Garden furniture must combine comfort and functionality for an immersive garden experience. While some basic folding chairs may suffice, true living-room-quality pieces combine form with function for maximum enjoyment in outdoor settings.
Garden furniture should meet three key criteria when making a purchase: style, practicality and storage space. Shower proofing and UV protection features in fabric outdoor furniture should also be carefully considered when purchasing it.
Materials
When purchasing garden furniture, there are various materials to keep in mind. Your decision will depend on what style and function you wish to create in your garden or balcony space as well as local climate conditions.
Wood is a timeless material with rustic aesthetic that requires minimal upkeep in outdoor settings. Wood garden furniture will develop an appealing patina as time goes on, becoming stronger against all climate conditions than ever. If regularly treated with protective oils, wooden garden furniture will age gracefully over time.
Metal garden furniture is also an increasingly popular option, with wrought iron and aluminium being among the most frequently chosen options. Aluminium is lightweight yet ideal for creating contemporary styles while wrought iron can bear heavier designs. When shopping for metal furniture, opt for pieces with powder coat finishes for added protection against weather elements.
Plastic garden furniture offers an economical alternative to many other forms, available in an almost limitless selection of shapes and sizes. Plastic’s primary advantage over other forms is its non-rust properties – high-grade plastic even comes equipped with built-in UV radiation protection to delay color fading caused by UV rays!
Synthetic rattan garden furniture is an attractive traditional option that’s often combined with aluminium to strengthen it further. Made from an extremely resilient material that lasts forever when treated correctly, synthetic rattan woven around rustproof powder-coated aluminium frames is water-resistant if treated correctly and showerproof fabrics must protect any upholstery pieces against leakage that could potentially ruin its frame.
Wrought iron
Wrought iron garden furniture has long been considered the go-to material, providing both elegance and durability in one timeless design. However, it should be remembered that it can rust more easily than other metals so extra care must be taken in keeping it covered by protective coating or taking it indoors when rain or frost arrives – especially during periods when severe temperature swings might threaten its integrity.
Cast iron is produced through melting and pouring; by contrast, wrought iron is created through heating and working the metal, giving it its more intricate designs and allowing blacksmiths to form it into curves, decorative twists, and scrolls with relative ease. Wrought iron has lower tensile strength compared to cast iron; however it also can be more easily formed into shapes like those mentioned here.
As all bare metals (including wrought iron) can rust over time, it is vital to make sure any purchased wrought iron has been protected with an anti-rust treatment product or coating of paint, wax or oil to avoid this happening. Any protective finish needs to be applied consistently as its finish wears away over time.
If you are shopping for wrought iron furniture, choose items treated with anti-rust treatments such as galvanisation or electroplating to extend its life and protect the steel. This will protect the surface while prolonging its useful life.
Stainless steel
Lighter and easier to transport than iron, stainless steel is an ideal material for garden furniture that can easily be moved around or relocated. Highly resistant to rusting and discolouring with regular cleaning, the metal can even be electro-polished to reduce smudges or marks that may appear due to long term usage – unlike wrought iron which is vulnerable to scratching by sharp objects.
Wood, aluminium and stainless steel all offer sleek modern designs to complement nature. Wrought iron furniture has long been a timeless classic in outdoor settings and should be stored away during damp conditions in order to avoid rusting or corrosion; metal garden chairs can easily be folded up for storage purposes.
Wood is an eco-friendly material that combines rustic charm with lasting durability, making it the ideal material to craft stylish garden furniture pieces that stand the test of time. Carved and shaped into intricate designs using basic woodworking tools at home can create one-of-a-kind wooden garden furniture pieces to last the years ahead. Weather resistant too, it won’t warp or rot over time like other materials might; just remember to protect it from strong winds!
Rattan is another natural material widely used for elegant outdoor furniture for centuries. As it can withstand rain, sunshine and fluctuating temperatures with little maintenance needed, rattan furniture requires only occasional dust-off to remove dust or refresh sealants or polish. Ideally it should be stored indoors during harsh winters or covered by protective sheets for best results.
Aluminium
Aluminium garden furniture is one of the most popular choices when it comes to metal garden furniture, being both lightweight and rust resistant. Additionally, powder coated finishes add color choices that fit seamlessly with any garden theme.
When shopping for aluminium furniture, it is essential that you invest in pieces with sturdy frames, seamless welds and powder coat finishes that can withstand corrosion for extended use. Doing this will prevent premature corrosion of your furnishings.
Plastic garden furniture construction can be ideal for those on a budget as it is relatively affordable and does not rust or rot like other metals may do. Over time however, its colors may fade as its rigidity decreases; moreover, plastic may tip over more easily in windy conditions than other materials.
Plastic
Garden furniture made of synthetic materials like polyethylene is both cost-effective and long-term durable, offering resistance against rust, mold and mildew as well as being highly customizable in shape, style and color. However, its lifespan is shorter than wood or iron furniture due to environmental exposure; furthermore it lacks the eco-friendliness associated with natural wicker.
Material selection for garden furniture production ultimately depends on personal taste and budget considerations; however, quality and durability should never be neglected regardless of its material source; therefore it is wise to conduct some research prior to making any definitive decisions.
