Big Green Egg Demo Day: An Egg-citing event

There's nothing like firing up your first BBQ of the year on a warm summer day. The sizzle of the grill, the smell of the food, and the warmth of the sun create the perfect atmosphere. But what if there was a way to elevate this experience even further? That's where the Big Green Egg comes in!

The Big Green Egg has a remarkable 50-year history of delivering exceptional results. It is renowned for its distinctive style and, most notably, its ability to produce a variety of delicious dishes. This one-of-a-kind invention is outstanding and we think it's definitely worth celebrating!

So, to commemorate their 50^th anniversary, we hosted a Big Green Egg Demo Day here at our showroom, and what an egg-cellent day it was! On the 27^th of May, we opened our doors and turned our garden furniture showroom into a fine dining experience for everyone to enjoy.  Our guests enjoyed mouth-watering food cooked on the egg by our very own in-house culinary expert, Royan, followed by a demonstration on how to use the egg to its full potential. 

But it wouldn’t have been a celebration without bubbles so, of course, it was all washed down with a glass of prosecco! Everything we had on offer including delectable chicken wings, steak, rubs, and beverages were very kindly provided by Big Green Egg themselves, so we were able to give our guests the perfect dining experience.

Is the Big Green Egg worth it?

Absolutely! This innovative BBQ offers more than just another way to cook your meals– it provides a lifetime of unforgettable culinary experiences. Constructed with NASA-grade ceramics, the Big Green Egg comes with a lifetime guarantee. Not only is it highly durable and able to withstand the elements, but it also maintains its appeal throughout the year. Additionally, you have a variety of cooking options to choose from, allowing you to prepare any type of meal, whether you're grilling, roasting, baking, pan-cooking, or smoking, it really does provide you with endless possibilities.

It doesn’t stop there! Depending on your requirements, there are a variety of sizes to suit your every need. If you’re looking to cater for a bigger party, you may want to consider the XL Egg for multi-dish meals. If you’re seeking something for the family to enjoy, the Large Egg is your best bet! And if you’re looking to simply cook for yourself and a loved one then you could opt for the MiniMax, perfect for small groups or for using alongside another egg!

What’s more, our contemporary Bari Kitchen Range is the perfect addition to house your Big Green Egg! At GFC, we offer a range of specially designed components that fit this oven perfectly. You can choose from fixed units or trolley units that give you the flexibility to move your oven to any space in your garden. The Bari Kitchen Range is sleek in design and carefully crafted with high-quality materials including teak, adding an elegant touch to your outdoor kitchen area. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or simply enjoying a peaceful evening meal, the Bari Kitchen Range enhances the functionality and style of your outdoor cooking experience. With its durable construction and versatile options, you can create the perfect setup that suits you and your specific cooking and entertaining needs.

So, if you’ve been looking for a way to enhance your BBQ parties then look no further than the Big Green Egg! You won’t be disappointed.

 

GFC 2022 ROUND UP!

We have had quite the year here at GFC; from RHS shows to gazebo installations, it has been a very busy 12 months! We do have a lot to look forward to in 2023, but here is a little reminder of our favourite moments from 2022.

 

Show Exhibitions

This year, we have had a brilliant time travelling around the country to exhibit and showcase all our amazing products for visitors far and wide! In March, we kicked off with the Homebuilding and Renovating Show in Birmingham where we debuted our brand-new Eclipse gazebo for the first time! This was definitely a big hit at the show with its sleek powder coated aluminium design and striking motorised roof!

As summer began, we were invited to exhibit at two RHS shows; Hampton Court and Tatton Park! We had a fantastic time at both shows meeting people from all around the country, as well as showcasing our magnificent stand! Don’t worry if you missed us this year; we are returning to a great range of shows in 2023, so keep your eyes peeled!

 

Installations

It is safe to say that our installations team have had quite the busy year! From our infamous Galaxy gazebo range to our brand-new Bioclimatic Pergolas, our installers have been all around the country! Our most memorable install was in Northern Ireland where one customer chose to go with a beautiful pink frame for their Bioclimatic Pergola to match their exterior décor! We also had a great time installing our Pergolux at Spot-On-Wake where it is now used as their control centre for the best view of the park!

