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  • Clean & Maintain Your Stove

    Clean & Maintain Your Stove

    Cleaning a Vitreous Enamel Stove

    The high gloss vitreous enamel finish on your stove is tough and hardwearing but should be treated with care. Here are some tips to help you keep it in the best condition:

    • Cleaning must be carried out when the stove is cool.
    • Regularly wipe the stove with a damp, soapy cloth, followed by a polish with a clean and dry duster. For stubborn deposits, carefully use a non-abrasive, soapy pad.
    • Only use products that are recommended by the stove manufacturer. Most stove companies sell their own brand of approved enamel cleaner. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions on the cleaning product.
    • Do not use abrasive pads or oven cleaners containing citric acid on enamelled surfaces.

    Cleaning a Matt Black Stove

    You only need to use a dry cloth on your matt black  stove to remove any dust or dirt. Do not use any water on the matt black finish as this will cause it to rust.

    You can refresh a matt black stove with a fresh paint finish, either by brushing on tinned paint or by spraying on an aerosol paint; both available from Topline stores. Here is a brief step-by-step guide to painting your matt black stove. Please also follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions.

    1. Prepare
    Brush down the cast iron using a grade one steel wool, ensuring that an even coat remains on the surface. Then dust the area.

    2. Apply Paint
    Apply the paint evenly over the surface. Two to three coats may be required depending on the condition of the original paint. Do not paint on thick coats and always allow the paint to dry thoroughly between coats. Allow the final coat to dry overnight.

    When firing the stove for the first time since painting, open a window as the paint will give off a smell during this first use.

    Cleaning Glass on Stoves

    Typically the glass will clean itself when there is sufficient heat generated by burning fuel. If a build-up of creosote occurs on the glass it may be due to draught conditions, poor quality fuel or low burning for a long time.

    Only clean the glass when the stove has thoroughly cooled. Either use a stove glass cleaner or hot water and a soapy cloth to clean the glass. For stubborn stains also use a fine (grade zero) steel wool.

    Prevent stove glass from blackening with the following tips:

    • The air wash system is only effective on higher rates of burn so ensure the fire is blazing strongly before closing the vents.
    • Avoid poor grade or damp fuel, which exacerbate the condition.
    • Even with good quality fuel, low burning will sometimes show this condition, however when the draught is opened it should clear up.

    Prolong the Life of your Stove

    • Do not burn fuel with a high moisture content such as damp peat or unseasoned timber, as they lead to a build-up of tar in the stove and chimney.
    • Burning soft fuels such as timber and peat can stain the glass. Regular cleaning will prevent permanent staining.
    • Do not burn rubbish or household plastic.
    • Clean the flue ways of the stove every month and ensure there no blockages. Please refer to your stove manufacturer’s manual for instructions as they vary from stove to stove.
    • Clean the chimney at least twice a year.
    • Before loading fresh fuel into the stove, fully remove all ashes to allow better and cleaner burning.
    • Never allow a build-up of ashes in the ash pan, as this will cause the grate to burn out prematurely.
    • Allow adequate air ventilation to ensure plenty of air for combustion.
  • Space Saving Ideas

    Space Saving Ideas

    Keep, Store, Donate or Bin

    Space_Saving_Ideas_01

    Before trying to save space, make sure you need it. It’s surprising how quickly Christmas and birthday gifts, clothes, toys and books can accumulate. Sort everything into four piles: keep, store, donate or bin. Only items that have been used in the last 6-12 months should make it into the “keep” pile. Items that aren’t regularly used but have sentimental value or that are likely to be needed in the future should go in the “store” pile. Everything else should be donated to friends, family or charity, or if they are worn out they should be binned.

    Get Clever with Storage

    Are you sure you’ve made use of the existing space in your home and outside it? Are there items that don’t currently have a home in your home, and just tend to sit there? Putting things away as much as possible rather than having them on show, will give a cleaner and much more relaxing feel to a room. Small touches like a wickerwork basket for post and magazines will make a difference. Look for multi-functional pieces of furniture, like a footstool with storage inside or sleek and stylish cabinets, which fit neatly into an unused corner. Outside, adding a small garden shed or a coal bunker to your garden can provide valuable storage for items like fuel, patio furniture cushions, cleaning supplies, etc.

