Today, their high angled backs and sloping seats identify Adirondack chairs. They are made with comfort and relaxation in mind, making them perfect chairs for outdoors. The wide arm rests of the Adirondack chairs are perfect to hold drinks or your favorite novel while you relax. The chair wraps around you, making it a comfortable place to unwind.

Adirondack chairs come in several different materials, including plastic and several natural woods. It is not hard to find an Adirondack chair to suit your needs and personal style. Most Adirondack chairs are natural wood colored, but you can also find them painted white. Plastic Adirondack chairs come in a wide variety of custom colors, such as black, white, sand, blue, hunter green and sunny yellow. You can also get dual Adirondack chairs that have seating for two, gliding or rocking Adirondack chairs, and chairs with special features like curved backs or shell designs.

Adirondack chairs are normally very affordable for the quality of craftsmanship that you receive. Custom made wooden Adirondack chairs will fetch a price of $250. With proper care, however, Adirondack chairs will last many years. This makes custom made Adirondack chairs a good investment for your patio furniture.

Plastic Adirondack chairs are also a good choice. This lower cost option is also very durable. It is resistant to moisture, chlorine, salt water and insects. Plastic chairs will also look new for several years.

Whether you choose a natural wood chair, or a plastic version, adding an Adirondack chair to your patio furniture is a great option.

© Cookgroup Marketing LLC - All Rights Reserved. This article brought to you by http://Deck-and-Patio-Furniture.com/ . You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice, author name, and URL remain intact. Jason Albright is a contributing editor at Cookgroup Marketing LLC. His background is with lifestyle topics including: Gardening, Outdoor Living, Home Decor & Travel Destinations.

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Determining the Size of the Hammock Stand

The size of the hammock is the most important consideration when choosing a stand. The overall length of the hammock stand needs to be 1 - 2 feet longer than the length of the hammock you plan on hanging. All of our Large and Deluxe sized hammocks from Pawley’s Island Hammocks and Castaway Hammocks are 13 feet long (measured ring to ring). Not coincidentally, the Large Hammock Stands we carry are 15 feet long - the optimal length to hang your hammock from.

For smaller hammocks without spreader bars, like our Amazonas Brazilian Hammocks, the size of the hammock stand can be smaller than the overall length of the hammock (but not by much). This is because the Brazilian type hammocks are supposed to “dip” in the middle when you lay in them. Of course, as the supports get closer to each other, you need to raise the mounting points of the hammock else you’ll suffer from butt dragging. If you need to hang a Brazilian type hammock, the best option would be the Amazonas Vario Hammock Stand.

What do our Customers Say is the best Hammock Stand?

By and far, our most popular hammock stand is the Steel Tri-Beam Hammock Stand (available in Green and Taupe). It has an overall weight capacity of 600 lbs, making it the sturdiest stand available. Additionally, it supports a variety of hammock stand accessories like the hammock stand table, the hammock stand wheel kit and the hammock stand canopy. If you want to save a few bucks, the Castaway Large Steel Hammock Stand is slightly cheaper and holds up to 450 lbs of weight. Keep in mind though that this istand is not compatible with all of the hammock stand accessories.

If you have more decorative tastes, the Arc style stands make a great addition to any backyard. These stands are also 15 ft long accommodate any of the 13 ft hammocks with spreader bars. The Tri-Beam Arc Steel Hammock Stand has a weight capacity of 450lbs. None of the hammock stand accessories are compatible with this stand.

The Cypress Wooden Arc Hammock Stand, is elegant in design and grand in appearance. This stand is constructed of 4 layers of Cypress wood for superior strength and support (up to 600 lbs). Southern Cypress wood naturally maintains its inherent oils enabling it to withstand the elements. The wood will gradually turn to a pewter like color over time.

Hopefully this information has been helpful. As always, if you have questions, just contact us and we will be glad to help in any way possible.

As with just about everything else there are several different varieties of hammock swing on the market today. A basic no frills model basically looks like someone took a regular hammock and folded it in half and that could very well be where the idea for this type of hammock came from. In the center of this folded hammock is a basket. This basket is where you site and enjoy the gentle swaying of your new hammock swing. These types of swings are the least expensive.

