When making purchases for your home, you want to consider your lifestyle and budget. The same goes for patio furniture, but you also need to make sure that it can withstand the elements.
Things to consider
- Maintain cohesion between your internal and external design style. The decor of your outdoor areas should be based on comfort and also serve as an extension of the home.
- Always keep your budget in mind when shopping but consider flexibility. High quality pieces are often expensive but last longer than the less expensive furniture. Consider cutting the cost of the accessories with less money and buying the great items that will give you the most life.
- When shopping, think about the ultimate purpose. If you plan to use it as a guest space, make sure everyone is accommodated. This includes additional umbrellas or blind seating.
- Buy items that are easy to clean, including quick-drying seat cushions. Polyurethane foam does not absorb water-like tissue and thus prevents powdery mildew.
- Plan to store or cover seasonal furniture.
- Consider the material of the elements you have selected. Most outer pieces are made of wood, metal, or synthetic fibers. They are designed to withstand the elements and are easy to clean. Some materials are heavy and durable, while others are lightweight and designed for storage in bad weather.
Material types available
Wood
Teak is a popular choice for patio furniture because of its low maintenance requirements. If the parts are treated with a weatherproof stain, they can last for decades. Teak was originally used in boat building. You can therefore rely on its reliability. Teak starts out as a brown color but turns light gray as it ages in the sun. There is nothing wrong with the furniture for seeing these changes. Damage will only occur if you don't reapply a protective agent every year. As with tables indoors, cleaning must be wiped down with a disinfectant. When planning your purchase, make sure each piece bears the Forest Stewardship Council stamp. You are responsible for the responsible harvest. After all, all furniture should be constructed with stainless steel screws, not staples or glue.
Other popular types of wood are:
- Eucalyptus – needs to be treated three to four times a year.
- Cedar – shortest life expectancy of wood species
- Oak
- mahogany
metal
Metal is a popular material for garden furniture because it is cheaper to build. Common types are:
- Aluminum – Benefits include inexpensive, lightweight, and rustproof. however, it will oxidize.
- Wrought iron – Popular because it looks elegant but is more expensive and heavier. Rust can occur but can be prevented with a protective agent.
- Stainless steel – steel is durable and easy to care for. If glass is used for the design, it should be tempered.
synthetic
An inexpensive choice of material for garden furniture is plastic. Synthetic fibers made from rattan and wicker offer weatherproof seating. It is often not as comfortable as other materials, but if you have a pillow you can forget about this disadvantage. When you're ready to check out rattan furniture, make sure the fabric is tight enough that you can't see through it. Soapy water and a rag or a gentle rinse with the hose are required to clean plastic. Rattan made from natural fibers should be protected from direct sunlight and moisture. So plan on storing it or buying covers.