    Add Shelves, Rails & Hooks

    Adding some shelves high up on a wall, above door frames, or in alcoves can look stylish when used to display the right items. Give less attractive items the cabinet space. A single glass shelf across a window can look great with house plants on it, freeing up further countertop space. If you want to get really hands-on, you could look into carving out a shallow alcove between wall studs, which can be great for a book display. Adding hooks and rails to the insides of cabinet doors make ideal spots for hanging saucepan lids, utensils, tea-towels, etc. Hooks and racks that match your décor can also look great on kitchen walls for displaying utensils or spices. Magnetic strips are also very handy for holding utensils in the kitchen or tools in your shed.

    Scan, Save, Recycle

    If you’re hoarding boxes of old greeting cards, letters, photos and  other papers, maybe you could scan some of them in and save them to your computer. You can then also save them to an external hard-drive to be safe, and shred and recycle the real things to save more space.

    Add Lights & Mirrors

    Once you have reclaimed space, you can optimise the results by boosting the light in the room. Banishing any shadowy spots with lamps and mirrors will make a room feel bigger and brighter. This combination further increases the perception of space.

    Tip: make a room feel bigger by placing curtain poles as close to the ceiling as possible, and hanging curtains which just about reach the floor.

  • How to Clean Windows

    How to Clean Windows

    Step 1: Check Weather​

    The best time to clean your windows is on a cloudy day. If you work on them while the sun is shining, it will dry your cleaning solution too quickly, leaving streaks.

    Step 2: Wash Exterior Window

    Fill up half a bucket with warm water and add some washing-up liquid. Soak your sponge in the bucket and wipe the window from top to bottom and side to side thoroughly to remove as much dirt as possible.

    Step 3: Squeegee Exterior Window

    Swipe a window blade (squeegee) from top to bottom across the window to remove excess suds. Wipe the blade with a cloth after each stroke. Keep repeating this step until the glass is completely dry.

    Step 4: Dry Exterior Window Frame

    Window_cleaning_Step_04

    Use a cloth to wipe the window frame dry. This will stop water from dribbling down onto any panes below and will help create a tidy finished look.

    Step 5: Window Vacuum (Optional)

    An alternative to a window blade is an electric window vacuum. This tool is highly effective at cleaning windows and avoiding streaks.

    Step 6: Spray Interior Window

    For interior windows, start by spraying thoroughly with window cleaner.

    Step 7: Polish Interior Window

    Window_cleaning_Step_07

    Give the window a firm wipe with a cloth from top to bottom and side to side to get rid of all dirt.

    Step 8: Remove Remaining Streaks

    Window_cleaning_Step_08

    To remove any remaining streaks, simply scrumple up some black and white newspaper and rub the streak thoroughly. It should eventually disappear.

  • The Best Ways to Remove Mould & Mildew

    The Best Ways to Remove Mould & Mildew

    Mould and mildew are fungus cousins and have similar features: both like moist, warm areas; can grow on a multitude of surfaces, and of course, they are both unwelcome fungi that no homeowner likes to see in their home.

    But these two fungi have striking differences when it comes to size, colour and texture:

    • Mildew is a surface fungus that can be easily identified as a flat patch of grey or even white fungus lying on the surface of a moist area. Mildew has a nasty, musty smell and a powdery texture.
    • Mould can be black, brown, blue, green and even yellow in colour, and is often the result of a much larger fungus infestation. It can appear fuzzy or slimy in texture. Mould is far more dangerous than its mildew cousin, but both can be hazardous to your health.

    Did you know? Not all mould is bad. Penicillin, one of the most important antibiotics ever developed, was derived from penicillicum mould. Although, we wouldn’t recommend growing your own at home; best to leave that to the pharmaceutical scientists!

    Mould on titles Mould and mildew spores can easily travel through the air and settle on any home surface. They gravitate towards any surface with excess moisture or water build-up. The excess moisture can arise from leaky fixtures, flooding, bad drainage, poor ventilation, condensation or high humidity. Any source of moisture makes ideal conditions for mould or mildew.

    So mould or mildew has invaded your home, now what? Act quickly, roll up the sleeves and start removing mould and mildew by following these simple steps:

    Top Tip: When cleaning mould and mildew wear a facial mask to prevent breathing in mould or mildew spores.

    • Cleaning titles Mix a solution of equal parts bleach and water in a spray bottle, and spray it over the infected surface. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
    • This is the part where you will need to use some elbow grease… Using a stiff-bristled brush, scrub the affected area.
    • Rinse thoroughly and let dry.

    There are various products on the market specifically formulated for removing mould and mildew that can be used instead of bleach. Remember never to mix cleaning solutions as this can cause dangerous chemical reactions.

    • Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
    • Wear rubber gloves and old clothes to prevent skin irritation and stains or damage to your good clothes.
    • Make sure the room is well-ventilated.

    Prevention is better than cure! Here are a few tips and tricks for keeping mould and mildew at bay. 

    • Remove excess moisture from the air by using a moisture absorber such as the Unibond Aero 360° Pure Moisture Absorber System.
    • Fix all moisture problems in your home. Repair leaky roofs and plumbing fixtures. Ensure bathrooms and kitchens have sufficient ventilation.
    • Don’t let wet items linger. Avoid leaving damp towels on the floor or in laundry baskets for more than 48 hours as this is all it takes for mould and mildew to develop and find a new home.
    • Consider installing an electric extraction fan to remove excess moisture during showering or bathing.
    • If you haven’t got a fan, open a window when showering.
    • Paint areas prone to mould and mildew with anti-mould and mildew paint. This specialised paint contains a biocide that will prevent mould or mildew forming on its surface. Make sure not to paint it straight over mould or mildew as this will render the paint ineffective.
    • Adding insulation to cold surfaces, such as exterior walls and floors, will reduce the build-up of condensation and therefore prevent mould and mildew.
    • Increase air circulation in your home. Open windows regularly to allow fresh air to naturally ventilate your home.
    • Vacuum and clean regularly. This will help remove surface mould and mildew before it gets a chance to settle, grow and spread.
  • Ways to Conserve Water

    Ways to Conserve Water

    That annoying, repetitive dripping sound isn’t simply a nuisance; just one drop per minute can waste up to 190 litres of water per year.

    Leaks and drips will waste around 10% of your water supply, costing you money for no good reason. Address leaking toilets, pipes and dripping taps as a priority.

    Check toilets for leaks first. If you can see or hear water flowing into the toilet bowl, you have a leak. Some leaks are silent however; to check for these, add a few drops of food colouring into the cistern. If the colouring appears in the bowl within 20 minutes, you have a leak.

    Try to pack as much into each dishwasher and washing machine load as possible. Some washing machines have programmes designed for smaller loads, which are a great option when required as they will adjust the water level accordingly.

    Don’t pre-rinse dishes under the tap before placing them in the dishwasher. If they are encrusted and need a bit of work before they’re put in the dishwasher, soak them all in the one sink or basin of water; all you have to do is soften the deposit, the dishwasher will then clean them properly.

    A water butt will collect and store rainwater from your gutters, and make it easy to access and use. Most water butts even feature a tap that can be connected directly to your pressure washer. This rainwater is ideal for watering your plants, which actually prefer rainwater to tap water that contains salt and chlorine. The collected rainwater is also ideal for outdoor cleaning jobs. Aside from the small cost of a water butt it doesn’t cost you anything, while also helping to keep your water charges down. See our guide on  how to install a water butt.  

    Use the shower rather than the bath, it will use less water. Turn the water off while you brush your teeth or shave. Leave a bucket near the shower and use it to collect the water that runs while you wait for the temperature to regulate. This water can be used for watering plants or for household and cleaning jobs such as washing floors and windows. Shower quickly! Even five minutes less in the shower can save up to 75 litres of water.

     

    • Switch from boiling to steaming as a cooking method to reduce your water usage.
    • For a cold drink, keep a jug of water in the fridge instead of running the tap.
    • Use an energy efficient dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand. Surprisingly it uses much less water.
    • If your dishwasher was made in or before 1994, it will use on average 37 litres more water per cycle than a newer model; so hanging onto your old model may be a false economy.

    You can now find a selection of innovative water conservation accessories at hardware stores, which will either make existing appliances more efficient or help you in your efforts to use less water. Some examples include specialised shower heads, shower timers/alarms, water flow restrictors for taps, water displacement apparatus for toilets, and new low water toilet flushing systems.

  • Decorate a Child’s Room

    Decorate a Child’s Room

    This is one area where you can let your imagination run wild! Using fun and colourful designs, paint and accessories, you can create an exciting atmosphere for your child to enjoy. It is their space in your home and it should reflect their personality.

    Shopping List
    Paint swatches | Paint | Rollers | Roller tray | Brushes | Tarpaulin or laminated dust sheets | White spirits | Masking tape | Stencils | Stickers | Bean bags | Lamps | Curtains | Bedding

    Choose a Theme
    Choosing a theme before you do anything else is a great way to ensure the finished room will have a cohesive style and an effective look. The theme will also inspire you and influence your choices in paint colours, designs, bedding and accessories; helping to achieve a professionally-designed appearance.

