Decorating your patio with new furniture is exciting, particularly when it’s your first time. The options are limitless and you can use your taste, preferences and style to determine which options are best for you. While keeping your style in mind is important, you may also be concerned with the longevity of your furniture. To make sure your furniture lasts a long time, you need to seek out the best materials for outdoor furniture.
Be Wary of Metals Prone to Corrosion and Rust
Rust and corrosion can destroy your patio furniture if you aren’t careful. Be careful of vulnerable metals like untreated iron and steel. Aluminum, on the other hand, is a corrosion-resistant element. When aluminum reacts with oxygen, a thin layer forms on the surface, limiting corrosion. Because of the limited corrosion, aluminum furniture is a favorite of patio furniture designers.
Stainless steel is another favorite because it is sturdy and immune to corrosion and dents. Likewise, it can endure drastic shifts in temperature.
Look for Wood With Mildew and Rot Resistance
When you think of patio furniture, you likely envision wood furniture. Wooden patio furniture is classic but you have to be careful not to choose wood that cannot handle the elements. Rot and mildew can destroy furniture and pose a health risk to you and your guests.
Teak is one of the most popular and high-quality materials for patio furniture. Unfortunately, it is also scarce, which may reduce its affordability. Teak is resistant to harsh weather and immune to decay.
Another choice for wooden patio furniture is wicker. Wicker can be made from bamboo, seagrass, willow, banana leaf and rattan. However, wicker furniture does require synthetic polyethylene resin to make it weather resistant. Plant-based wicker does not last long. Synthetic wicker, however, is dense and weather resistant. It does not emit chemicals and you can expose it to sunlight without worry.
Seek Heavy Pieces in Case of High Winds
When choosing the best material for your patio, think about common weather patterns. Outdoor furniture faces the elements, including heavy winds. Be careful when choosing wicker as your choice material because wicker tends to be extremely lightweight and can blow away in harsh conditions. If you use wicker, you may want to find creative ways to hold the furniture down during high winds. Most metal pieces are heavy enough to withstand the wind.
Cover Your Furniture Regardless of Material
While the quality of your material does matter when choosing patio furniture, you should also take measures to protect your furniture. Protective covers not only protect the base material but can protect design elements and cushions on your furniture. When choosing a protective cover, look for vinyl and polyester. Covers can protect against harsh UV rays, rain, snow and other weather systems.
Find Quality Furniture With Patio Pro
At Patio Pro, we understand the importance of high-quality furniture to decorate your outdoor space. When choosing the best materials for your patio furniture, look for style, function and weather resistance. Visit Patio Pro and take a look at our furniture options to design your dream patio or give us a call at (919) 789-8444, to talk with one of our paito specialists!