Make The Patio Your New Favorite Hangout With Our Essential Advice For Outdoor Furniture Shopping
Jessica Bennett is an editor, writer, and former digital assistant home editor at BHG. She covers interior design, decorating, home improvement, cleaning, organizing, and more. With nearly five years of combined experience in digital and magazine journalism, she has contributed over 800 articles for BHG.com to date, and her writing on interior design and decorating has been featured in 16 national print magazines, including Do It Yourself, Country Home, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, Secrets of Getting Organized, and more. She is currently pursuing an interior design certificate from the New York Institute of Art + Design.
Great patio furniture brings comfort and function to your outdoor spaces. A basic stone patio can be transformed into an alfresco dining destination with a spacious table and comfortable patio seating. Outfit a porch with a wicker sofa and classic rocking chair, both topped with plush cushions, and it can quickly become a second family room during the warm weather months. Small spaces such as balconies and pocket gardens will beckon you outside when complemented with the right patio furniture. Use the following tips to choose the best outdoor furniture for your patio. Thoughtful planning will help make your backyard your new favorite spot for lounging, dining, and entertaining.
The Best Outdoor Furniture Material For Where You Live
Have you ever heard the phrase dress for success? Just like a smart outfit can cinch a job interview or spark a great first date, dressing your porch, patio or sunroom in the right outdoor furniture can seal the deal on years of outdoor enjoyment. However, some outdoor furniture material may hold up better in warm, dry climates rather than cold, wet climates.
So, whats the trick to choosing the best outdoor furniture material? Take a look at your weather. While most outdoor furniture material is designed to withstand regular wear-and-tear, some materials may be more suitable for your environment. Read on to consider the full range of Summer Classicsmost popular outdoor furniture materials and each ones durability, style, maintenance level, and performance in climates so you can choose the best outdoor furniture material for where you live.
Outdoor Furniture Material Guide
Wrought Aluminum
As durable as it is beautiful, Summer Classics wrought aluminum features heavy tubing, strengthened at stress points with interior wall supports and galvanized steel inserts. Available in multiple finishes, our wrought aluminum features triple hand polished 360° welds and a high-solids polyester powder-coat finish, which is ten times thicker than wet coat paint.
Benefits:
- Lightweight construction makes it easy to move
- Powder coating offers added protection against the elements
- Requires little care and is easy to clean
- Withstands: Rain, sunlight, and extreme temperatures
Care Tips:
- Wash aluminum frame with mild liquid soap and water
- If the furniture is scratched, we recommend sanding with 400-grit sandpaper only in the affected area. Next, apply matching color touch-up paint .
Ideal Climate:
- This outdoor furniture material thrives in most weather climates
*Care Level: Minimal
Teak
The next outdoor furniture material is Teak! At Summer Classics we recognize the natural beauty of teak wood. Due to its high-quality center cut, and natural oils, teak will age gracefully without the help of cleaners and protectors. Over time the teak will begin to develop a silver/gray patina, which we think is inherently beautiful however, if you do not want your teak to morph into this naturally beautiful state, there are many teak cleaners and protectors for your use.
Benefits:
Care Tips:
Ideal Climate:
- This outdoor furniture material thrives in all-weather environments
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Discover The Pros And Cons Of Different Types Of Outdoor Furniture Materials Before You Plan Your Backyard Escape
WoodPros. Cons. zero ten designWhat to look for. mortise and tenonMaintenance. Wicker and RattanPros. Cons. Leandra Fremont-Smith InteriorsWhat to look for. Maintenance. AluminumPros. Cons. Young & Young InteriorsWhat to look for. Maintenance. Stainless Steel, Steel and MetalPros. Cons. What to look for. Maintenance. Wrought Iron and Cast IronPros. Cons. Hsu McCulloughWhat to look for. Maintenance. Modern Man-Made MaterialsPros. Cons. re:architectureWhat to look for. Maintenance. More on Houzz
Invest In Quality Patio Furniture
The old adage “you get what you pay for” is generally true for patio furniture. Plastic resin chairs or side tables, for example, might look great on the shelf and will keep their good looks for a year or two out in the sun, but in time they’ll become brittle and lose their vibrant coloring. The same is true for some wood products and wicker pieces. Shop with care, checking consumer reports and reviews before making a big purchase. If you’re sticking to a budget, plan to splurge on items that will be used most often, such as comfortable patio seating or a durable dining table. You can save money on smaller accessories such as pillows and accent tables.
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Resistance To Rot And Insects
If Im going to be keeping something outside, like my new benches, you can bet Im going to investigate woods that stand up to rot. Different tree species have varying levels of natural susceptibility to rot, and ratings on how effective rot treatment is. Regardless of which species I choose for my furniture though, I need to plan to keep it from absorbing water year after year.
Insects are another concern for every woodworker. Treated woods may kill insects, but not before they can do damage. In my case, I want a denser wood thats harder for the insects to bite through. I also want something that doesnt disintegrate when it gets wet since that makes it easy for termites to process. I want my projects to be beautiful ten years from now, not missing a leg.
