Outdoor furniture must withstand direct sun, rain, wind and rough usage. Carefully inspect any furniture to identify defects and identify high quality products.
High-quality materials ensure durability, style, and comfort in outdoor furniture furniture. Synthetic wicker is an excellent option made of recycled plastics – eco-friendly material perfect for patio furniture.
Material
When shopping for outdoor furniture, durability is of utmost importance. Wood, aluminum and metal are strong materials that can withstand most climate conditions; additionally, these versatile materials offer many design choices. Other popular material choices for outdoor furniture include synthetics and resins like polyethylene and fiberglass which offer mold, mildew and rot resistance as well as UV protection to help preserve color longevity; some even come from recycled sources for an eco-friendly option!
Concrete has become an increasingly popular material for outdoor furniture due to its durability and sleek, modern aesthetic. However, be mindful that concrete can be heavy and crack easily under pressure; furthermore, it absorbs liquids. Some brands of outdoor concrete furniture incorporate fiberglass and resin composites for lighter pieces more resistant to staining.
Steel furniture is another popular choice for outdoor spaces due to its strength and durability. Crafted into intricate designs and often treated to resist rusting, steel can also be scratchy if left exposed for too long – something other materials don’t do as readily. But remember: steel doesn’t bend as easily!
Wrought iron furniture can be beautiful and practical; however, its price can be prohibitively expensive. Furthermore, maintenance must be performed regularly to prevent rusting and corrosion. There may be less expensive wrought iron outdoor furniture available but before making a decision you must conduct research carefully to ensure you purchase high-quality, rustproof wrought iron pieces.
Most furniture types combine fabric as part of their cushion or outdoor cover, whether for cushion or outdoor cover purposes. When selecting fabric for either use, make sure it can withstand exposure to sun and rain as well as providing maximum comfort – durable water-resistant options like polyester are readily available; in some cases even flame retardant options might exist!
Style
Outdoor furniture styles and types can make or break a landscape design. From adding elegance and luxury, to casual looks and everything in between. Wood furniture may outlive metal ones in terms of durability; therefore it is crucial that when designing a landscape design you consider both aesthetics and durability when selecting outdoor furnishings.
Wood outdoor furniture has long been a top choice due to its natural beauty and long lifespan. Teak, acacia and eucalyptus woods resist weathering, rotting, warping and damage thanks to natural oils contained within these hardwoods that protect it against damage or aging – with proper maintenance the furniture could even last decades!
Metal furniture offers another durable and lightweight solution to add style and substance to your outdoor living area. Popular choices for metal patio furniture are stainless steel and wrought iron; both materials resist rust and feature beautiful designs that can add intricate detail. Moldable into various shapes, metal can also provide more lightweight seating solutions than wooden alternatives.
Plastic and resin outdoor furniture are also long-lasting and offer many styles and colors to complement any outdoor setting. Plastic materials can be molded into intricate designs for chairs and tables or used to form solid pieces like chairs and tables, which makes these types of pieces cheaper to maintain than their wicker or rattan counterparts. However, low-grade plastics may fade or crack over time from sun and rain exposure.
Modular sofa and sectional pieces make great choices for modern outdoor furniture, as they can easily be reconfigured to meet the size and needs of your space. Plus, these versatile pieces can come equipped with cushions designed to withstand weathering and moisture!
To create stylish yet durable outdoor living spaces, select quality outdoor furniture from a reputable brand. Your selection should match both climate and architecture – for instance if you live in a contemporary home a mid-century modern outdoor furniture piece would look perfect in your backyard. When making this decision be sure to consider lifestyle needs and how the outdoor space will be utilized by both yourself and family members.
Comfort
As you relax on your patio, you want to ensure you are fully supported and relaxed. However, with so many choices to consider it can be hard to identify which will really provide that comfort you desire – choosing frame material, cushion fabric and other details wisely are key in finding outdoor furniture pieces which fit you perfectly.
Make your patio furniture as comfy as possible by choosing chairs with high backs. This type of seating offers greater back support than standard outdoor chairs, making them especially beneficial for taller guests and keeping head and neck temperatures down in warmer weather conditions. Additionally, adding height can help cool head and neck regions down faster, which is ideal in hot conditions.
Make the most of your patio furniture investment by opting for chairs with wide seats. A wider seat surface enables you to spread out and relax more, which can come in especially handy if your patio will be used for hosting guests or reading books. Plush seat padding and armrest padding also create more supportive sitting positions.
As well as considering your comfort, consider what type of wood was used to craft the frame of your chair or lounge. Teak, ipe and eucalyptus are great choices for outdoor furniture as they are strong and durable while naturally resisting moisture and fungus growth – not to mention boasting gorgeous color variations and grain patterns that add natural elegance to any decor.
Once you’ve chosen the frame material for your patio furniture, the next step should be cushioning. Most outdoor furniture manufacturers provide cushions in various sizes and materials; the quality of these cushions determines their comfortability in relation to your patio furniture.
If you’re shopping for new patio cushions, memory foam pillows may offer some advantages over their conventional counterparts. Contoured to perfectly conform to your body, memory foam pillows provide the support that long periods of sitting can require while simultaneously wicking away moisture for increased comfort.
Maintenance
Some outdoor furniture is touted as being weatherproof and virtually indestructible; however, all pieces require periodic upkeep in order to remain looking their best. Proper storage will also extend its life.
Cleaning: To keep outdoor furniture clean and presentable, the first step should be regular washing with mild soap solution or water, with rinse-off afterwards and allow it to air-dry completely. A coat of fabric protector can help provide extra protection from dirt, rain and mold build-up – always follow manufacturer guidelines when applying this product and test a small area first before spraying on full coverage.
Wood: Outdoor wood furniture can withstand weather damage and fade over time, but to preserve its color and strength it is wise to apply a protective sealant or waterproofing agent regularly and sanding will also help. Regular scuff marks or scratches must also be addressed with care to maintain quality wood products.
Metal: Outdoor furniture made of metal is generally durable and will not rust; however, extreme weather conditions can still have an adverse impact. To extend its longevity and ensure maximum protection for your investment, apply a coat of paste wax after cleaning with mild soap solution or water to seal the metal furniture and add an additional protective measure against further weathering.
Resin: Resin outdoor furniture is one of the most durable options, making maintenance simple with mild soap solutions or water. A great option for homeowners wanting to preserve the aesthetic of their backyard oasis!
If your budget allows, investing in outdoor cushions and covers to protect your furnishings during winter is worth considering. They can be stored away in a shed, garage, tarpaulin cover or furniture cover – and help extend the life of chairs, sofas, tables and other furnishings! You might even find ones to match your decor!