    A theme for a child’s bedroom could be anything they enjoy, such as their favourite sport, cartoon, movie, hobby, book, animal or place. Alternatively, another fun way to choose a theme is to select an item such as a duvet cover you or your child really likes, and that can become your theme from around which you can base your design.

    Select Colours
    The paint colours you choose should match your objectives, the age of the child, and the theme. If your objective is to create a calming atmosphere for a very young or hyperactive child, calming colours such as light pastels may suit. To create a lively and playful space, vibrant shades from the primary colours family can be combined. Earthy tones will suit an adventurous child or theme, e.g. an animal lover. You may wish to consult an older child who would like an input into the colour choice for their room, and they may look to current fashion trends for inspiration.

    Also consider the furniture and size of the room. Using a lighter version of the main colour on smaller walls can create the illusion of a larger space, or it can also highlight a focal point in the room, e.g. the wall behind a novelty bed.

    Paint Preparation
    Before you start painting remove as much as you can from the room and cover the remaining furniture and the floor with dust sheets. Use masking tape to cover woodwork, trims, sockets and light switches.

    Fun Designs
    Adding some words, shapes, characters and patterns to the walls in a kid’s room can look really effective. Whether you have a steady hand and an artistic streak or opt for one of the many stencils and stickers available, it is sure to create the wow effect your child will love.

    Strategically place furniture in the room to make the most of the space available, and finish it off with accessories that reflect your theme such as bean bags, lamps, curtains and bedding.

     

  • Year Round Bird Care

    Year Round Bird Care

    Shopping list

    Bird seed | Suet balls | Peanut kernels | Bird feeding station | Nesting box | Fine wire mesh | Trees & shrubs | Ivy, honeysuckle, cotoneasters

    Feed the Birds

    Sourcing food is the primary challenge for birds as the ground hardens in winter; therefore it is important to leave out ample bird feed in a feeding station. Bird seed, nuts and suet balls provide them with the fibre and fat required to see them through the winter. You may find that your local birds favour one type of food over another. If you try a variety to begin with, you can avoid waste in the future by determining what it is the birds are looking for.  Here are a number of products we recommend:

    Bird-feeding stations

    They provide an all-in-one feeding, watering and bathing post, and are ideal for attracting a wide range of birds. These stations are particularly useful during the snow and ice as they provide a raised platform off which the birds can easily access the food. They should be free-standing and high enough to keep predators such as cats and squirrels from attacking any feeding birds or eating their food.

    Peanut kernels
    Rich in oils, peanuts provide a high-energy food source and are especially beneficial during the cold winter months.

    Suet balls
    These are highly recommended as they provide birds with a great source of fat and energy, through a combination of natural foodstuffs like oats, sunflower seeds and wheat flakes.

    Keeping Ice at Bay & Birds Safe

    Frosty weather makes it difficult for birds to find adequate water to drink and bathe in. As mentioned above, a feeding station is an essential addition for your garden. It provides a sanctuary for birds and is paramount to their survival at low temperatures.

    To prevent the bird bath from freezing over, place a small light rubber ball in the bath. The ball will move in light winds preventing the water from turning into ice.

    We also advise that you clean the bowl as often as you can to prevent the build-up of algae or bird droppings, which could harm the birds. Most importantly, do not clean the bird feeders or bird baths with chemicals, as this could poison the birds.

    Nesting Season: the Good & the Bad

    As the winter comes to an end and the weather starts improving, it is time to think about your feathered friends’ nesting season. Nesting season usually begins in February, and you can help the birds out at this time by continuing to provide food as well as a suitable place for them to nest. A nesting box makes another great addition to the bird lover’s garden. Birds will seek shelter to nest in, often a hole in a tree but failing that they may use a nesting box.

    The location you choose for your nesting box is vital. It should be placed at least two metres above the ground, in a sheltered spot facing between north and south-east to avoid exposure to strong sunlight, harsh winds and rain.

    You shouldn’t expect instant results as it may take a year or two before the birds become aware of the box. When birds do begin to nest there, we strongly advise that you do not try to look into the nest as this could scare the parents into fleeing the nest, leaving the chicks to die.

    In order to avoid problems from your nesting birds, you should do the following:

    1. Cover nearby pipes, vents, chimneys or any other similar points of entry into your house to prevent the birds from nesting there and potentially causing structural damage. Fine wire mesh coverings are available at hardware stores.
    2. Choose a nesting box location away from your patio area to minimise any visible mess which birds can leave behind.