At the upper end of the hammock swing price continuum is the “Air Chair”. These are truly the luxury models in the hammock swing world and consist of a bucket seat made of cloth that is suspended by an intricate system of rope supports, wooden bars and cloth coverings. The “Air Chair” takes the concept of the hammock swing one step farther by offering the option of a foot rest much like you would find on a recliner. There’s nothing quite like kicking back on a warm summer evening and putting your feet up.

Hammock swings for the most part are not very expensive. The more cushy “Air Chairs” are the most expensive and depending on which model you decide on could cost as much as $200. The simpler versions of the hammock swing will run anywhere from $50 to $100, again depending on which brand and style you decide to get. Once you’ve made your choice the outcome is the same, hours spent relaxing on warm summer nights in your new hammock swing.

Hey, do you want to find out more about hammock swings, hammocks and other rope furniture. If you do be sure to check out the site Hammock Life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bicknell

Question 1: What type of dog house should I get?

This will depend on many different variables. How many dogs do you have? Do you have a large or small dog(s)? What is the climate like in your neck of the woods? And on and on…. In general, the choice comes down to wooden or plastic style houses. Typically, plastic dog houses are more durable and easier to clean than wooden dog houses, however, the curb appeal just isn’t there. Most plastic dog houses are well……..plastic and look more like a children’s play house than a dog house. Nonetheless, they are popular and relatively inexpensive.

Wooden dog houses provide a more traditional look and are available with many more features and options (such as insulation, and air conditioning/heater units) than plastic houses. If you decide to purchase a wooden dog house, make sure the house is constructed of pressure treated lumber and/or a rot resistant species of wood (such as our Cedar Wood Dog Houses).

Question 2: How big should the dog house be?

Unlike people, bigger is definitely not better for dogs. They prefer more cramped (or cave) like accommodations. The ideal size dog house should be just large enough so that your dog can lie down comfortably while inside, and enter and exit easily. A dog house that is too large can result in interior temperatures that are too warm in the summer and too cold in the winter. Of course, if you want a single house that can hold two dogs, then these rules will change somewhat. Use our Dog House Sizing Guide to help you pick out a new house.

Question 3. Should I buy a house that is insulated?

It’s a little known fact that more dogs die from overheating (heatstroke) than they do from freezing. Insulating your dog house will help protect your pet in both circumstances. Some dog houses are insulated and others are not. If you live in a region with high or low temperatures (below 32 degrees in winter and/or above 90 degrees in summer), we recommend choosing an insulated dog house. Make sure the house you choose provides insulation on all surfaces (4 walls, roof and floor). As an added option, you could purchase a dog house air conditioner and heater unit to give your pet the ultimate in comfort.

A lot of customers e-mail us or call us asking for help in hanging their hammocks. This information should help you to decide where best and how to hang your hammock.

First, decide where to hang your hammock

Most people think they need to hang their hammock between two trees. In reality, there are many different ways to hang a hammock, especially for people who don’t have two trees correctly spaced. Here are a few ideas for how to hang a hammock that may help you decide on the perfect location for you:

• If you hang your hammock from a tree, make sure the tree is mature enough to support the weight of the hammock and its users. In general a 12″-14″ trunk diameter at the mounting locations is sufficient.
• Hang one end from a tree, and hang the other end from a pressure treated 4×4 wooden post that you can buy from any local lumber or home improvement store
• Better yet, use two wooden pressure treated 4×4 posts an find a nice sunny (or shady) spot to hand out
• A hammock stand allows you to set up shop anywhere in your yard you want. Buy a wheel kit with it and you have a mobile hammock stand that one person can easily relocate

What is the best Hammock Hanging Distance and Hanging Height

The optimal hammock hanging distance depends upon the type of hammock you have. Hammocks with spreader bars require the hanging distance to be equal to or greater than the overall length of the hammock. For example, our large Pawleys Island and Castaway Hammocks are 13 feet in length. These hammocks require a hanging distance of 13 - 16 feet between the supports. Do not exceed 16 feet in length, because as the distance between the support and the tip of the hammock increases, the hammock stability decreases. Try to keep the supports as close as possible to the overall hammock length. As for hanging height, these hammocks are typically mounted 4 - 5 feet off the ground.