 

Deliveries

There is never a quiet moment at GFC! When we are not installing, we are completing hundreds of deliveries each week to our customers! On some occasions, we deliver to our dedicated trade customers at their stunning locations in different parts of the country. Our most notable deliveries included Olton Golf Club and Peak Edge where our stunning furniture is on display for all their guests and visitors to enjoy.

As well as trade deliveries, we have a great time meeting all our retail customers far and wide who have kindly made an order! Whether your order is big or small, we appreciate every customer who chooses to shop with us!

 

Competitions

During the year, we have launched many competitions to give everyone the opportunity to win our fantastic products! In the summer, we held one of our biggest competitions of the year where we asked our existing customers to send in their best pictures of our products. We had such a large volume of entries that we extended the prize draw to award our top 10 pictures! Take a look below at some of our entries…

 

Thank you to everyone from staff to customers for a great 2022! Stay up-to-date on our socials for all our upcoming events and news in 2023!

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It is safe to say that the cost-of-living crisis has affected all of us, especially when it comes to our energy bills. However, as technology has advanced in the last 10 years there are now multiple ways to cut the cost of your energy bills with renewable energy sources. At the Garden Furniture Centre, we have launched our new brand Kingdom Solar which supplies all your solar energy needs! You might be wondering; what are the financial benefits of solar energy? Why is solar energy the best alternative? Do home solar systems help you save energy bills? In this blog post, we will break down why solar energy is the future and how our new range of solar products will kick-start your renewable energy journey!

What is solar energy, and how can it be beneficial?

Solar energy is an extremely positive and sustainable way to produce renewable power whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions which in turn will improve our climate and ecosystems. What is more, solar energy will significantly reduce the cost of rising energy bills as you do not solely rely on the national grid. Ultimately, solar energy allows you to generate your own electricity which can lead to you becoming more autonomous with your household energy. All you need is a little sunshine, and your solar system will do the rest!

So, where do we start?

At Kingdom Solar, we have a variety of solar products to start your renewable energy journey in your own home! From power banks to micro inverters, you will be able to sustainably produce solar energy to power your home or business.

Solar Panels

As the cost of energy bills increase, it is quite the opposite with solar panels as they are becoming a lot cheaper to source. Solar panels basically absorb the sun’s rays and create a renewable flow of electricity which can be stored or used straight away. Solar panels are also designed to withstand any harsh weather conditions and are extremely low maintenance meaning that you can enjoy them for years to come! If you want to find a sustainable way to provide clean, reusable energy, then our solar panels are the best way to start.

Battery Storage

Evidently, solar panels will not produce energy at night however, you can store any excess energy using our solar batteries! These batteries give you the freedom to use any unused energy whenever you please. By storing excess solar energy in batteries, you can cut down your electricity bills, increase energy independence, and reduce your carbon footprint significantly to ensure you are running a sustainable and efficient environment. What is more, our IP65-rated battery storage units can be charged by solar panels as well as the national grid during off-peak hours and have high inverter compatibility!

Power Banks

Alternatively, you can opt to take your renewable energy on the go with our multi-functioning power banks. The Zendure Super Base Pro and Super Base V collections are crafted out of environmentally friendly materials and advanced battery technology which allows you to have a sustainable alternative to main grid power! Our power banks are easily portable and give your devices an extra lifeline when you are in remote areas or during a power outage. You can choose the size of your power bank and even add our satellite batteries to maximise your energy storage so that you can power your household or business purely on renewable energy.

Inverters

Another sustainable way to bring renewable clean energy into your household is with our inverters and inverter kits. These are a cost-effective way to produce on-grid electricity which can be used to power your household or business. We have a selection of hybrid and micro inverters which all operate by converting DC power from your solar panels into usable AC power. With the choice between our hybrid and micro inverters, they will give you peace of mind in the event of a power cut as well as drastically decreasing your outgoing energy bills.

