Patio furniture should create an effortless flow from indoors to outdoors and combine utility and style for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Furniture designed with coastal or nautical themes often features beachy hues and marine imagery for an easygoing aesthetic. Rattan and wicker furniture is particularly durable in rainy environments and should be considered when purchasing coastal-inspired pieces of furniture.
Wicker
Wicker patio furniture blends a timeless aesthetic with modern accents for an eye-catching outdoor living area. Perfect for many climates, its resilient fabric holds up against sun, rain and cold conditions with ease. Quality sets offer all-weather resin coatings on aluminum frames for UV resistance as well as fabrics resistant to sun fading; and you can find weather-resistant cushions and pillows to complete the set.
Although wicker furniture won’t outlive wood or cast iron pieces, it remains an attractive and cost-effective choice for those seeking long-term durability. Simply hosing it down periodically can keep it looking new – not rusting like metal pieces will either warp or bend! Plus it doesn’t warp from harsh weather conditions!
Your furniture needs can vary, depending on the style you desire and lifestyle requirements. Natural wicker is typically constructed using plant fibers such as rattan, reed or abaca hemp while synthetic varieties typically utilize weatherproof high density polyethylene (HDPE).
Your wicker furniture offers endless opportunities for decoration, from vibrantly colored pillows and botanical prints to ceramic garden stools. If you prefer tropical flair, add palm fronds, rattan ceiling fans and urn-shaped planters; give it French country charm with painted frames and Provence-inspired decor; just remember to use protective covers over it during the winter to prevent moisture damage – your wicker chairs or lounge set will provide years of relaxing comfort with proper care!
Cast-Iron
Cast iron patio furniture can withstand even the harshest of environments, yet can rust when exposed to moisture, so rust-proofing materials must be applied prior to making your selections or else you risk having to sand down surfaces or rewax regularly in order to ensure its integrity.
Wrought iron furniture differs in that it was traditionally handcrafted rather than mass produced in molds. This lends it an authentic rustic appearance which some property owners may prefer; its versatility also allows it to accommodate various design styles. You may even find modern outdoor wrought iron pieces if coated with an antirust material to prevent rust.
Both wrought iron and cast aluminum are sturdy materials that will withstand the elements, yet aren’t always the optimal choice in areas prone to windy conditions. Lipanovich notes that they’re too heavy for easy transportation, making them susceptible to being picked up by high winds and scattered about your yard. Powder-coated steel outdoor furniture sets with protective finishes may become hot or cold when exposed to extreme temperatures, making guests uncomfortable and leading them to avoid sitting down altogether. To combat this problem, opt for powder-coated steel sets. This material consists of a mixture of resin and pigment sprayed on metal before being baked in a curing oven, designed to last longer than traditional metal finishes and be easily cleaned up using mild soapy water. Furthermore, its surface is resistant to both rusting and scratching for added peace of mind.
Teak
Teak patio and outdoor furniture is an exquisite selection. Durable yet aesthetically appealing, its golden-brown hue adds sophistication to any deck setting. Teak is an exquisite tropical hardwood that resists moisture, mildew, insects better than other natural woods – offering long life expectancies with little upkeep needed.
Teak wood is an easy material for skilled artisans to work with, making it an attractive and practical choice when shopping for high-end wooden patio furniture. Its strength yet suppleness enables skilled artisans to cut, shape, sand and polish it for furniture-making purposes; in turn this allows modular pieces that fit easily into various design plans.
Teak wood furniture may seem affordable at first glance; however, due to the energy required to produce and kiln dry this material. As a result, its price can rival that of more popular patio materials like eucalyptus.
Teak stands out from eucalyptus with its unparalleled durability. Not only can it withstand weathering and wear well over decades, but its beauty stands the test of time more gracefully than most wicker or metal patio sets. However, to maintain its appearance for many years to come it should be stained periodically; to maintain optimal aesthetics re-staining every few years is recommended to keep its appearance looking its best and ensure long-term use. Keep in mind not all teak wood is created equal – for optimal durability make sure premium grade wood harvested from deep within trees near core so its heart to ensure durability. IPE (Ironwood) and acacia alternatives can also provide superior durability; though these two options may not age quite so gracefully than teak.
Aluminum
Picking out the ideal framing material for patio furniture frames is key not only to durability but also ease of maintenance and cost considerations. There are various materials used as frames, each offering different advantages and disadvantages depending on where it will be used in relation to climate conditions.
Stainless steel patio seating is an ideal option due to its corrosion resistance. While more difficult than aluminum to weld, its powder coat coat provides additional corrosion protection while making scratches or dents less likely. Unfortunately, however, stainless steel furniture tends to be more costly than its aluminum counterpart and sometimes heavier, making it less desirable among some customers.
Aluminum offers homeowners who seek durable yet sturdy patio furniture an appealing choice without needing to replace every few years. Plus, being lightweight means aluminum patio sets are easy to move around or rearrange when necessary.
Cast and extruded aluminum are popular methods of creating outdoor furniture, and its use has become more widely prevalent over time. Cast aluminum furniture can take the shape of various styles and designs easily, and be easily refinished and painted to complement any decor or environment.
Aluminum patio furniture offers many advantages over its steel counterpart, including not absorbing heat like steel does and therefore being suitable for warmer climates. Sometimes people experience issues with steel patio furniture becoming hot or cold depending on weather changes; with aluminum this won’t be an issue!
Plastic
Plastic patio furniture offers many benefits to consumers, including being low-maintenance and affordable. Furthermore, its customization options make it highly versatile; moldable to various shapes and colors as well as being water-resistant enough to prevent rot and mold growth are among them. But there are some potential drawbacks associated with purchasing this form of patio furniture which should be taken into consideration before purchasing one set.
Plastic patio furniture typically is not as sturdy or comfortable than its wooden or wicker counterparts when exposed to strong winds, leading it to be more easily dislodged by gusts of wind and needing frequent replacement. While waterproof and resistant to rot or mold growth, its comfort factor does not compare as favorably to that offered by other materials like wood and wicker furniture.
Plastic patio furniture does have its share of drawbacks; one being that its UV resistance may cause it to fade quickly in direct sunlight. To counter this problem, consumers can purchase high-quality tarp or covers that protect their outdoor patio furniture from sun-rays.
Plastic patio furniture provides many benefits, but it is important to recognize its limitations as a material for outdoor furniture. Plastic is more susceptible to cracking and breaking than wood or metal pieces, meaning it should only be left outside during freezing temperatures or constantly used. Furthermore, its lightweight composition allows homeowners to move around their pieces easily as desired while it may prove challenging when stored for winter storage needs.