Here at the Garden Furniture Centre, we are constantly thinking of ways to become more sustainable. This is why we have decided it’s time to start giving back to our planet. However, we need your help! When purchasing any of our Teak Benches for Sale on our website, you will have the option to add ‘plant a tree’ to your basket at no extra charge.

You have the choice of a range of teak benches on our website from stunning Mandalay Curved Benches, to our magnificent Malvern Teak Benches, to winsome Memorial Benches, and more! We take great pride in offering top-quality grade-A teak furniture to our customers. Not only do they have exquisite elegance and a distinctive character, you can make them personal to you or a loved one with the option of having them engraved!

What's more, not only is teak wood heavenly on the eyes, it is also the perfect material for any garden furniture. This is because it is highly durable and rich in oils making our teak products immensely weather-resistant, so you can leave your teak bench out come rain, snow, or shine! Additionally, teak wood has a brilliantly long lifespan of up to 70 years! On top of that, teak ages like a fine wine and grows old gracefully. Over time, the gorgeous golden hue will become a timeless silver/grey patina.

Once you have purchased one of our Teak Benches, our GFC team will get their hands dirty and begin planting your trees. You can follow the journey by simply following our social media channels and keeping up to date with any posts. So, let’s delve into why planting trees could be a ‘root’ to solving the world’s most complex issue.

 

How can planting more trees help save the planet?

Planting trees comes with a multitude of benefits for our planet, like encouraging more biodiversity, tackling climate change, and managing our ecosystems. Climate change has a detrimental impact on all of us, and often we can all feel a little helpless. But, by planting as many trees as we can, we can help to slow down the rate of destruction and protect the habitats of our furry neighbours. Trees, as we know, play a huge role in capturing and storing carbon. Our woodland ecosystems absorb the carbon in the atmosphere and can keep it locked away for centuries. Trees are essential not only for us but for our wildlife and the environment.

 

What trees are we planting and where?

We plan to create a stunning hedgerow out of a mix of rural hedges, these little trees will provide a perfect home for some of our smaller local wildlife. The best hedges for creatures like nesting birds and hibernating hedgehogs are those that are made up of a variety of wood types. That’s why we are planting a fantastic range of trees from Hawthorns to Crab apples, to Blackthorns, Hazels, and more to create the best habitats. The trees will be planted in the beautiful rural area of Wooton Wawen and don’t worry, they will be well looked after and have all the right sheep proofing to prevent your delightful trees from being ruined!

There’s no time like the present…

It may sound like we are running out of time, but it's better to start now than never at all. If we all work together, we can help get our planet back on its feet. So, join us! Get your hands on one of our Teak Benches for Sale and help us to help our home!  

 

Cooking outdoors might seem like a daunting task, however, it doesn’t have to be. Outdoor kitchens and BBQs are becoming all the range and at the Garden Furniture Centre, we are jumping on board the outdoor cooking train! From outdoor kitchens to pizza ovens, there are multiple ways for you to make the most out of our garden and turn it into a culinary dream. In this blog post, we will discover how outdoor kitchens can elevate your cooking experience as well as discussing the benefits outdoor cooking can bring.

What is an outdoor kitchen and how is it constructed?

It might seem obvious what an outdoor kitchen is, but there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. An outdoor kitchen is a functional area which acts as an extension to your home. It is also designed to be a setting for entertaining guests with its inclusion of cooking appliances, storage compartments, and even a designated dining area!

Depending on your available space, it is best to plan the preferred layout of your outdoor kitchen. This will help you visualise what you need to add or take away so you can get it right the first time. Our Bari Outdoor Kitchen range is the perfect solution for any outdoor kitchen needs with its autonomous components making it easy for you to construct your dream outdoor cooking experience. With its scratch-resistant ceramic surface and grade-A teak structure, our Bari range will provide elegance and sustainability to make your outdoor cooking experience unforgettable.

What are the essential components of an outdoor kitchen?

The main benefit of an outdoor kitchen is its versatile customisation! You can add your centrepiece cooking appliances such as a gas or electric grill with additional storage components making up the rest of the space. The key elements that make up an outdoor kitchen do vary depending on your preference; however, it is standard to have storage cabinets, a sink unit, a fridge unit and even a bar area. It is important to remember that your outdoor kitchen should cater to your personal taste and style, so don’t be afraid to go big or small!

