http://www.pagodafurniture.co.uk The latest news and updates from Pagoda Furniture en-us http://www.pagodafurniture.co.uk/rss.xml Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:59:12 +0100 The Barbecue Summer of 2009 may not have materialised as promised by the experts, but dont stay glum for too long, because the people who really know our weather have promised us that its coming for 2010 instead!The Met Office got it horribly wrong last summer, and their winter forecast wasnt much better either, meaning theyve now decided to stop issuing long-term forecasts altogether. But the little known Positive Weather Solutions correctly gauged the weather outcome for both seasons, and theyre now excitedly gearing up for the hat-trick by telling us to expect potential record temperatures this summer, including above average readings between June and August, including an early August heatwave.For those who remember our hottest ever summer, 1976, the odds are that were going to better that in 2010, so you know exactly what Pagodas advice will be stock up on the beers, burgers and barbecue lighter fluid, because youre going to be spending a lot of time outdoors!Make the garden your outdoor lounge this summer, with our wicker range ideal for lounging in the sun. With names like Alexandra and Vienna, Monaco and Milano, our range of tables, chairs, recliners and beds have names that transport you to exotic faraway places and now the UK can also boast the temperatures to match!Choose your favourite from our woven wicker range and get those barbecue dates penned in your diary all summer! http://www.pagodafurniture.co.uk/news/id/13 http://www.pagodafurniture.co.uk/news/id/13 Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:27:27 +0100 Our warmest congratulations go to Terry Sweeney of Liverpool who has been drawn out of the hat following our winter competition and will soon become the proud owner of our fabulous Wicker Recliner Suite.Terrys prize is the perfect accompaniment to what Positive Weather Solutions (the company who surpassed the Met Office by forecasting last summers rain and this winters freeze) are predicting will be a summer of record temperatures, and will allow him to enjoy countless hours savouring the outdoors throughout this summer and for many years to come.Interest in our competition was phenomenal, with well over 5,000 entries during the two-month promotional period.It just goes to show that sun seekers all over the country recognise the quality of Pagoda Furniture, and we hope that those that didnt win can take consolation from the fact that our 2010 range is still available in all good retailers. Prepare for the warmer months by picking out the items of your choice now and take full enjoyment later when the sun comes out and stays out! http://www.pagodafurniture.co.uk/news/id/12 http://www.pagodafurniture.co.uk/news/id/12 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:10:42 +0000 Our fabulous competition to win a Wicker Recliner Suite has attracted thousands of entries so far are you in with a chance of winning?You only have until the end of March to join nearly 4,000 other entrants in the hat if you want to secure this superb centrepiece that would look stunning in any garden.The draw takes place on March 31st, so get your entries in to us no later than 11.59pm on Tuesday 30th March via our online entry form.Well announce the winner via our blog on Wednesday 31st March better then than a day later in case you think that being told youve won is some sort of elaborate April Fool! http://www.pagodafurniture.co.uk/news/id/11 http://www.pagodafurniture.co.uk/news/id/11 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:08:36 +0000 The first signs of summer are finally here, and whilst it may have taken the country a little while longer than normal to warm up this year, hopes are high for a long hot summer, so make up for lost time by getting outside and making the most of your Pagoda garden range!As spring develops, our already popular new 2010 range is going to come under increasing demand, and by the time the sun really does begin to shine, you may find that many of our stand-out designs have already been snapped up by lovers of garden life.Make up for the disappointing summer of 2009 by heading outdoors as early as the conditions will allow and do it early. April and May are the third and second best months respectively for avoiding rainfall in the UK, so you can plan open air events with greater confidence in those months when the temperatures re-appear.From sturdy traditional hardwood tables to relaxing woven wicker recliners and protective, attractive gazebos, we've got allsorts within our range to enjoy a great garden summer in 2010 click here to find your nearest stockist or contact us to enquire about your favourite product in our latest catalogue. http://www.pagodafurniture.co.uk/news/id/10 http://www.pagodafurniture.co.uk/news/id/10 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:32:17 +0000 Outdoor furniture is a good investment and with proper care and cleaning, you can enjoy your outdoor furniture for many years. Use the following guide to care for your garden furniture before storing for the