Brazilian type hammocks that do not have spreader bars are much more flexible with regard to the hanging distance requirements. In fact, these hammocks can be hung in locations where the supports are closer than the overall length of the hammock (but not by much). This is because the Brazilian type hammocks are supposed to “dip” in the middle when you lay in them. Of course, as the supports get closer to each other, you will have to raise the mounting point of the hammock to prevent “butt dragging”.

There are several other web sites out there that offer the same line of cedar dog houses we do - those manufactured by Blythe Wood Works, a small family owned company in South Carolina. At the present time, they are the largest manufacturer of Western Red Cedar Dog Houses in the United States. Not to be confused with the “White Cedar Dog Houses” being offered by our competitors.

Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar is the most durable of all the different types of cedars. It naturally resists wear and tear from the elements and deters insects like fleas and ticks. Western Red Cedar is considered to be the most durable of cedars. This is important because it does not rot away after several years, unlike white wood. Also, it does not require painting - it turns grey with age. However, if you would prefer to preserve the rich red color, simply spray or paint the exterior with Thompson’s Wood Protector.For more on the benefits of Western Red Cedar, read this recent post.

Ordering a Dog House from Us

When you order a dog house from us, the first thing you will notice is our great prices. We guarantee the best prices on the Blythe Wood Works dog houses. Secondly, you will notice our superb customer service. Immediately upon placing your order, you will receive an e-mail acknowledgement detailing your selections. Once we recive the order, we contact Blythe Wood Works and have them prepare your order for shipment to you. (A little known fact is that none of Blythe’s onLine retailers stock their dog houses. They are all drop shipped right from their warehouse). The house will usually be shipped out within 48 hours, however sometimes delays may be a bit longer if the order queue is large. Once we receive confirmation that your house has shipped, we will send you an e-mail with tracking information so you will know when to expect your delivery

Depending on the house size and the options you choose, the house will be delivered in one of two ways. Small, Large dog houses are shipped via UPS and are delivered right to your door. Giant, and insulation, a weather sealed door, or a name plate, those will be included and pre-installed for you (nice…no extra work!). Other options like the pet mat, the porch and deck, and the Air Conditioner/Heater unit will be packaged separately and you will need to complete their installation while assembling the house.

Assembly of the house is very easy. All you need is a #2 Phillips screwdriver (although I recommend a powered one unless your forearms are in need of a workout). As I mentioned before, the panels are pre-drilled showing you exactly where to install the screws. The instructions are easy to follow, and include illustrations to assist you.

As you assemble the house, you will come to the conclusion that a lot of care and planning went into the design. The proof is in the details; the base boards rest on top of Wolmanized, pressure treated framing, to prevent against rotting, the door is offset from center to provide a wind break and extra shading, framing material is 2×2 diagonal Spruce beams, all screws and nails are galvanized, and to top it off, the craftsman who makes your house personally signs it, guaranteeing his stamp of approval before it leaves the factory.

Don’t take it from us though, read these great testimonials from other owners of Blythe Wood Works Cedar Dog Houses.

This exceptionally beautiful wood has natural coloring in mellow ambers, reddish cinnamons and rich sienna browns. Its warm coloring is complimented by a uniform, fine-grained texture with a satin luster.

Western Red Cedar grows in the coastal mountains from southern Alaska to northern California. Cedar grows in forests that are mixed with a variety of other tree species like Douglas Fir and Sitka Spruce. Western Red Cedar has one of the longest life spans of any North American softwood making it the ideal choice for outdoor wooden structures like our Western Red Cedar Dog Houses.

Western Red Cedar Durability

Western Red Cedar is classified as a durable wood by building codes across North America allowing it to be used in exterior applications without preservative treatments. In environmental testing by the USDA Forest Products Laboratory and the British Forest Products Research Lab, Western Red Cedar was found to have a "mean" life of 15-25 years after exposure to conditions that promote the growth of various
wood destroying fungi. The decay was measured by the weight loss over time. Weight loss is directly correlated to loss of strength and, therefore, durability. You can be sure that our Western Red Cedar
Dog Houses are built to last.

