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What is the Best Material for Outdoor Furniture?

 

Choosing patio or backyard furniture often presents as big a challenge as indoor pieces. Thankfully, knowing what is the best material for outdoor furniture helps narrow your choices. With such differences in the lifespan, usage, and costs of the different materials, it makes sense to learn about the various choices before deciding.

It’s essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of different content choices before making a decision. Then, assess how well each suits your interests as well as the needs of your residential or commercial community.

So, what is the best material for outdoor furniture? Don’t worry; we cover all the features present in good outdoor furniture in this article.

 

Factors to Look For Before Buying Outdoor Furniture

It is a topic of study and research to choose the best outdoor furniture for your space. Knowing how different materials compare in terms of longevity is crucial if you want your furniture to last. Thus, consider the following factors before buying patio furniture:

 

1.  Weather

Outdoor furniture must be able to survive the harshest elements Natural World will throw at it. When selecting outdoor furniture, keep in mind the environmental conditions in your specific area.

If you live in an environment with heavy rainstorms or high humidity, you’ll want to make sure your furniture can withstand damage from a variety of water-related problems. Standing water or stored moisture not only degrades the substance chemically, but also poses a health risk.

 

2.  Corrosion

When metals containing iron or steel expose to water and oxygen, they are susceptible to corrosion. Corrosive oxidation weakens these metals over time, resulting in noticeable deterioration. Since the chemical reaction accelerates by salt in the air and water, rusting is more common in coastal areas.

 

3.  Mildew and Rotting

Moisture or humidity creates an ideal atmosphere for fungi to survive. Mold and mildew can grow on organic materials causing respiratory problems, inflammation, and other health problems. However, they seldom do damage to the material and are easily removed. Rot, on the other hand, causes biodegradation and material decomposition.

 

4.  Size

 There are some reasons to consider the size of the outdoor furniture you purchase. First, of course, it should be big enough to relax, but there are other things to consider. For example, it cannot be easy to get out of furniture built too close to the floor.

Tables should be big enough to accommodate the whole family comfortably. It would help if you also thought about the scale of your outdoor room. If you have a minor deck or yard, select smaller pieces that take up less space. On the other hand, if you have a big deck or yard, choose bigger pieces that take up more space.

 

5.  Cracking

When heated or cooled, certain materials expand and contract visibly. However, when exposed to high temperatures or sudden changes, they can break, fracture, warp, or become brittle. Furniture may also fold and crack due to dry air.

 

6.  Function and Purpose

Outdoor furniture should be appealing as well as functional. Buying outdoor furniture that is attractive but cannot use is a waste of money. Before you purchase furniture, think about how it will use. Consider how the whole outdoor space can use and how you expect it to look and behave.

 

7.  Cleaning and Care

How well you care about your patio furniture affects its aesthetic and practical longevity. Season after season, certain fabrics need very little maintenance and are fast and easy to clean with only soap and water. Others necessitate more time-consuming care and specialized products to keep them looking good and functioning correctly. If you don’t have a lot of time or don’t want to deal with the mess, use low-maintenance fabrics.

 

8.  Cost

By the end of the day, most people consider the financial consequences of preferring one material over another for furniture. Of course, you must stick to the schedule, but it’s also essential to think about its cost. Would it need to be replaced regularly? Would it necessitate a lot of time and work to keep it up? There are significant cost factors that you might overlook when weighing your options.

 

9.  Heat Retention

Other logistical issues can arise as a result of the sun. For example, patio furniture exposed to the sun can become hot and painful (or even dangerous) to touch. Likewise, when sitting in or attempting to reposition a poolside lounge chair, no one wants to burn their skin.

 

10. Combine the outside and the inside Theme

Because the exterior of the house is distinct from the inside, the deck always connects the two. The effect can seem to be a jumbled mess if the furniture on the house’s exterior is not well blended with the theme of the house’s interior. While outdoor furniture does not have to fit the home’s interior, keeping a similar style, age, or color scheme inside and out is a bright idea.

 

Top 8 Best Material for Outdoor Furniture

 

1.  Wood

For centuries, wood has been a common raw material for furniture. It has a natural charm for outdoor furniture. It is quite easy to deal with and offers a strong foundation for tables, seats, benches, and other furniture. When it comes to outdoor use, however, not all trees are made together.

Many softwoods, such as pressure-treated oak, cedar, and fir, are affordable and commonly used for indoor furnishings. However, they do not hold up to the elements and must protect at all times while not in use. On the other hand, hardwoods are much more resilient to conditions and can survive for decades. Some important hardwood material is:

 

  • Teak

Teak is without a doubt the most common wood for outdoor furniture. Unfortunately, because of its high demand and insufficient supply, the price of this fine-grained hardwood has skyrocketed. Teak, on the other hand, has several characteristics that make it suitable for outdoor use.

 

  • Eucalyptus

This rugged Australian hardwood grows quickly, lasts a long time, and costs much less than teak. It has a rustic look due to its natural washed nature, which will turn into a silver patina if not appropriately oiled. It is immune to the elements and rust, and its oil serves as a natural insecticide.