winter. You can clean most outdoor furniture with soap and water. A pressure washer with 12001350 psi is useful for cleaning many types of outdoor furniture, but you must use a low setting. In addition to cleaning, there are maintenance steps you can take to help your furniture last longer: Wicker outdoor furniture can be cleaned using a hose or pressure washer. Simply remove the cushions and spray off dirt and spills. If the wicker is especially dirty, use a sponge, mild soap and cold water to wash. Allow the furniture to dry completely. Then apply a paste wax to the frame to keep it shiny and water-resistant. Some types of wicker are weather-resistant, making care easier. Store cushions indoors and keep frames covered during the off-season. Wooden outdoor furniture that has been coated with an exterior-grade varnish can be cleaned using soapy water. Be sure to completely rinse the furniture with clean water. In addition before storing for the winter, lightly sand and apply a good coat of teak oil.Please note that all hardwoods overtime show cracks, movement and expansion. These are part of the natural weathering process and do not detract from the woods original strength and durability. Fabric outdoor furniture such as hammocks and cloth chairs should be machine-washed using the gentle cycle. Add bleach for white items. Hang outside to dry. To avoid shrinkage, stretch back over the frame before the fabric is completely dry. Frames should be cared for based on the material. Store fabric furniture indoors during the winter. Umbrellas require maintenance after being in storage. Covers need washing and umbrella frame joints need oiling. Wash covers using a soft-bristled brush, mild soap and cold water. Use a spray lubricant on the joints of a wire-frame umbrella. If you have a wooden-frame umbrella, use paste wax to restore its shine. Aluminum, wrought iron and steel frames require cleaning with water and mild soap. Many modern metal frames are rust-resistant or rust-free. If your metal furniture is not, paste wax or naval jelly can be used to protect from corroding or rusting. http://www.pagodafurniture.co.uk/news/id/9 http://www.pagodafurniture.co.uk/news/id/9 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:39:53 +0000 November has arrived in less than welcoming circumstances, bringing with it a trail of wind and rain to signify winters grasp taking hold making this a perfect time of the year to be thinking about garden furniture!You may consider it madness to be contemplating outdoor life in these conditions, but were not suggesting you should attempt an underwater barbecue or try to sit back and read the paper in a gale we simply dont want you to leave it too late to stock up for next year which is going to be a great year to enjoy life outdoors, we promise!As soon as any signs of good weather come along, demand for chairs, tables, parasols and everything else in our popular outdoor range experiences a surge, and you often find that by the time youve bought your accessories, the sun has gone inside again, and your chance to enjoy life in the light has passed.Instead, stock up now, so that youre ahead of the rush and ready to enjoy next summer. Thats a message that goes out to both stockists and homeowners, with retail units urged to order now to meet demand when you experience it, and garden enthusiasts advised to get your order in now to give you something to look forward to throughout the otherwise unfulfilling winter months. If youve got a conservatory, you could even use your furniture indoors with a garden view in order to give you a taste of whats to come, without having to brave the chill.As our headline suggests, we want you to get the furniture in, which is also sound advice to anyone already enjoying the Pagoda range. Our products are designed to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at them, but if you want your favourite outdoor items to be in the best possible shape for 2010, why not bring them indoors perhaps to a shed or garage so that theyll be just a short dusting down away from being as good as new when the first warm rays of the new year shine through.Take a browse around the site now to decide which combination would look best in your garden next summer. http://www.pagodafurniture.co.uk/news/id/8 http://www.pagodafurniture.co.uk/news/id/8 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:44:47 +0100 We will be seeing plenty of dry and settled weather for many parts of the UK which will be accompanied by a good deal of sunshineIt looks like it is going to be very warm and humid for most of us particularly across inland areasAll in all rainfall predictions look below average and the sunshine forecast looks very encouragingSo crank up the BBQ and enjoy your Pagoda furniture http://www.pagodafurniture.co.uk/news/id/5 http://www.pagodafurniture.co.uk/news/id/5 Wed, 20 May 2009 09:22:24 +0100 The Pagoda Furniture Blog will keep you up to date on all our exciting developments on the website and with our collections.Check back regularly for new items, and feel free to use the comments system if you've got something to say! http://www.pagodafurniture.co.uk/news/id/4 http://www.pagodafurniture.co.uk/news/id/4