Consider several key factors when purchasing metal patio furniture, including climate and weather conditions, maintenance needs, and style preferences.
Iron can rust over time if left exposed; however, there are numerous methods available to you for protecting it and minimizing this risk. For instance, you could apply a protective coating over your iron furniture or store it away during inclement weather conditions.
Durability
Durability is a top consideration for homeowners and commercial property owners alike when purchasing patio furniture, with heavy pieces being especially problematic due to being difficult to move and potentially causing damage when pulled. Lighter options tend to be easier to handle and can be quickly positioned; durability can even impact pricing decisions with metal pieces typically costing more.
Wrought iron furniture has long been a classic option in gardens due to its intricate designs that exude elegance. Unfortunately, however, its cost makes it prohibitive, with antique pieces fetching several thousands of dollars from collectors.
Modern wrought iron furniture often features a protective coating to deter rust, while being waxed regularly to keep its aesthetic. If budget is an issue, aluminum furniture could be another viable choice; it is slightly cheaper than its counterpart and still durable enough for outdoor use; although not quite as sturdy.
Aluminum is a long-lasting material that’s resistant to corrosion and will hold up under any weather condition. Aluminum surfaces often come with powder-coat finishes for extra longevity – while this finish might not look as shiny, it offers greater abrasion-resistance and wear-resistance than others.
Aluminum patio furniture also boasts the advantage of being less weighty than its wrought iron or cast iron counterparts, and less likely to move during high winds, potentially damaging property or injuring people.
Rust Resistant
When purchasing metal patio furniture, it is essential to consider its resilience against outdoor conditions. Rust can be an issue with iron patio furniture; however, there is furniture available which resists or doesn’t rust altogether; teak, recycled plastic and eucalyptus wood may offer these qualities over traditional metals like steel and wrought iron.
Iron furniture is naturally durable, yet must be kept in an airtight environment to avoid oxidation and rusting. Rust can develop when moisture – whether dew, raindrops, puddles on decks or rain showers – comes into contact with its surface. While some people may prefer its rusted patina on patio furniture, others may find it unsightly or less functional; alternatively painting the metal adds color and modernizes its look.
Cast iron furniture is heavyweight metal that’s more likely to rust than other forms. Produced using a carved mold where smelted iron is poured, its chunkier appearance often differs from the sleeker designs often found in gardens such as wrought iron. Furthermore, casting iron pieces often incorporate decorative features like foliage or grapevines for an authentic and classic aesthetic that complements many garden styles.
Wrought iron may not be as robust as cast iron, but it still makes for an elegant product. Due to its hammered texture and need for regular wiping down with soapy water and wax application, however, wrought iron requires additional maintenance than smoother metals like smooth stainless steel and bronze.
Although rust resistance should be considered when purchasing metal furniture, portability and storage space must also be taken into consideration. Collapsible furniture that can be stored indoors during non-use will fare much better due to not being exposed to harsh weather conditions and constant use. Furthermore, choosing furniture which can be easily cleaned off or restored with paint to restore its luster will keep it looking its best for longer.
Attractiveness
People searching for wrought iron patio furniture typically want something sturdy yet elegant. This type of furniture has been around since centuries; some chairs and tables made back in the 1800s can now be sold to collectors of garden antiques for thousands. Some pieces were also designed with ornate ornamentation popular at that time.
Wrought iron furniture can be heavier than aluminum and doesn’t rust as quickly; nonetheless, it still requires regular care and attention. To prevent rusting from occurring quickly, keep furniture out of direct sunlight when possible and cover when not being used; additionally, it should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt or debris that could accelerate its demise faster than otherwise.
Wire brush and soapy water is generally all that’s necessary to restore metal furniture to its former glory, but for owners of wrought iron patio furniture it would also be prudent to apply a protective wax such as North Woods – One Touch Wonder Wax every few months or so as this will protect it from oxidation, the source of most forms of corrosion and thus help avoid its formation in the first place.
Iron, both wrought and cast, is susceptible to rusting due to reacting with oxygen and moisture in the atmosphere. Rust is composed of iron oxide that initially appears reddish-brown but eventually darkens into dark brown color over time. Left unchecked, it can damage furniture surfaces as well as crack or chip the metal itself.
If you own wrought iron patio furniture, try to keep it out of direct sunlight as much as possible. If necessary, put it under a canopy or cover to protect from fading and keep its condition longer term. Also keep it clean to make it easier to spot paint nicks or chips quickly for repair – doing so could help protect against corrosion damage to metal.
Maintenance
Wrought iron patio furniture is an attractive and long-term choice for outdoor use, yet requires special care to stay looking its best. Like any type of metal furniture, it must be regularly waxed and polished. Doing this regularly ensures it remains in great condition for years to come and always looks its best!
Clean wrought iron furniture by regularly washing it in warm, soapy water with a sponge or cloth soaked in cleaner. Be sure to pay special attention to nooks and crannies that collect dirt as you scrub all surfaces of the furniture with this method before rinsing off with clean water via garden hose or bucket.
If your wrought iron furniture features an antirust coating, waxing it at least twice annually may suffice in maintaining its durability and aesthetic. Waxed metal has greater resistance to oxidation than unwaxed, meaning its color and shine remain much longer than without waxing. You could also invest in paint designed specifically for metal materials – which will further safeguard it against the elements while helping prevent it from rusting!
If your wrought iron patio furniture does suffer rust spots, they can usually be easily eliminated with just some liquid soap and water cleaning and medium-grit sandpaper removal of any flaky spots. Once the rust has been eliminated, outdoor spray paint formulated specifically for metal should be applied to seal the surface and protect wrought iron against further deterioration and prevent further rusting. This will also help seal in any potential future damages to further preserve its appearance and extend its life expectancy. This method can be particularly beneficial if you are trying to restore antique furniture. Modern wrought iron styles tend to feature protective coatings which will ward off corrosion and may even include wax treatments, making this less of an issue with recent pieces.
