Retro metal patio furniture can add a dash of color and personality to any outdoor dining area. From colorful tulip lawn chairs reminiscent of George Jetson to playful retro metal chairs that bring back memories from the 60’s, retro metal furniture is a wonderful way to transform an otherwise dull outdoor dining area into something unforgettable.
Teakwood, eucalyptus and recycled plastic all resist rusting for long-term and durable outdoor options. All-weather wicker is another popular and long-term choice. Woven with UV-resistant synthetic fibers to mimic natural rattan lookalike material makes all-weather wicker an attractive and functional addition to your backyard space.
Style
Vintage metal patio furniture comes in various shapes, colors and sizes to match any aesthetic. Retro chairs, tables and loungers from this era add classic charm to any garden setting, often made out of galvanized steel or wrought iron that withstand the elements with regular care to avoid corrosion.
Corrosion occurs when metal furniture is exposed to water and oxygen, weakening it over time until visible rust or discoloration becomes visible. To avoid corrosion altogether, keep metal furniture covered when not in use – covering with an outdoor umbrella, for instance, can protect it from raindrops that could otherwise lead to corrosion of its metal components.
Plastic patio furniture can be an economical solution when searching for patio sets, offering lightweight construction that’s simple to care for and comes in various styles and colors. However, keep in mind that plastic will eventually break down over time and may require replacing in due course.
Wooden patio furniture is another timeless classic that can be made out of various weather-resistant woods such as teak, eucalyptus or acacia. Teak, eucalyptus and acacia are especially durable and long-term solutions when it comes to choosing wooden outdoor furniture; teak tables and chairs tend to cost more than their metal counterparts but can provide greater stability while being more comfortable to sit on.
Many people admire the look of wrought iron, but its weight may be prohibitive in outdoor spaces. A good compromise would be stainless steel which mimics its aesthetic while remaining lighter and more resilient than its heavier counterpart. You can paint or leave its natural state to create your desired aesthetic look.
Aluminum metal patio furniture is often the top choice, due to its lightness, affordability and strength. Steel can also be an option, though more costly due to potential rust issues in certain conditions. When shopping for metal patio furniture be sure to look for one with a powder-coated finish to protect its finish from rust or corrosion.
Material
Metal patio furniture comes in an extensive range of shapes, sizes and styles that make it simple to accommodate any outdoor setting. Chairs, sofa frames and tables made of metal are lightweight yet sturdy enough for use outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions, while their selection of color finishes and textures makes these pieces suitable for complementing any decor theme.
Durability in metal garden chairs and tables depends upon both the material used to craft them and its overall construction. Common choices include aluminum, wrought iron and steel; of these options aluminum is often the best option due to being lightweight, inexpensive, rust-resistant and corrosion resistant. You may be able to find powder-coated or galvanized finishes that help protect the metal outdoor furniture against corrosion for an extended period of time.
Wrought iron furniture is an investment many homeowners choose due to its classic aesthetic and long-term durability. Although more costly than aluminum alternatives, these pieces tend to feel more stable on windy days thanks to being heavier and resistant to rust formation; plus they don’t blow over easily during gusts of wind! Wrought iron can develop rust spots over time from being exposed to moisture for extended periods, so taking care when wetting or handling wet surfaces may reduce this risk.
Cast aluminum furniture offers some of the best features of both wrought iron and aluminum furniture, combining their best qualities. While still lightweight enough for easy patio movement, this material provides greater resilience than tubular frame aluminum furniture and you can find elegant cast aluminum patio sets to enhance any outdoor living area.
Wood, wicker and all-weather plastic are among the many materials suitable for patio furniture, while natural materials like teak, eucalyptus and acacia make for great water resistance and durability. Plastic garden furniture may also offer great versatility and value; lightweight yet fade-resistant options may fit with any decor theme while some even feature faux wood grain details!
Durability
Retro metal patio furniture is long-lasting and weatherproof; whether you opt for classic lawn chairs or an accent piece like a chaise lounge. Regular maintenance will keep it looking its best!
At some point over the years, even the highest-quality outdoor furniture will start to suffer under sun and rain exposure. Frames become weathered, vinyl straps discolor and loosen, fasteners break, and fasteners pop off. Although replacing such pieces might seem appealing, with just a bit of extra effort you can breathe new life into vintage metal furniture for far less than its replacement cost.
Clean most metal patio furniture frames quickly with a garden hose and cloth dabbed in mild soap water, to remove most dirt, dust and food residue. For powder-coated finishes that use touch-up pens to cover minor dings and scratches in order to protect from further corrosion.
Aluminum and wrought iron patio furniture are two popular choices, though wrought iron tends to be more expensive and durable than its aluminum counterpart. Although wrought iron can be more costly than its aluminum counterpart, wrought iron furniture should not be left sitting in standing water as this will speed up rusting processes. If your chairs or tables feature tight curves or crevices that require cleaning more frequently – try using a nylon scrub brush or old toothbrush instead for reaching those hard-to-reach spots!
Aluminium may dent under excessive pressure, making it suitable for backyard use but easily stored during storms. If your aluminum furniture is located in an exposed area that could be vulnerable to wind damage, invest in anchors, weights, or tethers as additional precautionary measures against blow-away during severe storms. Steel furniture is heavier than its aluminum counterpart and requires more effort when moving – although 316 marine-grade stainless steel pieces will provide maximum longevity against salt air corrosion.
Maintenance
Proper materials and designs create beautiful patio furniture pieces, but even durable pieces need proper care and maintenance to stay looking their best. Neglecting to clean or treat stains or moisture damage promptly could result in costly repairs or replacement of outdoor furnishings.
Cleaning supplies are essential to quickly responding to spills, scuff marks and other signs of wear. Mild soap and warm water work effectively at wiping down frames and removing small stains from fabric surfaces; for stubborn dirt or rust removal a non-abrasive scrub brush/sponge cleaner may be more suitable; avoid using aggressive cleaners that could scratch metal surfaces and fabric surfaces as these could also be dangerously corrosive.
Stainless steel furniture is an attractive, corrosion resistant choice that will withstand wear and tear well over time. Unfortunately, however, its higher cost makes it less practical in some instances; plus regular treatment with mild cleaners will keep it looking its best. If price is a significant consideration when selecting this type of furniture piece then aluminium may be preferable over stainless steel.
Wrought iron furniture has long been a classic and timeless choice, thanks to its timeless appeal and long lifespan. While durable enough for all environments, coastal environments with high salt air content may cause rapid corrosion if it is not protected with regular painting or powder coating to avoid oxidization.
Avoid costly rust repairs by regularly applying a clear protective coat to your iron and wrought-iron furniture. While these products may appear to protect metal, they actually act as sealants that provide a barrier between outdoor elements and your furniture. To maintain it properly, wipe down with damp cloth regularly to remove grime and dirt; give your iron furniture an extensive deep clean every year or two to get rid of build-up that has accumulated underneath the surface.
