Outdoor furniture is needed to make your patio relaxing, joyful, and a place to unwind from the stress of daily life. But when purchasing your outdoor furniture, be sure to know what material can best withstand the elements. Here is a list of the most common materials used for outdoor furniture.
Metal
Patio furniture is made from a variety of metals including, but not limited to, wrought iron and aluminum.
Wrought iron is a strong and durable metal, making it heavy to move. Because it is so heavy, if you live in a windy climate, outdoor furniture made from wrought iron could be a great option for you. However, it needs a lot of maintenance to ensure it does not rust. So living in an area that gets a lot of rain may not be the best place to have furniture made from wrought iron.
Also, because it is made from iron, if placed in direct sunlight, it heats up relatively quickly. But as long as wrought iron furniture is cared for properly, it can be left outdoors year-round.
As for aluminum, it will not fade or rust, especially if it has been coated with a powder-coat finish. Compared to wrought iron, aluminum stays cooler when placed in direct sunlight and it is easier to move. A downside to this metal though is that it is usually found to be more expensive. However, this metal is corrosion resistant and survives for long periods of time.
Whether the aluminum furniture is inexpensive (as there are cost-friendly options) or heavier grades, determines whether you can keep it outside.
Plastic
This is the most inexpensive option. However, plastic isn’t as sturdy. It’s also lightweight and can blow away easily. It is easy to maintain, though. If you’re willing to spend a little more money, then you can get more sturdy plastic furniture which will last a little longer. You will still want to store your plastic furniture if you’re expecting lots of wind.
Wicker
This material can be natural or synthetic and give the patio a cozy and rustic feel. This woven wood is lightweight yet very durable. Outdoor sets are usually made from synthetics to increase weather resistance and durability.
The downside is that wicker furniture is expensive. However, with the increasing use of synthetics, it is becoming more cost-friendly. Weather-resistant wicker can be hosed off and is designed to be left outdoors year-round.
Wood
Patio furniture comes in a wide range of wood types. Some of the more popular wood types used for outdoor furniture include cedar, pine, redwood, and teak. Hardwoods tend to last longer, with wood types like teak lasting up to 50 years. Others like redwood last for up to 25 years.
If you decide to get softwood, furniture like pressure-treated pine lasts for multiple years outside and is treated to resist water and rot. Untreated pine should be kept indoors during bad weather as it has a low resistance to rot.
An advantage to wood outdoor furniture is that is doesn’t heat up in the sun as metal furniture does.
It is important to pick out the best outdoor furniture for your needs. Think about the climate when choosing your furniture so that it can last for many years.