What is more, our inverters are fitted with easy Wi-Fi configurations via its bespoke app which gives you accurate data checks for maximum power point tracking. The design of our inverters is compact and elegant to fit in with any interior space as well as having minimal noise when in use, integrated diecasting technology, and quick plug terminals for easy installation! Click here to read more about our inverters and how they can help you save on your energy bills!

Now that you know all about the benefits of solar energy, you can check out Kingdom Solar by clicking here and see how you can start your solar energy journey!

Or you can visit our showroom in Wootton Wawen where we have our solar panels and micro inverter on display for you to view!

A few months ago, we had the pleasure of installing our bespoke Luna Retractable Awnings at The Galley Hall in Hertfordshire! Our retractable awning sits comfortably over their outdoor area for guests to enjoy food and drink whatever the weather. In this post, we are going to delve further into the features and benefits of our Luna Retractable Awning and why it is the perfect design for any domestic or commercial area.

What are retractable awnings and what is their main feature?

Retractable awnings are a revolutionary structure designed to provide a stylish and sophisticated shelter for your outdoor area. With our completely bespoke designs, you have the control to find the perfect shape and size for your outdoor area whether that be commercial or domestic. The main features that are included with our retractable awnings are their PVC polyester fabric canopy, dimmable LED lights, and motorised canopy roof powered by Somfy motors.

It goes without saying that the main feature of our retractable awnings is the smooth retractable roof mechanism that is easily operated through the remote control. The roof gracefully slides from one end to the other with minimal noise, creating the perfect ambience for your guests whatever the weather. The roof is also equipped with impermeable features and is resistant to tearing, abrasions and erosion so you can enjoy your awning all year round.

Can awnings withstand harsh weather conditions?

Retractable awnings create the freedom for you to extend the outdoors even during the colder months. Their robust aluminium frames are crafted using unique injection systems that will last you a lifetime of stability in any climate. Their sturdy nature also means that they are extremely low maintenance and can withstand winds up to 100km/h and a weight of 50kg against rain and snow! The canopy roof is finished with a robust film lining that is located on the top and bottom layer which provides further insulation and UV protection.  

What are the uses of awnings?

There are many ways that a retractable awning can benefit your outdoor space. It can accommodate and shelter a larger space for guests at your business, or friends and family in your personal outdoor area. Not only will this shelter your guests and furniture, but it give you the freedom to regulate the changing weather conditions throughout the day. The retractable roof is fitted with white LED dimmable lights which enhance your outdoor area during the darker periods of the day, especially when the winter months come around.

Furthermore, our retractable awnings can be fitted with manual or motorised screens to create an intimate and private area for your guests! They can also cut down on energy costs if you have rising energy bills by keeping your function or gathering outside so you can turn off any indoor heating systems for a few hours. With their versatility and stylish design, our retractable awnings offer a wide range of benefits for both commercial and domestic areas!

At the Garden Furniture Centre, we had the pleasure of installing our bespoke Luna Retractable Awning at The Galley Hall in Hertfordshire. This quaint family-run pub dates to 1374 when it was originally a farmhouse that soon turned into the infamous Galley Hall during the 1830’s. The pub now runs as a beautiful location for weddings, parties, or just to catch up with friends!

By talking to our gazebo specialist Chris, we guided them through the different features and customisations to accommodate all their personal preferences. This included adding bespoke motorised screens on the front, which also act as a doorway, as well as their choice of canopy and desired size.

Once the awning arrived, our installations team got to work, and the results look incredible! Visitors at The Galley Hall can now sit and relax with friends and family without worrying about the weather, as well as the pub now having an increased dining space for functions and events.

We are so pleased that The Galley Hall is happy with their Luna Retractable Awning, and we wish them the very best with their future endeavours! Watch our video below to learn more about our Luna awning on-site at The Galley Hall: 

If you want to view our range of Luna Retractable Awnings or gazebos, then click here or pop down to our showroom in Wootton Wawen where we have an extensive range of products on display for you to view! 

Our Local School Defibrillator Fundraiser!

