Your Outdoor Room

I wrote a piece about outdoor curtains recently; it was just about curtains and the newest development in out-door curtain making which helps keep them from becoming projectiles or sails when there is wind.

This new construction is a game-changer. I can’t remember the number of times I’ve had to explain that “curtain + wind= curtain moving a lot” and having clients decide against outdoor curtains because of this.  But now we have a solution. I’m so impressed with how the new method works I’m working on a method of retro-fitting existing outdoor curtains to be compliant with the new method.  I’ll keep you posted.

On to the cushions in your outdoor furniture.  Here are the five out-door cushion elements you need to know:

1.Water-proof is not what you want in outdoor cushions — because if there is any pin-hole, or zipper gap, or zipper tape which is not water-proof,  water will get in and because it can’t get out it will make mold and mildew.

2. Choose water-resistant fabric; it doesn’t absorb as much water as regular fabric.

3.Choose fabric rated for outdoor use. It has been chemically treated to withstand UV rays.  If you want cotton, or fabric not treated, expect the covers to last 1 season.

4.Choose polyester thread and zippers.

5. Choose out-door foam and don’t wrap it with Dacron .

Hardware:

Your curtain rod and brackets should be powder-coated so they don’t rust. If you cut the rod, make sure you seal the cut as well.

Be prepared to drill holes in the wall. Whether it’s siding, stucco, brick or rock, there are ways to install brackets. But they make holes and there is no substitute — yet — for screws into walls.

Your wood coffee table should also be treated for outdoor use. And don’t forget the legs on the sofa, or the arms on the chairs. They need proper treatment and care, too.

Rugs:
The sky’s the limit here. Every big-box store and online furniture retailer offers out-door rugs. They are made to withstand sand and sun, and cleaning is usually a hose. You can choose polypropylene which is impervious to weather and sun, or sisal, seagrass, hemp and jute; all natural fibers which are fine for outdoor use.

Test your bare toes on them, though, some of these aren’t bare-foot friendly.

Fabricland in Salmon Arm has a great selection of outdoor fabrics; if you are thinking of curtains or cushions you should start there.