Choosing outdoor furniture is a big decision, one that requires careful consideration. You want something durable, comfortable and appealing to your style.
Fortunately, there are many different styles and materials to choose from. However, not all of these options are created equal.
Material
When choosing outdoor furniture, the type of material used is crucial. This choice determines both style and durability.
Metal is a durable and versatile material that can be manipulated into different shapes, styles and designs. It is often used in conjunction with other materials to create luxury patio dining tables, chairs and lounge seating that have unique functional and aesthetic properties.
Some types of metal, like stainless steel and iron, are coated with furniture-saving protective paint or powder to prevent rusting. Aluminum is also a popular choice for outdoor furniture as it is lightweight, inexpensive and easily formed into various shapes.
Another material that is commonly used in outdoor furniture is polyethylene (PE). This plastic is colored all the way through to help resist mold, mildew and fading. It is also waterproof, which makes it resistant to water damage.
Despite being a lightweight material, polyethylene is still strong enough to resist breaking in windy conditions. It is also light enough to move around if you will be changing the furniture’s placement frequently.
Polyethylene is a cost-effective option that is ideal for those who will be keeping their outdoor furniture outdoors all year round. However, it is also susceptible to weather concerns and needs maintenance more frequently than other options.
Other lightweight and sturdy materials include fiberglass, aluminum, recycled plastics and tempered glass. These options are aesthetically pleasing and can be easily cleaned and maintained, although they tend to be more expensive than their resin counterparts.
The type of outdoor furniture you choose will depend on where you live and the climate you face. If you are located in an area where harsh winters and heavy rains are common, it is important to select a material that will be able to handle these conditions.
If you have a small space or are looking for a low-maintenance solution, you can opt for teak, a hard wood that is naturally resistant to weather and stains. It is also eco-friendly and has a long lifespan.
If you are on a budget and do not mind the environmental impact, eucalyptus is a good alternative to teak. It has all the benefits of teak with a lower price tag and is environmentally friendly.
Style
If you’re planning on decorating your outdoor space, it’s important to choose the right furniture to fit your style. This will ensure that you’ll be comfortable when using the space and that your home looks beautiful.
The style of your outdoor furniture should reflect the overall style of your home and the theme of your garden. For example, if your home has an eclectic and bohemian feel, it would be wise to look for a piece of furniture that is characterized by colorful hues and bold design.
Similarly, if your home has a more traditional feel, it is best to opt for furniture that fits into the overall design of your home. You can also select pieces that have a clean, modern design.
There are a number of different styles to consider when choosing your outdoor furniture, including rustic, hotel chic, contemporary and contemporary tropical. These are some of the most popular styles that are available today.
Rustic is a classic style that is perfect for cabins and rural homes. This furniture style features a heavy wood construction and can be stained in light or dark tones. It is also resistant to weather and can withstand the elements.
One of the most popular types of rustic furniture is Adirondack chairs. These chairs are designed to stack neatly, and they also come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit into different areas of your backyard.
Another type of rustic furniture is log furniture, which is made from natural woods. It can be stained in a variety of colors and is highly durable.
Lastly, you can opt for Balinese furniture. This style of furniture is characterized by oversized, carved designs that can be paired with white cotton cushions for a classic and cozy outdoor setting.
Finally, you can also purchase synthetic rattan furniture to reduce maintenance costs and to keep your garden looking great for years to come. This furniture is extremely easy to maintain, and it is lightweight and durable. Moreover, this furniture is a great option for homeowners who have children because it does not require the use of harsh chemicals.
Durability
When it comes to outdoor furniture, durability is an important factor to consider. The material you choose will determine how long it will last and whether it will need to be replaced frequently. You also need to consider how easily the furniture can be cleaned and maintained.
Wood is a popular choice for outdoor furniture, as it’s extremely weather-resistant and durable. It is also a natural source of color and can take on a patina as it ages. Teak and eucalyptus are two of the most popular options for outdoor wood furniture, as they are both durable and beautiful.
These woods are naturally oily, which helps keep them from rotting or splintering. They are also resistant to water and insects, so they don’t warp or crack as easily as other types of wood.
However, some woods will deteriorate quickly and need to be refinished. If this is the case, be sure to look for FSC-rated hardwoods that are made from sustainably harvested trees.
Metal is another common choice for outdoor furniture. It’s sturdy and durable and can be shaped into a wide variety of styles and designs, including ornate patterns and intricate details. It is resistant to rust, though it is still recommended that you use a powder coating for added protection against corrosion.
Plastics and synthetic materials are also becoming more common in modern furniture. They are lightweight, inexpensive, can be molded into any style and don’t require paints or sealants like other options.
They also are extremely resistant to moisture and mildew, making them easy to maintain. Some even have a UV-resistant coating, so they can be left outdoors all year.
Depending on where you live, certain materials are more prone to damage from weather conditions than others. For example, steel and wrought iron can rust in damp climates, so you should be careful about choosing these as your outdoor furniture options.
When selecting outdoor furniture, you should also consider how comfortable the piece will be. Some of the more comfortable materials include wicker, open-cell foam and resin polymers.
Some of these are relatively inexpensive and can be a great way to add comfort and character to your patio, while others are more expensive but will last longer. The key to finding a balance is to choose the right material that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Maintenance
Whether you are entertaining guests in your backyard, enjoying the beauty of your garden or simply relaxing on the deck, you want to keep your outdoor furniture looking great. This requires regular care and maintenance to ensure that your furniture lasts as long as possible and will continue to serve you well.
To maintain your outdoor furniture, you will need to clean it regularly and use appropriate products to protect the material from moisture and debris. You may also need to protect your furniture against rust, which can be caused by improper care.
Your first step is to read the care guidelines for your particular type of outdoor furniture. These should tell you what cleaning products to use, how to store your furniture and when to do certain tasks. For example, if your outdoor sofa has fabric cushions, you will want to avoid harsh cleaners, such as bleach, as these can damage the fabrics.
If your metal outdoor patio furniture is rusty, try to remove the corrosion with a mild solution of soap and water. Once the surface is clear, wipe it with a cloth or sponge and let it dry.
You may also need to touch up areas of rust with paint, depending on your particular climate and the type of metal that you have. This will prevent rust from forming again and preserve the integrity of the metal.
Once your furniture is clean, protect it from the elements with a coat of protective sealant or spray. This will help it withstand the summer heat and rain and help it to hold up better during storage for the winter months.
Wood furniture typically weathers over time, and it is important to regularly clean the surface with a soft-bristled brush and a solution of water and soap. This will help keep the wooden surface from drying out and cracking.
It is also important to check for cracks or loose parts, which can be caused by excessive wear and tear. If you see any signs of this, repair them as soon as possible.
If your outdoor patio or deck furniture is made of metal, you can easily maintain it using a soap and water solution and a sponge. This will keep your furniture in good condition and make it look like new.