Outdoor furniture adds comfort and function to porches, patios, and other outdoor living spaces. Furthermore, it serves as an anchor point that helps tie together the decor of your home’s outdoor areas.
Metal furnishings add an elegant and durable touch to any room, while being typically rust-resistant; however, periodic care may be necessary.
Rattan
Rattan is an iconic, timeless material that is always fashionable. With its natural weave look adding an organic element to your garden space, rattan makes the ideal outdoor addition. Additionally, its lightweight yet sturdy nature withstands even extreme elements with ease.
Rattan furniture stands up well against moisture or sunlight damage and is easy to keep clean with its simple material. Plus, its smooth surface makes for effortless wiping away of spills and dirt! However, choosing rattan outdoor furniture does have some drawbacks such as not being as weatherproof as wicker and being less durable than wood furniture.
Rattan furniture is an extremely flexible material for designing an eclectic look, as its many elements are compatible with other styles of furniture and can even combine metal and wooden elements seamlessly to achieve this effect. By mixing up designs you’re bound to come up with something truly original while increasing its longevity!
Rattan furniture offers many environmental advantages over wood. As it’s made from vines rather than harvested trees, its growth back quickly makes rattan an eco-friendly material to choose for garden furniture. However, extreme conditions such as intense heat or rain could compromise its integrity over time and render its longevity uncertain.
Rattan furniture is one of the easiest things to personalise and accessorise, enhancing its charm and sense of warmth. For optimal results, pair it with earthy tones as this will complement other decor and add visual interest. Cushions with vivid blue or floral patterns may add even more interest – and don’t forget those stylish plant pots for indoor plants if they feature on rattan furniture!
Wood
Wood outdoor furniture adds a classic, natural charm to any outdoor living area, easily fitting into various design styles while lasting for many years with little maintenance requirements. When choosing your wooden outdoor furniture pieces it is important to be mindful of which species of wood to select as each has unique qualities and benefits.
Teak furniture is highly prized for its durability and resistance to the elements, boasting natural oils that protect it against fungus, mildew and insects – not to mention low maintenance needs – making it an excellent choice for busy households.
Acacia wood grain flooring is another popular option, thanks to its dense structure that makes it strong and long-wearing. Furthermore, its water resistance makes it resistant to raindrops, snowfall, humidity, as well as direct sunlight without becoming discolored or warped.
Woods that are often utilized in outdoor furniture include shorea, mahogany and redwood. These woods feature rich, dark hues while naturally resisting insects; however, sudden temperature shifts could potentially damage them; to protect your furniture further against this possibility, you could apply a protective coat.
Other suitable woods for outdoor furniture are cypress, eucalyptus and cedar, which feature similar appearance to mahogany but at a much more economical cost. Furthermore, these woods are resistant to insects as well as sun exposure – providing regular care is taken. Cypress and eucalyptus can be treated annually with waterproof sealant protection to safeguard them from water damage; furthermore sanded down and re-oiled periodically as necessary in order to restore their original look.
Metal
Metal outdoor furniture can add a classic aesthetic to any backyard space, yet is lightweight enough for easy movement and comes coated with corrosion-resistant coating. However, homeowners must pay careful consideration when selecting their metal quality – galvanized steel or stainless steel are preferable as regular steel tends to rust quickly when exposed to outside elements; covering your furniture during extreme weather conditions is also recommended as liquid car wax can help preserve its finish and preserve its finish.
Wrought iron outdoor furniture is another popular option among those seeking metal outdoor furnishings. While heavy, its strong material allows it to withstand most extreme weather conditions with relative ease. To keep wrought iron furniture looking its best for years to come, regular washing should be conducted as well as adding protective wax layers once or twice every year.
Aluminum is a lightweight metal that resists corrosion well, often painted to match any decor scheme and available in various hues. Unfortunately, however, it can become susceptible to denting and scratching over time and protecting it with either anti-oxidation treatment or clear protective coat can help ensure its long-term viability.
Stainless steel furniture is an expensive but premium-priced choice that offers increased resistance to rust and corrosion than other metals, yet isn’t as temperature stable, potentially oxidizing in warmer environments. Therefore, for optimal protection during inclement weather and long exposure to sunlight it should be covered with fabric covers to prevent debris getting into its gaps and potentially rusting prematurely.
Synthetics
Natural materials like wood, metal and rattan have long been considered top choices for outdoor furniture; more recently though synthetic options like resin and plastics have gained in popularity as maintenance-friendly solutions. While these synthetic options may work with various aesthetics better than their predecessors, each material comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks that should be carefully considered when making decisions about outdoor furnishings.
Synthetic materials tend to be cheaper than their natural counterparts when it comes to cost, particularly synthetic wicker furniture sets that can often cost considerably less than natural rattan chairs and sofas. This makes synthetics an attractive option for creating stunning outdoor spaces without breaking the bank.
Synthetic materials have the added advantage of lasting longer than natural ones. While outdoor furniture tends to wear down with time, synthetics are much more resilient to weather elements and heavy use; making them an excellent choice for commercial settings, part time rental properties or estates where multiple people will use the furniture frequently.
Synthetic materials don’t offer the same aesthetic appeal as natural materials, although synthetic wicker has advanced greatly over time to meet this criteria. While it has improved greatly, natural materials still manage to bring warmth and beauty into a room more effectively than synthetic ones can do. If you have pets or children living in your household, synthetics might not be the best choice as it’s not as stain resistant compared to its overall advantages; nevertheless, these minor issues pale in comparison with what can be gained by switching.
Fabric
When selecting fabric for outdoor furniture, it is essential to prioritize comfort and style in addition to durability. Many outdoor fabrics can withstand water, mildew, sun fade, as well as being breathable – quality fabrics usually made of synthetic materials like vinyl, polyester and acrylic are commonly woven to be water-resistant while still permitting air flow and moisture runoff; in addition they should resist soiling, staining and mould/mildew growth.
Polyester fabric is one of the most sought-after options, due to its combination of comfort, price and colour options. Stain-resistant, waterproof and easy to wipe clean with soap solution are just a few features of its appeal. However, polyester can fade rapidly when exposed to sunlight; to avoid this completely it should always be kept out of direct sunlight whenever possible.
Another alternative for rainy areas is polypropylene fabric, also known as olefin or polypropylene fabric. It quickly dries, is durable, less costly than acrylics, and can easily be cleaned using household cleaner. Olefin also transmits static electricity which may shock bare skin. Unfortunately, however, its rigid structure doesn’t breathe like other fabrics do, thus restricting breathability.
If you are still undecided on which fabric to select, try ordering a sample first and testing it in your backyard before making your purchases. Furthermore, consider whether or not you possess the skills required to craft cushions and seat covers yourself for an even cheaper option.