Metal outdoor furniture provides durability for your patio, balcony or lanai. Material selection depends on lifestyle factors like lifestyle preferences, intended use size/intended purpose size/sized and antirust treatment/application methods/application processes.
Stainless steel and aluminum surfaces can become susceptible to chipping and scratching if they’re not taken care of properly, so the Patio Living buying guide provides helpful information about these damages as well as ways to limit them.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron outdoor furniture is often designed with great craftsmanship in mind. As it is malleable metal, working into intricate shapes is relatively straightforward; while its strength surpasses steel or cast iron pieces which may contain impurities that weaken their structure.
Wrought iron patio furniture stands out from other forms of metal patio furniture due to its ability to be formed into beautiful designs that make it stand out. Wrought iron is extremely sturdy, standing up well against adverse weather conditions without rusting or becoming brittle; however, moisture exposure could still result in corrosion if not protected with an appropriate protective coating.
Wrought iron’s heavy weight prevents it from being easily blown over or away in strong winds, making it an excellent choice for coastal regions vulnerable to hurricanes and inland regions that experience frequent thunderstorms. Furthermore, its robust construction helps prevent accidental bumping into it or knock-over by children; its heavyweight also creates an ergonomic sitting or reclining experience; plush cushions may further add comfort.
Wrought iron furniture differs significantly from aluminum and stainless steel in that it is much heavier. This added weight provides additional strength that prevents it from being picked up or moved by children or pets, and prevents high winds from blowing it over altogether – though for added protection when not in use it would still be wise to cover or shed your wrought iron pieces when not being used.
Wrought iron’s aesthetic qualities are much-appreciated by many people; not only for its durability but also because of its refined look. Its dark hue and intricate designs give wrought iron an eye-catching appeal that complements many classic, transitional, and contemporary patio furniture styles; further adding beauty to any backyard, whether small urban garden or sprawling suburban yard.
When selecting metal patio furniture, choose something that complements the indoor furniture in your home. For instance, if your interior features more modern styles than others, choose stainless steel sculptural lines as they make for striking modern furniture for outdoor spaces. Or for something more traditional perhaps an iron table and chairs could work.
Aluminum
Aluminum is an extremely strong material that resists corrosion, making it the ideal material for outdoor furniture. Furthermore, its lightweight nature makes it easy to move or rearrange with minimal hassle. Many manufacturers employ extrusion as a method of shaping their aluminum before welding; this allows the furniture produced using this process to have a sleek modern appearance suitable for many decor styles.
Be mindful that not all aluminum furniture is created equal; some of the more affordable pieces might be constructed of hollow tubing welded together – while this may make for more cost-effective outdoor seating, it might not withstand weather elements as effectively. When searching for sturdy patio sets with strong welds it’s worth looking for brands who use heliarc welding in their manufacturing process – this ensures strong welds.
Cast aluminum patio furniture is one of the most durable choices, providing a classic yet versatile aesthetic. This material can easily be painted or powder-coated in multiple colors for a truly custom look, while remaining resistant to rust and other weather conditions, plus being easy to maintain with regular damp cloth or sponge washings. For increased longevity, thicker aluminum frames should feature reinforcements like crossbars and braces.
Steel patio furniture is another durable material to choose when creating metal patio sets, though it might not be as cost-effective or lightweight. Steel also responds more readily to temperature variations – becoming hot or cold depending on its surroundings.
When purchasing a steel set, consider its manufacturer’s warranty and build quality as indicators of its suitability for frequent use and adverse weather conditions. A longer warranty typically indicates confidence from manufacturers about its ability to stand the test of time; conversely, shorter ones could indicate lower-grade products. Also look for furniture with protective finishes like zinc galvanization for an added layer of resistance against corrosion and weather elements.
Stainless Steel
If you’re shopping for metal patio furniture, there are numerous factors to keep in mind when making your selection. Marianne Lipanovich provides her readers with insight into five common metal types used for furniture production: wrought iron, steel, aluminum zinc and stainless steel.
Wrought iron patio furniture offers an elegant touch to any outdoor living area, yet is susceptible to corrosion when exposed to moisture or humidity.
Although wrought iron furniture can be powder coated to provide some level of protection from the elements, this process can be both costly and time consuming. Furthermore, its delicate material means it may be more prone to bumps or scrapes than other metal types; its weight could even pose problems in windy regions.
Steel is a durable material that stands up well against the elements, though vulnerable to rust if scratched or damaged at joints and weld areas. To prevent rusting, steel should be protected with clear polyurethane coating or regularly dusted and lightly oiled to keep its finish looking its best.
Aluminum is an incredibly strong yet lightweight metal that is ideal for crafting furniture pieces of various shapes. Coated in any number of finishes to add color or protect it from the elements, aluminum furniture is easily welded into shape for outdoor furniture use and easily welds together without needing welding rods – two features which makes aluminum outdoor furnishings particularly popular. Unfortunately, however, aluminum furniture may become susceptible to corrosion if improperly treated; signs of rusting may appear with prolonged exposure to air and water exposure (though less severe than with cast iron furniture).
Stainless steel is an affordable metal that provides long-term performance at minimal maintenance cost, making it the ideal choice for humid climates. Cleanup can be achieved simply with damp cloth or sponge; fingerprints and rust buildup will not occur as quickly with stainless steel surfaces.
Though more expensive than cast or wrought iron patio furniture, stainless steel is an ideal material choice for long-lasting yet stunning metal patio furniture. For optimal results, grade 316 stainless steel offers increased strength and corrosion resistance, so opt for this higher grade alloy instead.
Zinc
Wrought iron patio furniture offers homeowners who desire traditional metal patio furniture an option with lasting durability that goes beyond modern aluminum or steel options. While more costly, wrought iron is stronger and heavier than its counterparts and gives outdoor spaces an air of historic graciousness. However, like other metals it may rust under humid climate conditions or scratch and pit over time due to joint or welding areas; with proper care and maintenance wrought iron furniture can last many years longer.
Aluminum and steel differ from wrought iron in that they can withstand humidity better, yet still become brittle under cold temperatures, transfer heat rapidly, and rust in damp environments – unlike its counterpart wrought iron which often corrodes. As such, these metals may not be appropriate in coastal regions prone to hurricanes or gusty winds – rather, these types of metal are better suited for milder, warmer, drier states of the southern United States.
Zinc is an exceptionally durable metal that doesn’t succumb to rusting in humid climates, weathering gracefully instead. Available in antique copper and natural zinc finishes, zinc furniture pairs perfectly with wood and wicker pieces while its design options expand greatly by being tailored to mimic other materials like rattan or wicker for an authentic appearance.
Zinc tables make an impressive statement at flea markets and online marketplaces alike, and can easily replace wooden or glass ones in terms of style and elegance. You can create one using an aged machine-age cast iron base, by loading your caulking gun with heavy-duty construction adhesive, then glueing a sheet of zinc onto plywood using flat 12-inch chisels aided by deadblow hammers; use tin snips to make diagonal cuts from its outermost point to the edge where plywood meets zinc, and fold easily when complete.