre Entertainment–If you ever find yourself on Navigator of the Seas, don’t miss the ice-skating show. It is fantastic and was much better than I thought it was going to be. We also enjoyed the Elton John impersonator, the bar flair show and the adult game show.

The Lows

Embarkation/Debarkation–The words fiasco, nightmare, eternity and disorganization come to mind for both. This was hands-down the WORST embarkation/debarkation process I have ever experienced, and my parents who had been on 13 previous cruises agreed. We should have expected this when Royal Caribbean sent us out an e-mail prior to the cruise instructing us to arrive at certain times based on the deck on which our cabin was located. As it happened, we had flown into Houston, and our transfer dropped us off right at the time we were supposed to be there, which was 12:30 p.m. We did not step foot on the ship until almost 2 p.m, as we were stuck two different lines, both of which were extremely slow-moving. This is definitely not the way you want to start your vacation, and very few smiles were to be found in the security and check-in lines. Mind you, I totally expect a bit of a wait checking in, but this was just ridiculous. I think the longest wait I have ever experienced prior to this was 30 minutes tops. I definitely expressed my dissatisfaction to the check-in lady.

Debarkation was practically just as bad. Since we had a driver waiting for us, we opted for the self check-out and were given a specific time and place to meet. We have done this on other cruises with minimal waiting, with customs officers boarding the ship to collect forms. In the past, we have basically just walked off the ship. Not this time. When we arrived at the appointed spot we then waited another good 45 minutes just to be allowed to disembark. Once off the ship, guess what? Another line, another 45 minutes to pass through customs. I ended up being a charged an additional wait fee by my driver, thanks to Royal Caribbean and the Port of Galveston.

Bottom line–I will never cruise from Galveston, Texas again as they clearly do not have the ability to handle the volume of people that cruise ships have. Basically, Royal Caribbean left a negative first impression and a negative last impression.

Service–Aside from our servers at dinner, service in the bars and lounges on this ship was average at best and certainly not what I am accustomed to on a cruise. While some bartenders were standouts, it generally took forever to get a drink and often you felt as if you were a bother to the bartender or server. The worst service was probably at the pool bar. Some might say that I am too demanding, but when I spend my hard-earned money on vacation I want decent service. Period. I didn’t really get it on this cruise. My parents also commented that “things just weren’t the same on this cruise” as their previous experience on Navigator of the Seas.

Kids, kids, kids– OK, I am probably going to get some eye-rolls for this, and maybe for some it wouldn’t be a negative, but there were just too many kids taking over the main pool area on this ship. As with anyplace else, parents are partially to blame here, allowing their little monsters to run amuck and splash others in the main pool, but I fault Royal Caribbean for not enforcing pool rules. On past cruises, kids weren’t even allowed in hot tubs, but they were in this one. Granted, there is an adults-only pool and hot tub, but the problem is that there isn’t any entertainment there (not that the entertainment at the main pool was anything to write home about).

We did not participate in any excursions on this cruise, so I can’t speak to their quality. We did hear various comments that the excursions were over-priced and not worth the money. One excursion was even over an hour late and had to be delivered to the ship by boat as it was departing Honduras.

The verdict–If I had to choose between Royal Caribbean and Carnival, I would probably go with Carnival based on past experiences. I am not totally closed to giving Royal Caribbean another chance, but they would have to completely WOW me to keep me coming back.

Source by Rick Cohoon

Adding furniture pieces made from natural materials can create a cozy and elegant atmosphere in your home. Wicker furniture has been used for thousands of years. It even goes back to the age of the famous Queen Cleopatra of Egypt. Many people think that wicker is not strong enough and not long-lasting. As a matter of fact, furniture made with this material can last quite a long time if you maintain it regularly. Below is a list of benefits of using wicker furniture in your home:

1. Wicker furniture can withstand any kinds of weather. However, you really have to pay attention to the furniture’s finish. Make sure you choose the one that has a high quality finish. A good quality finish can make the furniture last 10 years or more.

2. Unlike other types of furniture, wicker is lightweight. You can easily rearrange your furniture wherever you like to create a new atmosphere.

3. Wicker chairs are comfortable to sit on. You can easily spend hours sitting on one. Some people have rattan chairs and tables in their garden or gazebo, so that they can spend their leisure time there with family, friends or colleagues.

4. Cleaning sofas or couches made from synthetic leather require expensive cleaning products. Wicker products, on the other hand, do not need expensive treatments. It only needs regular cleaning and also a coat of varnish or paint to protect it from humidity and sunlight.