 

At the Garden Furniture Centre, we believe that the health and safety of all our staff and customers is one of our highest priorities. Last year, our staff received their first aid training and it came to light that defibrillators are a key necessity in public areas in the unfortunate case that someone is experiencing a cardiac arrest. With some extensive research, we found that our local primary school, Wootton Wawen Church of England Primary School, did not have a defibrillator on their site. Ultimately, we decided that this needed to change as access to a defibrillator can be the defining difference to saving a life.

 

 

With this, we launched our Galaxy gazebo fundraiser to provide the local school with their own defibrillator to give them the best possible chance of saving a life! The buyer was offered an exclusive discount on one of our 3.5 x 3.6m Galaxy gazebos with 100% of the payment used to purchase a state-of-the-art defibrillator machine for the school!

What does a defibrillator do?

 

It is known that a defibrillator, when used within the first minute of a cardiac arrest, can increase the survival rate of the patient by 90%! However, if the defibrillator is administered during the next 3-5 minutes, then the survival rate decreases to around 74%. Nevertheless, this can make all the difference to save a life in the event of a cardiac arrest.

 

A defibrillator primarily sends an electric shock into the heart to try and reinstate a normal rhythm when there is an uneven heartbeat. Standard automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, are the most common defibrillators which can be used by any member of the public in the case of an emergency. These are fitted with sticky electrode pads which send information to the computer within the AED to determine the status of the patient’s heart rhythm. If there is a need for an electric shock, then the electrode pads will deliver one.

 

Why have defibrillators in school?

Fundamentally, health and safety in schools is an extremely important factor that needs constant attention. You may not think of children being at risk of cardiac arrest, however, there should still be the relevant systems in place should a cardiac arrest occur to an adult or child. Installing a defibrillator in schools is extremely important and ultimately can mean the difference between life and death for both children and adults.

 

 

What is more, this will educate both teachers and pupils to understand the importance of having a defibrillator on site whilst also benefiting the surrounding community! More accessible defibrillators in local vicinities will increase the chance of survival for anyone who suffers from cardiac arrest.

 

Our Defibrillator Fundraiser

With this information about how important defibrillators are to the local community, our Director Jon made it his mission to raise the necessary funds to provide a defibrillator unit to the local primary school! We decided to offer one of our Galaxy bioclimatic gazebos at a discounted price to cover the cost of the defibrillator, and we had a great response from our customers!

 

However, we were pleased to have sold the entire gazebo to our generous buyer Ken, who has installed it to create a multi-purpose outdoor area! Ken informed us that he was “extremely pleased with the result’ and congratulated us on “providing a defibrillator for the school”. We are so pleased that Ken is happy with his outdoor space, and we are also thrilled that our local school now has the defibrillator system in place to provide the necessary life-saving equipment for the pupils, teachers, and the surrounding Wootton Wawen community!

If you are interested in any of our bioclimatic gazebos, then visit us at our showroom in Wootton Wawen at Yew Tree Farm, or click here to view our gazebo range!

                               

The Bioclimatic Pergola: What is it?

 

You may or may not be familiar with the term ‘Bioclimatic’, but needless to say it is making its name in the garden furniture world and we are on board! Bioclimatic primarily refers to the relationship between the climate and living beings. In an architectural view, this is demonstrated through Bioclimatic building designs with extreme consideration for the surrounding climate to provide comfort and thermal regulation.

 

 

What are the benefits of Bioclimatic Pergolas?

Adding a Bioclimatic Pergola in your outdoor area is very advantageous for a number of reasons! The main benefit is that you have a structure outside where you have complete control over your external environment to avoid any interruptions whether you are relaxing or hosting an event! This will also lengthen the time you can spend outside throughout the year due to its climate control features. The Pergola is mainly powered through the motorised louvered roof system which we will get into later on!

 

 

 

 

 

At the Garden Furniture Centre, all our Bioclimatic Pergolas can be made completely bespoke, giving you full control over the design and finish to match your outdoor exterior (and they don’t need any planning permission)! Carefully crafted out of durable aluminium components and finished with AkzoNobel Brand coating, this will provide maximum protection against any weather conditions! Adding a Bioclimatic Pergola will certainly bring a new innovative ambiance to create the perfect place for rest and relaxation whatever the weather!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, how does it all work?

