One of the most important steps in choosing outdoor furniture is deciding which materials are the best choice for your climate. The following section provides a closer look at some of the most common types of materials used in the construction of patio furniture. Learning more about the materials that are available can help you make a more informed decision as to which type of furniture is best for your home.
Man-Made Resin
Patio furniture that is made from man-made resin usually mimics the look of wicker, with a distinctive woven pattern. Although people commonly mistake this type of furniture for rattan furniture, it is actually a different material altogether. Well-designed resin furniture can add beauty and style to your outdoor space.
What makes this type of furniture particularly attractive to homeowners is that it is capable of standing up to the weather in a way that most other types of furniture are not. The combination of its beautiful appearance and its durability make it a great choice for any outdoor area. Just be sure that you choose furniture that is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Some synthetic resin is made from PVC instead. Unfortunately, the PVC furniture doesn't offer the same level of durability as HDPE furniture. You are far less likely to experience cracking or unraveling with this higher-quality synthetic material.
Interestingly, most pieces of furniture that are made from resin use aluminum frames for support. These frames increase the strength of the furniture and improve its ability to last. Some companies, such as Harmonia Living, take it one step further by using heavy-duty aluminum frames that are designed for commercial use in the construction of their resin furniture.
Teakwood
If you want wooden furniture for your patio, the best choice is teak. This beautiful wood is not only attractive to look at but it also does a great job of standing up to the elements. It is far more weather-resistant than other types of wood, largely due to the fact that it makes oil on its own. As an added bonus, it is a hardwood, which means that it is unlikely to get dented with regular use.
When properly cared for, teak can last for decades. This is in sharp contrast to softer woods like cedar or pine. Furniture made from these other types of wood has to be moved indoors when the weather turns bad. Teak, on the other hand, can usually be left out. Although it is heavier than aluminum furniture, it is still quite versatile and can easily be scooted around.
Before you invest in teak furniture, make sure that you educate yourself about how to care for it. Wood furniture does require far more upkeep than other types of patio furniture if you want to keep it looking its best.
Aluminium Furniture
When it comes to outdoor furniture, few materials are as durable and easy to care for as aluminium. The lightweight nature of this furniture also makes it easy to move around. The only problem with that is that it can tip over if the wind picks up too much. Luckily, there are some ways that you can combat this problem.
Even though it is incredibly lightweight, aluminium is also quite strong. It is a great choice for dining chairs since they often have to be moved around. Choosing lightweight chairs can make the process easier. Of course, as with any type of outdoor furniture, you should buy the furniture from a company that has a great reputation. That way, you can make sure that the furniture itself is well-made and that it will last.
Wrought Iron Furniture
Wrought iron is best known for its timeless beauty and its durability. Throughout the centuries, wrought iron has been used for both functional and decorative purposes. Unlike cast-iron which is cast in molds, wrought iron is created by working the iron by hand. This type of furniture can add beauty and charm to your outdoor space. The only downside is that it is quite heavy. That can make it a little bit more difficult to move around than aluminum furniture.
Stone Furniture
This can be a very smart addition for the garden as it’s well made and there will be no problems with erosion or wear and tear. The only thing a lot of stone furniture needs is a power wash now and again to prevent a build-up of moss. It’s strong, sturdy and well-made as these stone benches for your garden will testify.
Steel Furniture
With excellent strength, durability, and an ability to resist rust, steel is a practical choice for outdoor furniture. The only downside to this type of furniture is that it comes with a hefty price tag. It is also quite heavy, which can make moving the furniture difficult. Typically, it is best for furniture that won't be moved around often. If you do decide to purchase steel furniture, make sure that you buy furniture that has been coated to prevent rust from forming on the surface.
In most cases, the strength of steel is overkill. Aluminum usually provides more than enough support and is lighter weight. The only exception is if the furniture is going to be subjected to heavy use.
