Photo by Marianne: https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-women-sitting-on-sofa-238385/
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The best materials for outdoor furniture
When the weather is nice and the sun is shining, there is no better place to be. your backyard. Is it a terrace, patio or just a lawn? All of these outdoor spaces are perfect extensions of the home.
Having the right elements for your outdoor decor is just as important as your indoors. Comfort and style are unquestionable.
However, when it comes to patio furniture, quality and durability should take precedence. So here are some tips for choosing the best materials for your outdoor furniture.
Considerations when choosing materials for outdoor furniture
should be considered many factors Consider weather conditions such as rain and storms, humidity and temperature, sun exposure, washing, etc. when choosing the right material.
- weather– Outdoor furniture must: Resistant to various weather conditions. That is, the material must not break or degrade when exposed to high humidity. Water damage such as mildew, rot, corrosion, rust and warping can change the appearance of your furniture, destroy its composition and render it utterly useless.
- temperature change– In areas where temperature fluctuations are large and frequent, outdoor furniture must be able to withstand extreme heat and cold, prolonged sun exposure, UV rays and rapid climate change.all materials prone to fading, cracking and heat retention would not be fit for purpose.
- wind and storm– Outdoor furniture installation in windy conditions has one simple rule – must not be blown. Therefore, unless you are prepared to store your outdoor furniture even if the weather forecast says there is a storm near you, you will need to purchase sturdy, heavy furniture elements.
- maintenance and cleaning– The durability and appearance of patio furniture also depends on the environment. time and care spent on it. Some materials require little maintenance. Easy to clean with soap and water. If you don’t do it regularly, it won’t have much effect. However, other materials are much more sensitive. Keeping furniture in good condition requires more effort, time and special care products.
With all these facts in mind and your weather settings and priorities defined, you are ready to choose your materials.
1. Wood – the traditional choice
The first to combine elegance, style and taste in the world of furniture, wood. It is the most sought-after material for indoor and outdoor use, bringing coziness to any space.
So if you’ve got rid of your old outdoor sofa and are looking for a new set of furniture for your patio, wood is the way to go. Nothing looks classier and more elegant than wood.
In addition, it is also good does not absorb heat, most often resistant to mold and insects. And with good care, the right colors and a protective finish, wood furniture can last for decades.
However, it is good to remember that not all wood types are suitable for all furniture elements.conifers, etc. pine or cedarsuitable for indoor use due to its low weather resistance.
Additionally, the maintenance of these conifers is more delicate and requires more attention and time. Regular painting, oiling and varnishing are minimal if you want to protect and prolong its life.
On the other hand, hardwood such as teak Great for outdoors. It is more durable and can withstand all weather conditions. However, the downside of hardwood is that it is not as easy to shape and the price is usually quite high.
2. Stainless steel S.steel
If you are looking for steel furniture, it is your best choice. more modern and contemporary stylee. It is the most durable material for outdoor furniture. Therefore, it is suitable for large tables, sofas and all other elements that need to withstand large weights. It is also resistant to corrosion and rust, making it ideal for all weather conditions.
It gets hot when exposed to high temperatures, but no more. More resistant to temperature extremes than other metals. Also, steel is dense and heavy. Therefore, it is often chosen in windy or open areas.
Ease of maintenance is also an advantage of this material. It can be washed with soap and water, Doesn’t necessarily require a unique product. However, the occasional use of powder coating will prolong the beauty of your steel furniture and increase its durability. Most of them are made from recycled materials, very eco friendlyHi.
Stainless steel furniture comes in many styles and is not only sturdy and durable, but also looks chic. However, the price of stainless steel furniture is also usually quite expensive.
3. aluminum
It is one of the most popular materials for outdoor furniture. strong and durable, Resistant to corrosion and rust. However, it is cheaper than other similar materials. Thanks to the hollow structure, aluminum furniture is also very light. This material is therefore ideal for chairs and other furniture elements that need to be moved and transported. Moving aluminum outdoor furniture is also very easy. No additional support required.just pack the furniture and take it to your new patio.