It may all seem a little overwhelming and complicated in theory, however in reality you will not believe how simple it is! Fundamentally, the Bioclimatic Pergola system functions via the motorised louvered roof which is operated with a simple remote control. The use of a louvered roof means that you can regulate and monitor how much shade and sunlight can enter the Pergola to determine the desired temperature. With this, you can create the perfect temperature and environment to suit your surrounding climate! These louvered panels are fitted with a sophisticated rubber strip which prevents any draft or leaks when fully closed.

 

 

Another fabulous feature is the drainage system that is discretely hidden within two of the legs! When the inevitable happens and the heavens open, the rainwater will run into the drainage channels and down through the legs where it is dispersed underneath. This means you do not have to worry about any heavy rainfall damaging your garden furniture so you can stay outside whatever the weather!

 

 

What additional features are included?

 

Our Bioclimatic Pergolas not only cater to your surrounding climate, but they also emit style and sophistication with their additional features! All our Pergolas are fitted with RGB and LED lights to create the perfect setting whether you are entertaining guests or simply winding down with your nearest and dearest. The LED lights are elegantly positioned within the louvered roof and come with different brightness settings at the touch of a button!

Additionally, our Bioclimatic Pergolas also include RGB lights around the perimeter of the gazebo which not only creates a stunning display, but is also fitted with sophisticated Bluetooth technology to mimic the rhythm of your music! Both the LED and RGB light features come complete with a remote control for you to operate at any time!

 

 

 

You also have the option of adding our elegant glass sliding doors to complete your Pergola which slide and lock together to create a robust glass wall! These doors are optional; however, they are extremely beneficial for keeping any wind or rain away from the interior. What is more, you will still have full visibility of your outdoor scenery so you don’t miss a thing!

 

Take a look on our website to discover more about our Bioclimatic Pergolas, or better yet come and visit us at Yew Tree Farm in Wootton Wawen to see one for yourself!

Watch our video below of our brand-new T6 Bioclimatic Pergola being installed!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A quick guide for optimising your small outdoor space!

Nowadays, it is becoming more and more popular that houses and apartments are fitted with smaller outdoor spaces, which may cause you to wonder how you are going to utilise this space to dine, entertain, and more importantly, relax. Luckily, this post will take you through the best ways to make your small outdoor space the best part of you home; from organising sections to dine and lounge, to recommending the best garden furniture we have to offer!

 

What are the benefits of an outdoor living space?

One of the obvious benefits of having an outdoor area is its ability to promote a happier and healthier environment for you and your family. Taking the time to switch off and pulling yourself away from indoor distractions, this allows you to reset and refresh in the comfort of your natural surroundings. By sitting outside for periods of time, this can boost your vitamin D levels, improve your mood, work performance, and reduce stress!

How should you begin to organise your outdoor space?

When living with a smaller pace, you may need to take a moment and devise a plan to ensure your garden will be functional and practical for everyone to enjoy. It is important to consider having a declutter of everything you no longer need so you can use every inch of space available. If you do have a lot of clutter to sort through, it may be useful to categorise everything to give you the best possible chance of having a strong start. If you are struggling to know where to begin, here is a list below showing some examples of categories you could use:

 

• Gardening
• Cooking
• Cleaning and storage
• Furniture

 

This first stage is extremely important for you to prepare and plan how you want to utilise your space. Especially with smaller areas, this is the best way to get a sense of what to prioritise and how to organise your area. If you are tight for space, then it may be best to merge certain sections of your garden, such as creating a lounging and dining vicinity so you can relax and entertain for any occasion.

 

Which furniture would be best for you?

At the Garden Furniture Centre, we have a wide range of relaxing sofa sets, gazebos, and accessories which will certainly transform your small garden area into a haven of tranquillity and elegance. The main factor to keep in mind is to choose furniture that you can rely upon for years to come!

 

Corner sofa sets

One innovative way to save space is by adding a corner sofa to accommodate all your friends and family when they visit your brand-new garden! We have a great selection of corner sofas to cater to every taste whether you are more minimalist or wanting to have a pop of colour. Notably, our Montana and Fiji range are our most popular and versatile styled furniture, with the ability to add matching tables, dining chairs, and even wall panels!

