Resilient patio furniture can withstand years of sun and rain exposure with proper design and care, yet its longevity may differ depending on its intended use and care. When selecting the appropriate material for your space, take into account all possible considerations that might impact its use as an indicator of which patio material may best serve its intended function.
Wood is a timeless material, yet requires regular treatment to protect it against water damage. Iron can quickly rust over time so it should be covered or stored during bad weather conditions.
Hardwood
Hardwood patio furniture adds natural beauty and elegance to any outdoor space, while being durable and long-lasting when cared for properly. However, selecting the appropriate wood can be daunting; knowing what characteristics to look out for can help narrow down your selection. Your budget and environment play major factors when selecting an appropriate wood for patio furniture – grains patterns, color range, durability costs are all crucial aspects when making decisions regarding these investments.
Wood patio furniture comes in various varieties, each boasting its own special qualities. Teak and Ipe woods, for instance, are known for being particularly hardwearing against weather exposure while others, like Eucalyptus and Cedar, can add beauty with their varied grains that compliment any style or taste. Some types of wood may be more costly than others when purchasing patio furniture so be mindful when determining your budget before making a decision.
Durability of patio furniture depends heavily on its exposure to environmental conditions. Natural woods such as pine or cedar may be susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity that cause them to warp or crack if left exposed; sun exposure and environmental changes such as water infiltration could further compromise it. Furthermore, certain varieties are particularly sensitive to humidity changes which could shrink or expand it depending on its surroundings.
Other wood varieties for patio furniture are more resilient and long-term durable, such as acacia and black locust. Black locust wood is particularly well suited to construction projects and large furniture pieces because of its exceptional weight; additionally, its resistance to rot makes it a fantastic choice for outdoor furniture. Acacia wood is equally sturdy with regular maintenance ensuring no signs of rotting, swelling, or cracking will appear over time.
Consider whether or not the wood you select for patio furniture will withstand moisture, as its pores can absorb it and encourage mold and mildew growth, potentially endangering human health. Therefore, select wood species which do not easily retain moisture – for instance acacia and black walnut are naturally moisture resistant species which can endure prolonged sunlight and high temperatures without warping.
Metal
Metal patio furniture provides the durability necessary for busy outdoor spaces while offering flexible design styles to match any aesthetic. Common forms of metal furniture are stainless steel, aluminum and wrought iron which all resist corrosion and rust corrosion but require different levels of upkeep to maintain longevity.
Wrought iron furniture has long been an elegant and practical addition to outdoor settings, providing both durability and style. Wrought iron offers a classical aesthetic but must be protected with varnish or stain in order to withstand weather conditions such as rain. While its surface can handle most weather conditions, prolonged moisture exposure could cause it to corrode over time and crack under pressure when heated by sunlight or heating elements.
Steel is more durable than both aluminum and wrought iron, yet still susceptible to rust in humid environments. Some brands offer galvanized steel which has been treated against corrosion for added protection; it tends to be cheaper than these other two options, however.
Stainless steel is one of the least likely materials to rust, offering a range of colors that can be treated for added weather protection and an attractive, sleek aesthetic that makes it popular in contemporary designs. Many brands also utilize powder coating techniques for an even surface that won’t chip or scratch easily.
Aluminum is a light and versatile material that can be formed into many different styles of outdoor furniture, often treated to resist corrosion and rust, though other protective finishes may also be applied for additional protection. Aluminum is often seen used for dining sets and chairs outdoors but other pieces might feature it too.
Zinc metal has quickly gained in popularity due to its durability and natural beauty. It features an elegant silver hue, making it suitable for modern minimalist designs, while being highly corrosion resistant; however, additional maintenance may be required than with other forms of metals.
Textiles
Fabric selection for patio furniture is one of the key determinants in its durability, comfort level and maintenance costs. Ideal fabrics should be water-resistant, fade-resistant and easy to maintain while matching both your personal taste and outdoor decor.
There are a range of fabrics designed specifically for outdoor use, including olefin, polyester and cotton textiles. These textiles can withstand outdoor elements without succumbing to mold and staining; some even feature protective coatings designed to combat them. Not all fabrics may suit all weather conditions when shopping around for patio furniture fabrics – keep this in mind when shopping around!
Sunbrella furniture features the strongest and most attractive outdoor fabrics on the market: Sunbrella is known for using solution-dyed acrylic yarns that prevent color fading by mixing dye into raw fiber materials before weaving, which also keeps their fabric soft and breathable.
Olefin fabric, commonly found in bean bag chairs, provides another durable outdoor furniture choice. This synthetic material resists mildew growth, water damage and fading; making it perfect for areas that get plenty of rainfall. Furthermore, its quick-drying characteristics help lower mold risks significantly.
If you don’t feel ready to purchase new furniture yet, make your own cushions and other upholstery using outdoor-grade fabric. This option is a good way for those with basic sewing skills who can follow a pattern carefully while following instructions for success. Just be realistic about your abilities before embarking on this type of project as becoming overambitious about complexity may result in costly failure.
Wicker weave fabric is another option available to furniture designers for upholstery purposes, made from heavy-duty vinyl and widely popular among sling chairs and chaise loungers. Available in an array of colors and patterns, water-repellency is another benefit; however, this material may fade more easily under direct sunlight than solution-dyed acrylic fabric would.
Glass
Glass patio furniture is durable, easy to maintain, and provides an expansive view of outdoor landscape. Perfect for dining and socializing alike, this timeless piece can also make a bold statement in its surroundings. Glass is formed by melting silica (sand), soda ash and limestone at high temperatures into durable material that can then be formed into various shapes. Tabletops made of this glass may even be tempered – which means heating it then quickly cooling it again to strengthen them further and make them resistant to cracking or breaking.
Materials found in patio furniture such as metals, plastics, foam cushioning and glass can often be recycled instead of being tossed out. For more information about recycling your old patio furniture contact your local recycling facility or scrap yard. Furthermore, all outdoor furniture should be protected from extreme cold weather conditions that could damage their surfaces – frost, ice and snow can especially harm glass tables so to safeguard them during winter storage space is warm indoors with ample heat or even cover them with tarp to shield from weather elements if need be.