5. Wicker can create a romantic ambiance. You do not have to go to an expensive restaurant with your partner just to enjoy a romantic atmosphere. You and your partner can just sit on a rattan sofa in your backyard and enjoy the evening at home together.

6. This type of furniture comes in different shapes and sizes. Wicker is flexible enough to be shaped into various designs. You can find wicker chairs, tables, boxes, and cupboards easily at most furniture stores. They can be custom designed to suit your every desire. You can look for various design ideas on the internet. You can also buy pieces with interesting designs from online furniture stores.

7. The great thing about wicker is that it is affordable. The materials used to make this furniture with are widely available and they are quite cheap. The only factor that may affect the price is shipping fee. Wicker products are mainly imported from some Asian country such as Indonesia.

Source by Yohan Andree

Last Saturday was the Fourth of July. The town in which I live held a 5K run before the start of its Main Street parade, in support of cancer or something like that, and my wife and daughters left early so they could run for the cure. Standing out on our porch, I called goodbye, waved, and watched them leave, and then I turned and entered our home. As soon as I closed the French door behind me, I heard the lifeless silence that caused me to wonder what I should do with my two hours of freedom. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I felt the long gone feelings of childhood. I felt what I was: alone on a holiday.

The decision to stay home had been mine, of course, so I could blame only myself for the isolation I felt from society. I stood on our living room rug and listened and looked. There was the sound of forced air from a floor vent, the tick of the grandfather clock, and nothing else. I should have gone with them.

A framed photograph hangs in our living room of a ski trip we made to Whistler, Canada, and it was this picture that got my attention. That trip had been the last time I stood up and skied, and so I had always smiled at the memory every time I looked at the picture. Seeing it from where I stood alone on Independence Day, with my family gone, experiencing life, and making memories without me, I frowned and looked away from the favorite photo. What was I doing? Staying home alone? On Independence Day? Really?

The right thing to do in situations often comes to me as a nudge, but what I felt there in my living room was the equivalent of a two-handed shove. I rushed through my morning routine, filled a commuter cup with coffee, grabbed our digital camera, and hurried outside like a boy trying to catch up with his friends.

My car is a beast, but it does have a hitch that allows me to take my Segway with me. Even though Segways are people movers, I use mine as a standup wheelchair. It is the same as all of the other Segways – two wheels, self balancing, a deck on which to stand, and two hand holds atop a tall vertical shaft – except I placed one of those blue handi-stickers on the front of mine so I could use it wherever I needed to go, without being mistaken for someone too lazy to walk. I’ve taken it on airplanes and elevators, in hotels, stores, and restaurants, and I took it that morning on the back of my car on my rush to get downtown. The independence the Segway gives me is impossible to compare against the dependence I felt back when I used the wheelchair that sits in our barn.

My mood lightened as I neared my family. Because traffic was already blocked from the parade route, I had to park and use my Segway to reach the starting line of the 5K run. What a mass of humanity! The streets were already lined with chairs, blankets, coolers, chalk drawings, and hundreds of people sitting in their front row seats and waiting for the start of the parade. No one saw me going full speed down the side streets. As soon as I reached Main Street, I slowed down to a pace just above a walk and took in the sights. There was a platform way down the street where the runners were getting ready for the start of their run. Most were wearing white event shirts, all were standing, and the group looked like they were out exercising in the morning sun, leaning, stretching, twisting, and talking. As I Seg’d down the center-line of Main Street, staying between the rails of watchers lining both sides of the street, rolling toward what looked like animated bowling pins at the end of a lane, I heard exclamations of both wonder and fascination.

“Look at thing,” “What is it?” “That is so cool,” “I want one,” and “Hey mister, can I try it?” These calls came from both sides of the empty street. I was alone in the middle. What could I do? Stop? Introduce my Segway as a standup wheelchair? I thought I knew how the rider of the first bicycle felt when he peddled his giant front tire down some dirt road in another century. The difference for me was that I could not get off and walk. But they couldn’t know that. I just kept going and looked ahead for my fatherless family.

In the next block I heard someone complain.

“What is he? Too good to walk?”

