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Umbrella Fabric Choices

Umbrella Fabric Choices

It’s hard enough trying to figure out which umbrella to buy … “What size do I need?” … “Should I get wood or aluminum?” … “Should I get a crank or pulley lift system?” … “What about tilt?” … really, the list goes on and on. But finally, you’ve decided all of the features that will suit you. Then you still have to ask yourself one more question: “What kind of fabric should I get on my umbrella?”

If you’re just going to a Big Box store you’ll have to take what they offer. There are few choices, especially when it comes to features and canopy colors. But if you’re a discriminating buyer looking for a special color to compliment your patio furniture and yard, then you’ll have to special order your umbrella off of one of the many stores online that offer customized options, such as Odyssey Homestore®.

So, we’ve made it pretty simple for you to figure out which type of fabric will best suit your needs. As you read on, the list begins with the least expensive to the most expensive fabrics available on the market today for your umbrella.

Spun Polyester:

This fabric is made of 100% polyester yarns and can be used both indoors and out. They are easily cleaned with a mild detergent and water then allowed to air dry. DO NOT subject the fabric to water temperature in excess of 100°F or use bleach-based or harsh cleaning products on this type of fabric. Generally, spun polyester fabrics on umbrellas will last a good many years, IF you bring the umbrella in when you’re not using it. The color is silk-screen onto the fabric giving you almost limitless color choices, however, it is NOT warranted against fading so if you plan on leaving it out year round, this is not the best choice. If budget is a major concern, this is the most affordable umbrella fabric available on the market. There is no UV Protection with this fabric.

Coolaroo

One of the more affordable quality umbrella fabrics is Coolaroo. It is the ideal outdoor shade fabric. The secret is the unique Coolaroo fabric that blocks 90% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, yet breathes to reduce temperatures. And because Coolaroo fabric won’t rot, tear or fade, your umbrella will last for years—making it a better value. Coolaroo fabric comes with a 10 year warranty that protects against UV degradation, manufacturer's defects, and material. We love recommending this product, but the only drawback is the lack of color options: you have a choice of only 3 contemporary colors to choose from: mocha, smoke or sunset. However, don’t let that be a drawback. Neutral fabrics will coordinate beautifully with any color scheme. If you want to add pops of color, pick up some colorful throw pillows and your backyard will have an upscale, polished look you’ll be so proud of!

Glen Tuff Olefin

Glen Tuff Olefin fabrics are woven with 100% solution-dyed olefin yarn. This means that the color is dyed into the fabrics before the fabric is woven. As a comparison, many times fabrics such as polyester are woven in either white or off-white and then silk screened with color, which may lead to rapid fading in a hot, strong sun. Glen Tuff Olefin is soft & comfortable, and resists stains, mildew and fading. Olefin fabrics are exclusively designed for outdoor use. This type of fabric may be cleaned with a mild detergent and warm water. Make sure you rinse thoroughly and allow the fabric to air dry. This fabric has a one year warranty against fading, and is a good mid-grade choice for umbrellas and outdoor cushions. This fabric has not been rated for UV Protection.

Sunbrella and Solution-dyed acrylic fabrics

Sunbrella is a synthetic acrylic material used in making many outdoor products including, of course, patio umbrella canopies. A Sunbrella Umbrella is any umbrella that is made with the world most famous brand of outdoor fabrics, Sunbrella. One of the main features of this type of fabric is that Sunbrella is fade-resistant, stain-resistant, mold and mildew resistant and entirely livable. Sunbrella's fabrics are worry-free and incredibly long lasting. Whether you choose the lightest color white to the darkest black, Sunbrella fabrics are tough enough to withstand the extremes of Mother Nature along with all the little accidents that come from everyday living. Sunbrella's rich fabrics will remain beautiful year after year. And, something to consider, make sure when you buy a Sunbrella Umbrella, the umbrella frame is replaceable! Your Sunbrella canopy may very well outlast your umbrella frame! You’ve already spent a good chunk of change on your outdoor furniture, so make sure you compliment it with the best umbrella fabric you can, one that will enjoy for many years.

Sunbrella fabrics have been tested and proven to provide up to 98% UV protection from harmful effects of the sun when used in shade applications. Sunbrella fabrics have been awarded the "Seal of Recommendation" by The Skin Cancer Foundation, an international organization dedicated to the prevention of skin cancer (www.skincancer.org). Whites and lighter colored fabrics provide less protection than darker fabrics, which have more depth of color. This protective factor is inherent to the product and will not be reduced by usage and/or fabric exposure to the sun.

When you need the best quality outdoor fabric for your umbrella, Sunbrella fabrics can make it happen with quality style and flare. Sunbrella fabrics are durable, beautiful, and comfortable.

Odyssey Homestore® carries umbrellas with all of the above fabrics and features, plus replacement canopies. If you have any questions, please call our umbrella specialist Monday through Sunday, 7am - 7pm at (888) 564 - 4744. We offer legendary customer service and products! And with our Price Match Plus policy, you're guaranteed the lowest price on

How to Store Wine

I remember as a young girl, my uncle had an underground wine cellar in his basement. He had the bottles stacked willy-nilly setting on home dug dirt shelves among gossamer spider webs. It was the creepiest place I’ve ever seen, yet my uncle was so proud of his wine collection, even though he had to crawl in on his hands and knees to find a vintage bottle to bring out for his guests!