However, if you are looking for something a bit more modern and simplistic, then our Life Outdoor Living range will certainly suit your taste! Our Mini Nevada and Timber corner units are stylishly created out of powder coated aluminium and finished with our elegant all-weather cushions to create the perfect lounge area!

 

Gazebos

There are many benefits when you include a gazebo within your garden area, especially if you are looking to make the most out of your smaller space. The main feature of having a gazebo is the shelter it will provide for your guests, and more importantly your brand-new furniture! Our Galaxy and Eclipse gazebo range will certainly be a great addition to any outdoor area no matter what size! Both gazebos are fitted with a louvered roof and a sophisticated drainage system to ensure nothing underneath will get soaking wet! Our Eclipse gazebos are also fitted with LED lights and a motorised roof which will look spectacular in the night sky when entertaining guests, or if you are just winding down in the evenings.

Alternatively, you may want to opt for a wall mounted gazebo which will not only save space but will also create a discrete shelter for your garden furniture! You can find our wall-mounted gazebos within our Eclipse and Four Seasons range which will surely suit any outdoor area.

 

Folding, Stackable, and Durable Furniture           

You may wonder what the benefits are of folding furniture, however it is one of the best ways to incorporate additional seating and dining facilities within your smaller space. You may have only a small patio area to fill, so a gazebo might not be the right fit to optimise your garden space. Furniture that is stackable and can fold away easily is a nifty way to alleviate space when hosting larger gatherings, or if you wanted to store your furniture during the colder months. Our Balmoral, Westminster, and TNT folding chairs which are not only stylish, but can be discretely stored and packed away when required!

Benches are another clever way to add additional seating to your outdoor area if space is limited. If you are a minimalist or love a splash of colour, then our range of benches will surely cater to any individual preference. Whether it is teak or recycled metals, you will certainly find your perfect match with our extensive range!

 

Planters

Most small space gardens lack the correct facilities to grow herbs and plants which could be something you may want to pursue. Luckily, the addition of planters will undoubtedly allow you to incorporate homegrown herbs and flowers to provide fresh ingredients for your cooking, as well as releasing pleasant aromas into your garden! Our simplistic reclaimed teak planters are the ideal way to subtly add plants, trees, or flowers to your garden whilst adding a modern finish to your space due to its intricate detailing and minimalist structure. Or if you are looking for a twist on reclaimed teak, our Ikal planters are stylishly designed out of reclaimed teak root to create the perfect place for your flowers to thrive!

On the other hand, you may want to add one of our Think Outside planters that come in a variety of shapes, objects, and sizes that will definitely take centre stage! Whether it is Lily the Lady Bug, Sammy the Snail, or even Dynamo the Dog, there is something for everyone!

And there you have it! There are so many ways to make your small outdoor space a haven of rest and relaxation for you to enjoy without breaking the bank! Why not visit our showroom in Wootton Wawen to explore more ranges of furniture, accessories, and gazebos for you to get started!

 

 

UPF Ratings: Why Does It Matter?

With the hot weather fast approaching, you might be wondering how you are going to shade yourself from the blazing sun to enjoy your garden parties or just to relax with friends and family. At the Garden Furniture Centre, we listen to all our customers’ queries about sun and UV protection. So, to ensure we can answer all your questions we have laboratory tested our products to give you the most accurate answers. All our parasol canopies are fitted with a 50+ UPF rating which will give you an excellent protection against harsh UV exposure! In this blog post, we shall explore what exactly is a UPF rating, why it is important, and why you need to take precautions to protect yourself from harsh UV rays in the summer.

 

What is UPF?

UPF is the acronym for ‘Ultraviolet Protection Factor’ which basically shows how much UV radiation can reach your skin through certain fabrics. For example, a UPF rating of 30 to 49 will give you a very good protection from UV rays, whereas a UPF rating of 50+ is regarded as an excellent protection and can block out 98% of the sun’s rays. Notably, it is a requirement from The Skin Cancer Foundation that fabrics needs to have a UPF rating of at least 30 to meet their Seal of Recommendation.

