When choosing your outdoor furniture, there are several factors to consider. It is important to select pieces that are made to withstand the various climates and elements of your region. Make sure to choose durable and fade-resistant fabrics, lightweight materials, and sturdiness. Also, remember that you will likely place this furniture on grass or a grassy area.
Check for sturdiness
One of the first things you should consider when choosing outdoor furniture is its sturdiness. You should look for durable materials that can withstand heavy winds. Lightweight materials can be easily damaged by storms, while heavy materials are more likely to survive. Materials that can withstand windy conditions include metal and concrete. Whether you want to buy an entire set or just one or two pieces of furniture, check for sturdiness.
Wood is another option, but it can require a special treatment every few years. Some wood species are prone to rotting in humid climates, so you may want to choose a type that is naturally resistant to changes in temperature. Synthetic wicker is also an option. This type of material is weather resistant to fading from sunlight. It’s also easy to maintain and comes in a variety of colors and textures.
Metal and wood are also excellent choices for outdoor furniture. These materials can withstand the weather, but you will need to treat them regularly with a preservative to keep them looking new. You’ll want to avoid lighter, cheaper materials such as wicker, as they are easily knocked over and may need extra weatherproofing every couple of years.
Another option for outdoor furniture is plastic or PVC. Although these materials are lightweight and rustproof, they’re not as durable as wicker, rattan, grass, or steel. You can buy outdoor furniture that’s durable in these materials if you can afford it.
The next consideration is whether you’ll need to perform regular maintenance on the piece. Read labels and ask sales staff about the recommended maintenance. If the furniture doesn’t have weatherproof finishes, you may need to make frequent repairs or replace the pillows several times over its lifetime. During inclement weather, you may need to move the furniture indoors or wipe it clean after rain.
Check for fade- and mildew-resistant fabric
Fabric quality is an important factor to consider when choosing outdoor furniture. A high quality outdoor fabric will be weather-resistant and withstand UV exposure. This will extend the life of your outdoor furnishings. Fabrics should be easy to clean and resistant to fading and mildew growth.
Polyester outdoor fabric is a great choice because it is waterproof and fade-resistant. It can also be cleaned with a mild soap-and-water solution. Synthetic outdoor upholstery fabrics are also a good option. These are made of polyester and acrylic blends and are durable, mildew-resistant, and budget-friendly. These fabrics can also withstand water damage and are easy to maintain.
Choosing outdoor furniture with Sunbrella fabric will add years of durability and comfort. It is also fade-resistant and UV-resistant, making it easy to clean. Sunbrella is more expensive than other outdoor fabric, but it is more durable. Sunbrella fabric can withstand extreme heat, which will reduce the chances of mildew and water damage. Sunbrella fabric also offers a five-year warranty.
Consider lightweight materials
When choosing outdoor furniture, you must consider the weight of the piece and its maintenance requirements. Furniture made from lightweight materials is often prone to swaying in strong winds. Also, you must consider the durability and ease of maintenance of the material. Some of the most durable materials include wood and rattan, but it is also important to consider other factors, such as the availability of storage facilities. For example, if you don’t have a garage to keep the outdoor furniture, you should avoid wicker furniture, which is prone to rotting in the sun and can splinter or break if you use it for a long period.
Another option is metal, which is durable and versatile. It can be molded into different shapes and can be combined with other materials for comfort. However, it can be prone to rust and mildew, so it’s important to choose furniture made of other materials to avoid this problem.
If you’re looking for lightweight materials, consider cast aluminum. Aluminum is a lightweight material that is easy to move around. However, you must store your aluminum furniture outside, where there’s adequate air circulation. Also, make sure you don’t cover aluminum furniture, since this will deteriorate its finish. Moreover, aluminum furniture is easy to clean with soap and water.
Another lightweight material that is suitable for outdoor use is compact laminate. This material is easy to maintain and can be easily formed into different shapes. However, this material is not resistant to harsh conditions like high winds. If you have a covered patio space, you should choose wood furniture made of cedar. However, beware of rot and decay, as both can cause the furniture to bend.
Finally, you must consider the time and effort needed to maintain your outdoor furniture. Check the product’s labels and ask sales staff about maintenance requirements. If a product is not weatherproof, you may have to clean it regularly. You may also have to move your furniture indoors during inclement weather or wipe it off after a rain.