Sturdy patio furniture requires the appropriate materials and construction. Metals that resist rust are ideal, while wood such as acacia can withstand the elements better.
Choose all-weather materials that require minimal upkeep year after year; some even come equipped with protective covers for winter use. When looking for aluminum lounge chairs with solid framing pieces and stainless steel hardware.
1. Wrought Iron
Wrought iron furniture is an appealing metal choice for outdoor spaces, offering style, durability and reliability. Skilled craftsmen work the material through processes like heating, hammering and shaping in order to realign its fibrous structures for increased strength and resilience – creating decorative patio chairs or benches featuring intricate designs.
Wrought iron furniture boasts a grain-like surface that gives it its signature aesthetics and sets it apart from other outdoor furnishings. Made of sturdy metal, wrought iron can withstand weather elements while being combined with materials such as resin wicker or wood for extra interest in any outdoor setting. However, since wrought iron may rust when exposed to subpar weather conditions it should be covered or brought inside during extreme storms or inclement conditions.
Aluminum and stainless steel metals make excellent choices for patio furniture, with aluminum being lightweight and rustproof – making it easy to transport in high winds, or use as frames with other materials like wood or resin wicker. Meanwhile, stainless steel stands up well to harsh weather conditions without becoming damaged; it may cost more than its alternatives though.
Powder-coated steel is another popular metal choice, offering similar advantages as aluminum while resisting rust and corrosion for a lasting finish. Although heavier than its aluminum counterpart, powder-coated steel holds up well in windy locations while offering an attractive classic look for any backyard. To complement these metal frames, homeowners can add cushions made with fade-resistant fabrics like Nuvella fabric. It goes through an environmentally-friendly solution-dye process so that its color won’t fade even with constant exposure to sunlight.
2. Aluminum
Aluminum patio furniture is often preferred over its iron counterpart due to its affordability and durability, offering more design possibilities depending on personal taste. Aluminum outdoor furniture even comes in designs resembling wicker or rattan to expand design possibilities further.
Aluminum patio pieces offer many advantages for use all year round, even in climates with extreme winter conditions. It should be purchased with high quality outdoor furniture covers in mind to protect them during this season.
Aluminum patio furniture may not be ideal in areas with extreme winds due to its lightweight design, which may get caught and moved around by gusty breezes, potentially damaging homes or yards in its wake. As an alternative, steel furniture might be more appropriate in these instances.
Aluminum furniture may not be ideal for use by very young children due to its lightweight nature and potential risk of accidental knockover or breaking by curious hands. Therefore, aluminum pieces should be combined with more sturdy patio pieces such as wrought iron or teak wood pieces for an attractive and safe appearance.
When purchasing aluminum patio furniture, it’s essential that pieces have been powder coated for optimal results. This process ensures a flawless surface free from bubbles, blotches or stippling as well as corrosion and rust protection; furthermore it makes powder coating an enduring solution over sprayed-on finishes. When purchasing sets made up of multiple pieces made of aluminum patio furniture be sure to ask whether MIG welding has been used as it offers greater security compared to bolted joints.
3. Resin Wicker
Wicker sets are among the most classic and versatile forms of patio furniture. Sets typically consist of sofas, chairs that swivel or recline and tables designed to seat three or more. For maximum durability, durable sets should be topped off with four-inch foam cushions made from all-weather resin that are machine washable, mildew resistant, machine reshapable and require little or no upkeep when used moderately outdoors – however due to compression over time this cushion material requires periodic reshaping after intensive use.
There are various varieties of synthetic wicker available, from cheap versions to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) versions with custom colors that mimic organic hues. This type of synthetic wicker can often be found built onto an aluminum frame and cannot be distinguished from natural wicker due to their similar looks and feel.
One advantage of this type of wicker furniture is that it “breathes,” giving slightly with the weight of its user and offering pleasurable seating comfort even during hot summer months. Furthermore, its flexibility enhances sectional furniture sets.
Resin wicker furniture offers many of the same advantages of natural rattan without needing extensive maintenance. Simply rinse it off with water, and don’t need to be covered up during extreme weather like wood or aluminum furnishings must. However, for optimal longevity it should be stored away during off-season months if your climate receives snowfall or rainfall – this will extend its life and prevent the inevitable wear-and-tear that inevitably occurs over time in harsh climates – perfect for those with limited time to maintain patio furnishings!
4. Acacia Wood
Acacia wood is one of the most commonly used materials for patio furniture, thanks to its incredible strength-to-weight ratio and water-resistance. Furthermore, Acacia is relatively less costly compared to more exotic species like teak or Ipe, making it an attractive option for people who want the look of premium wooden patio furniture without its outrageously priced counterparts.
Like any wood furniture, acacia requires regular care and maintenance in order to remain in good condition. Wipe down your acacia furniture regularly with a damp cloth to wipe away dirt or dust that has accumulated; avoid polishes that contain silicone as these may dry out the wood’s finish, and avoid placing your pieces directly under direct sunlight or near sources of heat as direct exposure could cause it to warp over time.
Acacia furniture may become discolored over time if left exposed to elements; without regular staining and oiling treatments it may turn darker as time goes on, creating problems for some who prefer theirs to remain light colored rather than turning darker over time. This could become problematic for those who want their acacia furniture to maintain its light hue over time.
At home or while traveling, most scratches and damage that occurs from everyday use is easily repairable with scratch-markers. Acacia wood patio furniture should provide beautiful yet durable seating solutions for years. Proper care of this wood will extend its lifespan significantly.
5. Solution-Dyed Acrylic
Solution-dyed acrylic fabric stands up against any outdoor fabric in terms of its durability, making it one of the finest choices available for patio umbrellas that must withstand harmful UV rays from sunlight. This high-performance material resists fading, mold mildew and rot while remaining soft to touch. Plus, its water resistance makes drying fast possible! Furthermore, fluorocarbon finishes repel rain snow and dirt easily – perfect for fast drying times in wet climates like Florida!
Solution-dyed acrylic fabric is produced by dyeing raw fiber materials before weaving them together – unlike most fabrics which are dyed after being spun into yarn – creating fade-resistant fabrics that remain vibrant even under direct sunlight. These types of fabrics are also widely used to craft outdoor furniture cushions such as those found in swivel rockers, dining chair seat cushions and chaise lounge cushions.
Not only is this fabric long-wearing and long-lasting, it is also easy to care for. Stain-resistant and water repellent properties make cleaning it with mild detergent or hose down easy. Furthermore, its mold and mildew resistance makes it a fantastic choice for outdoor seating cushions.
Solution-dyed acrylic furniture may be more costly, but it will outlive lesser quality furniture materials over time and become an asset that looks good while performing as expected for many years to come. It is worth investing in such patio sets for long-term enjoyment!