It is important however that you know the difference between UPF and SPF, as it does become confusing with so many different variations! The main points to know are that UPF measures the amount of UV radiation that can infiltrate the fabric to eventually reach your skin. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) on the other hand actually considers how long it takes for skin that is exposed to UV rays to become red, for example if you begin to have sunburn after 20 minutes exposed to the sun, then a sun cream with an SPF of 15 will protect your skin for 15 times longer than without it!

 

But what is UV radiation?

UV radiation is the natural energy produced by the sun and is not visible to the naked eye, but your skin can sense it. Ultimately, there are two types of UV radiation that can contribute to the development of skin cancer: Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). UVA is typically associated with the ageing of skin, whereas UVB is linked to skin burning. When you are unprotected and exposed to both these radiations, the damage can be detrimental to your skin as the DNA in your skin cells become damaged, resulting in genetic defects or mutations which can all cause skin cancer.

 

What is more, severe UV exposure that causes sunburn does have a major role in producing melanoma, which is one of the most well-known types of skin cancer. Consequently, UV radiation is an extremely powerful way to attack your skin and can cause issues that range from just a few wrinkles to possibly a critical case of skin cancer.

 

So, what can I do to protect myself from harsh UV rays?

In short, it is important that you do everything you can to protect yourself from harsh exposure to UV radiation so you can prevent any harmful developments to your skin in the future. The main way is to wear sun-safe clothing and sun cream to let your skin have the best protection. Notably, you might want to host dinner or summer events in your garden and will need extra shade for your friends or guests to sit under. As previously mentioned, our range of parasols are fitted with canopies that have been laboratory tested and have been approved of having a 50+ UPF rating, meaning that these canopies will prevent 98% of UV rays coming into contact with your skin! Placing any of our parasols in your garden will give you the best defence against the harsh summer sun whilst adding a great element of style to your dining or lounge area.

 

Why not check out our amazing range of parasols? Click the links below to view them on our website:

Cantilever Parasols

Wall Mounted Parasols

Stand Alone Parasols

Commercial Parasols

LED Parasols

Parasol Canopies and Covers

We would love to see your parasol pictures in your garden, so please share them with us on our socials and you might get featured!

Welcoming Our Home-Grown Hemlock Picnic Table!

At the Garden Furniture Centre, we are always passionate about locally sourced products to ensure that we can keep our surrounding community close to the heart. Our latest project is one that is extremely close to the GFC family and will certainly play a big part in the future for our business. With this is mind, we are welcoming a new range of picnic tables manufactured out of Western Hemlock wood which is sourced and manufactured in our woodland on the family farm! Partnered with the brilliant skills of Coppice Creation, these picnic tables are a unique and sustainable design for our extensive garden furniture collection!

Coppice Creations

This locally run family business is one of the last remaining places that use the method of coppicing to create the most magnificent designs! All their products are carefully crafted on their site within the Wyre Forest area which allows the sourcing of the wood to be extremely sustainable and safe for the surrounding woodland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Wyre Forest area is the largest woodland National Nature Reserve in England meaning that it is nationally protected to preserve wildlife, habitats, orchards, and valleys! Notably, this area is known for being a popular hunting spot around 900 years ago, which makes this forest rich in history.

With these unique coppicing methods used by Coppice Creations for over 45 years, this ultimately protects and shelters not just the wildlife and species within the forest, but also the history that is embedded within the area.

What is Western Hemlock?

This tree was initially introduced to Britain in the mid-1800s and is now one of the most used woods in the UK today! Interestingly, Western Hemlock was a very important herb for female warriors in the Kwakwaka’wakw tribes at the turn of the century. They would use the wood and leaves to make head dresses to perform ceremonial dances for the community and tribe members.

These trees live for around 500 years with a dark, reddish-brown bark colour which looks magnificent as it begins to age. The wood is generally used for decking, building construction, flooring, and of course garden furniture!

