How to Care for a Cedar Log Arbor

A log arbor is a beautiful addition to your back yard. But of course, it won’t look good unless you take care of it! Here are a few tips for keeping your arbor gorgeous!
• Choose how you want to treat your cedar log arbor. If you leave it untreated, it will eventually turn a weathered gray color. However, if you treat the wood with an oil-based stain, it will maintain its beautiful gray color.
• Pick out the type of stain you want to use. For the most natural look possible, use a clear stain. Or you can pick out a stain that will add a slight colored tint to the wood.
• Don’t use varnish, because it will peel and crack with exposure to the elements.
• Once a season, be sure to clean the cedar logs with a stiff scrub brush in order to loosen dirt and get rid of the mud build-up.
• Make sure to wash your log arbor once a year with a power-washer. You can rent one of these at your local hardware store, and will reach spots that you won’t be able to get without it.
If you follow these few simple steps, your arbor will stay looking great for years and years!

Replacing Rusted Porch Chains

Log porch swings are an attractive addition to any porch, patio, or backyard. However, it is important to keep your swing well maintained, or if can become dangerous and unusable. One of the worst problems you can run into is a broken or rusted chain. This predicament can cause the chain to loose strength and possibly break. Rust can also create jagged edges, which can be dangerous if you have small children. Luckily, it is incredibly easy to replace broken or rusted chains. All you have to do is unhook the chain from the swing and from the suspension hook. Then, replace it with a new and un-rusted chain that is cut to the appropriate length. The tools needed to cut chain are available at any hardware store, or they can cut it for you. This simple replacement will keep your family safe and your swing usable.
Although this repair is very simple and will not take much time, I know how easy it is to procrastinate on your chores. However, it is CRUCIAL that you replace your chain as soon as you notice any rust! Your chain has a much increased chance of breakage if you continue to use a rusted chain, and you will endanger your family every time they use it until the chain is replaced.

How to Clean Your Cushions

So I’ve already told you how to care for your wooden furniture. It’s important to regularly clean your furniture to keep up the appearance of your yard. However, one of the biggest problems you might run into is keeping your outdoor cushions clean. If these get dirty, it is pointless to clean the wood because everything will still look bad. Plus, no one want to sit on a dirty cushion! Here are a few quick steps for general outdoor cushion cleaning.
Step One: Start by brushing off any loose dirt that is on the surface of the cushion. You can use your hand or a towel if you would rather.
Step Two: Mix up a cleaning solution that is a quarter cup (2 ounces) mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water. (Make sure your water is no more than 100 degrees)
Step Three: Using a soft bristle brush or sponge, wipe down the entire surface of the cushion.
Step Four: Allow the cleaning solution to completely saturate the fabric
Step Five: Rinse the fabric thoroughly with clean water
Step Six: Just allow the cushion to air dry.

If you just follow these simple steps on a regular basis, you will keep your cushions in top shape! They will be clean, attractive, and totally sit-able!

How to Build a Backless Bench (Part Two)

In my last post, I started telling you how to make a quick and easy backless bench project. Here are the rest of your steps to finish up your beginner carpentry project.
Step Six: Insert the other brace between the legs, above the point of the "v." Drill pilot holes and fasten with wood screws.
Step Seven: Stand the leg frame right side up and center the backless bench top on top of the legs. Drill pilot holes through the bench top and into the ends of the legs. Drill two pilot holes for each leg. Insert the wood screws and attach the top and the legs.
Step Eight: Lay the backless bench on its side. Position the bench sides longwise and flush with the bench top at a 90-degree angle. Drill pilot holes through the sides and into the legs. Insert the wood screws to attach.
Step Nine: Finish up by sanding the edges and surface of the backless bench and apply whatever finish you want.
And that’s it! Nine easy steps to creating a backless bench on which you can sit back, relax, and reap the rewards of all your hard work.

How to Build a Backless Bench (Part One)

A backless wooden bench is a great addition to any backyard. It creates seating and adds ambience to your yard. Not only that, but it is pretty simple to make, so it is a fun and easy project for the beginner carpenter.
Step One: Using a 1-by-8 pine board, measure and cut one piece of wood 30 inches long (for the backless bench top) and two pieces of the pine 18 inches long for the legs.
Step Two: Measure and cut two pieces of wood from the 1-by-4 pine board. Cut each of these pieces 30 inches long. They will be used for the backless bench sides.
Step Three: From the 1-by-2 pine board, measure and cut two 20 inch long pieces for braces for the backless bench.
Step Four: Place a "v" on one end of each leg piece, 2 inches from each long side and 5 inches up from the bottom. Cut out the "v" using a jigsaw.
Step Five: On a level work surface, stand one of the legs on its top end. Then set a brace on one long side and position it against the leg at a 90-degree angle. Drill two pilot holes from the outside of the leg and into the end of the brace. Insert the wood screws into the pilot holes and attach the brace to the leg. Repeat to attach the other leg to the other end of the brace.

Keeping White Furniture Clean

Wooden furniture can be painted virtually any color, to create a unique look that is perfect for your backyard. One of my personal favorites is white paint. I think it gives your outdoor furniture a crisp, clean, classic look.
Regrettably, this look can be somewhat difficult to maintain over time, if you do not routinely care for your white furniture. White is an incredibly difficult color to keep clean. Because it is so light, it will show even the tiniest amounts of dirt and grime, ruining the look of your furniture. Unfortunately, with painted wooden furniture, you have to be very careful about what cleaner you use. In fact, the best care is in most cases the least invasive cleaning possible. Many polishes and waxes will damage the paint and the color.
Therefore, to keep your furniture clean, vacuum it regularly with a brush attachment, and wipe off dirt and smudges with a sponge or soft rag. Be sure just to use water and a mild soap. Avoid strong cleaners, because they can strip the paint off the furniture or cause the color to fade. If you need to use wax, use a hard paste wax no more than once a year.

How to Keep Your Wood Clean

Regular cleaning is essential to keep your handcrafted wood products at their best. Daily cleaning can prevent the build-up of dirt and stains, and will keep your wood looking beautiful, longer. It also keeps you from having to spend a really long time cleaning or damaging the wood with harsh cleaners. Here are a few tips for how to keep you wooden furniture clean with daily cleaning.

• Be sure to dust your furniture daily because gritty dust can scratch wood surfaces. You can use either a feather duster or a cloth. Dusting everyday keeps grime from building up on your furniture.
• Clean up spills right away to avoid stains.
• After cleaning, be sure to wipe up any excess water or cleaner with a soft, dry cloth because standing water can cause your furniture to warp.
An excellent product to use for cleaning wood is Murphy’s Oil Soap. There are many different varieties of this cleaner from which you can choose. Click here to find the right Murphy’s product for caring for your wooden furniture.
A little discipline in cleaning and caring for handcrafted wood products will save you time doing heavy cleaning later, and will also keep your furniture in the best shape it can possibly be.