What material is used for an outdoor kitchen?

When constructing your own outdoor kitchen, it is important to consider how durable and sustainable the components will be. With our Bari range, we have ensured that you will get quality and style combined! Crafted out of grade A reclaimed Indonesian teak and a scratch-resistant ceramic top, you are guaranteed decades of outdoor cooking with minimal maintenance. Complete with galvanised hinges and soft close doors, you can store all your cooking equipment safely and efficiently all year round.

Big Green Egg

With our Bari Outdoor Kitchen range, we offer a wide selection of components to accommodate your outdoor space. Our newest addition is the Big Green Egg outdoor oven which certainly elevates your outdoor cooking experience! This infamous outdoor oven has taken the culinary world by storm with its weatherproof casing and temperature control technology. You can fit your Big Green Egg oven in our specially designed Big Green Egg unit which is either fixed or on wheels so you can enjoy delicious dishes in your garden space.  

 What are some tips for barbecuing on a Big Green Egg?

The Big Green Egg will reward you with a cooking experience you will never forget. With its temperature control mechanism, you can adjust the top and bottom vents to control the airflow that enters the egg to create optimal cooking conditions. It is best to give yourself some extra time to preheat the egg so that you can keep a stable and consistent temperature.

The best way to get the most out of your Big Green Egg oven is simply to experiment! Try out different cooking methods such as indirect and direct grilling, smoking, baking, and spit roasting. Investing in some high-quality accessories will also make your cooking experience even more special for you and your guests.

Pizza Ovens

If you want to really impress your friends and family, then you cannot go wrong with having a pizza oven to take your pizzas to a new level! Our pizza ovens are the ideal way to get the perfect finish on your pizzas whether they are homemade or shop-bought.

Why is a pizza oven better than a regular oven?

With a pizza oven, you are guaranteed to have a delicious pizza cooked in a few minutes while keeping all the important flavours on the surface. Our Montelini 360 Pizza Oven is easily transportable in your outdoor area to cook the perfect pizza with either wood pellets or gas! What’s more, you can save on your energy bills due to its energy-efficient and compact design, so you do not have to rely on your larger oven appliances. It also comes equipped with a 360-swivel attachment so you can rotate your pizza to get an even finish.

Come and visit our Bari Outdoor Kitchen range and Big Green Egg display at our showroom in Wootton Wawen to discover the world of outdoor cooking! Or check out our range online where you can find all our best-selling outdoor cooking appliances to complete your outdoor space.

 

What To Do With Your Old Hot Tub?

If you have a hot tub that has been neglected, broken, or simply pushed to the side, then this blog post is perfect for you! Hot tubs can be a way to add luxury to your home and at one point might have been the centrepiece for your garden entertainment. However, nothing lasts forever and it may be time to think about what to do with it next. Well, in this blog post, we are going to give you a rundown of how you can upcycle your old hot tub and give it a new lease of life by creating a raised planting bed!

 

Step 1

The first thing to do is make sure the hot tub is prepped and ready to begin its new adventure, whether this is moving its location or stripping parts that can later be sold. If you have the equipment like our Director, then you can hire a large crane to lift the hot tub and place it wherever you desire. If your hot tub does not need to be moved, simply make sure it is in a location that is easily accessible!

 

Step 2

As previously mentioned, your hot tub will have some hidden treasures that can be used by someone else. To create the raised vegetable bed, all you need is the outer casing as this is where the soil will be kept. Ultimately, you can remove anything internally such as the plumbing, filter cartridge, control system, pump, and other components that can be sold. 

 

Step 3

The next step is to drill a few holes at the bottom of the hot tub to drain excess water which will prevent the roots from drowning. You may have to investigate what materials have been used for the bottom of the hot tub to ensure you do not create any further damage.

 

Step 4

This is the important part! Placing a few bags of gravel at the bottom of the hot tub prevents the roots from perishing. You can get this from any hardware store or even see if anyone local is trying to get rid of some old gravel. Fill the wells and seating area of the hot tub with gravel and make sure it is level before adding the topsoil.

 

Step 5

Time to start filling! Grab yourself a few bags of topsoil and compost and start carefully filling your hot tub to prep it for your chosen crops. Make sure to level and work the soil with a small spade to get rid of any big lumps so the soil is ready for planting.

