No matter your patio furniture style preference, choosing the appropriate furniture makes a significant impactful statement about who you are as an individual and where your interests lie. Achieve an elegant dining area or cozy lounging space by using formal symmetrical arrangements while eclectic pieces create an eclectic feel on decks.
When selecting pieces for a small patio, look for multifunctional pieces that save space. For instance, an ottoman table provides additional seating.
Teak
Teak wood furniture is an attractive and long-term investment for any patio space. A tropical hardwood with high concentrations of natural rubber and oil content makes teak one of the most weather resistant materials available, providing protection from moisture, mildew, pests and mildew growth. When left untreated it will last decades on any patio without needing maintenance; you can clean and re-stain periodically for a fresh appearance or keep using its natural oils to fight against fungus that damages other wood furniture pieces.
Teak furniture may be more costly than plastic, metal and wicker options but its superior durability and long-term beauty more than make up for its higher initial cost. It features golden-brown hues with long straight grains that complement many design styles – the best examples will also incorporate high-grade materials and techniques like mortise-and-tenon joinery for even further longevity.
Before making your purchase, it’s important to recognize that teak wood comes in three grades. Sapwood, the lowest grade available, can be more susceptible to mold and mildew growth that could harm outdoor furniture over time. When selecting high-quality teak from ethical suppliers it’s essential that certified sources are chosen.
Be sure to invest in some weatherproof cushions and covers for your teak furniture, too. In winter months it is advisable to store it away to preserve its look longer as well as prevent cracking or warping of its surfaces. Storage should take place in a cool and dry location away from sunlight.
As well as protecting patio furniture, it’s a smart idea to spend some time reviewing your outdoor space. Consider pinpointing any pain points like ceramic plant pots that might become chipped from moving pieces of furniture. Make sure someone else assists when moving large pieces so as to not accidentally damage any teak furniture and continue enjoying its benefits throughout the year.
IPE
Ipe (or Ipe) hardwood has become one of the premier outdoor patio furniture materials over recent years, renowned for its strength and durability. Resistant to insects, fungus and water damage damage, its dense construction resists insects like termites while developing an elegant silver-gray patina over time.
Teak is a popular alternative to ipe when selecting material for outdoor furniture, but when making your selection it’s essential to consider your priorities when making this decision. Ipe may offer greater durability, while teak may help your outdoor furnishings retain their aesthetic quality for longer.
Although both ipe and teak woods are durable and weather well, they require periodic maintenance in order to look their best. Both woods possess natural resistance against rot, insect infestation, environmental stressors and more but ipe is often more resilient due to higher concentrations of tannic acid present within its pores that repel pests while keeping its color. Plus it’s harder than teak so cracking and bending are less of a worry than before.
To preserve the beauty of ipe wood furniture, it’s necessary to apply an oil treatment that protects it from moisture and food stains. It is recommended to oil it 2-4 times annually using Penofin Exotic Hardwood Finish oil penetrator – be sure to apply before use and allow 30 minutes of drying time between uses!
Jensen Outdoor’s Classic Ipe collection of outdoor furniture utilizes environmentally-friendly wood from South American forests that is FSC certified, harvested using harvesting methods that minimize environmental impact while respecting indigenous communities. This durable yet sustainable collection offers deep chocolate brown hued furniture.
Combining durable wood with luxurious solution-dyed acrylic fabrics from Sunbrella will give your outdoor area an elegant and luxurious appearance. Sunbrella fabric colors are fade-resistant and can withstand summer sun, wind and rain without discoloring over time; furthermore they can easily be cleaned using mild dish soap and warm water for hassle-free maintenance.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a tough and low maintenance material perfect for outdoor furniture, able to withstand harsh weather while remaining chemical resistant. Aluminum can also be shaped or formed into designs to give any patio piece its own individual aesthetic – its lightweight qualities making it easier for the patio resident to move around the patio than other metals such as steel.
Simple water jet washing or wiping with a clean cloth are enough to maintain the beauty of aluminum furniture, and any scuff marks or discolorations can easily be removed with non-abrasive cleanser like Barkeeper’s Friend. Aluminum furniture comes in all styles from traditional to modern; for something a bit flashier powder coating finishes are available with multiple colors available for each finish type.
Aluminum furniture is not only easy to care for but also highly cost-effective. Due to being less labor intensive than iron and steel furniture, production and transportation costs are lower while its lighter weight makes it an energy-saving solution for those with limited storage space.
Aluminum has the added advantage of being naturally mold-resistant material that can withstand intense rains or snowstorms without warping, cracking or warping. Aluminum also makes an excellent choice for people living in hot climates as its UV rays won’t rust it and degrade its quality over time.
When purchasing aluminum patio furniture, it is crucial to pay close attention to its build quality. Checking for welded joints and using high-grade finishes are both vital steps toward ensuring its long-term durability; additionally, seek out manufacturers with an excellent warranty policy to protect your investment.
Wicker
Wicker is an adaptable material that is ideal for crafting furniture made out of patio styles that fit any environment, such as rain, heat and humidity. Plus, its maintenance requirements are minimal compared to more formal alternatives such as wood.
When searching for wicker furniture, ensure it comes equipped with quality aluminum frames and rust-proof legs. Also look out for even weaves and overall symmetry – both are indicators that the piece was expertly handcrafted rather than mass produced. When browsing options available to you for your desired style of wicker piece, be sure to explore all possibilities so you find just the right piece to complement your space.
Natural and synthetic wicker are two primary categories of wicker. Natural wicker is generally composed of plant-derived materials like bamboo, rattan, seagrass or water hyacinth; while synthetic wicker is usually constructed using resin and vinyl combined into one piece to emulate its appearance – typically more resistant to weather and moisture damage than its natural counterpart.
Natural and synthetic wicker can both be used to create stylish patio furniture, though natural is typically better suited for all-weather use. To keep your wicker furniture looking brand new, invest in an outdoor wicker cover of high-quality that features wind straps to secure it against strong winds, and ventilation channels designed specifically to prevent moisture buildup.
Wicker furniture requires minimal upkeep and maintenance, apart from periodic cleaning with a garden hose at the end of each season to remove dirt or debris that has collected over time. You can keep it looking its best by regularly dusting it off using either a soft-bristle brush or vacuum cleaner.
With the right furniture, your backyard can become an extension of the living room where you and your family can unwind in comfort and style. Jordan’s Furniture provides a selection of wicker sofas, loveseats, chairs and other pieces to make any backyard into an elegant oasis.