Metal outdoor furniture sets add elegance to your deck or porch with their durable construction and timeless style, making them a wise investment for homeowners.
However, in areas with strong winds aluminum may become dislodged and cause further damage to other items in your location. It would therefore be wiser to choose a steel option instead.
Strength
Steel is an extremely dense material, giving it the durability needed for patio furniture. Unlike aluminum furnishings, which may dent or become bent over time, steel will not dent or bend out of shape as easily, making it perfect for bistro sets, zero gravity loungers, retro designs, as well as being resistant to falling objects or harsh weather conditions. It also resists falling damage compared to aluminum.
Iron is an ideal material for creating rustic pieces, as seen in wrought iron patio furniture with its distinctive curves and details. However, iron should be avoided in humid environments due to rust formation caused by moisture exposure; regular repainting may be required in order for your wrought iron furniture to look as good as new.
Aluminum furniture is popular because it’s light enough for easy moving around when needed, yet not storm-proof; lightweight nature may cause it to move during high winds, potentially damaging homes or yards in its path. By taking into account your climate, lifestyle and style needs when making this decision, stainless steel may be more appropriate for patio furniture purchases.
Stainless steel may be more expensive than aluminum, but it is extremely durable and requires only minimal upkeep to remain looking its best for years. Teak chairs and tables make a beautiful complement for this material that becomes increasingly beautiful with age.
Durability
When choosing patio furniture, metal options may include wrought iron with its classic appearance or aluminum or steel which has more contemporary aesthetics.
All of these materials are durable and can last for many years when treated correctly, with stainless steel being particularly hardwearing; it won’t chip or dent, even with extended use. When shopping for high-quality furniture pieces it is essential that the welding technique, galvanizing process (if applicable), and paint thickness are taken into consideration so you get maximum durability from your investment.
Wrought iron patio furniture can also be quite durable, though more maintenance may be required than with other options. Durability will depend on its usage and climate conditions – without protection, its surface can become susceptible to corrosion and rusting.
Powder coat or zinc coating on metal patio furniture will offer increased resistance to corrosion. Rust should be less of an issue with these finishes and any damaged areas can easily be touched up with touch-up paint or pens in the same finish, helping prevent further rust spreading while making furniture last longer. Nonetheless, in windy areas wrought iron patio furniture should be avoided as it can become susceptible to weather elements and further wear and tear.
Weather Resistant
Steel patio furniture stands up well to the elements. In particular, its density makes it weightier than aluminum, preventing it from blowing around during strong winds. As such, this makes steel ideal for use near pools or areas prone to moisture or salt air exposure.
Wrought iron patio furniture is an increasingly popular option, providing classic styling and sturdy construction. However, it rusts easily if not powder-coated correctly; additionally, regular repainting must take place to protect it against the elements – thus increasing its cost relative to stainless steel alternatives.
Wrought iron chairs may also be uncomfortable due to its tendency to quickly heat or cool off depending on outside temperatures, potentially becoming uncomfortably warm when touched on sunny days.
Stainless steel furniture can help create an effortless transition between their indoor and outdoor living spaces, offering comfort while remaining elegant while still remaining durable. Available in multiple finishes to complement contemporary styles, its sleek appearance pairs nicely with contemporary styles while its lighter weight makes moving it around easier when necessary.
Corrosion Resistant
Stainless steel furniture offers many advantages over its metal counterparts, as it resists corrosion and remains looking brand new for an extended period. Unfortunately, however, its higher price makes it less economical. Furthermore, scratches and dents may require touch ups. Luckily, regular maintenance will help your investment keep looking brand new for years; keeping a regular cleaning schedule with simple hose-downs and occasional wiping with cloth should suffice; should fingerprints or scuff marks appear, use nonabrasive cleaner such as Barkeeper’s Friend for removal.
Iron can rust if exposed to moisture such as dew or pooled on patio surfaces, while oxygen found in rain and fog causes corrosion. To protect iron against corrosion, a protective coating must be applied over its surface.
Many people appreciate wrought iron’s classic beauty, yet it can rust easily. If this is an issue for you, look into furniture made of materials such as teakwood, recycled plastic or eucalyptus which resist rusting more effectively. Also keep in mind that its weight makes it cumbersome to move around when hosting large parties; an alternative material such as aluminum may be better suited to provide flexibility while accommodating guests and weather changes.
Easy to Weld
Metal furniture might seem complex to put together, but it’s actually much simpler than you might expect. Home centers and hardware stores typically carry limited selections of steel sheet metal; for larger projects it would be wiser to utilize a metal supplier with more variety and better prices. Fabrication shops are another good resource that offer precision cutting of pieces; or you could try welding yourself, but be careful only working on bare metal surfaces and wearing welding gloves when welding as breathing in fumes from zinc coatings can be hazardous to your health.
Your choice of metal will determine how long your patio furniture lasts. Aluminum, stainless steel and wrought iron are the three most frequently used in patio furniture – aluminum is known as being “tough enough to withstand most Mother Nature can throw its way while needing minimal upkeep”. However, exposure to moisture could still cause corrosion to occur and compromise its structure.
Wrought iron furniture may be more costly than aluminum options, but its durability makes up for its added cost. Unfortunately, however, its weight makes moving or repositioning your pieces difficult and may become uncomfortably hot or cold in extreme temperatures – though if you are willing to make the investment into long-lasting metal furniture then perhaps paying more will be worthwhile for you.
Price
Stainless steel patio furniture adds an industrial charm to contemporary porches, balconies and courtyards. Furthermore, its sleek appearance complements contemporary designs thanks to its durability.
Homeowners looking to purchase metal outdoor furniture should carefully consider their lifestyle, activities and budget needs before making their choice. Doing this will allow them to determine whether aluminum or steel furniture would best fit their space.
Aluminum furniture tends to be cheaper and require less maintenance, lasting for years without discoloration or flaking. However, aluminum pieces may flutter in strong winds. Therefore, many people opt for steel furniture which weighs more and works better in areas with high winds.
Aluminum patio furniture comes in various designs. Some pieces feature modern and minimalist styles while others can have rustic or vintage appeal. There are various finishes available on these pieces of furniture as well, including powder coating which protects against corrosion.
Retro metal patio furniture is an increasingly popular choice for modern, classic and farmhouse styles alike. Available at competitive prices, retro metal pieces come with various color and configuration choices that are easy to set up quickly while remaining corrosion resistant; cleaning with mild detergent and water is sufficient. One potential drawback would be their susceptibility to rust when exposed to moisture.
