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A bench is a bench is a bench, right? That isn’t necessarily so. As a matter of fact, the traditional teak bench comes in a slew of different designs. So before you head to store or audition for the game show Jeopardy, know your Tahawus from your Essex.

Classic:
When you hear the words “teak bench,” this is most likely what you will envision. The simple rectangular shaped slatted seat is match by a right angled back rest whose slats run perpendicular to those of the seat. The bench sits on four legs and comes with two simple elevated armrests.

Columbia:
The Columbia teak bench is very similar to the classic design in that it has the regular rectangular shape with armrests and slatted back and seat. The difference lies in the curved back shape of the seat, which provides some amount of lower back support. Also, Columbia benches tend to have slightly more slats overall, and they are spaced more closely together. The seat slats also run parallel to the back slats, unlike the classic model.

Charleston:
The Charleston teak bench can take on many forms, but they are most commonly seen as being backless. They tend to have less slats that fitted more closely together, and simple crossbeam running between the bottom legs. Because of these qualities, the Charleston is an especially sturdy seat and makes a great piano bench for one.

Victoria:
This is one of the more ornate of teak bench designs owing to its elegant curving lines. The slatted back is curved on top and elongated to support backs more fully, while the perpendicularly slatted seat is slightly curved for added comfort. Finally, the arm rests are curved on top to better conform to the shape of limbs.

Saranac:
The Saranac bench is a backless model whose seat is made from two wide planks supported on the bottom by a parallel crossbeam. The thing that makes this design distinct are its four rounded legs, which begin close together on either end of the seat bottom and extend toward the ground in an A-shape. Similar to how swing supports look, this makes the Saranac a very stable style of teak bench.

Tahawus:
By far the most recognizable style of teak bench, the Tahawus begins with the same basic rectangular shape, slatted seat and arm rests. What is different is the back, which is characterized by an elaborate crisscross pattern of tapered wood poles. In addition, the edges of the seat and arm rests are rounded.

Essex:
The Essex bench, like the Charleston can sometimes possess many varying forms. The typical shape, though is almost identical to the Classic teak bench, with the exception of curved arm rests.

Savoy:
The Savoy teak bench is among the more elegant model. Similar once again to the classic shape, the variation lies in the more detailed and angled backrest, which creates added lumbar support above and beyond the typical upright backrest.

Lakeside:
The Lakeside bench emulates the worn and naturally weathered look of driftwood. With rounded edges and arm rests like the Tahawus, the Lakeside also features rounded tapering slats on the backrest.

Courting Bench:
Perhaps the most beautiful of any teak bench is the courting bench. When viewed from above, these attractive benches form an S-shape. The seat actually consists of two separate seats facing opposite directions, and separated by a curved arm and back rest which flows throughout the entire form.

Tonya Kerniva is an experienced research and freelance writing professional. She writes actively about Teak Bench and Rustic Teak Bench .Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/a-seat-by-many-names-the-types-of-teak-bench-935871.html

Concrete is no longer just for sidewalks. New surface treatment techniques have caused concrete designs to become one of the most sought after materials for concrete patios, floors, entryways, countertops, pool decks and more.

Because of concrete’s porous qualities and neutral tone, it is the perfect blank canvas for topically applied color. Using acid-based chemical stains, decorative concrete contractors have been able to achieve rich, earth-toned color schemes resembling natural stone, marble, wood, or even leather, giving a completely custom look to cement floors, concrete driveways, patios, walkways, pool decks, concrete walls and more.

Most acid stains are a mixture of water, hydrochloric acid, and acid-soluble metallic salts. They work by penetrating the surface and reacting chemically with the hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) in the concrete. The acid in the stain lightly etches the surface, allowing the metallic salts to penetrate more easily. Once the stain reacts, it becomes a permanent part of the concrete and won’t fade, chip off, or peel away. Newer, water based staining techniques offer a broad array of vivid colors.

There are endless options for applying unique concrete shapes in your home. This wonderful, natural and versatile material can enhance and beautify your surroundings. You are only limited by your imagination. Choose a concrete interior design and show your creativity rather than falling back on the old conventions of marble or slate.

Faux Finishing

Faux finishing can be a great way to add some unique flavor to a wall, ceiling, or floor. The process involves dabbing paint on a wall in various types of mottled textures to create a wide variety of looks. Special sponges used to dab certain glazes on a prepared surface can give the appearance of marble, while other techniques – such as using plastic tarps to wrinkle paint – can create an aged leather appearance of texture. The process and techniques behind the art of faux finishing is so varied and complex, it has recently hatched faux finishing schools . Despite its dubious name, faux finishing done well can have stunning results.

Organic Interiors

Interior walls that are made of grass ? A decorating trend that started in a few swanky restaurants in New York is beginning to spread to private homes in urban areas. A few companies, such as Argentinean company, Ustatic, are marketing a system of low maintenance grass wall panels. The organic design technique goes well beyond simply featuring grass as a potted plant. The “Wall Grass” is a system of rectangular grass panels, which function with a structural substrate which, combined with the grass roots, form a wall of considerable structural integrity. The grass can be used for decoration or as an alternative for small spaces without a backyard. This organic design trend might have a long life, as the grass wall purifies the air and offers a high degree of energy saving insultation. You can even use different, edible types of grass such as wheat grass that grow fairly quickly. Imagine waking up in the morning, going downstairs and pulling up a few sprigs of wheat grass for the juicer ! Catnip is another grass option that your cat will thank you for.

The upshot to all of this is there is a tremendous array of options for decorating your home, far beyond what many people ordinarily consider.

Article written by William Babette. William Babette researches the latest trends in housewares and conceived of this article while shopping for great deals on Modern Chandeliers at LightingForYou.com; the definitive web destination for Chandelier Lighting as well as other designer lighting fixtures and accessories.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/rethinking-concrete-interior-design-trends-936036.html