 

Step 6

The final stage is to start planting your crops! Whether you want to grow your own vegetable garden or a fragrant bed of herbs, you now have a space where you can do both. What once was a disused hot tub is now an upcycled and sustainable raised planting bed.

 

At the Garden Furniture Centre, we have a huge range of unique planters and storage boxes where you can let your garden flourish with character and colour!

Visit our website or showroom in Wootton Wawen at Yew Tree Farm to find out more!

With the longer and lighter days now in full swing, you might be staring out of your window to see the aftermath of the bitter winter that has left your beloved garden in disrepair. The plants you hoped would survive have sadly withered away, or the new bench that you swore you would look after has unfortunately been neglected in the corner. Well, now that spring has sprung, it's time to put your best foot forward and start the necessary changes to make the most of your garden in the spring and summer seasons! If you are unsure of where to begin, we have put together 10 helpful ways for you to get your garden back in shape and ready for whatever the spring and summer months throw at it!

 

1.

The first thing to do is tackle the mess that the winter has left behind. Start by sweeping any debris such as leaves and branches, and then prep any soil where you want to plant new seedlings or bulbs. If you have a greenhouse, then it is a good idea to get it prepared for any new seedlings and cuttings as well as having a clean space to work in.

 

2.

Having a compost area is a great way to use any wastage and turn it into nutritious soil for any future plants and seedlings! Our teak square planters are the perfect space to begin your own compost area without any mess or fuss.

 

3.

Spring is the season to fill your garden with colour and character. Think about what plants you want to add and what colour scheme you want to achieve! Our Think Outside planters are a great way to add a burst of quirky character and colour to your garden area and will certainly make a great home for your new family of flowers!

 

4.

Having a garden does mean that you might be left with a lot of clutter that you want to hide or keep to one side whether it is tools, pots, logs or lawnmowers, the list could be endless. Try creating your own storage corner where you can keep unused items hidden and in one place. Our rattan baskets and teak storage boxes are a good way of making sure your garden essentials are kept together whilst being discretely disguised to fit in with your garden aesthetic!

 

5.

With any big clear-up job, it is a good idea to start thinking about any changes you would want to make. Take a moment to look around and see if there are any sections of the garden that you wish to add, optimise, or even take away to make your outdoor area as efficient as possible. Make a note of what you wish to change and see how your ideas can be turned into a reality!

 

6.

If you have furniture that looks like it has seen better days, don’t throw it away! Try to see if it is worth fixing before saying goodbye, whether that be using our golden care teak protector to spruce up your teak bench or sanding down your metal furniture to get rid of any rust marks. Who knows… you might be surprised what you can save!

 

7.

When clearing your garden, you might come across furniture that may need throwing away or you have cleared some extra space that you want to fill. Either way, it is a good incentive to have an area for friends and family to chat and relax when they visit, or if you are hosting a gathering. Corner units and outdoor lounge sofas are a great way for people to catch up and admire your newly transformed garden area! Alternatively, if you are looking for something a bit more formal you might want to look at our outdoor dining sets which are the perfect addition to enhance your outdoor space!

 

8.

It is relatively known that our wildlife is having difficulty adjusting to our ever-changing climate whether that is bees, hedgehogs, birds, or badgers. However, it is very easy to include certain ways to attract your local wildlife in your garden area! Birdhouses are a great way to provide extra food and resources for your local bird population as well as benefiting you to see what bird species are around your area. Nectar and pollen-rich flowers are also a great way to attract bees and create a sufficient nesting site!

 

9.

We all know the one thing that gets us excited for summer… barbeques. Outdoor cooking in the summer sun is one of life’s greatest pleasures and what better way to make this experience even more enjoyable than adding an outdoor kitchen area! Our Bari outdoor kitchen range and outdoor gazebos are the perfect addition to make the ideal outdoor cooking experience. Crafted out of durable and sustainable materials such as teak and scratch-resistant ceramic, our outdoor kitchens and gazebos will last you a lifetime!

 

10.

Once you have finished making your dream outdoor space, you might be thinking about the finishing touches! Our selection of solar LED lights are a great way to add that missing spark to the evening festivities. Simply place the solar panel in an area where there is direct sunlight and see your lights come to life when darkness begins to fall. From delicate fairy lights to solar floodlights, you will be able to make sure your garden is always the star of the show!

