Families come in all shapes and sizes, so patio furniture must reflect this diversity. Look for designs made with heavy duty materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or teak for durability.
Avoid cheap PVC synthetic wicker as it quickly unravels. Instead, consider HDPE wicker which is durable, weather-resistant and lightweight – perfect for indoors!
Teak
Teak wood is renowned for its water resistance, beauty and strength. Originating in Southeast Asia’s tropical forests Tectona Grandis trees produce dense timber that’s fast growing with high levels of natural oils that resist weathering over time – qualities which make teak the ideal material choice for outdoor furniture pieces that endure sun, rain and snow exposure.
Teak wood has long been considered an ideal material for large umbrella frames due to its lightness, water resistance and durability – qualities which make it suitable for outdoor umbrella frames and stands. Smith and Hawken and Barlow Tyrie both offer quality patio umbrellas crafted out of solid teak wood as an attractive addition to outdoor living areas.
Teak wood furniture can last for years with minimal care and upkeep due to its natural oil content, providing superior water resistance and helping it withstand even extreme weather conditions. Teak outdoor furniture can even remain outside all year without breaking down or rotting as long as it is regularly sealed and maintained.
Teak wood stands out among other woods due to its ability to maintain its oils during harvesting and processing, giving it its distinctive look and longevity. Popular outdoor furniture products made of teak feature its warm tones, attractive golden brown color and varied textures; its warmth makes it a favorite among patio-goers who appreciate its warmth, attractive golden brown hue and various textures. Left untreated it will eventually develop an aged silvery-grey patina or it can be treated with sealants that preserve its honey brown hue for life.
Solid teak outdoor furniture sets may seem costly upfront, but their investment can prove worthwhile over time. When purchasing teak wood for outdoor furniture use it is crucial that the supplier adheres to sustainable forest management practices and FSC-certified materials; checking with suppliers regarding transportation methods may further reduce environmental impacts; it would also be wise to invest in furniture with stainless steel hardware that keeps corrosion away from metal attachments and joints that may weaken structural integrity of the furniture over time.
Cast Aluminum
Cast aluminum patio furniture is an attractive and resilient material suitable for all environments, offering protection from heat and the elements. With its easy care powder coating that resists scratches, cast aluminum is ideal for families with children and pets. However, you may wish to periodically use vehicle wax specifically designed to maintain powder coated aluminum before storing for the winter or a rainy season.
Extruded aluminum furniture frames typically use hollow tubes welded together by extrusion technology to form frames that can support weight. This type of aluminum can often be found in cheaper sets while being lighter than cast aluminum found in high-end sets; patio furniture sets may even combine both types for increased durability.
Cast aluminum furniture is also resistant to rust, making it a suitable option in humid climates. This feature makes cast aluminum an excellent choice in coastal regions where salt air and marine fog can damage metal furniture, eliminating the need to shelter it from weather as you would do with wrought iron pieces.
While outdoor aluminum furniture does not necessarily need cushions, many prefer adding weatherproof fabric cushions for both comfort and aesthetic reasons. Cushions also help protect aluminum against environmental elements and extend its lifespan – prolonging its useful life and increasing longevity of furniture purchases.
Most metal patio furniture comes in various finishes and colors, giving you plenty of choices to find something to match the decor in your home and suit your individual taste. Many pieces come with neutral hues like black that blend easily with any color palette – making this furniture suitable for those with limited storage space or preferring contemporary designs. Some brands even allow customers to customize the cushion fabric color for further flexibility when creating unique looks.
Synthetic Resin
resin patio furniture offers an alternative to wood’s natural fragility that won’t degrade over time: synthetic materials which are strong, long-lasting and beautiful. You’ll find it available at most home improvement stores with many offering limited warranty policies so their customers are assured satisfaction.
Epoxy and polyester resins are two of the most frequently used types of resins, with epoxy being especially popular among DIY projects due to its glossy finish that dries quickly after exposure to humidity, making it safe for home use. Epoxy can be used to coat paintings, create tumblers or create other forms of DIY epoxy art while its lower viscosity makes pouring easier into molds without creating air bubbles. Polyester resin is more frequently found used on automobile parts, aircraft/ship components and flooring applications as well as creating decorative accessories and coatings/decorations accessories; additionally coatings and decorative accessories can also be made using it.
Synthetic resins are polymers made from oil-based monomers using condensation and polymerization, making them incredibly flexible materials that can be formed into numerous products for industrial, commercial and high-tech uses. Their production process is highly advanced. Furthermore, synthetic resins come in all sorts of forms including solids, liquids and gels.
Synthetic resins are widely used for making molded plastics, which provide strong yet lightweight yet cost-effective molded products. Molded plastics feature high tensile strength, low melting point and excellent chemical resistance – as well as being extremely flexible enough to withstand bending, impact and compression without breaking. As a result, strong yet lightweight products result from this application of synthetic resins.
Synthetic resins also find use in creating wicker furniture. Traditional wicker is composed of flexible fibers woven together in an intricate basket-like weave to form chairs, tables and other outdoor pieces; modern versions made from synthetic materials provide more natural designs with lower costs than their predecessors.
Synthetic resin floors have become more and more prevalent in private homes with modern minimalist designs, making these easy-care floors popular with residents. Professional floor layer can select the appropriate type of resin resin and properly prepare surfaces before applying it for maximum impact.
Steel
Stainless steel patio furniture offers an economical yet resilient option for outdoor spaces. Its resistance to rust makes it ideal for those seeking an industrial, rustic or vintage aesthetic on their porches and decks, while high winds wouldn’t damage it as easily. Unfortunately, though, stainless steel furniture tends to be heavier than its aluminum counterpart and could make moving it as needed or storing it during offseason more cumbersome for customers.
Iron patio furniture has long been a classic design element, yet remains popular with homeowners today. Crafted from metal that withstands strong winds without bending or breaking, iron furniture remains in its place for years without needing repairs or refurbishment. When painted with protective coatings it helps retain color retention, while protecting from rusting or sun fading from exposure to direct sunlight.
Wrought iron is malleable and easy to work with, which makes it perfect for designs featuring intricate scrollwork. Wrought iron also comes in various colors and finishes like black, brown, bronze and silver; for an untreated iron design showcasing raw metal’s texture though.
Though aluminum may rust, its chances are lower than steel which can develop rust spots and discolor from prolonged moisture exposure. You can help ensure aluminum patio furniture doesn’t corrode by regularly cleaning with mild cleaners or polishing agents and powder coating as another method to keep it free from corrosion.
Corrosion can be a significant problem with metal furniture, but you can reduce its risk by choosing designs with anti-corrosive finishes. Acrylic enamel paints provide a protective barrier between oxygen and the metal underneath that blocks corrosion; zinc plating also offers great corrosion prevention while keeping its structural integrity protected. While such finishes might add to upfront cost of your patio set purchase, their longevity should make them worth your while.
