Outdoor Furniture is the kind of furniture that’s meant to be used outdoors. It’s typically made from weather-resistant materials like aluminum. Some types of outdoor furniture are even made from fabrics like wicker. Whether you’re buying patio furniture for a small space or an entire backyard, you’ll want to choose one that will stay looking good for many years.
Fabrics
When choosing fabrics for outdoor furniture, you’ll want to consider UV resistance, water resistance, and durability. Outdoor fabrics can also be environmentally friendly and resistant to fading. Solutions-dyed fabric is one option. It has excellent wear characteristics and is more environmentally friendly than traditional dyes. It also reduces water waste.
Another option is marine vinyl. This durable upholstery material has an excellent UV resistance and dries quickly. This type of material is also water-repellent and easy to clean. It’s also colorfast and resists fade. When used indoors, marine vinyl is easy to wipe clean. It also repels mold and mildew.
Acrylic is another good option for outdoor furniture. It has the softness of wool, but has the ability to wick away moisture, so it’s cool in hot weather. Olefin, or polypropylene, is another popular choice. It’s a synthetic material that’s more resistant to sun, fading, and abrasion. Olefin is also more environmentally friendly than acrylic, but it can be a little rough to the touch.
Fabrics that are designed for outdoor use should also be stain-resistant. Many outdoor fabrics are washable, but most fabrics need to be removed from the furniture before washing. Some fabrics are spot-clean-only, while others require a dry rag. For the most durable outdoor furniture, solution-dyed acrylics are an excellent option. These fabrics are thicker and durable than other outdoor fabrics.
Wood
If you have a backyard garden and you’d like to make use of your wooden furniture, you can’t go wrong with redwood. It is resistant to decay and has an attractive color. It is also easy to work with and is a great choice for outdoor furniture. Redwood is a great choice for tables and chairs, and it is also a favorite among carpenters. If you want to stain your furniture yourself, you can use a semi-transparent oil stain. This material is also great for fences and gazebos. If you’re looking for a softer wood for your furniture, American white oak is an excellent choice for outdoor tables. This wood is straight-grained with a light-colored heartwood and sapwood.
If you choose wood for your outdoor furniture, you’ll want to invest in protective treatments. Depending on where you live, certain woods can be vulnerable to mildew and insects. If you want to prevent these damages, make sure to protect your outdoor furniture with exterior paint or clear coat. If you don’t have the budget for a full repaint, you can also opt to use staining oil.
There are many options for outdoor furniture, but you’ll need to consider the location of your furniture and its intended use. Some of the best woods to use for outdoor furniture are cypress, eucalyptus, and teak. Those are the woods that are commonly used in outdoor furniture, although you’ll have to do a little research on each one to find the right one for you.
Metal
Metal outdoor furniture is an excellent choice for a wide range of patio designs. Made from rust-resistant steel or aluminum, these pieces are extremely durable, yet lightweight. Their clean lines and neutral color palette make them a versatile choice. They can be used for a minimalist modern look, or as part of a complete outdoor living space.
While steel is the strongest metal, it is also the most expensive. Because of its weight, it is also difficult to move around. It is also more prone to rust, so it needs to be taken care of when exposed to rain and wind. Steel is best used for outdoor furniture if it is galvanized or stainless. Regular steel can rust, especially when exposed to the elements, and may require repainting or buffing at regular intervals.
Metal outdoor furniture also comes in many different colors and finishes. You can choose from white, black, or gray finishes for a contemporary look. A neutral-colored metal finish complements almost any outdoor color scheme, and will also help stand out if you use a colorful accent rug or cushions. You can even add an outdoor planter or two for added greenery.
If you prefer a more eco-friendly option, you might want to consider plastic outdoor furniture. Most luxury brands have adopted environmentally-friendly manufacturing practices. This means that they use recyclable or biodegradable materials, as well as certified eco-friendly materials.
Open-cell foam
Outdoor cushions should be comfortable and open-cell foam is a great choice. Open-cell foam allows moisture to drain. Depending on your needs, you can purchase custom-size cushions and choose different thicknesses. Open-cell foam is perfect for outdoor furniture because it breathes well. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable seat or to keep your furniture comfortable during the summer, you can find a solution with an open-cell foam.
There are three types of open-cell foam, each with their own benefits and disadvantages. Open-cell foam is softer and more expensive than closed-cell foam. It dries quickly and often has an antimicrobial treatment added to it at the factory. Closed-cell foam is firmer and is used for insulation and seals in homes.
Outdoor furniture manufacturers choose open-cell foam over closed-cell foam for a variety of reasons. Open-cell foam lets air through and dries faster, making it comfortable even in the hottest summer months. Plus, it doesn’t require a water-resistant wrap. Unlike closed-cell foam, open-cell foam is much more comfortable, which makes it an ideal choice for poolside seating and general outdoor seating.
Another popular type of open-cell foam is Dryfast foam, which is ideal for outdoor furniture and other outdoor use. Because its open cells allow air to circulate, it dries quickly and is also antimicrobial. It’s also available in various thicknesses, so it’s easy to choose the right size for your outdoor furniture.
Compressed polyester
Compressed polyester is an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to foam in outdoor furniture cushions. The material is highly UV-resistant, is non-allergenic, and dries quickly. Some manufacturers also add a water-resistant coating, which keeps the cushions pleasantly plump and comfortable in the sun.
Compressed polyester has the added advantage of not yellowing as foam does, and is mildew and allergy-free. It is also easy to wash and dries quickly. Polyurethane foam, on the other hand, has to be cut to a specific size and is not biodegradable. It should also be protected with plastic before inserting it in a cover.
While traditional foam has open pores, compressed polyester has closed cell structure, making it firmer and less likely to absorb water. It is non-allergenic and mildew-resistant, and will stay firmer over time. In addition to its durability, compressed polyester is also washable and dries by air, which makes it an eco-friendly choice for outdoor furniture cushions.
Outdoor furniture cushions made of polyurethane foam require special treatment to prevent mold and mildew. These cushions can be treated with anti-microbial agents to repel moisture. For more protection, you can install plastic sheeting beneath the cushion cover.
Textilene(r) mesh
Textilene mesh is an attractive choice for outdoor furniture, including patio furniture, garden furniture, and roller shades. Its patented high strength vinyl-coated polyester fabric is resistant to mildew and fading. This fabric is also GREENGUARD Gold Certified to protect the environment.
Textilene mesh is a similar synthetic fabric to Batyline, and it is widely used in luxury outdoor furniture, including the seat slings and back slings of expensive sofas and lounge chairs. Moreover, it can be used for awnings, sun screens, and fencing.
Another advantage of Textilene mesh for outdoor furniture is its stability. It is waterproof, rust resistant, and has an ultra-modern design. It is also easy to maintain. Its low maintenance and breathable nature make it a great choice for a patio, backyard, balcony, or poolside.