Tuesday, July 17, 2012

The Power of Teak.

Over the weekend, I used linseed oil to give our patio set a perk up. I am now a firm believer in the power of teak. Stephane bought this set in 1996! That's 16 years ago and it turned out amazing. We have left it outside, even over the winter and neglected it the last few years but a quick coat of linseed and it's good as new.

Here it is before. It's grey and weathered. I actually didn't mind the aged patina but it really needed some tlc.


Here is the set now. If I had know it would turn out so well, I wouldn't have waited so long to get it done! I still need to give the chairs a second coat but they are fine for now!



While we're at it, I thought I'd share more photos of how the deck is coming along. The upper deck is still in progress so I'll share those another day. But for now, here is the lower/main portion.


Of course, Beaufort had to make an appearance. This is his happy place!


I'm very anxious for the plants and shrubs to grow. When I look back at photos from when we planted them, they certainly have but I want it to feel lush... next year or even the year after, I suppose. Patience!


We still want to plant a few trees as well. I'm thinking a dwarf Japanese Maple and some weeping pea shrubs. It will feel a bit more private and add to that lush feeling that I'm after. Again, patience, Jane.


The catwalk is my favorite part. The only thing I requested, when we started planning, were long steps that could be used for seating and laying in the sun. I'm not a fan of narrow steep steps. He came through on that request.. that's a long step! I love it.


We plan to work on the upper deck a little more this week so I'll be back to share it soon. 

Hope the sun is shining where you are!

20 comments:

  1. I am certain that patience is the hardest part of working in a garden. I always want things to look 'grown in' and lush NOW! That being said, your back yard is looking beautiful and I love the simple, modern design of your deck. I hope you guys spend lots of time out there enjoying all your hard work. I would be sitting on one of those cool chairs with my coffee right now, if I were you!

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  2. Who's! I can hardly sliver the difference. I'm embarrassed to say I didt know you could put linseed oil on it. Talk about worth the time. It's like rand new. The yard sure looks amazing.

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  3. Looks fantastic. Can't wait to see more.

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  4. Oh my goodness Jane! How picturesque your backyard is! So beautiful.

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  5. What a difference, it looks great with your furniture pieces! Love the beautiful backyard retreat you're creating!

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  6. Woah! The difference is amazing. I must do that on my old set. It is gray and beat up. Where do you find linseed oil?

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  7. That is an easy and amazing makeover on the furniture. I had no idea it was that easy to care for. And I love how your backyard is coming along. The little yellow stool is wonderful!

    Angela

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  8. Good for you! It looks amazing in that dark stain. So envious of your large, pretty space.

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  9. Wow... Jane im shocked. The new coat of paint totally made a big difference! I totally agree what you said about tweaking...i'd rather make better adjustment to the stuff i already have then to go and buy something new! Your backyard is really beautiful...especially where you put your patio set beside the big tree. WOW! love it all!

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  10. Wow - gorgeous - love how you spruced it up - but really the whole thing is just beautiful!
    Hugs,

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  11. What a great space! My mom has a saying about gardening that I have to agree with ~ The 1st year they sleep, the 2nd they creep and the 3rd they leap. It helps me be patience with them when I start thinking they just aren't growing fast enough.

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  12. Wow, your backyard is AMAZING! It's incredible how far it's come in such a short time! I can't believe how much the shrubs we planted last year have already filled out, so hopefully you won't have to wait too long for that lush backyard oasis you're going for :)

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  13. Dear Jane, it really is coming along leaps and bounds.

    If it looks this great now wait until all the plants grow. It'll look fabulous.

    What a beautiful place to sit and relax.

    Paul

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  14. I love it dark! Your yard is looking so pretty.

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  15. Great makeover! You have an amazing outdoor space.

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  16. Your deck & yard look fantastic! Once the plants grow a bit more and you get the lushness that you want, you may never want to go back into the house!

    The teak set came out great. Teak is an awesome wood for outdoors.

    Enjoy your new outdoor space :-)

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  17. Jane! That is amazing!!! I can't believe that it is the same table and chairs! Your yard looks fabulous.

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Love hearing from you! Thanks so much :)