Cultivating outdoor space is vitally important to any restaurant, hotel or shopping mall; but finding furniture to complete their outdoor area will truly set it apart.
Your patio furniture must withstand both sun and rain, so select durable weatherproof materials like aluminum, teak and synthetic wicker that can withstand both. In addition, prioritize ease of maintenance and affordable prices when selecting materials for this task.
Teak
Teak wood is one of the hardest and most resilient hardwoods available and an ideal material for outdoor furniture, due to its natural oils which provide inherent resistance against rot, insects, and water ingress – meaning decades with minimal upkeep are usually enough for it to stand the test of time. Designers as well as homeowners often opt for its timeless elegance and sophisticated aesthetic when making selections.
Teak wood boasts warm, earthy tones that pair beautifully with many decor styles and humidity conditions, offering natural appeal that complements most decor styles and withstands humidity without the need for replacement as quickly as other timber materials would. Its tight, typically straight grain striations lines and various textures create visual interest that elevate any patio space, making teak more expensive than other timber materials but saving you money long-term as its long-lasting durability means less frequent replacement costs over time.
When shopping for teak furniture, look for pieces that can be combined to meet your individual needs over time. That way, you can build a patio set tailored precisely to the needs of both your home and landscape – an invaluable advantage if you plan on moving or redecorating in the near future! When selecting cushions and pillows that feature neutral hues so they can easily adapt with changing seasons or personal styles.
Be sure to invest in high-grade grade A teak. This premium grade will outlive lesser grades over time, featuring smoother wood grain patterns than lower grades and boasting higher natural oil levels that will patina to an appealing silvery grey patina over time – ideal for those wanting their furniture to look fresh over time.
When shopping for teak furniture, look for brands that prioritize ethical sourcing and craftsmanship to ensure genuine heirloom-quality pieces that can withstand time. Brands such as Harmonia Living and Lloyd Flanders specialize in producing sustainable pieces designed to last. Eco-conscious consumers may prefer pre-treated pieces which protect the timber against damage.
Aluminum
Aluminium furniture offers many advantages for outdoor spaces. Not only is it highly resistant to rust, but lightweight aluminum loungers make an excellent addition to any backyard deck, patio or other space you may be furnishing. Aluminum’s lightweight nature also makes it great for moving or redesigning outdoor areas as easily as other forms of metal furniture can.
Steel is well known for its strength and durability, yet not as versatile or adaptable in design as aluminum is. Although steel can be welded together into various designs, its malleability doesn’t compare to aluminum; thus it may feel hot on your skin when exposed directly to sunlight for long periods. By contrast, aluminum cools quickly after being exposed to sunlight and can easily be formed into modern designs; additionally, unlike steel it does not rust as easily and can even be coated with powder for corrosion prevention and extended longevity.
When purchasing aluminum patio furniture, it is essential that you purchase quality pieces crafted from thick-gauge aluminum that have been powder coated for additional durability. Cheap cast aluminum furniture may have flaws in its surface or weak connections between joints; also look for manufacturers who offer warranties to back their craftsmanship and build quality.
Teak furniture is a beautiful choice for patio use, yet its longevity depends on where it’s kept and stored. If your location has high winds that could blow pieces around and cause damage to homes or yards, steel may be more durable in these cases.
Synthetic Wicker
Wicker patio furniture has long been a fan-favorite, known for its rustic elegance. With so many choices of style to choose from and its organic texture blending beautifully with any greenery in your outdoor design scheme, wicker offers endless design possibilities. Furthermore, its relaxing vibe makes it the ideal place for lounging around reading a good book or simply unwinding after an active day outdoors.
Like other patio furniture, wicker can be made either from synthetic or natural materials. Synthetic wicker furniture typically uses polymerized resin designed for all-weather use to resist rain, heat and cold conditions as well as periodic cleaning with mild soap and water for maintenance. Furthermore, synthetic wicker resists cracking and fading for an easy maintenance regimen suitable for use outdoors spaces.
Natural wicker furniture made from natural rattan is not as resilient or long-term durable than its synthetic counterparts, though still popular due to its aesthetic and comfort benefits. While natural rattan requires regular oiling as well as covering/uncovering when not in use, making maintenance more involved than with other forms of patio furniture.
Synthetic wicker, on the other hand, is more durable and comes in a wider array of colors than natural rattan. Woven into tight symmetrical patterns for added visual impact that complement any garden or deck space, synthetic wicker creates a stunning visual impact in any outdoor living space. Material can be formed into various shapes to meet your design requirements and is offered in an assortment of colors that complement various decor styles from classic to modern and beyond. Note that not all wicker patio furniture is created equal; when selecting pieces with matte or flat finishes instead of shiny surfaces – which indicate low-grade vinyl. In addition to durability and UV inhibitors to prevent sun fading and harmful effects from sunlight, high-grade wicker furniture also often comes infused with UV protectors which offer additional sun protection.
Steel
Homeowners frequently turn to metal patio furniture for their gardens, lawns and terraces because it is sturdy yet simple to maintain. Plus, its design options can include making it appear similar to wicker or rattan pieces – further expanding design possibilities! Nonetheless, residents must carefully consider whether metal patio furniture suits their home.
Steel patio furniture is often quite resistant to corrosion and rusting, although it may still be susceptible to being scratched by stones or other objects. Many times it is coated with a powder-protective finish to increase durability and environmental conditions resistance. Plus, steel is generally more budget-friendly than aluminum; making it an attractive option for budget-minded homeowners.
Steel furniture differs from aluminum in that it doesn’t need screws and bolts to stay together, being both malleable and strong enough not to require fasteners like screws and bolts for its components to come together. Manufacturers also find steel easily malleable enough for them to create furniture shapes not possible with other materials – creating outdoor patio sets in classic, contemporary, or anywhere in between designs!
Steel has its drawbacks; one being that it’s heavy. Furthermore, exposed bare steel will rust quickly if exposed to damp climates or moisture; you must ensure it has adequate protection with coating or treatment options in place to shield it.
Wrought iron patio furniture is an increasingly popular option due to its classic, timeless appearance and long-term durability. Wrought iron is typically created through a process of shaping heated iron into desired forms before finishing it off with various coatings to enhance its appearance. Wrought iron can be expensive, but with proper care it can last decades.
Aluminum patio furniture is an increasingly popular choice due to its lightweight nature and ability to withstand all sorts of weather. Aluminum is often coated with protective finishes for additional weather resistance, although uncoated pieces may provide more casual looks. Although not as strong or resilient as steel, aluminum makes for ideal lightweight patio furniture that is easily moved around to suit different purposes and aesthetics.