 

  • White Oak

This plentiful wood is more durable and heavier than anything, lasting for decades. It uses in boat construction for a long time because of its structural ability to repel water, which also helps it avoid Rot. However, since it lacks natural oil, it needs paint or a sealant to remain durable.

 

This reddish-gold Southeast Asian hardwood is one of the few hardwoods that is stronger and heavier than teak. In addition, heat increases the strength and stability of the material.

 

2.  Polypropylene

It is both lightweight and solid, and the design and color options are nearly limitless. Polypropylene furniture can withstand excess moisture, salt water, and rain. Furthermore, since the color is inherent to the material, it will not fade as use grows. In addition, best of all, there is no upkeep needed. When it comes to outdoor furniture that lasts the most, polypropylene is a good contender that should not overlook.

Pros

  • Only minor upkeep is needed.
  • It’s easy to clean and can do with a hose and dish soap.
  • Due to its intrinsic lightweight, it is easy to carry and pack.

 

3.  Stainless Steel

This durable metal alloy is heavy, making it an excellent choice for large, weight-bearing outdoor dining tables, sofas, and sectionals. Because of its high density, it resists dents and other harm caused by repeated use. Though stainless steel gets hot to the touch when exposed to summer heat, it is more resistant to high temperatures than other metals.

Its composition makes it nearly impervious to rust and corrosion. Moreover, a powder coating can recommend added protection, especially in coastal areas with salt air and water. Stainless steel garden and patio furniture are heavy and will not fall over or blow away in strong winds.

Pros

  • In comparison to iron, steel has a potent combination between weight and sturdiness.
  • Steel rusts less rapidly than iron.
  • Sunshine, fog, humidity, wind, and high temperatures are not a problem.

 

4.  Wrought Iron

Wrought iron patio furniture has been traditional for centuries. This metal is both long-lasting and malleable. This furniture would last for years if you care for it properly. However, wrought iron furniture is typically thick, making it challenging to maneuver. As a result, it would be an excellent alternative for a windy climate and will not fly down.

This furniture is a good option if you want a classic look for your outdoor room. It is entirely handcrafted, with cast iron melting and hammering to achieve the perfect shape. It has a long lifespan, but it needs regular maintenance. In addition, it must be kept clean and rust-resistant.

 

5.  Resins and Plastic

In outdoor furniture, artificial synthetic materials such as resin and plastic are becoming increasingly popular. These polymers will now take on shapes and proportions that were historically unattainable. It becomes possible due to its thanks to new production technologies and hybrid formulations. In addition, synthetics are usually light and cheap, and they can mold to suit any decor theme.

In addition, they are fade-resistant and do not need paint or sealants like most fabrics because the pigment is intrinsic in the chemical make-up. They’re also easy to clean. There are an increasing variety of plastics and resins on the market.

 

6.  Aluminum

While aluminum does not rust like iron or steel, it is susceptible to corrosion. On the other hand, aluminum corrosion can occur from aluminum oxide, a potent substance that prevents further deterioration. As a result, aluminum resists Rot, moisture more than most metals, making it a top contender for the longest-lasting outdoor furniture. In addition, aluminum is both solid and compact, making it simple to rearrange and stock.

Pros

  • Only the most basic upkeep is needed.
  • Because of its low weight, it is accessible to transport and store.
  • It is more resistant to corrosion and precipitation than most metals.
  • Except in high-moisture environments, no mildew, mold, or Rot develop.
  • Resists rain, sunshine, humidity, salt water, and temperature extremes.

 

7.  Tempered Glass

Because of its tolerance to temperature fluctuations, tempered Glass can use for outdoor tabletops. Glass can lacquer to increase its resistance to the elements. At the same time, acid washing makes it resistant to smudges and fingerprints. Its sleek surface has an elegant feel to it, and the transparency gives it a free, airy feel. In addition, there is sufficient shade to keep the light from bouncing off it and distracting visitors.

Glass is a perfect substitute for sunroom or screened-in porch dining and coffee tables. Glass can be very bulky and difficult to pass depending on its thickness.

 

8.  Concrete

Concrete is trending as the primary material in architecture, like new outdoor furniture, after previously thought of only as a construction material. Its furniture designs are elegant and aesthetically appealing, as well as durable and solid.

 

Outdoor Furniture Maintenance Tips

Keep your outdoor furniture tidy and well-maintained before and during the summer months to prolong its useful life. Cleaning different spills, restoring damage, and shielding the material from the ravages of the wind, rain, and sun are all detailed directions included with each material.

 

In Summary

Choosing good quality patio furniture is an excellent purchase since it lasts for several years and allows you to enjoy the outdoors. As your family sits together and enjoys chit-chatting, it helps to create a strong bond between family members. Indeed, your friends might enjoy time with you in your backyard, too.

As a result, you must choose sturdy and trendy patio furniture that complements your current home. However, for long-term use, longevity is the most critical factor to remember. These are the kinds of materials that can last a lifetime if you chose them. So, consider our recommendation above mentioned for your outdoor furniture. Also, if you like this information, share it with others.

 

Read More

Planning Your Outdoor Space

 

what is the best material for outdoor furniture