HOME AND GARDEN

Garden furniture

June 2nd, 2010 |

Author: jennie

Garden furniture is also called patio furniture or outdoor furniture and is a type of furniture specifically designed for outdoor use. These are typically made of weather resistant materials. The oldest surviving examples of garden furniture were found in the gardens of Pompeii.

Garden furniture is most often sold as a patio set consisting of a table, four or six chairs, and a Umbrella or parasol. A picnic table is used for the purpose of eating a meal outdoors. There are also Long chairs which are referred to as chaise lounges and are also common items. The most commonly sold types of patio sets are made of plastic, wood, teak, aluminum, wicker, and wrought iron.

The British 'Garden parasols' or American 'Garden umbrella' is the term for a specialized type of umbrella designed to provide shade from the sun, these are secured in a weighted base or a built in mount in the paving out of which some are movable around outdoor tables and seating and others centered through a hole mid-table. Modular outdoor fire pits and portable fire bowls have become widely available in many materials to extend outdoor living.

For a period, porch swings were highly popular for people to sit on and watch life go by. They were also a great device for youngsters to cuddle on after the parents had retired for the evening. The origin of modern outdoor furniture dates back to the days of wood stoves. The summer families used to move out to the porch after dinner due to the heat in the house from the sun. From there the front porch became an outdoor version of the living room.

In modern times, a flourishing industry has developed solely around the construction and sale of outdoor furniture including online stores. Each and everything from tables and chairs to loungers and hammocks are now made in an outdoor version.