When purchasing outdoor patio furniture, it is essential that you understand all of the available materials and their effects over time. Selecting furniture that will save money while lasting long into the future.
Rusting can occur on steel and wrought iron furniture, but aluminum furniture is less susceptible to this and resists moisture better.
Aluminum
Aluminium patio furniture is lightweight enough to easily rearrange and reposition without strain, yet durable enough to withstand adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, its cool surface remains comfortable when placed in hot or humid climates compared to wrought iron or wicker which may become uncomfortable underfoot.
Aluminum furniture requires some upkeep in order to keep its aesthetic, yet is one of the most weatherproof materials available. Aluminum makes an excellent choice for customers who desire outdoor furnishings that complement the color scheme of their home or business, from classic metallic finishes to an array of brightly-hued options.
Aluminium furniture can often be more cost-effective than its steel counterpart, making it the ideal option for budget-minded customers seeking high-quality furnishings that still meet their financial constraints.
Aluminium metal, like any type of metal, can rust if left exposed for too long to the elements, making indoor storage or shed storage necessary during off-season months.
The Backyard Pros advise sanding down rusted aluminum furniture before applying a fresh coat of primer and paint. Once completed, use a damp cloth to wipe down and allow the piece to fully dry before attempting further use.
Aluminum furniture is also easy to keep clean; just a quick hose down and wipe with damp cloth will do. Aluminum pieces’ airy designs make them great for small outdoor spaces – pair a cute bistro set with side table for an enjoyable outdoor dining experience; you may even find comfortable lounge chairs made of aluminum!
Wicker
Wicker furniture adds an organic texture to outdoor spaces and pairs well with surrounding plants and trees. Its durable construction means that it stands up well against weather conditions and fluctuating temperatures; however, for optimal use it’s best to protect wicker pieces by covering with protective covers when not in use.
Leaving wicker chairs and tables outdoors requires extra care when it comes to cleaning any spills to avoid staining them permanently. Applying mild cleaner should help extend the life of your furniture, and replacing cushions showing signs of wear & tear should also be considered an ideal practice – however a resin all-weather storage trunk may help keep cushion covers protected from harsh sun rays until replacement can take place.
Wicker furniture is also ideal due to its flexibility, as it can easily adjust to fit the size and layout of any given space. This makes finding comfortable sofas or chairs that suit you and your guests easy; there’s also a range of modern, traditional, and transitional styles available!
For an informal and relaxed setting in your backyard, seek out wicker chairs or sectionals with curved silhouettes, clean lines and neutral tones. Add rattan ceiling fans and ceramic garden stools to complete this look, along with tropical elements like palm trees and botanical prints for tropical elegance. Alternatively, more formal aesthetics might prefer more formal pieces featuring painted frames with checkered cushions to evoke French Country style.
Plastic
Though many believe plastic outdoor furniture to be weatherproof, that may not always be true. You must carefully research and source items designed for durability in your particular climate – with options including poly lumber, resin wicker and teak to consider.
Poly Lumber patio furniture is an eco-friendly choice, being created from recycled plastic pellets sourced from landfills and broken down further before being melted, colored, and formed into planks for use as patio seating. This material offers a heavy feel while being resistant to rot, mildew and cracking – perfect for weatherproof outdoor patio use!
Resin wicker outdoor patio furniture offers another environmentally-friendly option for weatherproof patio furniture, as it is constructed of dense synthetic strands woven together. Resin wicker will not warp or mold like natural rattan does and therefore makes an excellent weatherproof outdoor choice.
Acrylic fabrics are highly water-resistant and easy to maintain, making them the perfect material for outdoor furniture. Woven or knitted using heat, they’re an ideal alternative to cotton and polyester materials which deteriorate quickly over time.
Metal patio furniture can make for great weatherproof seating solutions, provided it has been coated with an appropriate protective layer. Stainless steel and aluminum are popular choices as they don’t rust over time while powder-coated wrought iron may also work well. Make sure that you regularly clean and recoat it to keep it looking its best!
Hardwood
Wood patio furniture is a natural choice, thanks to its organic beauty and durable nature. However, wood is susceptible to water damage if left exposed in humid or rainy environments for too long, necessitating regular resealing to protect it against mildew, rot and mildew. Moisture buildup may cause porous surfaces which encourage mold spores growth that poses health risks if left without regular maintenance of this surface.
To keep wood weatherproof, select a hardwood with tight grain structure and tight cell design that inhibit moisture seepage. Teak is an ideal option as a dense slow-growing wood that naturally resists moisture and rot. As time passes by it also develops an elegant patina over time thanks to being exposed to the elements.
If selecting hardwood furniture, FSC-certified products should be chosen to ensure it was harvested sustainably. Other good choices for fast-growing trees with similar weatherproof qualities as teak include acacia and eucalyptus.
When selecting metal frames for outdoor furniture, be sure to choose ones which are rust-proof. Bare metals like steel and wrought iron tend to rust quickly without proper protection, while stainless steel, aluminum, and wrought iron with coating layers offer durable solutions which won’t corrode over time.
For optimal plastic patio furniture upkeep, regular cleaning with mild dish soap and warm water should be performed to remove any signs of dirt or soap residue that remain. Exterior latex paint may also be used to rejuvenate its color; for best results, however, be sure to sand before painting and prime as necessary.
Teak
Teak furniture makes a long-term and stunning outdoor furniture choice, thanks to its natural oils that protect it against rot, mildew, pests, rain and sunlight exposure – perfect for seating or deck use! When purchasing teak pieces be sure to purchase FSC certified pieces that have been harvested responsibly.
Note that not all teak is weatherproof. For optimal weatherproofness, look for Grade A teak which contains high oil levels to withstand weather elements better than lower grades of wood. In addition, consider teak treated with basic sealants to preserve its color and appearance; grade B teak typically features lighter hues with lower shine levels compared to Grade A options.
Metals, wicker and plastic can also be weatherproof materials. Resin wicker furniture can withstand both indoors and outdoor use without incurring wear-and-tear damage; metals like aluminum and wrought iron have resistance against rust rust rust; however protective covers will need to be purchased if leaving the furniture outside in extreme weather conditions.
With proper care and maintenance, outdoor patio furniture can last a lifetime. By carefully choosing materials, investing in protective covers, and designing an appealing space outdoors, you can experience year-round comfort on your patio area. By making wise investments now, you can build yourself stunning yet functional outdoor living space that will bring years of happiness for you and your loved ones.