Build an inviting gathering area on your patio with this seating set from iron. It includes two chairs and a glass-top side table for additional support.
Metal furniture can add an element of style and elegance to any outdoor area, from traditional to contemporary designs. But which material best fits your space? Our buying guide helps you weigh the pros and cons of wrought iron, aluminum and steel patio furniture options.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron remains one of the strongest materials on the market and remains a timeless classic in patio furniture design. Malleable enough to bend, press, and hammer into complex shapes without cracking, it often features wood grain textures for aesthetic purposes and should always be protected against rain as it could crack easily under its weight. Although heavy when moved around it should also be handled carefully to avoid damage to it as extreme cold or heat temperatures could make it brittle causing it to split, thus necessitating careful protection from rain as it might crack easily under pressure or keeping its cover to prevent rain coming through its pores!
Cast iron and powder-coated steel furniture options provide additional options in metal furniture options. Both have their own individual advantages and disadvantages; ultimately the decision should depend on climate and weather conditions, maintenance requirements, style preferences and style preferences. Cast iron is particularly advantageous in humid coastal areas since it resists rusting; similarly to wrought iron it’s also sturdy against high winds.
Wrought iron furniture, however, is heavier than aluminum, which makes it more challenging to move in windy or frequently shifting conditions. As such, it may not be ideal for people wanting to reconfigure their outdoor space regularly or who live in areas with an abundance of rainfall that could result in waterlogged cushions; furthermore, cast iron is susceptible to corrosion in wet environments, leading to the potential delamination of metal over time.
Due to this reason, many homeowners opt for steel patio furniture over wrought iron patio sets. There is a wide variety of styles and finishes to suit every taste; some frames may even be designed to resemble more delicate materials like wicker and rattan for even greater design possibilities in any yard.
As the owner of a home or business, it’s essential that you understand each type of metal used in patio furniture in order to choose furniture that matches both your aesthetic preferences and needs. By taking time to learn about these five common metal types used for patio seating solutions, you can make informed choices that fit with both your lifestyle and outdoor environment.
Cast Iron
The metal used to craft outdoor patio furniture plays a critical role in its lifespan, durability and aesthetic. From steel, aluminum and wrought iron to other alloys such as copper or bronze – each material offers its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages, and which you choose depends heavily upon climate/weather conditions, maintenance requirements and style preferences.
Wrought iron furniture can provide long-term protection in many environments due to its resistance to corrosion and rusting, while being easy to work with and visually appealing, providing opportunities for ornate designs that complement any style of home. However, its maintenance can be challenging in areas with high humidity or salt water exposure, and may become brittle over time.
Aluminum patio furniture is a popular choice due to its light weight, low maintenance requirements and resistance to rusting. Aluminum can also be easily customized in terms of color choice; look for pieces with powder-coated finishes to provide optimal corrosion protection while maintaining their color integrity.
Cast iron may be more costly than aluminum, but its substantial weight makes it more stable in windy areas and makes welding simpler and shaping into custom designs easier. Furthermore, depending on its type it can even be resistant to abrasions and scratches for easy refinishing or repainting projects.
Wrought and cast iron furniture brings timeless beauty to any outdoor space, but can be costly and cumbersome to move. Additionally, their weight can make rearranging them challenging when guests or the weather dictate a change. Furthermore, these pieces often react to temperature, becoming hot or cold to touch and thus discomforting some individuals seated upon them – weather-resistant cushions or tablecloths may help make these pieces more pleasant for everyone who sits upon them.
Stainless Steel
Steel patio furniture is an increasingly popular choice due to its strength and durability, corrosion-resistance, and weight. Steel furnishings tend to provide greater structural integrity against windy conditions than their aluminum counterparts while they can also be crafted into more intricate designs than their aluminum counterparts, providing homeowners with more aesthetic choices for their outdoor space.
However, as an expensive premium metal option, bronze furnishings may be more costly than aluminum options. Their weight also makes them harder to move around quickly if your patio layout changes frequently; aluminum may be better suited to meet your budgetary constraints.
Wrought iron and steel may rust if left untreated or the oxidation process does not occur properly; to prevent this from happening, these materials are typically powder coated or use protective sealants like powder coating to stop this process from taking place. Stainless steel offers greater corrosion protection but may require more maintenance than other metals.
Stainless steel furnishings are usually comprised of an alloy composed of steel, nickel, silicon, molybdenum and carbon, enhanced with chromium to increase corrosion resistance. Although stainless steel furniture tends to rust less easily than other forms of metals, regular maintenance needs to be performed to avoid scratches and stains that may appear over time.
To achieve optimal results, select stainless steel furniture with a protective coating to guard against rust and other environmental factors. Offenbachers Home Escapes’ steel patio furniture collection boasts numerous corrosion-resistant finishes for you to select the ideal pieces to complement your home and climate – our Terra collection even includes pieces powder coated in colors ranging from traditional black and white hues through bright blues, reds, and greens for even further peace of mind that your selection has proven itself durable over time! This additional layer of protection helps ensure the longevity of its appearance over time while giving peace of mind knowing you have chosen durable long-lasting material for outdoor patio furniture pieces for years.
Aluminum
Many shoppers find aluminum patio furniture an excellent fit for their budgets, design preferences and climate conditions. Maintenance requirements typically involve only an occasional rinse with water to remove dirt or debris; unlike wrought iron pieces which must be protected against rain and weather events during inclement conditions.
Aluminum can be formed into intricate ornate designs just like its iron and stainless steel counterparts, however its lower density means less intricate details can be created in its construction. While this shouldn’t necessarily be seen as negative, buyers must assess how well aluminum stands up to physical force before making a purchase decision.
When shopping for an aluminum set, it’s essential that buyers take note of both its manufacturer’s manufacturing methods and length of protective warranty. Reputable companies use heliarc welding to construct aluminum frames before powder-coating each piece with a durable powder coat finish for added resistance to dents, scratches and corrosion.
Some brands add an additional layer of rust-resistant paint to the aluminum used for their products. This helps protect it further against damage caused by rain or saltwater and to reapply finishes without having to completely dismantle and replace.
Aluminum patio furniture is more economical than its steel or iron counterparts and easy to find in various colors and styles. Aluminum is often chosen by homeowners looking for durable style in their backyards while commercial spaces such as pool decks or restaurant outdoor seating also utilize its use.
All three types of metal patio furniture can become hot or cold to the touch depending on the temperature and moisture conditions, and may rust in humid environments or when exposed to moisture. Furthermore, wrought iron, aluminum and stainless steel furniture may be damaged by high winds which makes them unsuitable choices in coastal or inland locations that experience stormy conditions.
