Create an outdoor retreat with relaxing lawn furniture from various styles and materials. Wood is often chosen due to its rot and mildew resistance – think teak, acacia or cedar furniture!
Purchase high-quality outdoor furniture that blurs the line between casual comfort and fine craftsmanship. Below, discover some of the best materials used for this purpose.
Synthetic Resin Wicker
Although synthetic wicker may appear natural, its composition is entirely synthetic. Made through a polymerization process that creates an epoxy like material, all-weather resin wicker furniture is an ideal choice for outdoor settings and lightweight enough for mounting onto aluminum frames.
Wicker furniture does not absorb moisture, preventing mold or mildew growth. Furthermore, this material’s sun protection properties reduce UV ray damage. Cleaning it easily is made simple. Color options can suit virtually any exterior decor theme while its varied surface finishes add character.
HDPE (high density polyethylene), is the ideal synthetic wicker option when shopping for synthetic wicker furniture, and should always be your top pick when looking to purchase. Lower end products, like PVC wicker, will dry out, crack and become less durable over time; only purchase HDPE from trusted brands such as Braxton Culler or Kingston Casual for best results; cheaper products will only last several seasons due to having lesser resin quality or not having solution dyed strands during pre-processing.
Teak
Teak wood makes an excellent choice for luxury outdoor furniture as its dense density, long life span and natural weatherproof qualities are unsurpassed. Teak’s oil-rich wood grains help prevent rot, termite damage and acid erosion – meaning its furniture requires very minimal upkeep despite remaining exposed to elements for an extended period. Over time, its warm brown tones will fade into an appealing silvery grey patina as its patina develops further.
Teak wood boasts beautiful timber grain patterns and textures that captivate any eye, with golden brown color tones adding elegance to any outdoor patio space. People also appreciate that its natural aging adds beauty without costly preservatives or treatments being necessary.
When purchasing teak furniture, be mindful of its quality. Choose Grade A teak sourced from the heartwood of trees for the longest and most luxurious option; cheaper Grade B versions feature more uneven tone variations and lack essential natural protective oils than their more costly counterpart. When searching for modular sets or sets with modular pieces that allow reconfiguring without additional purchases in future years; selecting neutral cushion colors ensure that it remains stylish year after year.
IPE Wood
Ipe wood is one of the hardest and most durable hardwoods available for outdoor furniture use, boasting an attractive aesthetic while being naturally oiled to protect it against insects, mold, mildew and the elements. Furthermore, its fire rating – equaling that of steel and concrete – makes this material age beautifully.
Ipe wood originates in Central America between Mexico and Argentina; however, due to rising demand, it is increasingly being imported from Brazil for use as outdoor lumber. If purchasing Ipe for patio furniture use, always purchase from a reliable source that employs responsible harvesting methods.
Hardwood makes for an excellent outdoor furniture material due to its many advantages. These include its ability to withstand changing climate conditions like sun, wind, rain, and snow as well as coming with various colors and styles that can enhance any garden setting.
Hardwood furniture offers another key advantage: it can easily be repaired if damaged or worn down, making it perfect for areas such as rain and extreme heat. Furthermore, many types of wood are biodegradable so they can be recycled into something else without harming the environment.
Aluminum
Aluminum lawn furniture is an attractive and durable material ideal for outdoor living spaces, making it a practical investment that’s lightweight, rustproof, easy to maintain, cost-effective option that comes in an array of styles to meet the needs of different homeowner styles and preferences. However, aluminum can suffer from UV exposure which over time causes its color fade if exposed frequently enough; to protect it, store indoors when not being used and cover when not in use with protective covers or indoor storage when not being used outdoors.
Stainless steel is another popular material used in outdoor furniture production, and its sleek appearance fits in well with contemporary design styles. Furthermore, its eco-friendliness means it can be recycled; however, corrosion and rusting issues may arise; to protect yourself from these risks seek pieces with high chromium content.
Steel’s main drawbacks are its susceptibility to rain and winds, particularly in arid climates where dust settles on outdoor furniture easily. To maintain optimal results with steel patio sets it is wise to tether or anchor them to the ground during use; otherwise you risk having bent and dented chairs and tables due to strong winds. Wrought iron outdoor furniture offers more durable protection.
Plastic
Plastic garden furniture has become an increasingly popular alternative to rattan or wicker furniture and offers numerous advantages over its wood counterparts, including affordability, longevity and resistance against dampness, mildew, bugs and dirt. Furthermore, it requires minimal upkeep. However, plastic is less durable than wood and more vulnerable to harsh sunlight than its wood counterpart, leading to discoloration over time and faded pieces becoming brittle over time. Furthermore, plastic can also be molded into any style desired allowing you to find pieces that suit your aesthetic perfectly!
Plastic outdoor furniture pieces made of recycled materials can be found at supermarkets, department stores and online. Many even come with certificates certifying them as eco-friendly! Plastic garden furniture comes in an assortment of colors to meet any style; budget-minded buyers often prefer it too! However, to ensure its durability it’s essential that a high quality product be chosen.
Poly lumber is a form of molded plastic that combines synthetic resin materials and real hardwood or softwood fibers for its construction. It offers durability and attractive appearance; however, its cost makes it prohibitive compared to other materials; additionally, windy areas may render poly lumber unusable. Wood stains, paints and polishes serve as excellent weather-proofing agents that protect garden furniture against UV rays that can cause it to become brittle and fade in color over time.
Concrete
Concrete may not be your go-to material when shopping for outdoor lawn furniture, but decorative concrete can be stunningly beautiful and makes an excellent addition to the outdoors. Made up of aggregates such as sand and gravel mixed with cement and water, concrete can be formed into almost any shape imaginable to form outdoor furnishings.
Decorative concrete is usually cast into molds to produce unique shapes and designs for pieces such as tables, benches and firepits. Once dry it can be stained to achieve the desired color and texture and topped off with wood for extra contrast.
Concrete furniture offers many advantages, including its durability and ability to withstand outdoor weather conditions such as heavy snowfall and rainstorms. Furthermore, this eco-friendly material makes an excellent choice for those concerned with conserving natural resources.
Concrete benches add a modern touch to any backyard and contemporary patios alike, and are especially great for use as part of glass fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC), which combines the strength and lightweight advantages of both materials. GFRC furniture is made by embedding high-strength, alkali-resistant glass fiber in a concrete matrix matrix; this allows the fibers to function as load bearing elements while the matrix holds it all in place and protects it against environmental damage. Cleaning concrete furniture using mild soap and water solution; maintenance should include regular sealing to protect it against moisture and UV rays.