Bistro Patio Sets

Friday, April 2nd, 2010 at 11:17 am

Bistro Patio Sets

Bistro Patio Sets – A Bistro set is an item of garden furniture, normally designed for seating two people. Bistro set is a general term for this type of two seater set, but some manufacturers, such as Nova garden furniture, have adopted the term as a brand name for some of their garden furniture sets. A Bistro set would normally consist of a 60 – 70cm table, round or square, with two chairs. Typically designed for breakfast for two, or a coffee, the bistro set is a small table set for a smaller garden area. It can be folding, making it very easy to store. Generally, it is constructed from metal or wood.

A Wooden bistro set would normally be made from Teak or another suitable hardwood, such as Keruing and prices can range from very cheap, to very expensive. There are bistro sets with flip top tables and stacking chairs and some have the facility for a parasol, if you so wish. The metal varieties are usually cast aluminum and again can have stacking chairs, parasols and flip top tables.

Bistro Patio Sets – When outdoor bistro sets are intended to be used as aesthetic objects only, the options for the buyer are almost limitless. In this circumstance, the buyer does not need to be as concerned with size or stability of the set. A more ornate, yet less functional bistro set can fulfill the requirements of the space with out consideration for function. This is an uncommon interest for the average American homeowner, however. Most buyers interested in any type of outdoor furniture, require that form and function exist in the same set. This limits some designs from being selected, yet the buyer is more likely to enjoy the furniture to the fullest possible degree. Outdoor bistro sets cast in aluminum or fabricated from wrought iron are the most common sets made to serve both the purposes of form and function. Both of these materials are durable, sturdy, and can be formed into beautiful designs.

Outdoor bistro sets can add beauty and function to a homeowner’s outdoor space. Bistro sets can be placed in almost any type of space be it a deck, patio, flower bed, grassy area, or in the middle of a clearing. Most bistro sets are low maintenance and easy to care for as well as to enjoy. Most outdoor spaces can accommodate and would benefit from a well placed bistro set. It is amazing how such a small piece of furniture can add a tremendous amount enjoyment to an outdoor space.

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How to Makeover and Enhance a Rooftop Deck

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 at 2:52 am

Comments (5)

Flat rooftops can offer great opportunities for conversion into attractive entertaining or relaxing areas, but contemplating a vast expanse of drab concrete or asphalt and envisaging how to attack such a problem, can be a rather daunting prospect.

Two important points need to be considered at the outset. Firstly, any objects on a roof top which are not securely fixed, need to be of sufficient weight or size that they will not move or blow away in strong winds.

Secondly, if there is a waterproof membrane on the roof, extreme care must be taken that the membrane is not punctured or damaged in any way. You will probably need to consult the building owner before placing any objects on the rooftop to ensure you are not faced with any potential liability issues.

The most important thing that then needs to be decided is what to install on the surface. If there’s a waterproof membrane, then your choices are rather limited as it’s obviously not possible to lay conventional porcelain tiles.
You could however lay interlocking plastic or rubber tiles although they would need to be of sufficient weight and securely joined so as not to blow away in strong winds.

One of the best options may be to cover the area with interlocking wood deck tiles. These tiles are generally manufactured using the same high durability lumber species as traditional decks but have wood slats screwed to an integral plastic base with inbuilt connecting tabs. The weight of the tiles and the gaps between the wood slats ensure the tile are generally unaffected by strong winds (except in areas prone to tornados or hurricanes). The tiles are typically available in 12″ x 12″ modules and are laid by just snapping the tiles together (see for example http://www.ezydeck.net). The gaps between the wood slats and the plastic mesh base also allows water to drain freely away so that pools of water do not lay on the rooftop.

The plastic bases of these tiles have multiple “feet” which distribute any load evenly over the surface below. A geotextile could be laid under the tiles as an extra precaution against membrane damage or if the building owner required extra assurance that the tiles would not damage the membrane.

Some manufacturers produce tiles in a variety of different designs, so it is possible to create borders, centerpieces, feature areas etc. to suit your individual preference. Or you could use different designs to divide the area in to several sections depending on how you plan to use the rooftop.

As well as the wood tiles, porcelain interlocking tiles are also now available which can provide additional opportunities for creativity in designing the total rooftop landscape. These tiles are designed to interlock with the wood tiles, so for example you could have a dining area paved in the ceramic tiles where tables and chairs are situated, surrounded by wood tiles.

If possible, try to divide the area into “rooms” by using a row of tubs with bushy plants, some trellis, modular fencing etc. With the addition of some large pots, attractive plants, and maybe a few favorite pieces of sculpture in strategic spots, that forsaken roof top can easily become an attractive and useful relaxing an entertaining area.

By: Malcolm Kay

About the Author:

About the author: Malcolm Kay is the CEO of Intex Pacific Pty. Ltd. an international supplier of landscape materials including modular decking tiles. For more information see http://www.ezydeck.net.