Outdoor furniture must withstand year-round weather conditions, which includes humidity and abrasion. Selecting materials that can withstand such elements as moisture can help your patio seating withstand rust, mold and mildew accumulation.
Teak, cedar and eucalyptus woods offer excellent weather resistance when used for outdoor furniture. Their robust construction ensures long-term use while still offering comfortable sitting experience.
Metal
Metal patio furniture is one of the most widely-used weather resistant patio furnishings. Not only is it strong and durable, but it is also easy to keep clean. Available in various styles and finishes to complement your outdoor decor, the best choices for metal outdoor use include aluminum, stainless steel and wrought iron – which all boast superior rust-resistance against extreme climate conditions – powder-coating can provide added durability and color retention for humid or coastal environments.
Aluminum patio furniture is one of the most widely-used metals used to craft weatherproof outdoor seating, due to its lightweight properties and lower rust risk than other forms. Plus, its heat resistance makes it comfortable in hotter climates; but note that aluminum can absorb solar rays, making it very hot when sitting directly on it in summer months; therefore to protect yourself against direct contact, consider purchasing cushions or covers that provide cushioned protection from direct exposure to its metal surfaces.
Stainless steel furniture is an ideal choice for many climates and environments, as its resistance to corrosion makes it highly flexible and easy to weld – two key features which help with strength and durability. Though steel furniture may become susceptible to rusting with time and neglect, regular maintenance as well as protective covers and cushions may prevent this.
Wrought iron is an elegant choice for outdoor furniture, yet can be hard to repair in harsh climates due to its weight. While heavy, this material offers many homeowners classic charm. Additionally, it may be less likely to blow away than aluminum when in windy environments. However, some consumers may prefer it over aluminum due to its superior stability.
Wood
Wood patio furniture adds an earthy and timeless appeal, but improper treatment could expose it to moisture damage that leads to rot or mildew growth and warping. To reduce these chances, consider where it will be placed as well as your local climate when placing wood furniture outside.
Humidity, hot sun and fluctuating temperatures all impact wood differently. Harder and denser woods such as teak are best at withstanding moisture while softwoods such as pine can be more fragile in this regard. To protect your wooden furniture from moisture intrusion and keep its original aesthetic, apply weather sealant or all-weather varnish periodically and reseal accordingly for best results.
Moisture-prone conditions, like humidity and rain, can also lead to cracking or peeling surfaces on furniture. This may lead to wood deterioration and compromise its structural integrity; to prevent this, opt for weatherproof woods like eucalyptus, cedar, acacia or teak as these species offer exceptional resistance against rotting, splintering and insects – an excellent choice for outdoor furniture!
If you want to upgrade existing wood furniture for outdoor use, weatherproofing sealants offer an easy solution. Before applying protective coating, sand your furniture using 400-grit sandpaper in order to avoid yellowing and wipe it down with damp cloth before sealing with weatherproof sealant. Afterward, periodically reseal it in order to maintain water-repellency properties of furniture.
If you’re on a tight budget, polywood or steel are great economical solutions that offer durable yet low maintenance furniture that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Polywood furniture is made of recycled plastics for an eco-friendly solution; steel furniture comes in various finishes that you can mix and match to add some flair to any room in the house. When shopping online or from physical retailers for weatherproof options, look for phrases such as “weather resistant”. Weather-resistant pieces may withstand occasional heavy rainfall but might not suit locations with frequent or prolonged storms.
Synthetic Materials
Many people choose synthetic materials for their patio furniture due to their durability and resistance against various climate conditions. Resin wicker is available in a range of styles that make it suitable for any outdoor decor; furthermore, moisture resistance requires only minimal upkeep, ensuring durability even under severe weather conditions.
Synthetic materials differ significantly from natural materials in that they are engineered specifically by engineers to suit various functions. Most synthetics are created through either the creation of chemical compounds or manipulation of existing products – this allows precise control over their characteristics for uniform quality control.
Early 20th-century synthetic fabrics such as acetate and viscose rayon were developed using chemical dissolution of cellulose strands, yet lacked the strength and durability of modern fibers such as nylon. Wallace Carothers at DuPont then revolutionized hosiery manufacturing with nylon, which proved strong yet lightweight enough for use both clothing and industrial purposes. Nylon remains widely used today due to its great resistance against abrasion, tears, chemicals, etc.
Polyester, nylon, acrylic and olefin fabrics comprise 80% of the current fibre market. These synthetic materials are relatively cost-effective while offering various consumer-friendly features such as fade resistance, stretchability and water resistance – as well as durability and high colourfastness – making them popular choices among fabric buyers. Unfortunately these nonbiodegradable materials do not biodegrade completely during washing which may release microplastics into the environment.
Terry cloth and polypropylene fabrics are also popular synthetic fabrics. Both types are produced by spinning yarns in hot water or air to form webs of substance that can then be woven into sheets, producing lightweight yet moisture-resistant fabric suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Their lightweight yet moisture resistance make them suitable for both use indoors or out; plus they’re easy to keep clean, durable against rot, fungi, salt spray, insects and abrasions!
Another advantage of synthetic fabrics is that they’re often cheaper to produce than natural materials, making them an affordable and stylish patio furniture solution. Unfortunately, synthetic materials do not breathe as freely, leading to discomfort and sweatiness from sitting too closely against them; also, their durability may deteriorate over time.
Cushions
Quality outdoor cushions are essential components of any patio seating set, softening furniture and increasing relaxation comfort. When shopping for cushions that will withstand extended use and weather elements like sun rays or water exposure, look for cushions made from materials like solution-dyed acrylic, canvas or vinyl; kids and pet-friendly polypropylene is another popular choice – these breathable fabrics allow moisture to escape so your interiors stay dry to prevent mould and mildew buildup!
Weather-resistant fabrics may help keep moisture at bay, but leaving cushions out for extended periods can still cause them to wear down and develop mould or mildew. To reduce this risk, be sure to regularly shake off excess moisture and air dry thoroughly after every rainfall event. Additionally, it’s wise to cover furniture prior to any precipitation and place it under shelter when possible.
If your cushion fabric is not weather-proof, regular cleaning will extend its lifespan and help prevent moisture seepage into its interiors. When washing with warm water and mild detergent, be sure to use a gentle wash cycle so as to preserve stitching integrity and avoid wear on stitching threads. Upon completion of washing make sure it dries completely to avoid mildew and mould build-up before storing away for storage purposes.
Enhance the comfort of your wrought iron and wood outdoor chairs with this seat and back cushion set, featuring a strikingly striped design to enhance the aesthetics of your patio space. Crafted with Sunbrella fabric that resists stains, mould and mildew for quick drying in rainy or other inclement weather.
These reversible tufted seat and back cushions transform any patio chair into an inviting reading nook or dining spot. Made of polyester fabric that’s water and fade-resistant for outdoor use, and filled with plush foam filling for extended sitting times. Plus they come equipped with zipper closures and ties so they’ll stay secure to your seat frame!