 

Whatever your garden adventures may be, we will always have something for everyone at the Garden Furniture Centre! Tag our socials in your posts to share your own garden renovations and don’t forget to visit our showroom in Wootton Wawen at Yew Tree Farm Craft Centre to see our huge range of garden furniture and gazebos!

The Bioclimatic Pergola: What is it?

 

You may or may not be familiar with the term ‘Bioclimatic’, but needless to say it is making its name in the garden furniture world and we are on board! Bioclimatic primarily refers to the relationship between the climate and living beings. In an architectural view, this is demonstrated through Bioclimatic building designs with extreme consideration for the surrounding climate to provide comfort and thermal regulation.

 

 

What are the benefits of Bioclimatic Pergolas?

Adding a Bioclimatic Pergola in your outdoor area is very advantageous for a number of reasons! The main benefit is that you have a structure outside where you have complete control over your external environment to avoid any interruptions whether you are relaxing or hosting an event! This will also lengthen the time you can spend outside throughout the year due to its climate control features. The Pergola is mainly powered through the motorised louvered roof system which we will get into later on!

 

 

 

 

 

At the Garden Furniture Centre, all our Bioclimatic Pergolas can be made completely bespoke, giving you full control over the design and finish to match your outdoor exterior (and they don’t need any planning permission)! Carefully crafted out of durable aluminium components and finished with AkzoNobel Brand coating, this will provide maximum protection against any weather conditions! Adding a Bioclimatic Pergola will certainly bring a new innovative ambiance to create the perfect place for rest and relaxation whatever the weather!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, how does it all work?

It may all seem a little overwhelming and complicated in theory, however in reality you will not believe how simple it is! Fundamentally, the Bioclimatic Pergola system functions via the motorised louvered roof which is operated with a simple remote control. The use of a louvered roof means that you can regulate and monitor how much shade and sunlight can enter the Pergola to determine the desired temperature. With this, you can create the perfect temperature and environment to suit your surrounding climate! These louvered panels are fitted with a sophisticated rubber strip which prevents any draft or leaks when fully closed.

 

 

Another fabulous feature is the drainage system that is discretely hidden within two of the legs! When the inevitable happens and the heavens open, the rainwater will run into the drainage channels and down through the legs where it is dispersed underneath. This means you do not have to worry about any heavy rainfall damaging your garden furniture so you can stay outside whatever the weather!

 

 

What additional features are included?

 

Our Bioclimatic Pergolas not only cater to your surrounding climate, but they also emit style and sophistication with their additional features! All our Pergolas are fitted with RGB and LED lights to create the perfect setting whether you are entertaining guests or simply winding down with your nearest and dearest. The LED lights are elegantly positioned within the louvered roof and come with different brightness settings at the touch of a button!

Additionally, our Bioclimatic Pergolas also include RGB lights around the perimeter of the gazebo which not only creates a stunning display, but is also fitted with sophisticated Bluetooth technology to mimic the rhythm of your music! Both the LED and RGB light features come complete with a remote control for you to operate at any time!

 

 

 

You also have the option of adding our elegant glass sliding doors to complete your Pergola which slide and lock together to create a robust glass wall! These doors are optional; however, they are extremely beneficial for keeping any wind or rain away from the interior. What is more, you will still have full visibility of your outdoor scenery so you don’t miss a thing!

 

Take a look on our website to discover more about our Bioclimatic Pergolas, or better yet come and visit us at Yew Tree Farm in Wootton Wawen to see one for yourself!

Watch our video below of our brand-new T6 Bioclimatic Pergola being installed!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A quick guide for optimising your small outdoor space!

Nowadays, it is becoming more and more popular that houses and apartments are fitted with smaller outdoor spaces, which may cause you to wonder how you are going to utilise this space to dine, entertain, and more importantly, relax. Luckily, this post will take you through the best ways to make your small outdoor space the best part of you home; from organising sections to dine and lounge, to recommending the best garden furniture we have to offer!

 

What are the benefits of an outdoor living space?