That was not the first time I’ve heard the question. It came once when I was visiting my daughter at USC, another time at the Junior Olympics in Omaha, Nebraska, and a time I was Seg’n around the finish line of the Portland-to-Coast race to the beach in Seaside, Oregon. Each of those other times ended with the callers feeling awful after seeing the handi-sticker, the cane, and my inability to walk “like the rest of us.” I have grown indifferent to such comments. I barely hear them anymore. If those calls were the price for getting out of my house to be with my family, then I was glad to pay it. I kept going without saying a word, but I did have a grin: That’s right! I thought. I’m rolling right down Main Street.

I found them just before the start of the run. Actually, they found me. They ran over to me laughing and pointing to where I should stand to watch the race, and then they were gone. What mattered most to me was that I was there with them. Life is not something to live alone. I took a thousand pictures that day. When they go through the pictures, I know they will not see a single picture of me. So What? Fathers are never in the pictures they take. Instead, they will see what I saw that day: our family together on Independence Day. How sweet is that?

Source by Steven Lundin

Are you looking for a healthy dish for your lunch or dinner? Why don’t you try Vietnamese food that has less fat and more vegetables. With characters of an agriculture culture, rice is used as the main starch in everyday meals of Vietnamese, made into different kind of cakes and noodles. And a great balance of a variety of fresh herbs, vegetables and meat, as well as a selective use of spices are combined together to create the unique of Vietnamese cuisine.

Vietnamese dishes have been popular in many countries nowadays. In Singapore, the food city of Asia, delicacies of Vietnamese food have its own position in the heart of Singaporeans. Take your reservation and enjoy high-quality authentic Vietnamese cuisine with five recommended Vietnamese restaurants below.

Long Phung Restaurant at Joo Chiat

Long Phung restaurant is established by a Vietnamese lady, Chi Lan who moved to Singapore 14 years ago with her family. It is voted as the best Vietnamese restaurant in Singapore by Vietnamese community and locals. Long Phung restaurant is really famous for authentic, frills free and good Vietnamese cuisine. It is located at 159 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427436.

Viet Lang Restaurant at the Arts House

Viet Lang is known as first all-Vietnamese restaurant in Singapore. It is different from most other Vietnamese restaurants which are “Vietnamese” café serving hawker fares. Daily Set Lunch, A La Carte Menu, Corporate Event’s or Special Occasion’s Buffet or Set Meal Selections are available upon request. The restaurant is nestled in The Arts House (Old Parliament House), 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429.

Little Vietnam Restaurant

Located at the end of Geylang, Singapore’s most prominent red light district but Little Vietnam restaurant is a definitely peaceful place, away from the rowdy areas. Little Vietnam restaurant is a popular place among Vietnamese who are studying and working in Singapore as well as Singaporean and people from other countries. It is located at 511 Guillemard Road, #01-25/29 Grandlink Square, Singapore 399849.

Nuoc Restaurant

Designed and decorated by Qui N. Ly, a Vietnamese based in New York, Nuoc restaurant as the name suggested “country” or “water” has a swanky shape of new constructed wall, Vietnamese lacquer look and ceiling timber to create liquefied effect. In addition, a greeting wall of stacked red lacquered bowls at the main entrance will give fully signature look with a modern twist. Considered as one of the decent high-end Vietnamese restaurant, Nuoc offer the authentic flavor, fresh and modern Vietnamese cuisine style. The restaurant is situated at 181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central #12-01, Singapore 238896.

Madam Saigon Restaurant at Millenia Walk

Established in 2001, Madam Saigon offers a la carte menu to savour truly authentic Vietnamese foods as well as lesser-known regional dishes. The restaurant chef, Vietnamese Chef Hung is from Ho Chi Minh City who has amassed over 25 years of culinary expertise. In the simple design with rustic tables and chairs with the quintessential condiments tray on each table, Madam Saigon creates relax and a casual feel for customers. The restaurant is located at 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-26 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596.

Source by Tom Si Do

How many restaurants are there in Venice? Difficult to count but considering that more 3 millions 5 hundred thousands tourist visit Venice every year, you can easily imagine that the restaurant business in Venice cam be a very profitable one, hence the big market. Venice Restaurants originally specialized only in Sea Food cuisine but have now differentiated to include an eclectic variety of offers; from Chinese restaurants to Indian, to trendy nouvelle cuisine, to Arab and Japanese Cuisine, Venice is trying to resemble to the big metropolis where all types of food can be found;

