Durability should always be top of mind when designing an outdoor living space or upgrading existing patio furniture, and several materials provide both style and longevity – including rattan, aluminum, teak and recycled plastic.
Bare metals will rust quickly, so when selecting metal furniture pieces it is wise to select those coated with an anti-corrosion solution. Durable options include tubular aluminum which is lightweight yet easy to reposition as well as cast aluminum which offers both stability and versatility.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron outdoor furniture is an iconic design classic that stands the test of time and weather conditions, as well as being strong and sturdy enough for frequent use by multiple people. Constructed using fully welded and scratch-resistant joints, its metal trim can also be coated in protective finishes to withstand adverse conditions – but due to its sturdy build and stately aesthetic wrought iron is typically more costly than aluminum or wicker options.
Wrought iron offers numerous benefits that make it a superior material for outdoor furniture, in addition to its durability. Its malleability enables manufacturers to craft pieces with both classic and modern aesthetics; plush cushions soften seating experiences; quality tablecloths can prevent tables from scratches; plus its weight means it is less likely to be blown away during severe storms than lighter alternatives like wicker or recycled plastic furniture.
When purchasing wrought iron patio furniture, ensure it is of superior quality. You can tell this by hefting and checking for smooth, consistent welding; manufacturers of wrought iron often take extra steps to protect it against moisture-induced rusting by welding full-circumference welds where metal components meet and grinding and sanding joints as necessary; rough welding should serve as a warning sign and be reconsidered as options for backyard retreat.
Cast aluminum furniture may be lighter than its iron counterpart and features powder coating to resist corrosion and rust, eliminating the need to apply wax coat. Furthermore, aluminum’s more flexible nature makes rearranging patio furniture for various events easier throughout the year.
Aluminum patio furniture can also be more affordable than its wrought iron counterpart, which makes it attractive to those on tight budgets looking for durable outdoor seating solutions. Due to its lighter weight, aluminum is also easier to keep clean; simply hose off or wipe down with soapy water regularly to keep it looking brand new!
Aluminum
Aluminum patio furniture strikes an excellent balance between style, strength and affordability. Unlike steel which can be cumbersome to move and lift with one person alone, aluminum furniture is lightweight enough for one person to maneuver and rearrange with relative ease; yet still strong enough to withstand adverse weather conditions and daily use.
When shopping for aluminum furniture, look for powder coating finishes to protect it against corrosion and stains. Powder coat provides more durable protection than paint while offering greater color options to customize your look. Also be sure to inspect its frame, using a heliarc welding process which results in stronger waterproof joints for best performance.
Teak furniture can provide long-term outdoor durability. Although more costly than other wood options, teak is a beautiful material that lasts decades with proper care and treatment with teak oil or cleaner to maintain its beauty. When purchasing teak outdoor furniture be sure to treat it regularly with these products for optimal results.
Other durable patio furniture materials include wrought iron and synthetic wicker. Wrought iron is often chosen for traditional or contemporary styles while synthetic wicker is more often associated with casual spaces. Both materials require minimum maintenance while remaining rustproof for extended use – perfect for pairing with various cushion fabrics!
To maximize your patio furniture investment, choose a high-quality brand with an extended warranty policy. A comprehensive guarantee can offer peace of mind, as well as serve as an indicator of its build quality.
When purchasing a durable patio set, make sure you consider both its size and layout carefully. Consider adding features like a fire pit or dining table for creating an enjoyable and functional outdoor living area. Lastly, read and follow any maintenance instructions from manufacturers in order to increase its lifespan and extend its life expectancy.
Teak
Teak patio furniture is one of the most durable options on the market and one of the most eco-friendly choices, as its harvest and processing can be managed sustainably. Teak is prized for its strength, beautiful grain finish and natural oil produced from it which helps protect it against rot, insects and water damage. Furthermore, eco-conscious consumers will appreciate that this choice of material has been sustainably harvested and processed.
Maintaining the longevity of your Teak furniture requires regular upkeep. Simply rinse it regularly with clean, fresh water to keep the wood looking its best and protect its oil content. If the surface becomes dull and worn over time, simply sand lightly with 220 grit sandpaper (be sure to work along the grain) before wiping with light oil or wax coating for extra protection and to help retain a pristine appearance. Regular maintenance will help extend its longevity as well as maintain an appealing aesthetic appearance that keeps looking brand new for longer!
Ipe wood furniture can provide long-term outdoor enjoyment thanks to its denseness and hardness, making it resistant to insects, rot and decay. Like Teak, Ipe can be easily maintained through regular care and maintenance; over time its surface will eventually develop an elegant silvery patina which looks lovely reflecting sunlight.
When it comes to selecting durable patio furniture, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Durability depends on many factors including materials used during design as well as intentional care taken over time. Wood, material and style choices can all play a factor when it comes to their longevity – it’s essential that homeowners become informed on all available options so that they can find pieces best suited for their homes.
High-End Brands
Luxury outdoor furniture brands combine artistic design, premium materials, and production techniques for long-term patio furnishings that exude elegance. Many invest in sustainability initiatives while offering custom designs to meet the diverse needs of hospitality projects as well as residential homeowners alike.
Skagerak, a Danish brand known for their luxury outdoor furniture made of FSC certified teak wood, creates timeless outdoor pieces. Their clean lines and timeless appeal make their collections ideal additions to any garden or deck space, while their slogan of “Design for Generations” supports their product offerings.
Tropitone stands out by combining high-end design with eco-friendly materials in their aluminum and steel furniture pieces that are designed to withstand even the harshest elements, like chairs, lounges, umbrellas and fire pits.
OW Lee is an American company that has been crafting casual, durable outdoor furniture with hand-wrought iron since 1947. Their designs evoke both classical European aesthetics and traditional South West American styles while remaining suitable for contemporary living environments; each piece of their patio furniture comes backed by their lifetime warranty policy.
Many of the top poly patio furniture brands utilize polyethylene HDPE plastic that is weather-resistant and will not warp or crack under prolonged sun or rain exposure. Furthermore, some of these brands utilize powder-coated finishes that protect from rusting and fading to keep their pieces looking their best year after year.
As soon as you’ve purchased durable patio furniture, the key factor to remember when maintaining it properly is longevity. Neglected furniture won’t withstand harsh elements and only last half as long. Make sure that regular waterproofing treatments are applied, cushions are taken indoors during wet weather, durable covers are secured appropriately, and furniture sets are placed into secure storage when faced with extreme conditions.
Most manufacturers offering durable outdoor furniture will stand behind their product with some sort of warranty, typically lasting from 5-10 years and even offering lifetime guarantees on select pieces.