One of the obvious benefits of having an outdoor area is its ability to promote a happier and healthier environment for you and your family. Taking the time to switch off and pulling yourself away from indoor distractions, this allows you to reset and refresh in the comfort of your natural surroundings. By sitting outside for periods of time, this can boost your vitamin D levels, improve your mood, work performance, and reduce stress!

How should you begin to organise your outdoor space?

When living with a smaller pace, you may need to take a moment and devise a plan to ensure your garden will be functional and practical for everyone to enjoy. It is important to consider having a declutter of everything you no longer need so you can use every inch of space available. If you do have a lot of clutter to sort through, it may be useful to categorise everything to give you the best possible chance of having a strong start. If you are struggling to know where to begin, here is a list below showing some examples of categories you could use:

 

• Gardening
• Cooking
• Cleaning and storage
• Furniture

 

This first stage is extremely important for you to prepare and plan how you want to utilise your space. Especially with smaller areas, this is the best way to get a sense of what to prioritise and how to organise your area. If you are tight for space, then it may be best to merge certain sections of your garden, such as creating a lounging and dining vicinity so you can relax and entertain for any occasion.

 

Which furniture would be best for you?

At the Garden Furniture Centre, we have a wide range of relaxing sofa sets, gazebos, and accessories which will certainly transform your small garden area into a haven of tranquillity and elegance. The main factor to keep in mind is to choose furniture that you can rely upon for years to come!

 

Corner sofa sets

One innovative way to save space is by adding a corner sofa to accommodate all your friends and family when they visit your brand-new garden! We have a great selection of corner sofas to cater to every taste whether you are more minimalist or wanting to have a pop of colour. Notably, our Montana and Fiji range are our most popular and versatile styled furniture, with the ability to add matching tables, dining chairs, and even wall panels!

However, if you are looking for something a bit more modern and simplistic, then our Life Outdoor Living range will certainly suit your taste! Our Mini Nevada and Timber corner units are stylishly created out of powder coated aluminium and finished with our elegant all-weather cushions to create the perfect lounge area!

 

Gazebos

There are many benefits when you include a gazebo within your garden area, especially if you are looking to make the most out of your smaller space. The main feature of having a gazebo is the shelter it will provide for your guests, and more importantly your brand-new furniture! Our Galaxy and Eclipse gazebo range will certainly be a great addition to any outdoor area no matter what size! Both gazebos are fitted with a louvered roof and a sophisticated drainage system to ensure nothing underneath will get soaking wet! Our Eclipse gazebos are also fitted with LED lights and a motorised roof which will look spectacular in the night sky when entertaining guests, or if you are just winding down in the evenings.

Alternatively, you may want to opt for a wall mounted gazebo which will not only save space but will also create a discrete shelter for your garden furniture! You can find our wall-mounted gazebos within our Eclipse and Four Seasons range which will surely suit any outdoor area.

 

Folding, Stackable, and Durable Furniture           

You may wonder what the benefits are of folding furniture, however it is one of the best ways to incorporate additional seating and dining facilities within your smaller space. You may have only a small patio area to fill, so a gazebo might not be the right fit to optimise your garden space. Furniture that is stackable and can fold away easily is a nifty way to alleviate space when hosting larger gatherings, or if you wanted to store your furniture during the colder months. Our Balmoral, Westminster, and TNT folding chairs which are not only stylish, but can be discretely stored and packed away when required!

Benches are another clever way to add additional seating to your outdoor area if space is limited. If you are a minimalist or love a splash of colour, then our range of benches will surely cater to any individual preference. Whether it is teak or recycled metals, you will certainly find your perfect match with our extensive range!

 

Planters

Most small space gardens lack the correct facilities to grow herbs and plants which could be something you may want to pursue. Luckily, the addition of planters will undoubtedly allow you to incorporate homegrown herbs and flowers to provide fresh ingredients for your cooking, as well as releasing pleasant aromas into your garden! Our simplistic reclaimed teak planters are the ideal way to subtly add plants, trees, or flowers to your garden whilst adding a modern finish to your space due to its intricate detailing and minimalist structure. Or if you are looking for a twist on reclaimed teak, our Ikal planters are stylishly designed out of reclaimed teak root to create the perfect place for your flowers to thrive!

On the other hand, you may want to add one of our Think Outside planters that come in a variety of shapes, objects, and sizes that will definitely take centre stage! Whether it is Lily the Lady Bug, Sammy the Snail, or even Dynamo the Dog, there is something for everyone!

