If you’re ready to transform your patio into a relaxing hangout spot, it’s important to invest in the right outdoor furniture. It should be comfortable, stylish and durable enough to withstand the elements.
Outdoor furniture comes in a variety of materials, each with its own pros and cons. To help you make the best decision for your home, we’ve rounded up the top materials and brands that are worth your consideration.
UV or Fade Resistant Materials
Whether you’re planning to put in an outdoor dining table, sofa or lounge chair, the furniture material used to create it can determine its durability and aesthetic appeal. It can also make a difference in the price you’ll have to pay in the long run.
Natural wood is a popular material for outdoor chairs and benches because it can withstand weather conditions and develop a patina with time. This type of finish makes the furniture appear timeless, and it can be customized with various stain colors or grains to match your home’s style.
However, wood furniture may fade if exposed to the sun for long periods of time, especially if you live in an area with harsh UV rays. This fading is not noticeable at first, but it can be significant in the long run.
Fabrics for cushions, slings and accent pillows can also become vulnerable to fading. These fabrics are often made with natural fibers, but they’re not as durable or resistant to the elements as synthetic threads infused with plastic.
Synthetic fibers can be a good option for patio seating, but they must be treated with UV protectant to prevent their color from fading. These fabrics are usually solution-dyed, so they’ll retain their color longer than non-treated natural fiber options.
Polyester is another durable material that’s commonly used in outdoor furniture because it’s strong, flexible, water-resistant and resistant to tears. It’s also a great choice for indoor furniture upholstery in high traffic areas because it is easy to clean and mold and mildew-resistant.
While these synthetic fabrics are more affordable, they’re not as long-lasting as solution-dyed materials. They will still withstand the rigors of sun, rain, and humidity, but they will not hold their color as well as synthetic fabrics with UV-protectant.
Metal – Wrought iron, cast iron and aluminum are the most common types of metal for outdoor furniture. They are rust-resistant, heavy and solid, but can be difficult to move around when exposed to wind.
In addition to their strength, metallic materials offer a classic touch to your outdoor space. They come in hollow or cast forms, and can be crafted into a variety of styles to suit your aesthetic preferences. They can also withstand extreme weather conditions when treated.
Lightweight
One of the most popular types of furniture for outdoor living is lightweight. This makes it easy to move, store away or rearrange. It’s also durable enough to withstand wind, rain and sun.
Many people choose furniture made from natural materials, such as wood. Teak, acacia and cedar are all excellent choices for outdoor furniture because they have a long lifespan, are resistant to weather and pests, and require minimal maintenance. They are also naturally beautiful and develop a silvery-grey patina over time that adds character to any space.
If you’re looking for something more environmentally responsible, consider choosing wood furniture that is certified by FSC, the Forest Stewardship Council. This ensures that the wood has been sourced from sustainable forests.
The other best option for furniture that is lightweight and eco-friendly is wicker. However, you should be aware that some low-quality wicker is prone to breaking and cracking. Make sure to buy a high-quality synthetic resin, like HDPE, to ensure that your wicker will last for years to come.
Another option for light, durable furniture is aluminum. This is a popular choice for patio furniture because it resists rust and moisture damage better than other metals, plus it looks great in a variety of styles. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be used with other materials, such as fabric cushions.
Aside from being a durable and lightweight material, aluminum is also easy to maintain. It can be sprayed with a powder coat that’s highly resistant to scratching and fading.
Stainless steel is another heavy-duty material for furniture, but it’s also one of the most expensive. This is a good choice for those who want a contemporary look, but don’t mind spending some money to get it.
In addition, it’s important to note that some types of stainless steel will get really hot in the sun. This is something you should consider before purchasing if your area gets a lot of sun.
Some people like to use concrete for their patio furniture because it’s strong, timeless and can be poured into various shapes. In addition, it can be reinforced with fibers to increase its structural strength and withstand water and frost.
Easy to Move
Outdoor furniture can be an expensive investment, and moving it to your new home can be a costly and stressful event. However, you can make the process easier by storing and packing your patio and lawn furniture properly.
First, determine what you need and don’t need. If you don’t need a certain piece, you can discard it before the move. Also, don’t pack up too many pieces of furniture. The extra weight will be too much for your moving truck.
Once you’ve determined what to keep and what to discard, it’s time to start packing. The most important thing to remember when packing outdoor furniture is to protect it from damage. This means removing any padding that might be attached to the pieces.
This is especially true for padded patio chairs and tables. By removing these paddings and packing them separately, you can keep them safe in your truck.
Another good idea is to remove any screws that might be tying the pieces together. It’s important to place these screws in a plastic bag, so they won’t fall out during the move. This way, you can fix the pieces back together when you get to your new home.
You can also use a cardboard box, or even a large trash bag, to wrap small outdoor decor items. This will protect them from damage and make it easier to load them into your truck.
If you’re packing an item like a sofa, you can pad it with bubble wrap to add additional protection. This will protect your sofa from scratches and other minor damage.
It’s also a good idea to label all of the boxes. This will save you and your movers from confusion during the move.
When you’re finished, it’s time to load your outdoor furniture into the truck. You want to make sure that all of your boxes are stacked in a way that prevents them from falling over.
If you’re having trouble with the packing process, contact a professional mover. A good mover will take care of all the details, so you can focus on other aspects of your move.
Eco-Friendly
If you’re looking to save on the environment while enjoying your patio, there are a number of options for eco-friendly outdoor furniture. Many of these products are made from recycled materials and sustainable design practices, ensuring that they’ll last for years to come.
One of the best places to start is by checking out your local thrift stores and garage sales. These are great places to find secondhand items that have already been through their cycle of use and abuse, and they usually come with a warranty.
Another way to find an eco-friendly piece of furniture is by choosing a brand that’s committed to sustainability and responsible harvesting. These companies typically use woods sourced from sustainably managed forests and other environmentally friendly materials that are naturally weather-resistant and won’t require refinishing over time.
Loll Designs, based in Duluth, Minnesota, has been diverting post-consumer plastic from landfills since 2007. Their modern furniture is made from nonporous, weather-resistant HDPE, which means they won’t collect dirt or need frequent cleaning. And they’re formulated to resist fading, so you can expect them to look as good as new for years.
For a more traditional look, Viva Terra has a selection of teak wood outdoor furniture sets that are crafted from reclaimed Douglas fir. They’re a popular choice among green homeowners because of their beautiful, natural appearance and durability.
Highwood is another company that has a line of eco-friendly, heavy-duty plastic outdoor furniture that’s built with 100 percent recycled materials. These pieces are resistant to hot sun, freezing rain, and more and can hold up to a 12-year guarantee.
Lastly, Polywood makes eco-friendly patio furniture that’s durable enough to withstand anything mother nature throws at it. Their chairs are made with more than 1,000 recycled bottles that were on their way to the ocean.
Finally, if you want to go the more classic route, you can check out Target’s DuraSeason fabric, which is made with 100 percent recycled polyester and is designed to be weather-resistant. It’s also available in several colors, so you’ll have no problem finding a design that fits your aesthetic and budget.