Wrought iron patio furniture adds timeless charm to the outdoor area of any restaurant or cafe, and requires minimal upkeep beyond an occasional water rinse to eliminate dust and debris build-up.
If your wrought iron furniture starts showing signs of wear, refinishing it to bring it back to its former glory can help maintain its appearance. This guide will teach you how to paint it using weather-resistant and rust-inhibiting paint.
Durability
Durability should always be top of mind when choosing outdoor furniture for your patio. Sun, rain, wind and constant use can quickly break down furniture over time. Furthermore, your furniture must withstand harsh chemicals used in outdoor cleaning products without suffering.
Wrought iron has long been recognized for its durability and robust qualities. Due to its malleability, wrought iron was often decorated in ancient Rome and China as part of intricate patterns or designs for decoration purposes.
Wrought iron furniture, unlike cast aluminum pieces, does not rust easily and requires extra care and maintenance than other forms of metal furniture. You should move wrought iron furniture indoors during the winter and cover it with an umbrella when rain and snow threaten, while repainting with weather-resistant paint every few years would also help extend its life span.
Water can pool around wrought iron furniture and cause it to rust even with powder-coated finishes, causing irreparable damage over time. Wrought iron furniture is not only strong and resilient; its beautiful style also complements any patio decor, and works particularly well in mixed material settings.
Wrought iron furniture can be found either as complete sets with chairs and tables or individually. There are ornate designs to complement traditional patio compositions as well as sleeker, simpler pieces for more modern backyard settings. You’ll also be able to find it in multiple finishes so you can select something to complement the existing decor of your patio, while its versatility means refinishing is easily achievable using spray paint.
Style
Wicker or synthetic rattan furniture are popular choices for residential relaxation and commercial comfort, but wrought iron remains an effective traditional choice. As this material can be bent, pressed, and hammered into intricate forms to form visually interesting pieces of furniture without the fear of blowing over in the wind, its weight keeps it stable enough that plush cushions provide additional seating comfort when seating or lounging on it.
Wrought iron dining sets make an elegant statement in any patio, deck, or garden. Each set contains a table and chairs to seat from two to eight people comfortably – some even come equipped with umbrella holes to offer additional shade from the sun! Due to their durability, these dining sets can also be used all year long when entertaining guests!
Wrought iron patio furniture comes in many styles and designs to fit every personal taste, from simple curved designs to intricate scrollwork for classic looks. Elegant pieces may feature diamond lattice patterns; while more modern options combine timeless styles with contemporary lines.
Weather Resistance
Metal patio furniture has become increasingly popular with San Diego homeowners and business owners due to its ability to withstand the elements. Not all metals, however, are created equal; aluminum, stainless steel and wrought iron all can experience issues when exposed to weather such as absorbing heat during hot climates and becoming brittle or even rusting when exposed to rain or snow. To help make an informed purchase decision, PatioLiving’s buying guide explains how different metals perform under various weather conditions.
Wrought iron furniture is highly malleable, which makes it suitable for creating intricate scrollwork patterns and other designs to add personality to outdoor seating areas. Furthermore, its weight makes it more resistant against strong winds than other forms of patio furniture, yet may require additional effort when moving it into and out of storage spaces.
Lipanovich suggests aluminum as another more portable metal option, noting its resilience against Mother Nature, low maintenance needs, and lower overall costs than many alternatives. Aluminum also tends to be lighter than cast aluminum making repositioning furniture simpler.
Wrought iron and aluminum may both be susceptible to rusting, though this can be reduced by using protective covers or bringing it indoors during stormy seasons. To further minimize rusting issues, look for pieces made of more resilient materials like teak wood.
Teak wood is naturally weatherproof, meaning that it can endure wind, rain, humidity and extreme temperatures without suffering damage or discoloration. Thanks to this durability, it lasts decades in outdoor spaces and is often preferred among restaurants, bars and businesses that require long-lasting furniture for rigorous usage; many hotels and resorts feature it in their outdoor spaces due to its aesthetic beauty and long lifespan.
Maintenance
Wrought iron furniture may be hard-wearing, yet over time can succumb to environmental conditions if it is not treated correctly. Rusting can have devastating consequences, weakening it significantly and shortening its lifespan significantly. Luckily, there are steps you can take to maintain and keep looking its best!
Start by creating a cleaning solution: fill a bucket or other suitable container with lukewarm water and mix in some regular non-antibacterial dish soap (ideally not an antibacterial formula). Next, prepare your brush. A medium or large-sized brush should be used on larger surfaces while smaller brushes should be used to get into crevices and curves of furniture. Dive it into the cleaning solution, and scrub until all dirt or debris has been eliminated from wrought iron surfaces.
As soon as you’ve finished scrubbing the wrought iron, make sure to give it a thorough rinsing with clean water to ensure any remaining dirt or soap is completely gone – using either a garden hose or other source. Once everything is thoroughly clean, leave the piece to air dry completely before placing back into service.
If you’re concerned about the longevity of your wrought iron patio furniture, adding a coat of rust preventer or car wax could help ensure its survival in harsh weather conditions. While it will protect it, regular wiping down is still recommended and any scratches or nicks needing repairs as soon as they appear.
Wrought iron patio furniture should also be brought indoors during periods of extreme weather to protect its metal from corrosion and weakening due to exposure to snow or freezing rain. If possible, keep it stored away safely in a garage or shed during these times.
Alternative is to cover your wrought iron furniture with a waterproof vinyl cover that will protect it from the elements without allowing moisture in. This is an excellent solution if you don’t have access to a garage or shed, yet want to protect it from rain and snow.
