Tag: Outdoor Furniture

Garden furniture, also called patio furniture or outdoor furniture, is a type of furniture specifically designed for outdoor use. It is typically made of weather-resistant materials such as aluminium which does not rust. The oldest surviving examples of garden furniture were found in the gardens of Pompeii.

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Get The Most Out Of Your Fire Pit This Spring

Houston Home and Patio Fire with earth tone wicker furniture

Your outdoor fire pit is more than just a decorative element. They are a great addition to any outdoor space, providing warmth and ambiance for gatherings with friends and family. As the weather starts warming up in the spring, it’s the perfect time to use your gas fire pit again. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your gas fire pit this spring.

Check for Damage or Wear on your Fire Pit

Before using your gas fire pit, it’s essential to give it a thorough check for any damage or wear that may have occurred over the winter months. Check the gas lines, burners, and igniter to ensure everything works correctly. If you notice any damage, it’s best to have it repaired by a professional before using it or consider upgrading to a new round or square fire pit for the season.

Clean your Fire Pit

Once you’ve checked for damage, it’s time to clean the fire pit. Remove any accumulated debris or ashes from the fire pit, and wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. If your fire pit has a cover, remove it and clean it. This will ensure that your fire pit is in good working order and looks great for spring gatherings.

Choose the Right Spot

When deciding where to place your gas fire pit, choose a safe and comfortable spot for your guests. Keep the fire pit away from any flammable materials, and make sure there’s enough space for people to sit comfortably around the fire. Consider using a smaller fire pit or a chat-height fire pit if you have a restricted area.

Stock up on Fuel for your Gas Fire Pit

Make sure you have enough fuel on hand for your gas fire pit. Depending on how often you plan to use it, you may need to refill your propane tank or natural gas line. Check the fuel level before your first use and stock up as needed.

Add Outdoor Decor

To make your gas fire pit look even better, consider adding decor or outdoor seating to jazz up your space. You can use decorative rocks or fire glass to add color and texture to your fire pit. You can also place outdoor pillows or blankets nearby to create a cozy atmosphere. Also, remember to add some lighting for ambiance, such as string lights or lanterns.

Start your Fire Pit

Starting a gas fire pit is easy. Turn on the gas and use the igniter to light the flames. Use a long lighter or matches if your fire pit doesn’t have an igniter. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for starting and operating your fire pit. Once the fire is lit, adjust the flames to your desired height.

Use Fire Responsibly

When using a gas fire pit, it’s important to do so responsibly. Keep a close eye on the flames, and never leave the fire unattended. Keep children and pets away from the fire pit, and ensure everyone knows the fire pit’s location. If you’re using a propane tank, make sure it’s securely attached to the fire pit and stored in a safe location.

Turn Off the Fire Pit Before Moving It

Turn off the gas and extinguish the flames when you’re done using the fire pit. Wait for the fire pit to cool down before covering it or moving it. Store any fuel containers safely away from the fire pit and other flammable materials.

Visit Home and Patio for your next fire pit 

Using a gas fire pit in the spring is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and create a cozy atmosphere for gatherings with friends and family. With a few simple steps, you can make sure your fire pit is in good working order, clean, and ready to use. Remember to choose a safe location, stock up on fuel, add some decor, use responsibly, and turn off the fire pit when you’re done. Enjoy your gas fire pit in the spring and beyond!

If you want to create a fire feature outside your home, we can help. Home and Patio offers a wide selection of Houston fire pits to help you enhance your space. Whether you’re looking for the traditional ambiance or something sleek and sophisticated, we have just what you need to take your patio to the next level. Contact us today or visit our showroom to see what we have to offer.

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Houston Fire Pits for Your Outdoor Space

Houston Fire Pits outdoor back yard furniture in residential area
Adding an outdoor fire pit to your Houston backyard, patio, or rooftop terrace is a creative way to spruce up and elevate your outdoor living space. An outdoor fire pit makes an appealing center of attraction for your outdoor space and is a great focal point while relaxing in your yard or patio. While you can find several varieties of fire pits to choose from, discover our recommendations for different options when selecting the best Houston fire pits.

