When it comes to relaxation in the great outdoors, you want to have the perfect furniture in your outdoor living space whether you are lounging by the pool or reading a book under the pergola. California Stools, Bars and Dinettes offers a wide range of kitchen, dining room and bar sets that can be placed into outdoor living spaces. Before picking out a range of furniture for lounging, dining and entertainment, you need to understand the durable materials that are commonly used for furniture and the maintenance that is required to make the pieces last no matter the weather outside.
Types of Outdoor Furniture Materials
There are four categories of materials crafted into outdoor furniture: wood, metal, plastic and wicker. Each material has its benefits and disadvantages when it comes to longevity and maintenance, yet most of this furniture can be maintained simply by washing the dirt and grime off with soap and water. Decide on the best materials based on your personal preferences and your budget.
Metal Furniture
Out of all the materials available, metal furniture is the most durable. There are two types available: powder-coated aluminum and wrought iron. Both types are sturdy although they are pricier than other materials. Typical maintenance for metal furniture requires sealing the metal to prevent rust. One of the disadvantages to wrought iron furniture is that it can easily absorb the heat from sunlight, making them extremely hot to the touch. Some metal furniture may also be paired with glass, such as tables, or upholstered cushions on chairs so take this into consideration when performing maintenance care.
Wicker Furniture
Wicker is often preferred over other types of outdoor furniture because it has more of a garden look, making it blend into backyard gardens. Bamboo, cane, and rattan are common materials used to make wicker furniture as often wicker will be paired with upholstered cushions for increased comfort. Many wicker pieces may be made from synthetic materials to increase their weather resistance. When selecting wicker, you want to protect the cushion seat to prevent mold and mildew that can cause it to rot out. So keep wicker protected from wet weather or select weather-resistant fabrics.
Wood
Wood furniture can be beautiful and long-lasting as some pieces can stay outside for over 50 years. Furniture may be made out of a range of softwoods, such as cedar, or hardwoods like teak. Sealing and treating wood with special oils can help protect the surface from weather and maintain its original appearance. One of the major advantages of wood furniture is that it doesn’t absorb heat quickly, making it cooler to the touch versus metal furniture.
Plastic Furniture
Plastic is often a go-to material for outdoor furniture because it is the least expensive and requires very low maintenance care. Plastic furniture is also lightweight, allowing a homeowner to move it about their outdoor living space and stack it when not in use. Plastic usually is the least durable material to buy and will need to be replaced more often than the other types of materials that have been mentioned.
With spring arriving, people will be looking for outdoor furniture to spruce up their backyards. Consider the materials used to create your favorite pieces of furniture and select one that fits perfectly into your lifestyle.