Then, when I learned to appreciate fine wine, I saw my first real cellar at a local winery. I was so impressed, and decided then and there that if I ever have a house that has a room, or a portion of a room, which could be used as a wine cellar, mine would look just like this. Floor-to-ceiling wine racks of some type of rich, dark wood lined the walls in a large rectangular room. Against one wall was a huge, fire roaring in a fireplace tall enough to walk into. In the center of the room sat a large, regal-looking table surrounded by eight massive chairs that reminded me of thrones. It’s a room I could see myself entertaining guests on cold, winter evenings. I’ve dreamed of that room for years.
 
When I ran across this Padma’s Plantation Wine Cellar, I knew it was exactly what I’ve been looking for! Plus it has a rich, tropical flair which is a look I just can't resist! You can mix or match any

So if you’re looking for a home wine cellar or creative ways to display your wine, look no further. Even if you don’t have room for a full wine cellar like the one that’s in my dream you can turn any closet, empty room, or unused space into the wine cellar of your dreams. Whether your wine collection is 10 bottles or over 1000, you can mix or match the Padma’s Plantation Modulare Collection to create a wine cellar you’ll be proud of!

The Padma’s Plantation Wine Cellar blends beautifully with almost any décor, and can be used against a wall or even as a room divider. From one cube to dozens, you can create unique storage or display spaces to suit a variety of options. This just might be the ideal solution for your home, office, hotel or almost any location where wine is served!

We found the entire Padma's Plantation here. (Did you notice how many times we used the name "Padma's Plantation? We can't help it, we just love the name!)

I hope you love it as much as I do!

The Beauty of Dreams

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

 ---  by Eleanor Roosevelt. She was really amazing!

Eco Friendly Poly Lumber Furniture Making Waves

Poly lumber is the new "it" lumber in home accessories and furniture. What was once creating overflowing landfills is now durable and environmentally-friendly furniture! And it's made from plastic milk jugs and water bottles. Literally hundreds of thousands of petroleum-based HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) plastic bottles are removed each year from America’s waste stream.

Siesta is manufactured by an Eco-Friendly Company right here in the USA!

Siesta Recycled Poly Furniture is one such company that uses these products to make recycled and recyclable furniture. Any member of the Siesta family can be recycled when (and if) homeowners are finished using the product. But they won’t be done with it because of a product flaw or breakdown. Our products are built to last. Only the hardware needs to be removed from the recycling process.

Recycled plastic is safe and clean

Making safe and clean products using post-consumer waste begins with proper sorting. The material is then thoroughly washed and decontaminated. The base plastic material is processed at our Pennsylvania plant and converted into sturdy poly lumber. The plastic is decontaminated to a high purity level, thus ensuring it is safe for use. The purified recycled plastic is formulated with Ultra-Violet (UV) stabilizers and color pigments, creating colorful, eco-friendly, maintenance-free products.

Siesta Products doesn’t just make green products. They are a green company:

• We reuse scrap
• Color-Matched, Stainless Steel Hardware
• Most marketing materials are printed on recycled paper

Siesta is part of the environmental solution. Hundreds of products in twenty colors ... and every one is Green!

For the complete line of Siesta Products, please click here to visit our Website or call us at 888-564-4744

Siesta Bistro 26" x 28" Dining Set

Wicker or Resin Wicker? That is the Question

Wicker Furniture Review
I love the look of wicker furniture, but I remember as a little kid, my aunt – who lived on Coronado Island, had these white wicker chairs. I don’t know how old they were, but the paint was all faded and the wicker poked me when I sat down. It must be those chairs that make me want to curl up on my front porch with a good book and a cup of hot tea. But I just can’t make myself buy real wicker. Not to mention, it’s expensive. So I started looking around and found something called resin wicker. It looks just like wicker, only it won’t poke you and it’s much more affordable.

So I started looking at different brands on line and found a line of gorgeous resin wicker furniture by Tortuga Outdoors. It’s classic and elegantly designed wicker furniture. Perfect for entertaining a special guest or three or just casually relaxing with the family and friends around the fire pit. Other companies manufacturer wicker and other lines, but Tortuga Outdoors does … Resin Wicker. It’s their specialty.



We love this set especially: It’s the Lexington 6 Pc Deep Seating Loveseat Set. It has plenty of room for four with an ottoman, side table and coffee table. They also have the South Beach 6 Pc Set – and both look like a great place to curl up and take a nap!

It’s altogether possible we love the Tortuga Outdoor furniture line because of their name … there’s nothing that says “Bahama Vacation” like the word Tortuga!

Of course, there’s many other brands out there to be sure. And they’re all good. We found a great selection on the Odyssey Homestore website. We go back to that site constantly and there’s always something new for your home.

If you have any photos of your wicker furniture, feel free to post them or send them to me. I’d love to see what you like!

Since today is the 4th of July, I’m going to play hookie for the rest of the day and enjoy spending time with my family. I hope you do the same!

Remember, freedom isn’t free!