When purchasing outdoor patio furniture, it’s essential to take both personal preferences and climate conditions into account. Extreme cold can crack wood; excessive heat may cause plastic pieces to discolor over time.
Rainwater can wreak havoc with outdoor fabrics. To maximize performance, select rattan and wicker that has been treated with a weatherproof coating for maximum longevity.
Material
When it comes to outdoor furniture, there are various materials from which you can select. Each material offers distinct advantages and disadvantages; your selection will determine its strength, durability and price; how comfortable the seating experience will be and whether or not it can withstand weather changes.
Wrought iron, aluminum and cast aluminum patio furniture are three popular choices of outdoor patio furniture that offer incredible durability and resistance to corrosion, making them the ideal choice for any outdoor living space. Some even come in various finishes and colors so you can find your ideal style to complement any decor! However, these metals can be heavier than expected and require more effort when moving them around; additionally, the sun’s rays may quickly heat them up quickly making sitting on them uncomfortable.
Wicker furniture is another popular form of outdoor furniture. Wicker is light, easy to move around and resistant to mold, mildew and rot – ideal for any outdoor space – while only needing minimal upkeep and cleaning requirements – yet you should ensure that only high-quality pieces are purchased as they may become fragile over time.
Synthetic outdoor furniture is typically composed of various synthetic materials like resin and plastic, often dyed with UV protection to ward off sun-fade fading. Although synthetics tend to be easier to maintain than natural wood furniture, water spills can still stain or discolour its finish and warping should be avoided in windy environments.
Concrete furniture may also be suitable for your outdoor living space, providing exceptional strength in extreme weather conditions while still remaining comfortable to sit on. However, be wary when purchasing pieces with this material as some have fiberglass or resin mixtures added for increased durability.
Style
No matter the size or layout of your outdoor space, durable patio furniture can make it more enjoyable and relaxing. Choose comfortable yet stylish outdoor couches, loveseats or loveseats as well as relaxing chaise lounges to complete the space. Complete it all off with cozy outdoor rugs, seat or throw pillows as well as other accessories that complete your patio set for an idyllic outdoor retreat!
Durable patio furniture is designed to withstand rain and snow as well as wear from kids, pets and family members who spend lots of time outside. There is patio furniture made from wood, metal and synthetics; for an elegant touch wrought iron patio furniture is another classic choice, but be sure to cover it during harsher climates such as winter months.
Synthetic options like wicker and all-weather plastic can also be durable. Their natural look comes from UV-resistant synthetic fibers woven together, repelling moisture. Some are shaped like Adirondack chairs while others feature sleek lines and curves reminiscent of modern furniture designs. In comparison to their metal counterparts, synthetic options like these tend to weigh less and won’t warp when exposed to rain or strong winds.
Rattan furniture makes an excellent addition to patio seating arrangements, constructed of tightly woven bamboo, reed or cane that creates an airy coastal or tropical aesthetic. While you can even find models made to resemble natural rattan, the most popular style today is all-weather wicker made of synthetic fibers in various colors woven together tightly.
For an elegant touch, patio tables and chairs crafted from high-quality wood such as teak can add sophistication. Teak is an extremely durable material that produces its own oil to protect it against environmental elements, while its timeless beauty adds sophistication to any backyard design.
Your patio setup requires many pieces to make it complete – from side and coffee tables, fire pits and garden benches, umbrellas/canopies as shade from harmful UV rays of the sun as well as vibrant accents that add color or patterns that bring life to your layout.
Seating capacity
When buying outdoor patio furniture, keep seating capacity in mind. Are you planning to use this set exclusively for family members or would you also like it as an entertaining spot for guests? If the latter applies, a larger set containing lounge chairs and couches might be required – plus there are dining sets designed specifically to provide comfortable al fresco meals.
Durability should also be a top consideration when shopping for outdoor patio furniture. Since your furniture will be exposed to elements such as rain, wind and sun for extended periods of time, its ability to withstand raindrops, winds and sunrays without suffering serious damage or breaking down should be evaluated carefully. Depending on the conditions in which it will be exposed, heavier materials like wood and concrete might prove better options than lightweight aluminum or plastic frames.
Wood is one of the most versatile materials used for outdoor furniture, offering numerous finishes to match your style and enhance any outdoor setting. Wood stands up well to weather elements while needing minimal upkeep or maintenance; however, moisture contact could result in it rotting or mildewing over time.
Metal patio furniture has long been a favorite choice, thanks to its strong yet lightweight construction, malleability and ease of movement. Manufacturers can create intricate designs using this versatile material on patio chairs and tables with ease. Unfortunately bare metals tend to rust quickly but manufacturers can add protective coatings which prevent oxidation and corrosion altogether.
Plastic materials, such as high-grade polyethylene and polypropylene, offer a range of colors and sculptural forms that are weather resistant. Furthermore, hollow structures can accommodate cushions for extra padding if necessary – however these pieces of outdoor patio furniture don’t tend to be as sturdy.
Wrought iron is another material with which to build sturdy frames for outdoor furniture, being both workable and beautiful in its natural state. While this metal may be painted any color you like, black tends to last the longest before becoming rust-prone. Just bear in mind that wrought iron furniture can be quite heavy.
Maintenance
No matter the material or design of your outdoor furniture, routine cleaning and simple maintenance are vital to maintaining its beauty. The first step in this process involves having all necessary supplies available – this may range from scrub brushes and cleaners to sealants – before and after putting away for the season can help avoid dirt build-up, mildew growth, stains and discolorations from sunscreen residue; wiping down surfaces after each use prevents this damage as well as sunscreen residue discoloring plastic or aluminum pieces or sun-damage to wicker chairs and tables; while keeping cushions dry by either storing them indoors or tipping them upright keeps them looking clean and fresh while minimizing sun damage to wicker chairs and tables is another essential step toward keeping outdoor furniture looking their best!
Modern outdoor furniture options often use long-wearing, weatherproof materials that require minimal upkeep to remain looking their best. Popular choices for recycled HDPE and poly-resin materials are recycled HDPE and poly-resin, which can withstand most climate conditions while coming in various styles and colors. Recycled IPE wood options such as teak, IPE or acacia will last years when maintained correctly, while metal options like wrought iron, stainless steel or aluminum require special care to prevent rusting by applying rust preventative coat and then carefully scrubbing off any spots with wire brush or steel wool before refinishing them refinishing them refinishing them to preserve their luster and ensure long-term wear-refinishing life cycles.
Power washers should never be used on patio furniture due to the high-pressure environment they create, as this could potentially scar or damage wooden and wicker pieces and rip apart woven designs. If necessary, it is advised that after using power washing, the piece be rinsed well afterwards with clean water, and any harsh chemicals or abrasives that might damage its finish should be avoided. Regular maintenance involves touching up any nicks or scratches with matching paint in order to preserve its finish as neglecting minor repairs could cause future issues that are not covered under warranty agreements offered by manufacturers’.
Spending the time to perform maintenance on outdoor patio furniture is worth your while, as a well-maintained piece will last years longer and remain looking its best. In addition to cleaning, protecting, and repairing it regularly, it’s also essential that your furnishings are covered or stored during extreme weather events to protect from elements like wind.