Renew old outdoor furniture

It's a safe bet you're planning to do more entertaining in your backyard and other outdoor areas this summer than you have in a while. It's also a safe bet you're considering ideas for economical ways to make those areas more attractive and comfortable.

Perhaps one or more of the improvements described below, from do-it-yourself Web sites, will help you improve and extend the life of your favorite outdoor furniture pieces.

-- Wrought-iron furniture: Remove existing rust with a wire brush, some sandpaper or a sandblaster. Spray the spots with arust-inhibiting primer from a hardware or home-improvement store. Then spray paint the surface with a rust-resistant metal paint in one of this season's bright blues, greens or yellows.

--Cushions: Pick up new cushions in a fresh design at your favorite outdoor furniture, home-improvement or home furnishings store.

They come in an array of attractive weather-resistant fabrics, and many have designs and textures similar to upholstery fabrics used indoors.

To improve the condition of the furniture without changing its look, order replacement cushions through a local store listed on the manufacturer's Web site.

-- Cedar furniture: The aged look is attractive, but it's not for everybody.

Fortunately, it's possible to give cedar furniture a new look with a deep-penetrating, water-repellent stain that inhibits mildew and helps preserve cedar's natural beauty.

Follow the stain manufacturer's directions when applying. The process will have to be repeated in two or three years.

Cedar furniture can be painted, too. However, the paint will peel over time and have to be scraped and repainted or stained.

When changing the look and feel of an outdoor area to something that's a bit less rustic, painting probably is preferable to staining.

-- Replacement mesh and webbing: Local outdoor furniture stores might be able to order replacement mesh and webbing for repairs.

If not, online sources such as chaircarepatio.com carry vinyl mesh sling fabrics and webbing.

The company has instructions on its site for both types of projects.

In addition, vermontcountrystore.com sells replacement straps and screw kits for webbing.

Reach Wevonneda Minis at 937-5705 or wminis@postandcourier.com.