When evaluating outdoor furniture, you’re probably going to look for many of the same characteristics that you value in indoor tables, chairs and sofas – durability, comfort and style (and of course price). The primary difference, however, is that patio furniture has to endure exposure to the weather outside. While there is virtually no 100% weatherproof
Outdoor Lounge Set , there are big differences based on the materials used.
Outdoor Furniture Materials
Metal
One of the most durable materials for outdoor furniture, metal is a reliable choice for your patio or yard. Read on for an overview of the benefits of each metal. While browsing on Wayfair, find the product's specific metal in the product description's specifications section.
Aluminum
Lightweight yet sturdy enough to stand up against high winds, aluminum is one of the best, most common outdoor furniture materials. Aluminum is highly durable and rust-resistant, so it's great for use around salt water, which can easily corrode and oxidize other metals. It comes at affordable prices and requires little maintenance. Aluminum outdoor furniture is often finished with a protective paint or powder coating, but it can also be covered with wicker or sling for a softer look and feel.
Care Tips: Clean with mild soap, warm water, and a gentle cloth or sponge. Touch up the paint coating or fill in scratches with wax.
Steel
Heavier and harder than aluminum, steel outdoor furniture resists dents and is resilient against high winds. The weight of steel furniture does mean it can be a bit difficult to move around. Plain steel rusts easily, so it's important to choose stainless or galvanized steel for your outdoor furniture.
Care Tips: If your furniture is plain steel, apply a protective finish to protect it from rust. Wash with mild soap, warm water, and a gentle cloth or sponge. Make sure to touch up scratches in the finish with another coat to combat rust.
Wrought Iron
The heaviest of all the outdoor furniture metals, wrought iron furniture will put up the strongest fight against harsh winds. Though many wrought iron pieces are now powder coated for protection, this rustic metal is much less water-resistant than aluminum and steel and rusts easily without the proper care.
Care Tips: If your furniture is bare wrought iron, apply a rust protector. To clean, wash with mild soap, warm water, and a gentle cloth or sponge. Touch up dings in the finish with a protective coat immediately. If you notice rust, clean gently, sand the affected areas, and refinish.
Rattan
Wicker rattan furniture is made of durable natural rattan fiber strips that are tightly woven in the wicker style. Because wicker describes the weaving style and not the material, it's not uncommon to find wicker furniture made of synthetic materials as well. Wicker rattan furniture is classic in appearance, lightweight, flexible, and comfortable. Rattan can fade in sunlight and isn't moisture-resistant, so it's good to bring rattan furniture inside or cover it when it rains or is particularly sunny. Over time, the rattan fibers can loosen.
Wood
Natural in appearance, wood is a classic choice for an outdoor furniture material. While browsing on Wayfair, find the product's specific wood in the product description's specifications section.
Teak & Shorea
Extremely hard and durable, teak and Shorea are some of the best materials for outdoor furniture when cared for properly. These tropical hardwoods are resistant to rotting, warping, shrinkage, and swelling. If left untreated, teak and Shorea's natural golden-yellow hues will fade to a light gray patina that takes stain well. Of the two, teak tends to be more expensive.
Looking for high-quality, low-maintenance
Rattan Corner Sofa you can love for years to come? Contact our team or click
www.insharefurniture.com/product/garden-set/ to learn about our unique selection of Rattan Corner Sofa today!