And there you have it! There are so many ways to make your small outdoor space a haven of rest and relaxation for you to enjoy without breaking the bank! Why not visit our showroom in Wootton Wawen to explore more ranges of furniture, accessories, and gazebos for you to get started!

 

 

Our Step-By-Step Guide to Cleaning Teak Furniture!

Here at the Garden Furniture Centre, we take great pride in supplying the best grade A teak furniture for all our customers to enjoy over many years! Recently, we took it upon ourselves to recondition our FSC Certified Malvern teak bench at yew tree farm which is 17 years old! By using our own teak cleaning products and a bit of TLC, this bench now looks just as good as it did 17 years ago. So, for this blog post we are going to take you through the stages of how we made our Malvern bench go from rags to riches in just a few easy steps!

The main question on everyone’s lips is what is the best way to treat teak outdoor furniture? Notably, it is thought that applying teak protector or oil whilst it is new will make your teak furniture shine and flourish for years to come, however this is not the case. The oil content in the teak wood is already extremely high so the products added will ruin the finish of the wood. So, for this reason, here is a breakdown of how to properly care and treat your teak furniture to make it last a lifetime!

 

Step 1: Jet Wash

To begin the cleaning process, it is best to get rid of any dirt and grime build up with a power jet wash which will get into all the tight and hard-to-reach places to prepare it for the next stage. As you can see, the colour of the bench has already started to transform into its original soft walnut brown hue that has been hidden for many years!

 

Step 2: Sanding

After the bench has dried from the jet washing, the next vital stage is to sand the wood down to restore the original colour of the wood. Here we have used a sanding machine to buff out the marks and dents on the larger areas to re-establish the delicate engraving on the top panel. Keep in mind that the sanding process is an extremely crucial part of restoring any teak furniture and must be completed with the upmost care. It is also important to follow the grain of the wood to ensure there are no additional markings made by the sandpaper or sand machine.

 

Step 3: Cleaner

After the sanding is complete, it is time to apply the teak cleaner to kill any mould or mildew bacteria that may have built up inside the teak over the years. It is imperative to clear off any excess sawdust that may have collected on the furniture with a damp cloth to ensure the surface is prepped and ready for the teak cleaner. You can apply our Golden Care Teak Cleaner to the bench with a dry sponge and lightly work the product into the wood to remove any excess dirt and oil. Fundamentally, the superior teak quality is very much evident in this bench as there is no appearance of rotting or splitting within the wood!

 

Step 4: Protector

The final stage in restoring your teak furniture is to carefully apply the teak protector which is available in either a blonde or honey brown shade to replenish the lost colour of the wood. For this restoration, we have chosen to apply our Golden Care Blonde Teak Protector with a soft bristle brush to further enhance the warm hue and detail of the grain. This ultimately seals the wood to create an extra layer of protection against water or mildew, as well as providing 100% protection against any sun damage! The difference with a water-based teak protector versus an oil is that the protector allows the wood to breath and keep its original colour whereas a teak oil will typically alter the colour of the wood into a darker brown or even orange tinge, as well as attracting moisture and mildew into the teak. 

 

The Finished Product!

And there you have it! Our 17-year-old Malvern bench has been completely restored with just a few simple steps and some much needed love and attention! Make sure to tag us in your own teak furniture restorations so we can see your amazing transformations just like ours!

The Pergolux: Our Installation at Spot-On Wake!

At the Garden Furniture Centre, we have a versatile selection of gazebos that can be tailored to your every need! Our extensive range of bespoke and fitted gazebos are a great way to add style and character to any outdoor space. Our most recent installation at water sports centre Spot-On Wake in Wootton Wawen demonstrates how our Pergolux gazebo has many beneficial uses for the public and commercial venues.

The Pergolux

But what is a pergola? Firstly, let us break down the key components of the Pergolux gazebo that makes it so desirable! The main feature of this gazebo is the remote-controlled motorised louvered roof which is fitted with our warm LED lights that are delicately positioned to give your gazebo a calming and stylish atmosphere! This motorised roof can fully open with minimal effort when you want to regulate the temperature, or even to enjoy the hot summer sun.