Fire pit styles

Depending on your needs for an outdoor fire pit and your backyard or patio decor, you can choose from various fire pit styles, from a traditional round fire pit to a contemporary rectangular or square-shaped fire pit. The most common styles of Houston fire pits include:

Fire pit bowls

Fire pit bowls are reminiscent of the classic campfire shape and create optimum warmth with their deep bowl. You can move specific fire pit bowl types around because of their size and portability. This feature allows you to change the location of your outdoor fire pit space, making fire pit bowls flexible.

Fire tables

Fire tables come in round, rectangular or square shapes, adding an elegant and modern appearance to your outdoor living space. These fire pit options often have a ledge to set a cup or glass on, making fire tables ideal for entertaining. Usually, the manufacturer of fire tables gives them an insert for the fuel source, concealing the firebox while only exposing the fire table frame and flames.

Tabletop fire pits and bowls

If you have a small outdoor space, consider having a tabletop fire pit or chat height fire pit that takes up minimum space. These pint-sized fire pits create a warm ambiance while dining, similar to burning candles, but with a bit more warmth.

Chimineas

Consider adding a chiminea to your yard or patio if you’re looking for a rustic outdoor fire pit that uses minimal space. These terra-cotta fire pits have a distinct Mexican or Southwestern style, adding a charming look to your outdoor space. Because chimineas have a clay surface, they require special care to keep them from cracking or breaking.

Fire pit fuel types

Several of the above fire pit styles create warmth and ambiance from the following fuel sources:

Wood-burning

Wood-burning fire pits bring warmth and a focal point to your outdoor space. The smell of wood smoke often reminds people of camping and fun outdoor activities. If you want a wood-burning fire pit, look for fire bowls with a deep hole to hold the wood. Chimineas are the ideal fire pit for burning wood. Keeping an ash or spark screen over the wood-burning fire pit can help reduce sparks from flying into the air and landing in unwanted areas.

Propane and natural gas

Many people appreciate the ease of using propane and natural gas fire pits. This fire pit style turns on with a flick of a switch and comes with controls to adjust the flame height and intensity. Many propane and natural gas fire pits have timers that can turn off after a set amount of time. People who don’t want to haul wood or clean up ashes enjoy propane and natural gas fire pits. In addition, authorities generally allow fire pits that use propane or natural gas in areas where they ban or restrict wood-burning devices.

Gel fuel

If you have a small tabletop fire pit or bowl and want a smokeless experience, you can use alcohol-based gel fuel to create the ambiance of a backyard campfire. Gel fuel fire pits don’t need propane or natural gas lines or hookups, making them portable. You can move them around your outdoor space as needed. To light the fuel, open gel fuel cans, place them inside your gel fuel fire pit, and light up the ceramic logs or stones. Once lit, the fuel generally lasts for about three hours. Gel fuel fire pits are an environmentally friendly alternative to propane, natural gas, or wood-burning fire pits.

Choose Houston Home & Patio for your outdoor oasis 

Home and Patio is the premier place to get outdoor seating and furniture in the Houston, Texas, area, including gas operated outdoor fire pits and patio decor items. We can also repair your damaged sling furniture and recommend cleaning solutions for various outdoor furniture surfaces. Call us today at 281-440-7667 or contact us through our website to learn more about our Houston Home and Patio services and schedule a consultation.  
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What Type of Outdoor Furniture Holds Up Best ?

Waterproof Outdoor furniture with lighting and trees

Outdoor furniture makes spending time outdoors more enjoyable. While outdoor furniture shares many of the same comfort and style characteristics as indoor furniture, outdoor furniture must be durable enough to withstand the outside elements. Torrential rains, strong winds, blazing sun, and freezing snow can all damage your furniture. Although there are no truly weatherproof outdoor furniture products, the materials used can make a big difference.

Deciding on outdoor furnishings depends on your lifestyle, budget, and location as well as an understanding of the benefits and disadvantages of the materials used in outdoor furniture. In this guide, we discuss the pros and cons of different outdoor furniture materials and how they hold up against the elements.