Western Red Cedar Dimensional Stability

Western Red Cedar has twice the stability of most commonly available softwoods. The even grain and relatively consistent density make it less likely to swell, warp, cup and twist than other soft and hardwoods. As a result, it lies flat, stays straight, and holds fastenings tightly.

Making your Choice

House of Hammocks has been selling these Western Red Cedar Dog Houses ince 1998 and we have never had an unhappy customer. Most orders ship within 48 hours and we promise the house looks better when you receive it than it does in the pictures!!

When it comes to dog houses, you get what you pay for. The weight of the house reflects the amount of wood used in its construction. Our large cedar dog house weighs 106 pounds while a similar design made of Eastern White Cedar only weighs 70 pounds.

Only the highest grade Western Red Cedar and Spruce lumber is used to construct our houses. The cedar does not require painting an it will turn grey with age. If you would prefer to preserve the rich red color, simply spray or paint the exterior with Thompson’s Wood Protector.

The house foundation is constructed with lifetime pressure treated lumber to help prevent rot and bug infestation on the surfaces touching the ground. Make sure that whatever cedar house you buy uses pressure treated lumber for the foundation or else it will likely rot within two years. As an option with our houses, you can purchase a
raised foundation upon which to place your house, thus preventing it from ever touching the ground.

The house framing is built with full-sized dimensional lumber and angle bracing for additional wind stability and multi-dog use. The roof panels are assembled with galvanized, ring shank headed nails so that rain and sun do not "curl" the roof panels upward. The house door is offset instead of centered, which provides a windbreak and a cooler spot out of the sun for your pet. A centered door on the front wall will overexpose your dog to foul weather and direct sunlight.

I hope this information has been helpful in your decision to buy a dog house. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

About Rope Hammocks

When someone thinks of a hammock, they most often think of the traditional weaved rope hammock that includes a spreader bar. The spreader bars keep the sides of the hammock spread apart, providing a wide bed in which to lie in. Additionally, they help to support the additional weight of the lounger, thus providing a hammock that can support greater weights than those without spreader bars. Rope hammocks are typically hung between two trees or used on a hammock stand outdoors.

Cotton vs. Polyester Rope Hammocks

So what exactly is the difference between cotton and polyester? Actually, the difference is very minor. Cotton rope, being a natural fiber, is a little more susceptible to moisture accumilation and mildewing than polyester rope. The polyester rope will withstand outdoor environments longer than the cotton rope hammocks. However, both will last a very long time if you are careful to take your hammock indoors when you are not using it.

Cotton rope stretches and conforms to your body more easily than polyester. However, this shouldn’t suggest that the polyester rope is rigid or uncomfortable though. Quite the opposite. The soft-spun polyester rope used on our Pawleys Island Hammocks is so soft and confortable that we often get calls from customers believing we made a mistake and sent them a cotton rope hammock instead of the polyester rope hammock they ordered. The easiest way to tell the difference between the cotton and polyester ropes is by examining the color of the rope. Cotton rope hammocks have a natural (off-white) color hue while the polyester rope hammocks have a bright white rope color.

Duracord Rope Hammocks

In the last few years, some hammock manufacturers have started using a new rope material called “DuraCord”. Duracord is a synthetic material, much like polyester, with the soft orgainic feel of of a natural fiber like cotton. Duracord rope offers the following benefits over both cotton and polyester:

• Duracord offers UV protection that exceeds industry standards for rope products
• Duracord is a fast drying rope with only 0.01% moisture retainment
• Duracord is colorfast and stain resistant. The color will not fade outdoors
• Duracord is the most stain resistant fiber in the industry and can be cleaned with bleach
• Duracord does not support microbial growth eliminating the possibility of mildew, mold, and rot
• Duracord does not attract insects and rodents like other natural fibers can
• Duracord offers the soft feel of cotton with the added benefits of a weather resistant fiber

Hopefully this have been useful information. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us and we will help you any way we can.