Nowadays it is possible to choose from cast and forged aluminum. The former is slightly denser and therefore more durable, while the latter is easier to manipulate and mold. Another strength of this material is that it requires little maintenance. In addition, they also come in different shapes and colors.
However, aluminum Easy to dent and stretch, which means to repair from time to time. Another drawback is that the material is not suitable for windy areas. People use it everywhere frequently, but it can easily be blown away if not properly secured.
Four. resin rattan
The patio area is a favorite spot in the home for many people. Rattan sets are like classic outdoor area rules. However, rattan is not actually a durable furniture material.
That’s why modern experts have developed more sustainable solutions. resin rattan. A synthetic material that perfectly copies natural rattan, but is more durable. Stylish and second to none at first glance.
This unique material is durable and Resistant to extreme weather conditions, humidity, rain, high temperature. It’s also a better solution than natural rattan because it doesn’t fade easily.
The color is inherent in the chemical composition, so prolonged exposure to sunlight does not harm. Plus it’s a little cheaper, lighter and much easier to maintain.
However, while resin rattan is more durable than its natural counterpart, it is still prone to cracking and breaking under heavy loads.
rattan furniture images Marianne
5 plastic
plastic furniture, Affordable and practical option. The durability of this material used to be questionable, but now the quality of the plastic has improved.
The greatest advantage of this material is that it is extremely light and requires little maintenance. Plus, it comes in a wide variety of colors. So if you want to create a unique and playful outdoor area, this is the material of choice.
Another great thing is that if you do it right, A perfect imitation of wood and wicker. Still much cheaper. But the biggest problem with plastics is that constant exposure to sunlight can degrade the quality of the material.
For example, recycled plastic environmentally friendly, is also unusually hardy. It is ideal for seaside patios as it is resistant to moisture and insects and will not be damaged by salt water.
Recycled plastics are also suitable. Won’t break or peel easily. The only problem with this type of plastic is that it weighs a little more than regular plastic. However, this quality does not mean that it can withstand high winds.
6. Rattan
This is one of the most popular materials for outdoor furniture.rattan is cute Adaptable to any style, and it fits in any environment. Whether you’re planning to build a deck in your backyard, or you’re planning to decorate your garden with stylish furnishing elements with rattan furniture, you can’t go wrong. Your outdoors look cozy and natural.
Its light structure makes it easy to move and is suitable for rattan furniture. practical. On the other hand, it is also resistant to different weather conditions and exposure to sunlight. One of the most important advantages of this material is its ease of maintenance.
Cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, water and soap is sufficient to keep your rattan furniture in good condition. However, if you want some final protection, you can always add a special coating.
On the other hand, it’s okay to mention some shortcomings. First of all, a wicker chair can: a little uncomfortable. Therefore, adding cushions is a must. On the other hand, although it is a durable and strong material, it can crack or fade over time.
The only problem is that wicker furniture repair can be difficult and you need to find a professional to do all the work.
7 Cast iron and forgings
For centuries this one of the most popular materials to make furniture. The main reason is that iron is one of the strongest and most durable materials.
Iron outdoor furniture is great if you want something unique and stylish. The heavy construction makes it wind resistant and this furniture tends to be very stable. However, the downside of this quality is that it makes iron furniture. A little difficult to move around.
Another thing to mention is that iron is also very good. prone to rust and corrosion. This makes them vulnerable to many weather conditions. However, with proper treatment and a weather resistant finish, iron furniture will last longer.
Currently, you can find two types of iron furniture. wrought iron They are generally more unique because they are made by hand. cast ironOn the other hand, is created by a type. Both types are equally robust and durable.
photo courtesy Mike B.
And this ends our story. Which outdoor furniture material is best for you depends on your wishes and the style you want to create. So consider the pros and cons of all these materials and make the best choice.