Guide To Patio Furniture Materials

When it comes to designing a home interior, picking the right furniture requires some careful thought. It's easy to go for a stylish and trendy one and consider it practical to go with a cheaper choice. However, most homeowners have figured out that choosing furniture also needs diligent planning. More than style and design, comfort and durability should be your top priorities when choosing the right one for your home. 

The same goes for your outdoor furniture, whether it is a wooden bench glider, daybed, or pergola. The ability to withstand wear and tear should be the number one priority when choosing outdoor furniture as they are exposed to harsh elements all year round.

The materials that can withstand the different aspects of nature and pets and children who love to hang outdoors should be one of the considerations when planning to buy your furniture for your outside use. Listed below are some of the commonly recommended materials for outdoor furniture.

Synthetic Resin

Synthetic resin is used for synthetic wicker furniture, and because of its weave texture, it is frequently mistaken for rattan. It is meant to mimic the look and feel of rattan but is more durable and susceptible to wear and tear.

Synthetic resin furniture is easy to maintain and clean needs a quick hose down. It’s also lightweight, making it perfect for fast arrangement during garden parties.

Concrete

If it’s durability and style you want, concrete furniture is one great choice. When made right, it does not stain, crumble, sag, or fall apart, and it is the perfect outdoor piece for areas prone to hurricanes or typhoons. High-quality concrete furniture can bring a contemporary feel to your yard.

With a variety of shades that can be smoothly polished, concrete furniture can add style to any space that will also last for years to come. If a complete concrete set isn’t up to your liking, perhaps one accent piece like a round center table or a lounge chair could be more of your taste.

Teak

Teak has yet to be beaten when it comes to strength, ability to withstand elements, and not to mention; its beautiful wood finish evokes comfort and charm. Because teak produces its oil, it makes it resistant to different weather elements and thus making it last for a long time with less wear and tear.

Teak comes in three finishes: natural, sealed, and pre-weathered. Natural is the golden brown color of the teak, usually unfinished. It eventually turns into a silvery gray color over time brought on by exposure sun and moisture. A pro tip is to buy all teak furniture at the same time, so they stay the same hue when they start to change color.

If you love the silvery gray finish of teak, pre-weathered teak is also a possible option. Sealed teak, on the other hand, slows down the process of weathering and maintains the golden brown color of the wood.

Aluminum

Aluminum is known for its anti-corrosive and lightweight properties, making it the perfect choice for outdoor furniture, even in alfresco dining. Powder-coated aluminum can give buyers different color options to match their patio. Because aluminum is highly malleable, it can easily dent, which can be a disadvantage to some. However, its lightweight property allows it to be easily re-arranged, especially for parties.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron has been around for ages, and for its Old World charm, it is widely used in both interiors and exteriors for stair railings, gates, and even furniture for the outdoors. Wrought iron, like aluminum, is corrosion resistant and has the advantage of being more suitable as a decorative material. It can hold itself down, which is perfect for areas commonly hit by hurricanes. It can be painted over for a more customized look that can match a wide variety of styling.

Sunbrella

First introduced by Glen Raven, Inc., Sunbrella is an acrylic-based fabric made to withstand the damaging effects of UV rays, resist mold and mildew, and some of its variants are 100% waterproof. Sunbrella is best used as upholstery for outdoor furniture that comes in different varieties of patterns and colors.

The fabric is sometimes used as cushions or upholstery on ready-made furniture or can also be bought by the yard.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel like wrought iron is heavy and can also be subjected to harsh weather without worrying about the effects of rusting. It also makes a sleek looking furniture that is very contemporary. However, if the cost is an issue, then stainless steel may not be on your list as the material is quite expensive. It comes in different mixes of alloy. Choose the right one to prevent rusting, especially in places near saltwater.

Mixed Materials

Modern designs combining the mixture of these materials are now offered to consumers in addition to the above choices. For example, synthetic resin furniture upholstered in Sunbrella fabricor a concrete table top with stainless steel or wrought iron legs.

The Best Material for Outdoors

There’s none since it’s up to you what you think will best fit your patio. For a sustainable choice, teak is best if you have a thing for wood, and its golden honey color makes it easy to match with any style.

Whether you’re aiming for a resort feel or a modern and cottage-like style, synthetic resin coupled with wood is a great choice. It is lightweight and needs very little maintenance, qualities that are sure winners for any discerning consumer.

If you’re leaning towards metal, aluminum is better than stainless steel, but if you want a more decorative and stylish design, wrought iron has endless decorative options.

Whatever option you go for, always check which the material is suitable for the area you live in. Is it still sunny where you live? Does it get hot and humid? Does it get extremely windy during the winter season?

Consider also the maintenance and frequency of usage. No consumer wants something that will only last after a few months. As outdoor furniture will be exposed to different elements of Mother Nature, it’s best to invest in pieces that are high quality and will last for a long time and will look good season after season.