    Attracting Wild Birds

    Long grass, dead leaves and bushes all attract birds to your garden, as they provide nesting material that is both local and familiar to them. Filling a garden with exotic, non-native plants will see your garden void of any native birds as they will be scared off by its un-familiarity. If you are creating a garden from scratch, you should consider a tiered design. For example, planting a tree surrounded by shrubbery and subsequently layered with flowers and grass is a great attraction to birds while also pleasing to the eye.

    A regular source of food will be a wild bird’s main priority; visit your local Topline store for a wide range of bird feed and stations. You can then compliment this with some garden plants and shrubbery, which brighten your garden and keep birds well-fed. Plants that produce berries such as ivy, honeysuckle and cotoneasters, provide a steady source of food for all varieties of birds

  • Top 5 Handiest Building Chemicals

    Top 5 Handiest Building Chemicals

    Caulks or sealants are used to seal cracks and gaps between building materials, both indoors and outdoors. Sealants are usually more flexible than caulk and are therefore the better choice for use in areas that heat and cool, expanding and contracting. Caulks are often more suitable for painting over. Both are applied using a gun.

    Thanks to technological advancements in recent years, sealants and caulks are now easier to apply, faster to dry, stronger, longer lasting, and available with a wide range of additional benefits choose from to suit your needs.

    Also known as spray foam, expanding foam’s most common use is insulating, followed closely by sealing. This can of liquid foam quickly expands and hardens once sprayed. It is ideal for sealing the gaps around the entry or exit of pipes, cables and wires; when the gap is less than 3 inches wide. This is essential for energy efficiency, to help keep your home warm, and to avoid damp and moisture damage. It is also handy for filling in large holes in walls. Once dried, it can usually be trimmed, sanded and painted. 

    There’s much more to adhesive than your standard household glue. Building adhesives will stick just about anything to anything, providing a rapid and easy way to complete a huge number of jobs. They come in an easy to use bottle with an elongated nozzle, and are available in a variety of colours. Some offer dual functionality and can also be used as a filler for gaps and cracks. Most are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and can be painted over once dried.

    With filler you can fill large or small holes, leaving a smooth, paintable and permanent finish, hard and strong enough to even support nails or screws. Ideal for repairing plaster, wood, brick, stone and rendering, filler is suitable for both interior and exterior use. The wide range of fillers available boast different benefits such as heavy duty, non-shrinking, crack resistant, and quick setting; they are also available in a variety of formats such as tubes, tubs and powder.

    Builders’ cleaning wipes such as the Everbuild Multi-Use Wonder Wipes, will quickly and easily clean up wet and semi-cured paint, sealant, adhesive, bitumen, expanding foam, oil, grease, and silicone. Excellent for tidying up tools and work surfaces, particularly on sites with no water, they’re also a must-have anti-bacterial cleaner for hands. Having a product like this on standby eliminates the need for a combination of other products such as rags, white spirits, water, washing-up liquid, hand wash, etc.

     

  • Outdoor Lighting Ideas

    Outdoor Lighting Ideas

    Outdoor lighting provides safety and assurance when moving around your property at night, boosts your security by warning off would-be intruders; and illuminates your landscape, showcasing it beautifully.

    Shopping List

    Floodlight | Security light | Lanterns | Bulkhead | Solar powered garden ornaments | Fairy lights

    Floodlights
    The strongest and brightest outdoor lighting option, floodlights are ideal for lighting up large areas well. Ideal for garden parties or working outside, they are a versatile lighting solution. There are many models available with different functions and features, such as motion sensors for instant reaction security lighting, LED bulbs for energy efficiency and fewer bulb replacements, and solar panels. They are also fitted with various types of mounting brackets and many offer adjustable angles to direct the light where you need it, ideal for outdoor uplighting. For lighting large areas well, mount floodlights high up on the nearest wall, pointing downwards. For decorative uplighting, floodlights work great from under trees or along the edge of a driveway pointed up towards the house. Just make sure the light isn’t going to keep you awake in your bedroom at night, make it difficult to drive by, or shine in your eyes as you walk into your house.

    Security Lights
    Built-in sensors detect motion and immediately turn the light on, both notifying you that motion was detected, and scaring away potential intruders by blowing their cover of darkness. They are available in all sizes and levels of brightness to suit any area. Features include: heavy duty covers, extra-long lasting bulbs, high distance infrared motion detectors, adjustable angle mounting brackets, and excellent energy efficiency. Burglars look for homes with little to no lighting, so even seeing this type of light mounted to your property will act as a deterrent.

