Archive for March, 2009

Freeform Stretch Tents Frequently Asked Questions

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

What kind of fabric is it?

Freeform™ Tents are made out of a two-way stretch fabric specially developed for this application. The fabric is incredibly strong with a two-ton or a 260KPA bursting point. The unique feature of the fabric is its retractable stretch. When a pole is removed the dimple retracts to its original shape. This means poles can be positioned anywhere allowing for a unique shape every time you rig the tent.

There are 2 different grades of fabric within the Freeform™ tent range:

Freeform™ Stretch 1-Ply
Freeform™ Stretch 1-Ply is our flag ship product. It is treated with UV protectors and water repelling chemicals making the tents water resistant. The fabric is processed with a UV Absorber and a Teflon coating and has a built-in fire retardant.

This product will keep you dry in a light rain, but in a heavy rain you can expect a light mist to form on the underside of the fabric.

Freeform™ Stretch 3-Ply
Freeform™ Waterproof 3-ply is a double strength 100% waterproof product.

Size Guideline
Freeform™ can manufacture any size tent from 9m2 to 400m2. As tents are modular in design, larger areas can be covered by connecting two or more tents together.

If you are not sure about what size you require, you can either measure up the area and send us a rough drawing along with digital photographs of the area you wish to cover, or we will visit your home and conduct a full site inspection.

Is there a maximum or minimum size?
Our panel size is 1.54 by any length in metres although we do not exceed 20 metres. Where a larger tent is required, separate tent ‘modules’ can be laced together.

What is the difference between a tent and a canopy?
Tents or Marquee are generally large freestanding structures with two or more sides down, while canopies are pulled off an existing structure. Either way, a tent can be transformed into a canopy and a canopy into a tent if size permits.

Garden Landscape Furniture

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

the garden furniture

Every good landscape designer knows that the outdoor furniture that is included in the landscape design plan is a very important part of making the outdoor spaces work for the homeowner. When beautiful and durable furnishings are incorporated into the overall design of lawns and gardens, wonderful spaces are created that allow the owners and their guests to make the most of the enticing areas around the home. Comfortable garden furnishings will help guests feel welcomed to your home and garden as well.

A good landscape design not only creates beautiful surroundings, but the most beneficial landscaping concepts carve out additional living space that extends the effective square footage of a home. Depending on the size of your land and the actual design of the landscape, these outdoor living spaces can sometimes double the area people have for gatherings of friends and family. The seating arrangements make a huge difference in how well these spaces are ultimately used and how you guests will enjoy your efforts at entertaining out of doors.

There is a wide array of furniture that is made specifically for use in outdoor areas. There are styles that range from formal and elegant to relaxed and comfortable. Many different materials are used in making the frames of outdoor furnishings and also for the cushions and coverings that are used to make them comfortable and inviting.

When selecting garden furnishings, some people like to choose styles, colors and textures that blend in and reflect the overall design of the landscaping around their home. This approach tends to create a harmonious blend that helps people relax and feel more drawn into the garden surroundings. Greens, browns and the more muted tones of nature are popular for those who like to create a gentle flow between their garden design and the furnishings they add.

Other homeowners enjoy furnishings for the garden that pop out and get attention. Often the colors are bright and the designs are bold and not meant to blend into the natural background. The pieces usually have an artistic feel and are meant to make a statement and sometimes reflect the personality of the homeowner. These kinds of choices in outdoor furnishings will create a lively atmosphere for fun and frivolity.

Another approach that some people take for their outdoor living spaces is to make you feel as though the patio or the garden you have just stepped into is simply a continuation of the interior living space. This is achieved by choosing styles, colors and fabrics that very closely emulate the furnishings inside the house. Many people like this approach as it can trick the eye and make both the home and garden spaces seem larger as they flow together seamlessly.

In addition to properly setting up your outdoor living spaces with wonderful garden furniture, you want to be sure that you don’t neglect good lighting for the space. Landscape lighting is a wonderful way to further add ambiance and charm to your outdoor living areas, not to mention it is essential if you will be entertaining after sunset.

Outdoor Wedding Décor Ideas

Monday, March 30th, 2009

When you have an outdoor wedding the outdoor wedding décor should incorporate certain elements of your surroundings. This is after all why you decided to have your wedding outdoors. There are little touches that you can add from the centerpieces to the chairs that will make it feel more natural.

