Patio lawn furniture must be designed to withstand heavy use and frequent cleaning, so look for weather-resistant materials and designs that can withstand clothing abrasion and food spillage.
Aluminum can rust easily, so choose one with antirust treatments to safeguard it against this fate. However, aluminum may become airborne when subjected to windy conditions.
Styles
Create an inviting patio space with furniture tailored specifically for your home from Pottery Barn. From dining essentials, pool lounge pieces and more – including seating such as chairs, sofas and loveseats for relaxing outdoor, dining tables in various sizes and materials are the final piece in creating the ideal setting. Plus you’ll discover accent pieces and accessories to bring added functionality or decor elements into your outdoor design scheme!
Material choice will have an impactful effect on its durability, use and appearance of outdoor furniture. Some materials withstand rainstorms with ease while others need replacing due to damage or wear-and-tear over time; additionally, certain materials have more aesthetic value than others.
Wicker lawn furniture boasts the classic aesthetic of natural plant fibers woven around frames, but can also be constructed of resin-wound synthetic materials to withstand the elements. Wrought iron patio furniture is sturdy and timeless – an excellent option for regions with high winds; its paint can chip, however; so check for touch-up kits to quickly repair dings or scratches as they occur.
Synthetic woven fabrics come in an assortment of colors and designs that won’t fade under sun exposure, keeping their vibrant colors intact. Their sculptural shapes also lend themselves to more interesting designs than what can be found with traditional materials like iron or wood.
Material selection should reflect your desired style for your patio. Bold patterns add energy to a Mediterranean backyard setting, while neutral tones lend themselves perfectly for lush outdoor settings with lots of vegetation.
Your patio usage plans must also be taken into consideration, from weekly use of just eating out there, to entertaining frequently or simply relaxing after work, the type of seating needs may change accordingly. Sling chairs may suffice if just dining outdoors regularly while for more relaxed settings lounge chairs with plush cushions that provide back and neck support may provide extra comfort. When entertaining frequently a table and chair set that expands when extra guests arrive may be best.
Materials
Selecting durable, weather-resistant materials will extend the longevity of your patio furniture for years. Rattan, wood and metal are suitable options; alternatively consider synthetic fabrics made of polypropylene or acrylic that resist fade damage, mold growth and mildew growth.
Durability also depends on how frequently and in which environments the furniture will be used and exposed to elements like sunlight, rain or salty winds. A heavy workload in outdoor conditions will lead to greater wear and tear than occasional usage or light duty location conditions; porous materials like wicker and wood may require frequent refinishing or replacement as they require special care in order to look their best.
Resins and plastics make durable, lightweight patio furniture choices with unparalleled affordability and longevity. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is one of the best choices for wicker furniture as it features superior heat endurance, strength, durability, as well as working well in coastal locations. Lower grade synthetic wickers may unravel or be fragile over time so always buy quality over quantity when purchasing synthetic wickers.
Cast aluminum patio lawn furniture offers low-maintenance options that won’t rust, making it perfect for exterior decor and painting to match. When painting aluminum furniture, choose a water-resistant formula so it will stand up against rain and sun exposure.
Wrought iron patio chairs or tables offer a traditional appearance. Its sturdy frame comes in various finishes such as black or bronze. Scratches or scrapes are easy to repair if necessary; however, this material may prove cumbersome to move and heat quickly when exposed to sunlight.
Copper and tin metals make attractive choices if cost is no object, though their higher costs should not discourage you. Bare copper or tin may oxidize in moisture-laden environments and require special protective coatings, while steel and galvanized metal may rust or require being coated with zinc for extra corrosion protection.
Cushions
Add style and comfort to your backyard retreat with custom outdoor cushions from custom outdoor cushion manufacturers that provide you with endless choices in shapes, dimensions, colors and materials to match existing furniture exactly or build them yourself with foam and fabric to suit your desired style and durability needs. Our cushions can easily be taken off for machine washing; or choose among an all-weather woven solution-dyed acrylic fiber like Sunbrella(r) or Outdura(r).
Not just color styles are important when selecting outdoor cushions; there are other important considerations. If you live in a rainy area, fabrics that do not feature water-repellant finishes should be avoided to reduce moisture damage caused by raindrops causing fading, mould and mildew growth. Furthermore, fabrics with low lightfastness ratings tend to fade quickly in direct sunlight.
Protecting your investment means taking care to maintain it daily. Make a point of brushing away dirt, food spills and any other marks immediately as soon as they occur – this will extend fabric lifespan and help your fabrics look their best! Additionally, if you have young children or pets that leave messes around the home frequently be sure to select stain-resistant fabrics that can withstand spills without lasting a day longer.
Foam filling is water-resistant and durable, providing your cushions with a pillow-like feel. For firmer cushions, polyfiber or Dacron wrap may be more appropriate; otherwise olefin offers both stain resistance and durable construction qualities – although spun polyester also stain resists liquids in similar ways.
Sunbrella(r) and Outdura(r), two top performance fabrics made of all-weather acrylic fibers that resist fading and moisture, are examples of ultimate performance fabrics that offer optimal durability. Both Sunbrella(r) and Outdura(r), for instance, come equipped with smooth flat weaves as well as tweed sailcloth textures for a variety of textures such as flat weaves to tweed sailcloth. Available in many different colors and looks great when used with wicker furniture, ensure maximum longevity by keeping dust at bay – these covers also keep out bugs!
Maintenance
Proper maintenance techniques are key to keeping patio furniture in good shape. Regular cleaning and protective measures can significantly lower the risk of mold, mildew and other weather-related damages that could compromise its appearance and cause discomfort to users.
At the core of any successful furniture maintenance strategy lies having access to appropriate cleaning supplies. Mild detergents, oil-based soaps and water are adequate in most instances to handle everyday spills and dirt buildup; mildew remover or fungicide may be required in more persistent instances; always test a small area first before applying the cleaner evenly throughout its surface.
Synthetic wicker furniture can usually be cleaned by wiping its surfaces with a damp cloth dampened in light soap solution or mildew remover, followed by using a hose to rinse off and help remove any remaining soap residue. Regularly rinsing off synthetic wicker helps prevent mildew buildup between its weaves; in humid environments it may be wiser to use mildew preventative spray instead.
Wooden patio furniture should never be power washed as this can damage its softer materials. Instead, use gentle detergent with sponge or soft bristle brush and rinse well afterwards. Metal frames must never be left to rust as this could compromise both comfort and appearance of furniture; stainless steel furniture can be cleaned using mild solution of detergent in warm water, all-purpose cleaner or soft sponge; applying Turtle Wax at regular intervals helps maintain this finish on powder coated paint finishes.
Along with regular cleaning, it is advisable to conduct deeper deep cleaning of your furniture at least twice annually. This should take place prior to using it regularly in spring, and then again just prior to putting it away for winter storage. Similarly, covers should always be applied over any non-in use furniture in order to shield it from rain, wind and sunlight and help extend its lifespan.