Metal Outdoor Patio Furniture:
Metal is undoubtedly one of the strongest materials for outdoor furniture and is extremely durable. Favored by many, the strength that metal possesses allows for metallic frames to be thinner and carved in many different designs and patterns. This gives manufacturers a good style value to be able to create numerous pieces without it being a task. You can combine metals with other materials to create one of the most aesthetically pleasing settings that you could have fathomed. Metal furniture also comes with its own significant benefits. For example, some metal chairs and tables are made with no screws and bolts, making them almost impossible to break. But, metal also has its own drawbacks in terms of rust and corrosion. If you can fight these conditions, metal is definitely the best outdoor furniture material for you!
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How To Pick The Best Outdoor Furniture Material
Jeff FlowersArticle Author
When the cold winds of winter have subsided and its finally time to enjoy your backyard again, you may be looking into to help you create the oasis you’ve always wanted. But, not all outdoor furniture is created equal, and depending on your home and the environment you live in, different materials may not work well in your backyard.
When it comes to outdoor furniture, you’ll find that the majority of your options are made from one of the following seven materials. To help you figure out which one is the best choice for you, we’ve highlighted a short list of the pros and cons for each material type.
While each material has its own strengths, it’s important to note that they each have their own set of weaknesses, too. To help you figure out which material will work best for your home and desired use, it’s strongly recommended that you weigh all the options and compare the pros and cons of each type of material.
If you are considering buying new patio furniture for your backyard, here are six considerations that will help you narrow down the options and, ultimately, choose the best material for your lifestyle.
Patio Furniture Covers For Different Seasons Of The Year
Winter is said to be the coldest season of the year that comes in between autumn and spring. In short winter is time for water. Winter in some areas receives snow and other places receive lots of rain. If there is snow and rain use covers that are waterproof and heavy duty. Heavy duty covers help with the weight of the snow.
Some people prefer moving their patio furniture into storage during winter. If you do so, make sure you use covers that will prevent snow and rain from damaging the furniture.
Summer is the warmest/hottest season of the year. In this case, use covers that are lightweight to protect your patio furniture from sun damage. Also during summer many animals are active, hence use covers that are ant-proof and contain some pesticide component.
- Spring and autumn
Spring and autumn are called the nice seasons. This is because the temperatures are moderate, the flower buds bloom and farmers plant seeds. This is the weather to spend time outdoors, maybe reading or having a group study.
However spring and autumn come with inconsistent weather patterns such as unexpected rainfall or sometimes early snowfall. Because of this surprise weather patterns, get yourself lightweight furniture covers that are also waterproof.
During these two seasons is when rust and mold attack your furniture, hence make sure the covers fully enclose the furniture.
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How To Lessen Outdoor Furniture Cleaning Frequency
Before we get started on cleaning the patio furniture, lets discuss the greatest preventative measures since the less cleaning we should be doing overall, the better, right?
Start by selecting outdoor furniture that is weather resistant. Wrought iron and stainless steel are perfect choices. Aside from its durability, metal furniture is also very easy to clean.
If your patio furniture is not made of metal, you can use cushion coverings with technology that repels filth. This lessens the amount of washing required by preventing anything from bleach and mildew to food and water stains. Using top-notch coverings to preserve your outdoor furniture is another efficient approach to keeping it clean.
A patio umbrella cover is also a great option. The umbrella can help to protect your outdoor furniture from falling debris and UV rays, which can cause paint to fade. Just be sure what type, shape, and size of umbrella suit your yard.
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Comparing Outdoor Furniture: Which Material Is Right For You
- Caroline McDonald
Thinking about buying new patio furniture? Enjoy your outdoor living space to its fullest potential by finding the perfect design and materials to match your style and climate. Heres our take on the most popular types of outdoor furniture.
Cast Aluminum
Its hard to beat the versatility and carefree qualities of cast aluminum. No wonder its always on our best-seller list for outdoor furniture. Cast aluminum shares the same sophisticated look and feel of wrought iron and matches it in durability, yet its lightweight and easy to move around. So if you like to rearrange your furniture to suit the needs of the occasion, then cast aluminum belongs on your shortlist.
Its also a malleable metal and easy to work with, making it easy to find a variety of ornate styles and finely detailed designs to suit your outdoor aesthetic.
Better yet, cast aluminum is extremely resilient and low maintenance, requiring little more than a good washing with soapy water once a year. Cast aluminum wont corrode, rust or fade, so you can enjoy your furniture outdoors all year long.
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Add Outdoor Rugs For Color And Comfort
Ground patio furniture by placing it on an all-weather rug. Textile advancements in recent years have brought many quick-drying outdoor rugs to the market. Soft underfoot and rich in texture, an outdoor rug will lend the comforts of indoors to your patio or deck. Choose a color and pattern that coordinates with your other furniture and decor to tie your outdoor space together. Make sure it’s rated for outdoor use before buying.
