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You've decided it's time to buy patio furniture. You're not the sort to go rushing to the nearest store, slap your credit card on the counter ask for whatever durable, sturdy outdoor furniture happens to be available a the moment. No, you're the sort of person who has a distinct sense of style. In the ages-old dialectic between form and function, you think form should lead. Mosaic Defined:Mosaic is the craft of making images out of tiny bits of stone, glass, pottery or other visually interesting material. The bits are known as tesserae (or tessellae if they're smaller). They are arranged to create a pattern or picture. The end result of this process is known as a mosaic. The history of the mosaic predates the Roman Empire. Many times, including Roman times, mosaic was considered a major art. Today the technique is mostly used for decorative purposes, such as adorning outdoor furniture. Mosaic patio furniture is attractive. Mosaic Patio Furniture There are a lot of different ways to construct mosaic patio furniture. Some are made of wood, ranging from a cheap, short-lived southern pine patio set to exotic, durable teak and mahogany. Other patio sets are made of metal, with wrought iron and cast aluminum generally being the materials of choice among the aesthetically pleasing options. Commercially available mosaic patio furniture is usually constructed from wrought iron or cast aluminum. Wrought iron and cast aluminum can look very similar and either can look great as mosaic patio furniture, but bear in mind one thing. Mosaic patio furniture is not as weather resistant as the same patio set without the mosaic would be. Different materials respond to temperature differently, expanding or contracting at different rates. With three different materials-the glass, stone or pottery of the tesserae or tessellae, the grout that holds the tesserae or tessellae together, and the material the outdoor tables themselves are made from all expand and contract at different rates. This can cause breakage, so bear in mind that when you choose mosaic patio furniture, you're making a commitment to put it away during inclement weather. Wrought iron, or cast aluminum designed to look like wrought iron, looks good with mosaic and can make for an beautiful patio set. Wrought iron and cast aluminum can look almost alike and both can look stunning as mosaic patio furniture, but keep in mind one thing. Mosaic patio furniture is not as weather resistant as the same patio set without the mosaic would tend to be. Caring For Your Mosaic Patio Furniture Mosaic outdoor tables show wear in various ways. Small cracks in grout, small holes in stone surfaces, and oxidation are commons signs of weathering, and will happen eventually regardless of the mosaic patio furniture's quality. How is Mosaic Patio Furniture Constructed? Mosaic tables can be made of marble or stone. They can make for strikingly beautiful patio sets when combined with wrought iron or cast aluminum. The mosaic is assembled by setting the tesserae into the grout. Often, this is done by hand rather than by machine. Once the mosaic is finished, it is very important to seal it with a Fluorocarbon, which is an industrial-grade sealant. Some blistering of the silicone top sealant and ageing of the materials may occur, but your mosaic tabletop will be reasonably durable. You should wash the wrought iron or aluminum frame with a mild soap, and water, also. Make sure you rinse it and dry it thoroughly. Remember, iron rusts. It's a good idea to treat the frames with liquid wax, as it will protect our mosaic patio furniture from ultraviolet light. Be careful not to use abrasives or chemicals as they may damage the finish. Mosaic is durable, but not the most durable material available for use outdoors. You will likely have to make sure you take reasonable care of it. Your mosaic patio furniture will bring you beauty and grandeur for years to come if cared for properly.
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