 

 

Another main feature of our Pergola design is the drainage system which is manufactured to remove any excess rainwater through our innovative drainage channels located within the front two legs. This allows you to have the option of using your garden space whatever the weather and to make the most out of your outdoor area all year round! The drainage system is also familiar on our Galaxy gazebos as this design allows the rainwater to drain effortlessly from the roof and out through the feet. Combined with the watertight and waterproof louvered roof, our Pergolux gazebos are perfect at preventing any harsh weather conditions from spoiling your garden furniture!

 

An optional extra that is included with our Pergola designs is the addition of our glass sliding doors which can lock in place to create a stunning glass wall! These glass sliding doors are extremely durable and will undeniably withstand any weather conditions whilst providing elegance and style to your outdoor area. Fitted with a locking system, these glass doors are safe and secure for you to leave personal belongings or furniture unattended so there is no worry about theft or damage.

 

Spot-On Wake

Recently, our brilliant installations team fitted our bespoke 3.5m x 5m Pergolux gazebo for water sports centre Spot-On Wake! Located in the stunning village of Wootton Wawen, this centre is a hub of thrill and excitement for any water loving fan. The activities on offer are endless; from wake and paddle boarding to open water swimming and obstacle courses, Spot-On Wake will certainly have what you are looking for!

 

This Pergolux is primarily their control centre to monitor the water sport activities as it overlooks both lakes, but it also functions as a lounge area with our garden furniture for visitors to enjoy the magnificent views of the park! This gazebo is fitted with our optional sliding glass doors for maximum protection and privacy when customers want to leave belongings or possessions nearby whilst enjoying their activities. As standard, it also includes our LED motorised louvered roof and anthracite grey frame which looks spectacular beside the action-packed lakes!

 

Take a look at our video below featuring Nathalie who talks you through the Pergolux gazebo at Spot-On Wake!

 

UPF Ratings: Why Does It Matter?

With the hot weather fast approaching, you might be wondering how you are going to shade yourself from the blazing sun to enjoy your garden parties or just to relax with friends and family. At the Garden Furniture Centre, we listen to all our customers’ queries about sun and UV protection. So, to ensure we can answer all your questions we have laboratory tested our products to give you the most accurate answers. All our parasol canopies are fitted with a 50+ UPF rating which will give you an excellent protection against harsh UV exposure! In this blog post, we shall explore what exactly is a UPF rating, why it is important, and why you need to take precautions to protect yourself from harsh UV rays in the summer.

 

What is UPF?

UPF is the acronym for ‘Ultraviolet Protection Factor’ which basically shows how much UV radiation can reach your skin through certain fabrics. For example, a UPF rating of 30 to 49 will give you a very good protection from UV rays, whereas a UPF rating of 50+ is regarded as an excellent protection and can block out 98% of the sun’s rays. Notably, it is a requirement from The Skin Cancer Foundation that fabrics needs to have a UPF rating of at least 30 to meet their Seal of Recommendation.

It is important however that you know the difference between UPF and SPF, as it does become confusing with so many different variations! The main points to know are that UPF measures the amount of UV radiation that can infiltrate the fabric to eventually reach your skin. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) on the other hand actually considers how long it takes for skin that is exposed to UV rays to become red, for example if you begin to have sunburn after 20 minutes exposed to the sun, then a sun cream with an SPF of 15 will protect your skin for 15 times longer than without it!

 

But what is UV radiation?

UV radiation is the natural energy produced by the sun and is not visible to the naked eye, but your skin can sense it. Ultimately, there are two types of UV radiation that can contribute to the development of skin cancer: Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). UVA is typically associated with the ageing of skin, whereas UVB is linked to skin burning. When you are unprotected and exposed to both these radiations, the damage can be detrimental to your skin as the DNA in your skin cells become damaged, resulting in genetic defects or mutations which can all cause skin cancer.

 

What is more, severe UV exposure that causes sunburn does have a major role in producing melanoma, which is one of the most well-known types of skin cancer. Consequently, UV radiation is an extremely powerful way to attack your skin and can cause issues that range from just a few wrinkles to possibly a critical case of skin cancer.

 

So, what can I do to protect myself from harsh UV rays?

