When you first purchased your house, you probably had grand ideas of what you’d do with your yard.
Maybe you imagined yourself relaxing on your patio in the evenings with a glass of wine or easing into the day on the front porch with a cup of coffee.
How’s that working out for you at the moment? Are you still sitting in the same rickety lawn chair you’ve had for years?
Many people put off buying proper outdoor furniture because they’re not sure what to look for or how to make sure they’re buying quality products.
If you’re in this boat but are getting sick of your barren porch or patio, keep reading. Listed below are some tips that will help you choose high-quality, long-lasting outdoor furniture material.
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Which Outdoor Furniture Material is Right for You?
The key to choosing the right outdoor furniture is to make sure it’s made of the right material. Which kinds of materials work best for https://www.globosurfer.com/best-outdoor-patio-furniture/?
Here are some good options to consider:
Aluminum
For folks who want their outdoor furniture to be low-maintenance and able to withstand wind and rain, aluminum is a good option to consider.
Aluminum furniture is lightweight and easy to store and rearrange. But, they’re also durable and are unlikely to break or blow away during inclement weather.
Aluminum also does a better job of resisting rust and water damage than other metal furnishings. You can add a powder coating, too, for additional protection.
Resin Wicker
If you love the classic, homey look of wicker furniture, consider products that are made of resin wicker. This is a synthetic type of wicker that is highly durable. It’s made of PVC, polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, or nylon.
Most resin wicker is UV-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about cracking or fading. It’s also easy to clean — you just have to spray it down with water and let it air dry.
Wood
Wood might not seem like a good outdoor furniture material at first. The key, though, is to find the right type of wood.
Good types of wood for outdoor furniture include:
- Pine
- Fir
- Cedar
- Shorea
- Teak
Wood does a great job of making outdoor spaces feel homey and relaxing.
Wood is a little higher maintenance than other materials, though, since it needs to be sanded and stained on a regular basis.
Recycled Plastic
As far as low-maintenance furniture goes, recycled plastic is one of the best options to consider. It’s easy to clean, fade-resistant, and resistant to cracks, moisture, and rotting. What could be better?
Recycled plastic furniture is also eco-friendly and comes in a wide range of colors and styles, so it’s easy to find something that fits your unique tastes.
Steel
If you want a middle-grade option between aluminum and wrought iron, steel is a good choice.
It’s heavier than aluminum, but not quite as heavy as steel. You won’t have to worry about it getting blown over easily, but you also won’t have to worry about throwing out your back while moving it.
Like aluminum and wrought iron, steel can be powder coated for moisture protection and rust prevention. It’s a bit higher maintenance, though, and will need to be treated with liquid car wax to protect the finish.
Wrought Iron
If you live in a windy location, you might want to consider wrought iron outdoor furniture.
Lots of outdoor furniture (including items for sale on this website, https://www.patiosusa.com/manufacturers/castelle/) feature a wrought iron finish, and for good reason.
Wrought iron furniture is highly popular, in part because it’s heavy and won’t be easily blown over. It’s also long-lasting, and many styles are powder coated for additional moisture protection.
Wrought iron is relatively easy to clean, too, and it doesn’t rust very easily.
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Furniture
As you can see, there are lots of outdoor furniture materials to choose from. The material isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing outdoor furniture, though.
Here are some other characteristics you ought to keep in mind while shopping for outdoor furniture:
Consider Your Goals
First, think about what kind of furniture you want and what goals you have for your outdoor spaces. Do you want a relaxing patio? A porch that’s perfect for summer parties?
This will help you prioritize your purchases and find items that you will use on a regular basis.
Make Sure it Passes the Sit Test
Don’t invest in furniture that’s uncomfortable. Forget about the look, forget about the brand — if it’s not comfortable, you’re not going to use it.
Take Maintenance into Account
Every furniture material has a different level of maintenance and amount of cleaning associated with it.
Consider the amount of work you’re willing to do to keep a piece of outdoor furniture looking nice before you buy it.
Consider Your Storage Needs
Do you want your furniture to sit out all year long, or will you need to store it in the garage or shed for part of the year? If this is the case, make sure you have room to store it easily.
Prioritize Quality
It’s better to spend a little more money on quality pieces than it is to have to replace your furniture every year because you tried to get the best deal. Focus on quality, at least for your big pieces (tables, loungers, benches, etc.).
Invest in Dual-Purpose Pieces
Finally, consider purchasing dual-purpose pieces, such as an ottoman that doubles as an extra seat or a bench that can serve as a makeshift table. You’ll get a lot more use out of these pieces, which can help you justify the extra cost.
Buy the Best Outdoor Furniture Today
Now that you know how to choose the right outdoor furniture material (and take good care of your furniture), it’s time to start shopping for the best pieces for your home.
Are you looking for more advice on sprucing up your yard? Whether you want to learn more about outdoor furniture or landscaping, we’ve got you covered.
Check out the Outdoor Care section of our site today for all kinds of helpful articles on everything from lawn care to landscape design.