    Lanterns
    Lanterns combine form and function as a decorative form of lighting. They are the ideal choice for highly visible areas, such as alongside your front door, on the pillars of a gate, or even freestanding on their own poles. They’re also perfect for patios to add charm and comfort for enjoying the long summer evenings. Some lanterns even feature solar panels and movement detectors.

    Bulkheads
    Bulkhead lights are a robust, heavy duty, exterior lighting solution. Often caged and always designed to withstand the elements, a bulkhead light has an industrial look to it. They are a suitable choice for use in areas where other types of lights might be more easily broken, e.g. where sports are played or work is carried out. They are also more affordable than alternative outdoor lights. These wall mounted lamps don’t protrude out as much as other options, making them ideal for areas with limited space.

    Small Garden Accessories
    There is now a wide selection of solar powered garden ornaments that will light up your pathways at night. Providing just enough of a subtle glow to help you find your way, these multi-functional garden accessories range from garden gnomes to glowing butterflies. Some simply sit where they are placed and others are stake-mounted, easily pressed into the soil. Being solar powered, you don’t need to worry about electrical connections and batteries.

    Fairy Lights
    A must at Christmas, outdoor fairy lights can also conjure up a party atmosphere throughout the rest of the year, e.g. at BBQs and get-togethers in your garden. They can be used to make a feature in your garden; wrapped around a tree or an archway for a stylish focal point. You will find our fairy lights in our Home Décor category with Christmas Products.

  • Create an Outdoor Entertainment Area

    Create an Outdoor Entertainment Area

    An outdoor entertainment area is fun to create and use, and makes a great addition to any home. You can design it to suit your personal needs and all types of gatherings, from a small family dinner to an all-out garden party for family and friends.

    Shopping List

    Paving | Garden furniture | BBQ | Chiminea

    And remember, a welcoming and attractive outdoor entertainment area will add value to your property.

    Even on a limited budget you can let your imagination run wild, and develop ideas that will impress your family and friends, and maybe even a jealous neighbour or two!

    Getting Started with a New Patio

    A patio is an excellent central hub for your outdoor entertainment activity, and will help you shape and design the overall area.

    Laying brick or concrete paving stones will create a stylish and functional patio. With patience, planning and some good old fashioned elbow grease, this is a project you can do yourself on any budget.

    When ordering paving stone, you will be faced with many different colours and styles to choose from. Sandstone or wet cast paving are on trend and give a beautiful finish.

    For a professional look, try spacing your patio stones a couple of centimetres apart, and then apply jointing compound to stop weeds growing in the spaces. Alternatively, apply an appropriate sealing product.

    Tip: The location of your patio will dictate where your outdoor entertainment will take place, so take all factors into account, e.g. shelter, sunlight, privacy, and access to electricity.

    Choosing the Right Garden Furniture

    Choosing the right garden furniture is essential to maximising the enjoyment of your outdoor space. Many factors should be considered such as the unpredictable Irish weather, the level of maintenance required, comfort, style, and budget.

    Look out for great budget friendly options with contemporary looks and features such as low maintenance and weather and rust resistance. Most ranges include a variety of sizes and colours to suit all tastes and needs.

    Our range of cast aluminium furniture provides long lasting durability with a 10 year structural guarantee.

    For a more classic, traditional look, consider our range of wrought iron and wooden furniture. Wooden furniture may require annual maintenance with wood varnish to preserve the wood, depending on weather conditions and exposure.

    For more information on our garden furniture, check out our range online or visit your nearest store.

    Outdoor Cooking

    hen designing your outdoor entertainment area, make sure you allocate a suitable area for barbecuing.

    If you are investing in a new BBQ, your first decision will be charcoal or gas, and there are opposing views on which is the better option. Some argue that a charcoal BBQ is essential to add the flavour of outdoor cooking to your food, and it can be cheaper than a gas alternative. However, some prefer the convenience a gas BBQ provides. The choice comes down to personal preference.

    Visit your local store for both types of BBQ in a range of forms and sizes, as well as advice and accessories.

    Keeping Warm

    With the vast range of innovative outdoor heating products available, the changeable Irish weather is no longer an excuse to avoid enjoying your outdoor space.

    A pop-up gazebo will provide valuable shelter, and a chiminea (Mexican fireplace) radiates ambience and warmth. Chimineas are made of durable cast iron and clay, and will hold a solid fuel fire to bring character and comfort to your patio or garden. They can get quite hot, so they should be positioned out