No matter whether it be entertaining friends for cocktails, gathering your family for weeknight dinners or sharing romantic sunset cuddles with someone special – patio furniture brings comfort to outdoor living.
Form should always follow function, and some materials are better suited than others to meeting your particular needs. For instance, steel outdoor furniture is durable enough to last but heavy and susceptible to rusting over time.
Weather Resistant Materials
One of the key considerations when selecting furniture patio materials is durability. Certain materials can withstand all weather conditions without suffering damage, saving both money and hassle by eliminating replacement needs over time. When it comes to functionality, look for materials that complement your desired aesthetic within your outdoor living space.
Many modern and contemporary patio furniture pieces are constructed using eco-friendly recycled plastics or synthetic resins like polyethylene. These options are both eco-friendly and extremely durable, offering lightweight mobility with their wide array of colors and styles that range from wood look to sleek modern designs – ideal for patios requiring a modern, sleek aesthetic.
If you live along the coast, choose weatherproof materials that can withstand salty air and humidity. Teak, ipe and eucalyptus are among the best choices for patios in such environments as they resist corrosion, rot and decay from being constantly exposed to the elements; plus they look beautiful stained or left natural for an authentic rustic aesthetic.
Rattan furniture is another excellent option, constructed of bamboo and other natural fibers to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Woven together and wrapped around a rustproof steel or aluminum frame for additional protection, rattan comes in traditional to modern styles for your enjoyment, making a wonderful addition to outdoor living spaces of all kinds.
Powder-coated aluminum patio furniture is another popular choice in Central Oregon. This material can withstand both intense sunlight and moisture, and cleaning it requires only mild soap and water – ideal for patio use during the hot, sunny summers! For optimal use during the colder winter months it’s recommended that this furniture be covered or stored. When purchasing foam upholstered pieces make sure they’re resistant to mold growth as some brands use foams that are susceptible to this growth – some foam types used by manufacturers might also need replacing after repeated exposure to moisture!
Coastal Regions
Coastal environments are subject to salty air, humid temperatures and other environmental elements that can compromise patio furniture over time. To withstand such elements and keep patio chairs looking their best for longer, select materials which resist corrosion such as aluminum and cast aluminum furniture which won’t corrode as quickly compared with iron and steel furniture; stainless steel may also be an option but opt for powder coating protection to minimize corrosion risks.
Wood patio furniture can look stunning in beach homes, but requires special care to ensure its condition remains beautiful. Teak and cedar woods are highly resistant to moisture, sand and other contaminants found near beaches; for this reason they make excellent beach-ready options.
Wrought iron patio furniture is another popular choice in coastal environments, providing both durability and a classic aesthetic. However, humid climates may lead to it rusting more easily if the powder coat coating is not applied appropriately; additionally, its weight makes it hard to move during high winds or tropical storms.
If you want to create an inviting beach-style vibe in your coastal home, choose white, blue, or pastel color palettes for patio furniture. Accessories like toss pillows and decorative throws add casual beach style while coastal-inspired accent pieces such as planters, towel trees, or storage benches enhance this aesthetic by providing practical functionality to the patio space.
Sunlight
Sunlight can quickly fade and deteriorate furniture over time, creating heat that melts plastics or warps wood, so protecting patio furniture with an outdoor furniture cover from direct sunlight for extended periods is critical in keeping it comfortable for sitting or lounging. It is especially essential when furniture is exposed directly to direct sunlight for extended periods.
To protect your furniture from UV rays, the ideal way to do so is with a cover designed specifically to resist damage is with UV protection features such as drawstrings or ties that help it remain on securely. However, if this option is out of budget you could also purchase UV protection spray similar to sunscreen available from home improvement stores and hardware shops.
Certain pieces of furniture can withstand the elements more naturally and may not need as much protection; however, even pieces with increased weather resistance may become damaged if left without adequate covering for too long.
Placement is another effective strategy to combat furniture fading, for instance placing sofa sets closer to the house will reduce major fading as direct sunlight does not reach them for as long. Reducing exposure also helps maintain color vibrancy and extend its lifespan, as will opting for oil-based or latex paint formulated to resist UV rays when painting your furniture; when choosing one make sure its label provides information regarding when it needs repainted again.
Humidity
Humidity can have an adverse impact on furniture both structurally and aesthetically. To combat humidity in humid regions, look for weather resistant materials such as wicker or rattan; these pieces allow moisture to drain away without trapping it in, unlike plastic or metal furniture which trap humidity which leads to damage over time.
Wrought iron furniture is an ideal choice for humid climates as its sturdy build withstands strong winds during tropical storms, yet can still rust if improperly coated in powder-coating process. However, as it is less resilient than aluminum or poly lumber furniture types it must be chosen with care.
UV rays from the sun can cause irreparable heat damage to outdoor furniture, fading colors and damaging upholstery fabrics. A patio furniture cover can help shield it from harmful UV rays and keep it looking new for longer.
Humid climates can be tough on wood furniture if it’s left uncovered for too long without treatment or sealant, leading to swelling and contracting as temperatures change, potentially resulting in warping and cracking of its surfaces. To safeguard against this happening, sealant and treating regularly are the best solution to protecting against warping and cracking of its surfaces.
Teak wood furniture is another ideal option for humid climates, due to its natural oils that protect it against rot and mold growth. Furthermore, its stability during heavy winds make it highly resilient – just make sure that if you purchase any, that it has been properly treated to prolong its longevity!
Some furniture doesn’t need protection or covers, but you should always consider the weather conditions in your area when purchasing any pieces. Metal furniture can rust in damp environments while wood can become damaged by rain and humidity. To make sure your pieces can withstand these elements, consider covering and storing it indoors during rainy seasons; or buy weather-resistant pieces such as wicker and rattan designed to withstand hot or rainy environments.