Outdoor Furniture brings comfort and function to your patio, deck or yard. Weather-proof tables and chairs bring your dining room outside, relaxing rockers turn your porch into an Adirondack chair, and fire tables create the perfect outdoor entertainment space.
The key to choosing the right pieces is understanding your needs, aesthetic and budget. Whether you’re shopping for luxury or practical outdoor furniture, the materials you choose will have an impact on how long and how well it will last.
Metal
Metal is a versatile material that can be used for many different types of outdoor furniture. It is typically considered the best choice for patio furniture because it is weather resistant and long lasting.
The main types of metal used for outdoor furniture include wrought iron, aluminum, and stainless steel. Each one offers its own benefits and limitations.
Wrought iron, for example, is known for its durability and classic beauty. This type of furniture can also be rust-proof if it is treated properly, making it an excellent choice for areas that get heavy rain or snow.
However, iron furniture may be difficult to keep clean. It should be washed with a mild soap solution and wiped off periodically to remove dust and dirt, especially in inclement weather. If rust forms, touch it up with a wire brush and touch-up paint to prevent further oxidation.
On the other hand, aluminum is a cheaper alternative to wrought iron and has a wide range of styles that can match any decor. Tubular aluminum is lightweight and inexpensive, but cast-aluminum pieces are more substantial and can withstand heavy winds.
When choosing a piece of metal outdoor furniture, consider your budget, style preference and climate. This will help you decide which option is the right one for your space and needs.
Another advantage of metal is that it is relatively easy to maintain. To keep it looking good, wipe it down occasionally using a cloth and soapy water. Alternatively, you can use a spray cleaner on a dry cloth to maintain the surface.
In addition, you can add cushions to metal furniture to make it more comfortable for you and your guests. These pillows can help keep the metal furniture from getting too hot in summer or freezing cold in winter, depending on where you live.
The main disadvantage of metal outdoor furniture is that it can rust easily. You should take extra care in wet weather and make sure to avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.
Another benefit of metal outdoor furniture is that it can be a great way to give your patio a new look. Often, this is possible without the need to repaint or replace old furniture. This saves you money and time in the long run.
Wood
Wooden outdoor furniture is a great way to make your home look appealing from the outside. You can choose from a range of different types of wood for your patio, such as traditional teak or long lasting metal designs. There are also some eco-friendly options that are made from recycled materials.
The type of wood that you use for your outdoor furniture is going to depend on the style and needs of your home. It should be durable, able to withstand the elements and be easy to maintain. It should also be a natural material, so that you can enjoy it for years to come without having to worry about replacing it.
One of the most common and popular woods for use in making outdoor furniture is cedar. This softwood is naturally rot-resistant and has a high resin content, so it will not crack or warp. This makes it a good choice for people living in humid climates, as it tends to absorb moisture instead of allowing it to penetrate the wood.
Another hardwood that can be used to create outdoor furniture is cypress. This reddish-brown wood is very durable, and can withstand harsh weather conditions. It also possesses a natural oil content that protects it from rotting and other damage.
It’s a bit more expensive than other hardwoods, but it can be worth the extra money for its durability. It is a very popular wood and is available in a variety of colors.
Jarrah is a reddish brown wood that is used for crafting wooden benches, picnic tables and other similar items. It is termite-resistant and rot-resistant, and it can be stained or painted to keep it looking new.
Black locust is another hardwood that is well-suited for making outdoor furniture. It is resistant to fungus, rot and decay, and it is a great choice for anyone who is building their own furniture.
A little more difficult to work with than cypress and redwood, this dark-brown to reddish-brown wood is readily available for around $5 per board foot. It is a good choice for DIY furniture construction, as it can be cut, sanded, and put together by hand or with the help of a woodworking machine.
Plastic
Plastic is an extremely versatile material for outdoor furniture, offering a wide variety of styles and options. Its versatility and durability make it a popular choice amongst both homeowners and commercial businesses.
Polyethylene is a common plastic used for patio furniture, with high-density versions of the material often being preferred over lower-grade models. This durable plastic is resilient to weather, sun damage and chemicals and has been shown to hold up well against wear and tear.
Recycled plastic is also a good option for patio furniture because it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, is stain-resistant and easy to clean. It’s also an eco-friendly alternative to wood and other materials and is available in a wide range of colors.
It’s important to note, however, that plastic furniture can become brittle in colder climates. It is also susceptible to damage from UV rays, so it is important to take into account the temperature of your area when choosing your furniture.
If you live in a hotter or humid environment, you may wish to consider a lighter plastic material like polypropylene. This lightweight and durable plastic is also highly resistant to heat, making it a great choice for warmer temperatures.
One of the major benefits of poly lumber is its ability to mimic the look and texture of wood without the need for sanding or staining. It can be molded, shaped and embossed to create the appearance of real wood.
This material is environmentally friendly and reduces the demand for tropical rainforest woods that are commonly used in outdoor wood furniture. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to move from place to place.
In addition, it is a good choice for those with limited space or who are looking for a minimalist design that requires minimal maintenance. This is because it does not absorb water, so it does not need to be sprayed with special cleaners or wiped down regularly.
The color-stay technology used by top recycled plastic brands like Polywood keeps the furniture looking fresh and vibrant season after season. It is also easy to clean with a soap-and-water solution, so you can enjoy your patio furniture without the need to re-stain it each season.
Textilene(r) mesh
If you want to add a touch of luxury to your outdoor furniture, textileene(r) mesh is an excellent choice. It’s strong, abrasion-resistant and can be used for a wide variety of products.
Often used for solar screens and patio shades, Textilene is also durable enough to be made into hammocks, outdoor awnings and patio furniture. It’s available in different grades of sun protection, with Textilene 80 blocking up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays, Textilene 90 blocking up to 90 percent and Textilene 95 blocking up to 92 percent.
The fabric is also resistant to fading, mildew and soiling, and it can stand up to constant exposure to the elements. It is also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it does not emit harmful VOCs into the air.
Its unique properties also make it a great material for window blinds and awnings, which need to withstand harsh weather conditions. Its PTFE thread, which is a form of polytetrafluoroethylene, also helps to prevent staining and melting on outdoor cushions.
You can find textileene(r) mesh fabrics in a wide range of colors, including Textilene Metallic, which features a pearlescent appearance. Other options include Textilene Sunsure, which offers extra protection against fading and mildew.
These textileene(r) fabrics are designed to withstand the harshest of conditions and still look beautiful. Besides being durable and long-lasting, they’re also low maintenance, so you can enjoy your furniture for years to come.
Another good option is Phifertex, which features a PVC coating that protects it from the elements and reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth. It also offers color fastness, which is important for sling fabrics.
Finally, there’s a special line of vinyl-coated polyester that’s suitable for self-supporting seat and back slings. These textiles are crafted with Microban, an antimicrobial product that helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and mildew on your furniture.
These textileene(r) fabrics are perfect for replacing slings on your existing patio chairs and are made to last for years to come. In addition to being extremely durable, they are also low maintenance and can be easily cleaned. They’re a great alternative to the standard cotton fabrics that many sling replacements are made from, and they look fantastic!