In short, it is important that you do everything you can to protect yourself from harsh exposure to UV radiation so you can prevent any harmful developments to your skin in the future. The main way is to wear sun-safe clothing and sun cream to let your skin have the best protection. Notably, you might want to host dinner or summer events in your garden and will need extra shade for your friends or guests to sit under. As previously mentioned, our range of parasols are fitted with canopies that have been laboratory tested and have been approved of having a 50+ UPF rating, meaning that these canopies will prevent 98% of UV rays coming into contact with your skin! Placing any of our parasols in your garden will give you the best defence against the harsh summer sun whilst adding a great element of style to your dining or lounge area.

 

Why not check out our amazing range of parasols? Click the links below to view them on our website:

Cantilever Parasols

Wall Mounted Parasols

Stand Alone Parasols

Commercial Parasols

LED Parasols

Parasol Canopies and Covers

We would love to see your parasol pictures in your garden, so please share them with us on our socials and you might get featured!

Here is What No One Is Telling You About Teak Root Furniture!

 

Teak wood is notably one of the most popular materials for manufacturing garden furniture due to its durability and rot resistant qualities. Significantly, it is teak root which possesses the most unusual and artistically delicate character when manufactured into furniture. The obscure shaping and unique design of teak root will certainly enhance the character of your indoor or outdoor space, as well as having the additional benefit of being magnificent to look at! Well, in this blog post we are going to delve into the art of how teak root furniture is manufactured as well as demonstrating the benefits and care you should be aware of when purchasing any teak root product!

 

What makes Indonesian teak root furniture special?

Indonesian reclaimed teak is undoubtably the most desired material for manufacturers due to its versatility and striking appeal. Typically, teak trees are grown in warm tropical rainforests due to their high temperatures and rich soil benefits. Harvested from disused teak trees, manufacturers use the roof section to produce tables, benches and much more due to its strength and weather resistant qualities.

 

With the age and complexity of the root, these products are uniquely crafted so each one is completely different! This is achieved through its dense grain, which is not only appealing to any wood lover, but is also a reflection of the brilliant quality these trees are so well-known for! This particular part of the tree is rot resistant and organically shaped, so it is perfect for making furniture into artistic and intricate sculptures for everyone to admire!

 

How do I know the quality of outdoor teak furniture?

With our teak root furniture, it is sourced from small villages in Indonesia to ensure all of our products are full of character and individuality! However, to measure the quality of teak root, then we have the main points for you to look out for!

 

 

Firstly, it is the colour that is the main indication to distinguish the quality of the teak wood. If it is deeper and richer, this highlights that the level of natural oil content is extremely high. Another way to check the quality is to look for any splitting or cracks which should not be visible when the teak wood is of an exceptional level. What is more, the wood should not be stained, coloured, or treated with any additional protectors before or after purchasing as the raw materials found within the wood are already enough to protect it for years to come!

 

However, you might be wondering what the best way might be to treat outdoor teak furniture? Well, the main factor to remember is that teak furniture is extremely low maintenance and requires little to no treatment in the first few years. However, as the natural ageing process begins, the teak wood will transform into a silver-grey patina. This will happen with any teak furniture when left to age gracefully, and some agree that this change in colour actually begins to give the furniture its character! However, if you do not wish to have this gradual change in colour, then it is best to use a teak protector to maintain its golden hue.

 

 

Teak Root Furniture at The Garden Furniture Centre

At the Garden Furniture Centre, we are proud to have a great selection of teak root furniture that is sustainable and artistic to suit everyone’s personal tastes! Notably, our Naga, Regina, and Ace ranges are a favourite with our customers due to their intricate designs and unique formation to create the most impressive sculptures! These tables all come complete with a tempered glass top for you to place your food and drink which is perfect for entertaining friends and family.

 

Alternatively, you can match your teak root table with our reclaimed teak root lamps which emulate style and sophistication with their sculpturesque stature! With an essence of individuality, these lamps will certainly fit and look the part in any indoor or outdoor area to add elegance and originality for you to admire. What is more, our teak root furniture stretches further with items such as our root benches, Xilon Root Bottle Stand and Ikal Planters showing that teak roots can be manufactured into just about anything!

 

So why not come and see our magnificent selection of teak root furniture at our showroom in Wootton Wawen! Make sure to share all your photos with us on our socials of your favourite teak root item!

 

Click here to check out our teak root range!