The important thing to remember about outdoor wedding décor is that it should be kept simple and casual. An outdoor wedding is more relaxed than one held indoors at a hotel or restaurant. This can be a very affordable way to have a wedding as you don’t have to decorate too much, hopefully your location does a lot of the work for you.

Centerpieces

Centerpieces are often very expensive; with an outdoor wedding you can save a lot on this part of the decorations. Because you want a relaxed feel you don’t want the typical arrangements. If you really want it to feel relaxed why not choose mason jars filled with flowers as your centerpieces. With the right flowers this can be a simple and very pretty part of your outdoor wedding décor.

Another centerpiece idea is to have a small watering can filled with flowers as your centerpiece. You can buy small watering cans from a dollar store. This is a cheap and fun way to decorate. Another alternative would be to use fish bowls and float flowers and candles in them for an elegant touch.

Gazebo

If you are going to be married under a gazebo or arch then the outdoor wedding décor will probably be concentrated on this area. If the bride is entering the garden from a house then be sure to make sure that the decorations extend to outdoor patio décor. Flower arrangements on these structures should be kept flowing and natural, anything too structured looks stiff and out of place in outdoor wedding décor.

Lighting

If lighting is needed for a reception or ceremony that goes into the evening then make sure it fits with your theme. Fabric and paper lanterns are beautiful and inexpensive. Another option, though perhaps a little harder to execute, is to have lights in bird cages in trees and around the area where the wedding is being held.

This is another unusual touch that can add to your overall outdoor wedding décor. If bugs are going to be a problem then citronella candles are a must to keep your guests happy. There’s nothing like bug bites to ruin a wedding.

Go here for more about home decorating ideas and interior design tips

Outdoor Grills - You will enjoy the many advantages of buying a grill cart

Sunday, March 29th, 2009

Outdoor cooking can make your summer party so much more enjoyable. The way most people cook outdoors is with the use of a grill. With a grill you can cook your food using direct heat without a lot of added oil or fat. Food cooked on a grill will retain its natural flavors and juices.

The two main types of outdoor grills are gas fueled and charcoal. Most grills will come on a cart made from steel. For a small fee most retailers will assemble your new outdoor grill cart for you. Some of the higher end outdoor grill carts feature welded joints and full axle wheels.Stainless steel grill carts will provide you with a place on which to put food and utensils. A standard feature on grill carts is a side tray which is either stationary or folding. The most durable shelves and trays are made from cast aluminum or stainless steel.

Some of the other features that you will want to look for include an interior rack to warm food, a stainless steel or porcelain coated steel firebox, and a lid to keep the cooking temperature constant. Some of the other options you can have for your grill include an electric rotisserie, griddle pan, smoker drawer, and fuel gage.

Grills are very simple to operate and most foods will cook faster than they would in a normal oven. Both gas and charcoal grills are available in many different styles and sizes. You will need to assess your cooking needs and determine which one will work best for you.

For many people the choice between gas and charcoal is often a matter of the taste each kind gives to your food. Some prefer gas because it starts quickly and can be used immediately. Most people agree that outdoor cooking is a great alternative to cooking indoors. Enjoy your yard more with outdoor grilling. The memories of your children sitting around the patio in the evening enjoying grilled hot dogs will be with everyone forever.

Guidelines For Using Concrete To Improve Your Outdoor Living Space

Sunday, March 29th, 2009

In today’s economic climate many people are finding that it is better to improve their current home than buy a new one. Often people who need to sell a home need to make improvements and investments in order to get the highest price possible. There is a host of ways to improve the look and value of your home. Some of the most effective include landscaping and improving the homes “curb” appeal.

The use of concrete stone molds and manufactured stone can make these projects more affordable. The term used for stones created from concrete molds is manufactured stone. Many things are made using this process including stone veneer, decorative concrete, and stepping stones. This is a project that many do it yourself homeowners can successfully complete. Although some practice will be necessary to get your desire look it won’t take long for you to learn how to do it expertly.

There are several advantages to making your own stone from concrete using molds. The low cost is probably the most attractive advantage,. Another advantage is that man made stone will weigh less than real stone. This makes it so much easier to put them where you want them. The large selection of molds and colors available gives the option of customizing the look of the concrete stones to get exactly the look that you want.

You can use concrete molds to make stones at home for much less than it would cost to purchase real stones. With a little practice nobody who sees them will be able to know it is not the real thing. Real stones are used in the production of molds so they give you the look and texture of real stones. The result is a look that is beautiful and natural. Learn more about the beauty of concrete landscaping and how it can make your outdoor living area more appealing.