What Is The Best Material For Outdoor Furniture?

Outdoor patio furniture is manufactured from a wide variety of materials. The type of material that is used in the manufacturing of the furniture can have a significant impact on the way that it looks and on its ability to last in the elements for many years. The following information will be of interest to those who are looking for the best material that is available for outdoor patio furniture. You may find that there are more choices than what first meets the eye.

Metal – Some of the more traditional outdoor patio furniture sets are going to be made from different types of metal. Wrought iron is one of the more classic choices that are available and it tends to be a durable material with a formal appeal. As long as it is cared for properly, which may include periodic removal of surface rust and painting, you can expect this furniture to last for many years. It is also an excellent choice for use in many different weather conditions. As an example, some types of furniture may blow ever easily when it is windy outside but wrought iron is heavy and tends to stay on its feet.

Aluminum – is another type of metal which is popular for outdoor patio furniture. It is lightweight, resistant to corrosion and does not tend to get hot when it is in the direct sunlight. Most outdoor patio furniture sets that are made from aluminum tend to be contemporary in nature. You also need to apply the adage; you get what you pay for. Higher-quality aluminum furniture is extremely durable but less expensive options should be stored indoors when not in use.

Wood – There are a number of different types of wood which are commonly used for outdoor furniture, including eucalyptus, cedar, redwood and pine. What is undoubtedly considered to be the best choice for outdoor patio furniture, however, is teak. Most types of wood are going to require routine maintenance but teak is durable and tends to weather to a desirable color. It looks great for deep seating furniture or even a teak patio bench. If treated properly, you can expect a high quality wood patio set to last up to 25 years or even longer.

Plastic – Like many options that are available for use in the home, plastic is also offered as a base material for outdoor patio furniture. It tends to be less expensive and lightweight, but it is often lacking in the classic look that is available from wood or metal furniture. It may also require routine maintenance and cleaning. It may also be necessary to store it indoors if the weather is inclement or if it is not going to be used for an extended amount of time.

One other consideration for outdoor furniture is the material that is used on the cushions. Although there are many different materials that are available, Sunbrella fabrics are considered to be the preferred choice. They are easy to clean, inhibit mold, mildew and rot and can be left on the furniture in the sun without being overly concerned about the colors fading quickly.

Tara Lawson is a professional landscaper specializing in outdoor decorating. To learn more about the author, feel free to connect with her on Google+. Source used in this article can be found at http://www.terrapatio.com/deepseating.html.