Of all Venice Restaurants, Bacaro Jazz is probably the most original and innovative; along with one of the latest open and best kitchen in the Venice, it guarantees excellent satisfaction to every single customers. Opened since December 1997, Alfredo, Nicole and the staff have made the Bacaro Jazz one of the must go restaurant and attraction in Venice; over the years the restaurant have continuously renovated the restaurant cuisine and décor; once it opened it appeared like a typical Venetian “trattoria” , where locals were drinking “ombre” (glasses of house wine) and eating “cicchetti” (Venetian tapas appetizers) ; the owner Alfredo had another idea for the place and through continuous enhancements and revolutions of the Menu and décor, nowadays it boasts one of the best Venetian and International cuisine in Venice recommended by the most prestigious restaurant and travel guides;

The restaurant and cocktail bar is open from 4 PM to 3 AM and boasts the latest open kitchen in Venice; the Bacaro Jazz menu offers an heterogeneous delicious mix of local dishes; some of the highlights are Saor and salt cod, Pasta and beans Venetian style with boiled salami & Cuttlefish in black-ink sauce with polenta; it also offers International Cuisine whose highlights are Carpaccio raw beef with balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese, Red chicory flavoured Tagliatelle with duck sauce and aromatic herbs & Filet of white sea bass wrapped with raw ham in tomato sauce with stewed onions. Don’t forget to match your meal with a nice bottle of wine; you can choose from a Brunello di Montalcino to a tasty Valpolicella for red or a fresh Malvasia if you are choosing white wine;

At 4 PM happy hour starts and customers are able to taste two amongst a fine selection of long drinks and cocktails for the price of one! At Bacaro Jazz you can enjoy the terrific drink Frabellini, the traditional Bellini with an sweet addition of Fragolino; when shades begin covering the city this Venice bar starts filling it high chairs and chatting customers will order a Mojito cocktail, a Coffee Martini, the home made “Sex & Sax” and a comprehensive variety of liquors and long drinks; for the couples that want some privacy they will be seated since the restaurant after 11 PM opens its doors to the bar;

The jazz music that fills up the air couldn’t be more appropriate for this late night restaurant in Venice; soft lights, table candles and wall posters of the greatest jazz masters, give Bacaro Jazz a unique and memorable atmosphere; the décor is really one of a kind, customers’ drawings and testimonials adorn the walls; but if you look up the ceiling you will see something like 500 bras hanging! There are various myth on how the “leave you bra” was started, if you are lucky, Alfredo will share the secret with you; now, every time a customer leaves a bra they are given a very nice T-shirt that says “I left my bra at Bacaro Jazz and all I got was this T-shirt”!

Source by Jojo Depietri

Wicker furniture is one of the most famous outdoor types of furniture. It can be used as indoor and outdoor furniture. It looks very attractive and gives a warm feeling. It is durable, practical and can easily be maintained. It is popular because of being comfortable and attractive. Wicker furniture is quite versatile. This type of furniture comes in variety of shapes, sizes and colors. A wide range of tastes suits wicker. It can perfectly be fit with any design. Wicker becomes so incredible because of the unique way of its production. Plant fibers are the main derivatives of wicker. These fibers become strong and hard after being properly treated. Only then can they be used for making the furniture.

These fibers are produced from many plants like bamboo, reeds, rattan and willows. Synthetic fibers are stronger and more durable than plant fibers. Synthetic fibers are also used for making wicker. Desired piece of furniture comes as a result of weaving the fibers. The most popular type of wicker furniture is Rattan wicker furniture. Rattan is a kind of plant which is similar to bamboo but the difference lies in its stems. It is a kind of palm that grows in Africa, Asia and Australia. Rattan stems are stronger because they are solid; however, the stems of bamboo are hollow. That is why; rattan is more durable than other natural materials. It becomes an ideal choice for the outdoor furniture because it can withstand the natural forces. Addition of another layer of varnish on the wicker furniture keeps it protected.

It can also maintain its natural color. You will be able to paint the furniture according to the existing design in the room. One can easily maintain the wicker furniture by regular dusting with a cotton or soft cloth and wash it with mild detergent and water once or twice a year. Rattan wicker furniture is high-end furniture which can be used in the home or the garden. It is available in various parts of the globe because of its modern and traditional styles. Rattan is a vine which has been used for making furniture for hundreds of years.

In cold conditions, the vine is quite inflexible and tough. It becomes malleable when heat is directly applied to the vine. When the heat is removed, its new shape is returned to the hard inflexible state. Because of these characteristics; vine has become famous for furniture construction for several years.

