An elegant set of patio furniture expands your living space while providing an inviting place for relaxation. There are various kinds of outdoor furniture to choose from; however, wicker is often chosen due to its comfort, durability, and minimal maintenance requirements.
When purchasing outdoor wicker furniture, be sure to buy quality pieces. Cheap synthetic wicker may contain harmful chemicals and be more prone to breaking and shedding.
Durability
When purchasing outdoor furniture, longevity should always be taken into consideration. Your pieces should withstand all four seasons including freezing winter temperatures, rain storms and snow. Furthermore, children or pets could need something that stands up against constant use such as metal, wrought iron teak wood and eucalyptus patio materials which have proven themselves extremely resilient over time.
Your furniture’s longevity depends heavily on its environment. For instance, in areas with lots of sunlight, UV rays can wreak havoc with outdoor materials within ten years if left exposed to direct sunlight – it would be wise to invest in quality UV protection or use protective covers on outdoor pieces to extend its life and avoid these damage events.
Humid environments can significantly decrease the lifespan of patio furniture. Prolonged exposure to humidity may cause it to swell or crack over time, making weatherproof options necessary to retain their shape without warping and shrinking over time.
Non wicker furniture can last 15 years with proper care and maintenance, depending on its longevity and finish condition. Protect it with a protective coat to preserve its finish from fading, and regularly clean your patio furniture to eliminate dust and dirt build-up. In addition, when weather becomes inclement such as heavy rainfall or windstorms occur, bring it indoors as these elements could harm the material used to construct it.
Rattan furniture stands out for being both durable and eco-friendly, being constructed of fibrous climbing vines harvested without harming their host plant. Furthermore, its natural aesthetic makes rattan extremely sustainable and desirable as an eco-friendly material choice.
Rattan furniture is lightweight and easily portable thanks to its weave structure, making it an excellent choice for small spaces or those with limited storage. Furthermore, the minimal upkeep requirements mean no special cleaning products or tools are necessary when caring for this furniture.
Comfort
For outdoor furniture to be comfortable, it should feature plenty of padding. Furthermore, the material must be soft yet durable enough to withstand spills, stains, sun exposure and rain – and be easily maintained (via Better Homes and Gardens). Finally, an ideal outdoor couch would include replaceable cushions that make maintenance simpler (via Better Homes and Gardens).
Before buying non wicker patio furniture, it is crucial that you take measurements of your deck or patio in order to ascertain which pieces best suit the space – for instance, smaller patios would benefit more from loveseats or small sectionals than from large chaise longues.
If you prefer more casual furniture, woven fabric may be your go-to material. That doesn’t mean it can’t be just as sophisticated, but its design often has more of an informal vibe compared to rattan furniture – plus, its cost could make it more feasible.
Another key consideration when purchasing wicker furniture is how it will stand up to the elements. While wicker itself isn’t waterproof, many of its materials are water-resistant. You should try to avoid natural rattan which cracks and weakens quickly when exposed to rain or sunlight; opt instead for synthetic resin wicker which has better weather-resistance than its counterparts.
Comfort is of utmost importance when selecting furniture to furnish your living space, so your sofa and chairs should provide ample cushion to sink into for lounging, sipping cocktails, or playing card games with friends. Material must feel soft yet firm while cushion inserts should be plushy – for even greater relaxation look for furniture with built-in lumbar supports to provide additional back support if sitting for long periods.
Variety
As soon as you’re ready to maximize your outdoor living space, there is a wide range of patio furniture styles and looks available that will meet every taste and need. A variety of materials are used in their construction allowing them to withstand different environmental and weather conditions.
Metal patio furniture is popular due to its strength and durability; however, due to its high thermal conductivity it can get very hot in direct sunlight while remaining cool to touch during winter, making it uncomfortable to sit upon during extreme temperature swings. If considering metal patio sets with cushions to help manage these extreme temperatures, cushioned sets would likely provide better comfort during those times of year.
Wrought iron patio furniture has long been considered an elegant and classic choice, while newer versions may use multiple metal materials that allow it to be lighter in weight and still maintain its classic aesthetic. Furthermore, its portability makes wrought iron an excellent option when considering furniture that can adapt easily with changing lifestyles and needs.
Wicker patio furniture is an ideal way to create an organic-feeling outdoor setting, as its appearance resembles nature more closely than many other materials. However, there can be significant variations in quality across wicker products available on the market: pieces made of plastic resin will likely fade and wear down more quickly; those constructed using HDPE (high-density polyethylene) wicker tend to last longer as it provides resistance against harsh weather conditions.
Aluminum patio furniture is a lightweight and rust-proof choice that is suitable for various climates. Plus, its variety of finishes allows it to complement the aesthetic of your home perfectly! Furthermore, maintenance is easy; simply wipe clean using mild soap and water when needed.
Wood patio furniture is another versatile material used in outdoor patio sets. Wood can be stained or sealed to protect it from the elements, as well as treated with preservatives for increased longevity.
Maintenance
Care of patio furniture will vary depending on its material of construction. Aluminum and plastic pieces may be easier to keep clean, while wicker and wooden pieces require more regular care and upkeep. It is always beneficial to keep furniture as clean as possible to extend its life: organic growth such as mold can cause surface damage while dirt and dust accumulation can wear away fibers of natural wicker or cause mildew growth on synthetic pieces.
As part of your effort to protect your investment, it’s advisable to regularly clean wicker patio furniture using a soft brush or duster. This will remove any heavy accumulations of dirt and debris that are difficult to reach with regular brushing or vacuum cleaning, while for more stubborn stains consider using warm water mixed with pH neutral detergent (rather than harsh scrubbing techniques or hot water solutions), rinse thoroughly afterwards allowing to air dry naturally.
While most wicker furniture can remain outside year-round, for optimal performance it should be stored or moved indoors during extreme cold or heat weather conditions. This will protect it from moisture damage caused by moisture-laden air currents; such humidity could result in cracking metal furniture or making natural wicker less elastic or durable than previously. Also excessive sun exposure may damage and fade furniture even when protected with tarpaulins or covered patios.
Routine maintenance should include using a soft cloth and mild cleaner to wipe down furniture before rinsing it under running water. In order to keep its color vibrant and fresh, hosing down wooden furniture after rainfall or major storms is also an excellent idea – this helps prevent wood rot from occurring under its surface while helping preserve vibrant hues. Alternatively, for an alternative option you could rub the wood with linseed oil before thoroughly rinsing off its residue afterwards.