Wood

Outdoor furniture made from wood is popular for its strength and durability. It also offers several options for style, finish, and comfort. The natural oils found in the wood help make it resistant to weather, water, and rust. With regular maintenance and refinishing, wood furniture can last decades. The most durable wooden furniture is often constructed of hardwoods like teak, acacia, eucalyptus, and white oak.

Pros of wooden outdoor furniture:

  • Resistant to weather, water, cracking, warping, and decay.
  • Eucalyptus is eco-friendly, sustainable, and resistant to insects.
  • Easy to maintain.

Cons of wooden outdoor furniture:

  • Requires refinishing and maintenance every two years.
  • Color can fade over time.
  • Susceptible to insects.
  • Can be expensive.

Metals

Thanks to its versatility, metal is another popular material used for outdoor furniture. Metal outdoor furniture comes in many forms, and designs can be molded into just about any shape. Depending on the type of metal used, the furniture may be heavy or lightweight, hollow or solid, painted or powder-coated. Metal outdoor furniture is commonly made from wrought aluminum, cast aluminum, stainless steel, and wrought iron.

Pros of metal outdoor furniture:

  • Durable.
  • Resistant to the wind.
  • Easy to maintain.
  • More design and style options are available.

Cons of metal outdoor furniture:

  • Prone to rust and corrosion.
  • Retains heat and cold.
  • Can be heavy, if made from wrought iron or stainless steel.
  • Might require cushions or other pads for comfort.

Resins and Plastics

Resins and plastics create low-maintenance, affordable, and lightweight outdoor furniture. Resin furniture, especially that made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), is a good option for those interested in the wicker or rattan style without the cost and long-term maintenance. Plastics are increasingly used for colorful and intricate pieces and in locations with high humidity and salt water.

Pros of resins and plastics:

  • Easy to clean and maintain.
  • Lightweight and easy to store.
  • Weather- and fade-resistant.
  • Durable.
  • Eco-friendly.

Cons of resins and plastics:

  • Too lightweight for windy locations.
  • Lower-quality resins are likely to crack, unravel, or become brittle.

Other Materials

Outdoor furniture materials aren’t limited to wood, resins, plastics, or metals. Depending on your aesthetic, lifestyle, budget, and location, furniture can be made with a combination of the four — or a completely different material. These other materials include composite, concrete, high-pressure laminate (HPL), and tempered glass. Furniture manufacturers incorporate these materials to add durability, improve design capabilities, and enhance resistance to weather.

Pros of other materials:

  • Last longer than resin and natural wood.
  • All weather-resistant, waterproof, and rust-proof.
  • Low maintenance.
  • More contemporary and modern look.
  • Can be used with other materials like wood, resin, plastic, and metal.

Cons of other materials:

  • Can be heavy and, in the case of concrete furniture, permanent.
  • More expensive than other materials.

Fabrics

Fabrics and upholstery, like linen, polyester, cotton blends, acrylic, foam, and vinyl are used to make outdoor furniture, accessories, and home decor. Commonly used in pillows, cushions, hammocks, sun shades, and floor poufs, these products increase the comfort and style of your outdoor furniture.

Pros of fabrics:

  • Weather- and fade-resistant.
  • Breathable.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Lightweight.
  • Endless design and style options.
  • Comfortable.
  • Affordable.

Cons of fabrics:

  • Often not waterproof.
  • Vulnerable to mold, moisture, and insects.
  • More durable fabrics like acrylic and quick-dry foam can be expensive.

In a city as stylish and humid as Houston, your outdoor furniture should reflect your aesthetic and lifestyle and be able to endure the elements. We hope this guide helped you determine what type of material you want your outdoor furniture to be made of.

Are you in the market for new patio or outdoor furniture? Houston Home and Patio is the premier outdoor furniture store in Houston. We offer the largest selection of outdoor furniture in the Houston area. From patio furniture to home decor and furniture repairs, our experts are here to help. Contact us online today or call 281-440-7667.