Rattan wicker furniture is durable and long-lasting. It is good to use this furniture for indoor as well as for outdoor. It will be uncomfortable to sit for long hours without cushions on the wicker rattan furniture. The furniture becomes expensive due to traditional techniques of construction. Natural rattan furniture is constructed with hardwood frames. The style of natural rattan furniture is traditional and not complex.

Source by Amanda William Jones

Outdoor living has made such a comeback in the last six years that most if not all custom homes have either custom patio covers, or at the very least some sort of well-designed pergola constructed on the back patio or porch areas of new homes. Homeowners have found that cooking, eating, and relaxing outdoors in the evening and on the weekends is more preferable than just sitting on the couch in the living room staring a big screen TV or white sheetrock wall coverings. A natural outdoor place for family and friends to gather is not only a healthy choice, but it cuts down on the wear and tear of interior flooring, furniture, plus allows you to reduce carpet, and upholstery stains almost completely.

This addition on to your home will not only be a source of relaxation, and entertainment, but will of course add to the reselling price of your home if and when that time comes in the future. Specifically, homebuyers are always looking for not only a covered patio, but one with amenities, and or features such as an outdoor kitchen, television, fire pit, and of course a large seating area where exterior couches, chase lounges, and chairs can be arranged for small gatherings.

Colors, textures, and materials are very important when designing your ultimate exterior living space, and skipping the cost of a designer will result in a less than appealing result. So spending anywhere from one to five thousand dollars for a consults might seem a little abrasive to your pocketbook at first, but the end results will well be worth the extra money for decades to come.

Keep in mind that today, what can be accomplished indoors, can be done outside as well. So the added electrical outlets, weatherproof products such as a flat screen television, wireless router, and electrical outlets should be a part of the overall recipe when in the designing phase. Also additional plumbing, and possibly natural gas piping will be needed so ask your designer about these options as you start to create the plans and drawing for this project.

This is not an area where being a cheapskate will bode well for the results of your new cover or living area, but at the same time, consult with a local area realtor to see what is the maximum that should be spent on such an undertaking to make sure that you can recoup the investment when time to put the for sale sign in the front yard.

Source by Jonny Sterling

If you are looking to landscape your backyard, reinvigorate your tired porch or patio, or even create a warm and welcoming living area out of that new deck, you may need some new furniture.  After all what good is having a great place to entertain if your guests don’t feel comfortable while they’re there?  When you need a few chairs to fill some space on the porch, or that plush, comfortable, deep seating sofa for the veranda, chances are that Teak or Cedar will be your best choice for this outdoor living furniture.  Which to choose will depend on a variety of factors however most importantly you will need to consider the look you are hoping to achieve, maintenance required, and the price you can expect to pay in order find the best fit. So read below and you’ll be lounging by your new poolside bar in a new sun lounger in no time at all!

The Look

One of the most important features of any new furniture is the appearance that it gives off.  Is your outdoor patio living space better suited for a rustic appeal or luxurious contemporary style?  Perhaps neither.  Maybe just a simple, yet warm, elegance speaks to you more.  But whether you’re looking to create a fun, relaxing environment with a pool side bar and some sun loungers or a simple conversational seating area you will have many choices with both Teak and Cedar.

Cedar usually has a very natural look, accenting your living area with soft red, light brown, and gray tones.  Lightweight and porous, cedar can easily accept a stain, sealer, or even paint, but most commonly is left in a raw finely sanded finish to preserve its natural look, feel, and smell.  Cedar is aromatic by nature which not only adds to the ambiance of a relaxing evening, but also helps preserve and protect the wood from insects and weather.

Teak is almost the polar opposite of cedar in terms of just about everything.  Teak is by nature a hardwood and as such, is more dense and heavy than cedar.  Grown exclusively in subtropical and tropical regions, and most commonly in the dense jungle of Indonesia and other Asian countries, teak is almost always imported and therefore is also more rare.  As a result of the exoticism associated with teak furniture it has achieved a perception of rarity and wealth and thus portrays a look of luxury and prestige.   Teak outdoor furniture is commonly purchased in one of two ways.  It can either be oiled, to achieve a darker “stained” look, or it can be left in its natural unfinished state where it will gracefully age and turn a soft patina gray color.  This color, unique to teak furniture, contributes to its exotic appeal.

Maintenance

Another very important factor to consider when deciding to purchase outdoor patio furniture is the level of maintenance that you wish to employ in living with your new furniture.  Luckily the maintenance factor, or lack of, is one of the main reasons that both teak wood and cedar wood are top choices of furniture manufacturers and consumers. 