Our Brand-New Hemlock Picnic Table

With all the amazing benefits and history of Western Hemlock, we thought this would be the perfect material to create our new range of picnic tables! Crafted on site at our own farm by Coppice Creations, these A-frame picnic tables are sustainably and locally sourced from start to finish to encase the deep, rich history of the forest and the community. Whether you are using this commercially or domestically, this unique table will comfortably seat 6 to 8 people for you to relax and unwind with friends and family in time for the hot summer season!

 

What makes this table so unique and special to us is its representation of locally sourced materials and businesses coming together to produce products to be enjoyed by everyone over the country, and the world!

Why not come to our showroom at Yew Tree Farm in Wootton Wawen to have a look at our new Western Hemlock picnic table as well as many other fantastic products we have on display!

Here is What No One Is Telling You About Teak Root Furniture!

 

Teak wood is notably one of the most popular materials for manufacturing garden furniture due to its durability and rot resistant qualities. Significantly, it is teak root which possesses the most unusual and artistically delicate character when manufactured into furniture. The obscure shaping and unique design of teak root will certainly enhance the character of your indoor or outdoor space, as well as having the additional benefit of being magnificent to look at! Well, in this blog post we are going to delve into the art of how teak root furniture is manufactured as well as demonstrating the benefits and care you should be aware of when purchasing any teak root product!

 

What makes Indonesian teak root furniture special?

Indonesian reclaimed teak is undoubtably the most desired material for manufacturers due to its versatility and striking appeal. Typically, teak trees are grown in warm tropical rainforests due to their high temperatures and rich soil benefits. Harvested from disused teak trees, manufacturers use the roof section to produce tables, benches and much more due to its strength and weather resistant qualities.

 

With the age and complexity of the root, these products are uniquely crafted so each one is completely different! This is achieved through its dense grain, which is not only appealing to any wood lover, but is also a reflection of the brilliant quality these trees are so well-known for! This particular part of the tree is rot resistant and organically shaped, so it is perfect for making furniture into artistic and intricate sculptures for everyone to admire!

 

How do I know the quality of outdoor teak furniture?

With our teak root furniture, it is sourced from small villages in Indonesia to ensure all of our products are full of character and individuality! However, to measure the quality of teak root, then we have the main points for you to look out for!

 

 

Firstly, it is the colour that is the main indication to distinguish the quality of the teak wood. If it is deeper and richer, this highlights that the level of natural oil content is extremely high. Another way to check the quality is to look for any splitting or cracks which should not be visible when the teak wood is of an exceptional level. What is more, the wood should not be stained, coloured, or treated with any additional protectors before or after purchasing as the raw materials found within the wood are already enough to protect it for years to come!

 

However, you might be wondering what the best way might be to treat outdoor teak furniture? Well, the main factor to remember is that teak furniture is extremely low maintenance and requires little to no treatment in the first few years. However, as the natural ageing process begins, the teak wood will transform into a silver-grey patina. This will happen with any teak furniture when left to age gracefully, and some agree that this change in colour actually begins to give the furniture its character! However, if you do not wish to have this gradual change in colour, then it is best to use a teak protector to maintain its golden hue.

 

 

Teak Root Furniture at The Garden Furniture Centre

At the Garden Furniture Centre, we are proud to have a great selection of teak root furniture that is sustainable and artistic to suit everyone’s personal tastes! Notably, our Naga, Regina, and Ace ranges are a favourite with our customers due to their intricate designs and unique formation to create the most impressive sculptures! These tables all come complete with a tempered glass top for you to place your food and drink which is perfect for entertaining friends and family.

 

Alternatively, you can match your teak root table with our reclaimed teak root lamps which emulate style and sophistication with their sculpturesque stature! With an essence of individuality, these lamps will certainly fit and look the part in any indoor or outdoor area to add elegance and originality for you to admire. What is more, our teak root furniture stretches further with items such as our root benches, Xilon Root Bottle Stand and Ikal Planters showing that teak roots can be manufactured into just about anything!

 

So why not come and see our magnificent selection of teak root furniture at our showroom in Wootton Wawen! Make sure to share all your photos with us on our socials of your favourite teak root item!

 

Click here to check out our teak root range!