Because you can find outdoor furniture everywhere from big box stores and online message boards to fine decor boutiques and your neighbor’s sidewalk sale, it can be tough to sift out quality from poor imitations. If you find the former, you will have a beautiful and practical addition to your property that will last for many years; with the latter, you will find yourself cheated and potentially lying in a pile of broken materials. In other words, a low price is great, but quality is key. [Read more…]

When picking furniture for the yard, it’s important that the pieces are built to last. Here are a few tips on choosing long-lasting outdoor furniture.

Pick a Robust Material

The first thing to consider when selecting outdoor furniture is the material.  Let’s look at a few of the options and weigh the advantages against the disadvantages.  [Read more…]

If you are throwing a party, there are many reasons to take the festivities outside. Imagine sitting around a table with your friends, twinkle lights surrounding and candles at the table. The chill night air occasionally blows a breeze across your face and the smell of the furniture lingering on the night air. Sometimes the difference between staying out late sitting around outdoor tables with your closest friends or family and calling it an early night is the furniture. Here are some of the reasons that you should look to Sweetland Outdoor for the ideal outdoor furniture. [Read more…]

Trampolines are one of our big-ticket Christmas gift items every year. This is a trend that never goes away. If you are hoping to surprise your family with a new trampoline this holiday season, then safety really needs to be one of your biggest priorities. A lot of injuries happen every year from kids and adults who are reckless on their new Christmas gift. The following is a list of some safety tips that can help you avoid a trip to the ER this holiday season. [Read more…]

Part of you already believes that buying a playset for your children is a good idea. But there are many great reasons to purchase a playset, some of which you may not have thought of. Whether you’re just looking for more information or on the fence about making a purchase, here are a few more insights to consider.

Children’s Development

Physical development is a big reason you have probably thought of, but you may not be aware of the why and how. A playground is a great place for a child to experiment with using hands, arms, and legs to interact with their world. Sure, it’s a fun escape for your child, but it also helps with important developmental milestones. Whether your child is a toddler or a pre-teen, a playset can boost their physical development in many areas.

For instance, toddlers are just beginning to advance their gross motor skills (using larger body parts) from walking to running. A playset can also help introduce skills like jumping, swinging, climbing, and sliding. It will also help kids develop balance. Playsets also encourage fine motor skills (using smaller body parts) such as grasping handlebars and ropes, placing feet on small steps, and using hand-eye coordination. These skills are not only confidence boosting, but can also help kids improve in other sports they are interested in.

Social Time

Playsets encourage social development as well as physical. It’s important for kids to learn social interactive skills, whether it’s with siblings or other kids. A playset provides a perfect, somewhat structured environment for kids to experiment with rule-setting and cooperation, like in games of tag or “don’t step in the lava!” Having a playset in your own backyard is also an ideal way to invite your kids’ friends over without having to entertain indoors!

Proximity

Along that line of thinking, a playset is convenient for both your children as you as it allows you to stay close to home while still enjoying all the benefits of outdoor play. No need to pack up kids, diapers, and lunches. Simply “picnic and play” in your own yard. Playsets also give parents the option of getting things done in the house while keeping an eye on the kiddos.

Long-Term Value

A playset is not only a fun fixture to have, but it is also a practical investment for your home. You can purchase high-quality playsets for relatively affordable prices, especially when you consider the value it adds to your home. It is a strong selling point if you ever sell your property, and some playsets are even mobile enough to take with you. A quality playset is built to last many years, so you can be confident that the investment is worth it.

Besides being a practical asset, it is a intangible investment for your family. Your playset will provide countless opportunities for bonding time. It can lead to children having greater trust and respect for their parents, and lead to lifelong relationships and memories. One day it may even be a playground for grandchildren!

You love your patio furniture. During the warmer months of the year, you spent a lot of time sitting outside and soaking up the sun. You have your favorite reading chair for moments of quiet. You have extra seating for moments when friends come to join you for the fun. You have the perfect setup that you enjoy with your wood outdoor furniture. With the joy that your patio furniture brings you, it’s important to know the proper way to care for it and take the necessary maintenance steps. Do the following 3 things to ensure that your furniture will stay in good condition:

Wash

As the wind and rain beats down on your furniture, it’s going to get dirty. You’ll notice that dirt, dust, and other grime will build up on it over time. You can easily remove these things by cleaning your furniture with a mild soap and water. Grab your hose and give the furniture a good wash to remove anything that has built up on it so far.

Seal

After your furniture is cleaned, you should seal the wood with varnish. In recent years, more wood furniture has a permanent varnish added to the wood before you purchase it. If this is the case for you, you’re good to go. Otherwise, you should add it as soon as possible. The varnish will protect your furniture from moisture and other issues that could cause the wood to rot and develop mold. If you’re going to keep your wood furniture in great condition for as long as possible, then you need to add a varnish to seal the wood before any damage can be done.

Store

Some types of wood have no problem defending themselves against the winter weather. If your furniture is made from cedar or teak wood, then you can leave your furniture out throughout the winter. Otherwise, it would be wise to find a space to store your furniture. Whether you can store it in your garage or basement, it would be wise to make room for your furniture to protect it from the snow and rain that falls during the winter.

If you have wood outdoor furniture, you need to know how to maintain it. It’s important to take the necessary steps to keep your furniture looking great throughout the warmer months and protect it from the elements during the colder months. If you don’t already have patio furniture at your house, stop by Sweetland Outdoor and check out our selection to find the perfect wood patio set for your home.