Cedar, by nature is a very resilient wood whose properties help to resist weather of all climates but specifically heavily climates with heavy precipitation.  Snow, sleet, and rain are no concern for the long lasting properties of cedar, which will maintain its brilliance for many years.  This is one of the reasons why leaving cedar furniture in a sanded unfinished state is by far the most popular finish.  Like with many other woods though, some wish to finish their cedar furniture to achieve an altogether different look.  Several refinishing options are listed below in order of popularity.

1. Stain – many prefer the finished look of a nice stain on their outdoor furniture.  The benefits of using a stain include being able to change the color of the furniture to virtually any color for which stain is available.  Stains are now offered in many shades through the dark to light color spectrum.  The stain may also provide a slight protection from the elements although with cedar it’s not really necessary and so mainly should just be used to alter the color.  The disadvantages of stain are that in order to maintain the original stained look, the stain needs to be reapplied every 2-3 years as the stain itself is not as resilient against the suns UV rays and weather elements as the wood is.
2. Sealer – some prefer to “lock in” the natural look of their cedar furniture and so choose to use a high end sealer.  Sealers are made by many companies and are available at any hardware or big box store.  The sealer will prevent the cedar patio furniture from fading and will slow down the aging process.  Keep in mind though that this aging is often a desired affect of the cedar.  The downside to sealing the cedar furniture is consistent with the drawback to using a stain.  In order to maintain its effectiveness, it must be reapplied every 2-3 years which can be tedious and cumbersome.
3. Paint – like any wood surface, cedar can be painted with a fine outdoor wood paint.  This is not as common as staining or sealing the furniture because paint will crack and chip, and also drastically alters the appearance of the furniture from its natural state.  Once the paint cracks and chips the entire painted surface must be completely sanded and repainted, sealed, or stained.

Teak is also a very weather resistant and ultra resilient wood due in part to its propensity to secrete a natural teak oil which helps to self condition it and protect against the harsh demands of a wet and/or humid climate.  Many shipbuilders choose teak as a main wood for the decks of their ships for this very reason.  Many sunken ships have been raised from the depths of the ocean only to show the teak beautifully preserved and in tact.  It’s this property that makes teak more commonly found in its natural unfinished state as there is no functional reason to apply any external finish to the surface.  Some customers however choose to apply additional amounts of this teak oil to achieve a darker more stained look.  While this will preserve the “new” look of the furniture it must be reapplied every 2-3 years to maintain this appearance and so can become burdensome.  Also by leaving the teak in its natural state, the often desired patina gray look is naturally achieved where it cannot be, if a teak oil or other finish is applied to the surface of the furniture.

Price

While price is often a concern for consumers, sometimes it is not such a factor for consumers of wood patio furniture.  As with everything else, price is a measure of perceived value.  The more valuable a product is perceived to be in the mind of the consumer, the more it will cost.  This reason alone is why both teak and cedar patio furniture are generally more expensive than other common outdoor furniture materials such as plastic, wicker, or rattan furniture.  Teak and cedar themselves have a price difference too though which can be quite significant depending on the individual furniture item.  Here’s why.

Cedar – because of its lightweight, proximity, ease to harvest and availability, cedar is the cheaper choice of the two wood furniture types.  While it will last a long time and is very durable, typically teak will last longer.

Teak – for all of the reasons opposite cedar, teak is the more valuable wood.  Simply not having the availability of cedar or other woods helps to create this elite, rare, sort of feeling that teak carries with it, which raises the price.  The purchase of teak furniture is often perceived as a sign of affluence or wealth because teak has a widely known reputation for commanding a higher price.  More expensive to harvest, more expensive to ship, and its long lasting appeal coupled with its novelty together contribute to its higher cost to produce which in turn creates a higher price for the consumer.

In summary, “better” or “best” can only be determined by the customer.  However taking appearance, maintenance, and price into consideration, teak and cedar can easily be compared and contrasted for similarities and differences.  Cedar, the more light weight, commonly used wood makes great patio furniture because of its ability to resist insects, rot, and weather elements (specifically rain, sleet, and snow) and also because it is relatively inexpensive to produce.  Teak, the hardwood of the two, is more exotic, rare, and will last longer.  Therefore, it commands a higher price, but also delivers a greater perceived value in terms of prestige, longevity, and maintenance free ownership experience.

Source by Justin Kish