Outdoor Furniture is a great way to enhance your home and outdoor living space. Whether you want a rustic feel or a contemporary design, there are a variety of options to choose from.
It’s important to consider the materials used in making outdoor furniture, as each material has its own unique properties that can make it suitable for a particular application. For example, aluminum is a popular choice for patio dining tables as it is lightweight and durable.
Eco-friendly
Oftentimes, the materials used to build outdoor furniture are unsustainable and can harm the environment. This is particularly true when the furniture is made with synthetic materials like polyethylene or High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which don’t last long.
In contrast, a natural material like wood or bamboo can be recycled many times and will likely last much longer than synthetic materials. In addition, the furniture will be less likely to require a lot of maintenance and can be passed down to future generations.
Another way that outdoor furniture can be eco-friendly is if the manufacturer uses sustainable and/or renewable resources in its production process. These can include wood from sustainable forests or plants that are reclaimed and repurposed.
The best brands to look for when shopping for green furniture are those that use FSC certified materials or those that rely on recycled content. These materials can be a great alternative to non-sustainable, plastic-based or synthetic materials.
For example, West Elm has a wide range of outdoor furniture options that use FSC certified wood and recycled products. They also have a variety of teak chairs and tables that are produced in ways that minimize environmental impact.
Target is another retailer that offers a variety of sustainable outdoor furniture. They have an extensive sustainability strategy that includes a goal to make all of their own branded products circular by 2040. They also have their own exclusive outdoor fabric called DuraSeason, which is designed to be weather-resistant and eco-friendly.
Other companies that focus on environmentally friendly outdoor furniture include Harbour, which has a wide range of premium quality pieces. Its handcrafted teak pieces are sustainable and made from wood that is harvested and replanted in Costa Rica.
In addition to its own products, Harbour also partners with other eco-friendly and sustainable brands that offer a variety of stylish, sustainable pieces for your home. Some of these include Outer, which makes stylish and eco-conscious outdoor furniture that is designed to be durable and recyclable.
Outer’s eco-conscious furniture is crafted from reclaimed and renewable resources, including FSC certified teak for its wooden pieces and Olefin fabric for its wicker and rattan. Outer also plants three trees for every tree it uses to make its furniture, which is an excellent way to offset the carbon emissions associated with manufacturing these pieces.
Durable
There are a number of different materials that can be used to make outdoor furniture. Some are more durable and versatile than others. The best way to choose the right material for your needs is to consider what you need your furniture to do and how it will be used in your environment.
For example, if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, you might want to invest in outdoor furniture made from materials that are water-resistant and can stand up to moisture all year round. These include rust-resistant sling aluminum, resin wicker and thick plastic.
Another option is teak, which has a natural high oil content that makes it resistant to rot and mold. When properly maintained, teak furniture will last for decades with minimal maintenance, taking on a silvery patina as it ages.
If you’re looking for something that is more lightweight, consider synthetic resin rattan. These woven wicker pieces are easy to maintain and are resistant to UV fading.
Compared to wood, synthetic materials are less expensive and easier to manufacture. They’re also available in various colors and textures to suit your design style.
Some synthetic materials can even mimic the look of wood, like a powder-coated metal finish or a wood grain pattern. These are especially good options if you’re on a budget and don’t want to spend a lot of money on your new furniture.
Other synthetic materials, such as PVC and polyethylene, are also durable and long-lasting. While these types of materials can be a bit more expensive than some other options, they are often the best choice for those who need a long-lasting piece of furniture that is easy to clean and maintain.
When it comes to fabric, solution-dyed acrylic is a great option because it won’t fade in sunlight or over time. Additionally, this type of material is bleach-cleanable and won’t stain if it gets wet.
Polyester, a synthetic fiber, is also a popular choice because it is bleach-cleanable and will not stain if it gets wet. It is also resistant to mold, mildew and sun damage.
Versatile
Outdoor furniture has the potential to add versatility and comfort to your home, but it’s important to choose the right pieces. First, consider how you’ll be using your patio or backyard: Will you regularly host parties? If so, you’ll want versatile patio furniture like stackable chairs and tables for extra guests. Or, if you primarily use your backyard for relaxation, you’ll probably want an oversized outdoor sectional to curl up on.
You can also choose the material of your outdoor furniture. Some types of materials, like metal, are excellent at holding up in both hot and cold weather. However, wood and some plastics can swell and crack under change in temperature. If you’re in a particularly humid climate, it’s also worth looking for furniture that is resistant to mold and mildew.
Another type of material that’s great for outdoor furniture is vinyl. This is one of the least expensive options and can be a good choice if you’re on a tight budget but still want to look stylish.
While vinyl furniture isn’t as durable as other materials, it can be a great option for people who don’t have a lot of money to spend on their outdoor decor. It’s also easy to clean, so it won’t stain if you spill or eat on it.
Besides being comfortable, your outdoor furniture can help improve the overall appearance of your yard or patio. The right materials and colors can also make your space feel more open and spacious.
If you’re planning to put your furniture outside for the whole year, you’ll want to consider UV- and fade-resistant materials. This way, your furniture will remain vibrant for as long as possible.
In addition, you’ll want to find furniture that’s lightweight enough to move around easily. This will prevent it from flying away in a wind storm or being damaged by a heavy object.
If you’re in the market for new patio furniture, there are several places to shop online. Some retailers, like Amazon, offer a large selection of outdoor furniture and accessories. But keep in mind that many of these items come with shipping fees, so you’ll want to check the details before adding any items to your cart.
Comfortable
The best outdoor furniture is designed to withstand the test of time. The latest high tech fabrics and construction methods make sure you’ll be able to enjoy your abode for years to come. Whether you’re looking for an elegant dining set to entertain your guests or just a place to unwind and take in the fresh air, there is something out there that will swoon your fancy. We’ve sifted through the internet, analyzed numerous reviews, and spoken to a few eminent furniture industry experts to compile this list of the best outdoor furniture brands around.
The top rated brand in this category is Sundays, which has an online-first business model to ensure that their customers receive the best possible service. Their impressive collection includes everything from snazzy patio chairs to upscale dining sets for the home chef in your family. The company is also an active participant in the green industry, donating thousands of chairs to worthy causes like the Habitat for Humanity. The best part is that they are available at the right price point for every budget.