Your choice of metal patio furniture says much about your style and budget. Aluminum, stainless steel, wrought iron and cast aluminum are popular choices.
Wrought iron is malleable and therefore lends itself well to being bent, pressed or hammered into intricate designs like scrollwork. Antique wrought iron garden ornaments often display Rococo-influenced elements like flowers, foliage or grapevines.
Durability
Cast iron garden furniture is one of the most resilient forms of patio pieces, with chairs and tables from the 1800s selling for thousands at auction. Because of this durability, some individuals prefer restoring vintage cast iron pieces rather than purchasing brand new ones.
Iron patio furniture is often covered with a coat of paint or wax that provides corrosion-prevention and keeps its metal looking like new for decades. But, should this coating become scratched or chipped, the exposed metal could begin rusting quickly; to prevent this from happening quickly, touch up any scratches or chips as soon as they appear and cover or store outdoor iron furniture during cold weather months when chances for rusting increase significantly.
Wrought iron furniture may not last as long as cast iron pieces, yet still performs admirably when exposed to repeated use. Many restaurants and commercial patios employ it for its robust durability and attractive appearance; it can rust if left uncovered or poorly maintained, however its malleable qualities enable manufacturers to create intricate scrollwork in furniture pieces as well as form various shapes with wood grain patterns so it’s difficult to distinguish which pieces are made from wrought or cast iron.
Aluminum patio furniture is lighter than iron and offers similar corrosion resistance; however, in warm environments it may exhibit signs of oxidization. When purchasing aluminum patio furniture it’s wise to keep this in mind and powder-coating may provide the most durable protection from oxidation.
Though many homeowners opt for metal patio furniture due to its durability compared to wood, wicker and rattan options, others find them uncomfortable or not suitable to their aesthetic tastes. Luckily, there is now an impressive variety of metal furniture designed to look like wicker and rattan that provides comfortable yet stylish seating solutions at more reasonable costs than a traditional wood dining set and stain easily if need be.
Aesthetics
As opposed to plastic and resin furniture options available today, wrought iron furniture tends to possess an elegant aesthetic. Available in various shapes and sizes to meet most spaces’ requirements; available in green, black and white as traditional colors; some designs even incorporate wood accents for an added rustic charm.
Wrought iron can be easily bent and twisted when heated, creating intricate designs reminiscent of vintage styles. It is often featured in chairs or tables featuring Victorian, Neoclassical or Art Nouveau themes as well as in modern patio furniture designs for creating an unforgettable outdoor aesthetic.
Wrought iron furniture provides an appealing aesthetic, but can be vulnerable to chipping and scratching due to accidental impacts, exposure to rough surfaces or general wear-and-tear over time. This may detract from its overall appeal; therefore it should be carefully considered prior to purchasing it.
Wrought iron furniture can be easily repaired to protect it against such damages, using methods such as sanding and painting it with paint designed for outdoor use. This process can restore its original beauty, looking brand new. Castors may also be added on legs of tables or chairs to facilitate easier transportation.
Cast iron furniture has been around for centuries, with much still in use today. Antique wrought iron benches and chairs from the 1800s can sell for thousands of dollars when found at sites such as 1stDibs; often these old pieces boast elaborate decorations or may bear names of manufacturers like Coalbrookdale or Arras Foundry as their mark of distinction.
Cast iron furniture makes an elegant addition to any yard, providing decades of use with proper care and maintenance. Regular cleaning regimes should help to prevent rust spots from developing; for optimal performance it should also be stored out of direct sunlight when not being used.
Maintenance
Wrought iron patio furniture is an eye-catching option for commercial patios, yet it can quickly succumb to weather damage. In order to maximize its lifespan and prevent early replacement costs, it is crucial that wrought iron pieces be maintained in good condition by regularly using warm soapy water with a scrub brush and rinse the piece after each wash cycle – this should include at least twice annually: when taking out and taking back in.
Once the wrought iron is clean, sanding to remove rust can begin. This can be accomplished using wire brushes, steel wool pads or medium grit sandpaper and should be done using dust mask and eye protection. Once complete, paint it using an outdoor-grade rust-resistant paint for best results.
While wrought iron patio furniture may be more durable than its cast aluminum counterparts, over time it still degrades over time. If your wrought iron patio furniture has shown signs of age such as pitting or rusting, rather than replacing it entirely it would be wiser to repair rather than replace. Repainting will bring new life back into your patio furniture at less expense than buying all new pieces at once.
Along with regularly cleaning your wrought iron furniture, it is also important to inspect it for signs of deterioration or damage. Look out for breaks in the metal, rust spots on its finish, scratches or chips – any signs should be repaired promptly to prevent further deterioration and extend its life span.
Wrought iron furniture is an exceptionally heavy and resilient choice for outdoor spaces, making it a suitable option for patio sets. While its high resistance to corrosion makes it resistant to rusting and pitting, its appearance needs regular care to remain its best. Routine cleaning with mild detergent and water followed by thorough drying should do the trick for most sets; additionally you should apply wax protective coating once annually to further safeguard its longevity.
Cost
Wrought iron furniture stands up well to outdoor conditions compared to its plastic or resin counterparts, as it does not bend easily. Furthermore, its strength enables designers to craft pieces with intricate designs for added visual appeal; and its sturdy nature also reduces risk of tipping or blowing away during windy conditions.
However, if you plan on regularly using wrought iron furniture and need it moved around easily, it’s essential that you consider its weight limitations. Wrought iron pieces tend to be considerably heavier than cast aluminum options and may make moving them around difficult.
If you plan on adding cushions or other upholstery to your wrought iron patio furniture, be sure to account for these additional costs in your budget. While they might seem minor when compared with the actual furniture cost, these expenses can quickly add up and play a critical role when making decisions on patio wrought iron furniture purchases.
Consideration must also be given when purchasing wrought iron furniture due to the potential risk of chipping and scratching, which are common with any form of furniture, but especially important with this style. However, these issues can be minimized with regular cleaning routines and rust protection treatments for maximum protection.
Consideration should also be given to the longevity of wrought iron furniture when making your purchase decision. While this may not be as crucial if you plan on frequently upgrading, high-quality pieces should remain functional for many years and even be refinished or renovated to enhance their appearance in the future.
Wrought iron furniture may be an expensive investment, but its long-term durability and aesthetic value make it worth your while. Though more costly than other forms of patio furniture, wrought iron will save you money in the form of no rust damage and prolonged service life if maintained correctly. It can even outlive its owners!