Patio Furniture Cushions Pillows Umbrellas And Furniture Fabrics
Fabrics used for outdoor patio furniture includes those used for seat and back cushions, throw pillows, umbrellas, and integrated as part of the actual piece such as sling-style chairs, hammocks, and loungers. Any fabric used outdoors needs to withstand constant exposure to harsh sun, rain, humidity, and temperature extremes. Since natural fibers tend to fade and break down over time, fabrics made from synthetic threads which are infused with plastic are a better choice for outdoor upholstery, cushions, and pillows.
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Commercial Patio Furniture Market Size Share Growth Segmentation Trends Global Industry Overview Opportunities And Forecast To 2029
The MarketWatch News Department was not involved in the creation of this content.
Jan 11, 2023 —Final Report will add the analysis of the impact of Russia-Ukraine War and COVID-19 on this industry.
The analytical report on “Commercial Patio Furniture Market” Assessment Contains key facts about the industry, including its Sales Volume and Growth Rate for the forecast period 2023-2029. It also provides key details of market segments and sub-segments, market trends, and company profiles of top players. This comprehensive report offers an in-depth analysis of current market trends and prospects in terms of value chain drivers, restraints, opportunities and challenges. Moreover, this report covers all parameters that include sales volume analysis, revenue analysis, profitability ratio analysis and gross margin calculation.
Commercial Patio Furniture Market Size is projected to Reach Multimillion USD by 2029, In comparison to 2021, at unexpected CAGR during the forecast Period 2022-2029.
Browse Detailed TOC, Tables and Figures with Charts which is spread across 122 Pages that provides exclusive data, information, vital statistics, trends, and competitive landscape details in this niche sector.
Commercial Patio Furniture Market – Segmentation Analysis:
Which segment is expected to lead the global Commercial Patio Furniture market during the forecast period?
Based on Type, the market can be classified intoTables, Chairs, Others
Region Wise the global trend is analyzed across :
The 7 Most Durable Outdoor Furniture Frames
Have you been wanting to create your perfect outdoor space but dont know which outdoor furniture brands you can trust?
Today inexperienced retailers are selling outdoor furniture with minimal information about the product. Even some grocery and hardware stores are selling outdoor furniture now. People with little knowledge of the product or outdoor furniture industry are telling you their product will, last for years.
This may be your second time around buying a furniture set in the last few years wondering, will my next set last?Am I wasting money on a product that I will have to replace in two or three years? What type of frame material is the most durable?
We are here to guide you and help you understand outdoor furniture better! Keep reading for a better understanding of the top outdoor furniture frames and brands!
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Natural Wicker Outdoor Furniture
Wicker is another natural material thats made from items like rattan or bamboo. This type of furniture is woven, so it has a unique design that some homeowners and business owners find appealing for their outdoor spaces.
Since wickers natural, like wood, it may experience natural materials problems. These include animal nesting or pests eating the wicker furniture, resulting in hard-to-repair damage. It can also break down due to moisture from rain or snow. Youll have to regularly apply a sealant or finish to keep natural wicker furniture intact.
Its also important to be aware of the craftsmanship of wicker furniture, since that can greatly affect its durability. If there are any parts that werent properly weaved, those loose spots may unravel later and damage the look and use of the furniture. Loose weave can also be extremely uncomfortable when its poking or scratching you or your guests.
Another durability issue with wicker is that its light. It may blow away or get damaged in your yard, or damage other items at your home if it’s thrown around by a storm.
Even with proper maintenance, due to its delicate natural materials, wicker furniture may only last around 5 to 10 years in its original condition. Plus, since wicker usually needs cushions to be comfortable, thats another item youll have to clean and maintain when using this furniture.
What Is Eucalyptus Patio Furniture
Patio furniture sets made of eucalyptus wood are called eucalyptus patio furniture. They are used for a wide range of outdoor applications. Eucalyptus wood is also called eucalyptus hardwood native to Australia, Tasmania, and nearby islands. This wood is extremely gorgeous looking and environmentally-friendly wood that can be easily converted into different styles of furniture and other applications. Additionally, eucalyptus wood is less expensive than traditional hardwood, like mahogany, hickory, and cherry wood.
Eucalyptus wood is a suitable material for making support beams, fencing, trellis beams, and other distinct types of design projects. The possibilities are simply endless due to its high versatility and durability
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Trending Outdoor Furniture: Concrete
One last outdoor furniture material to talk about is concrete. Yes, the same material we use for sidewalks is used in outdoor furnitureoften as tables rather than chairs or benches Concrete is usually a great statement piece when paired with wood or the bright colors of plastic furniture. Lets see what some of the pros and cons are of using concrete.
Pros
DurableConcrete is very hard and durable, so it will last long outside. Its extremely resistant to weather and will last for a long time.
PriceConcrete is going to be more expensive than plastic furniture, but might not cost quite as much as teak or eucalyptus.
Cons
ComfortConcrete is the hardest outdoor furniture material you can find, which is why its not usually used for chairs or couches. It works much better for tables.
HeavyConcrete is incredibly heavy, making it a great option for windy areas but less than ideal if you plan to rearrange your outdoor furniture often.
Absorbs WaterYou might be surprised to learn that concrete is prone to staining! Because the material is porous, concrete may absorb and stain if water and other spills are left uncleaned on its surface. For this reason, we recommend applying a sealer.