Patio Furniture Material Break Down with Benefits and Maintenance Tips

Many of us have dreams of having that perfect backyard patio or deck that looks out on to our own personalized view. We like to entertain and have family and friends over for special events. Or we like to enjoy our morning coffee in solitude watching the sun come up. When it comes to our outdoor spaces, it is the patio furnishings that can set the mood, add style and space to one’s home and create that wonderful quiet place where one likes to go for privacy. There are things one should consider when getting patio furnishing: the climate in one’s area, the space one has to work with, and maintenance involved. This article will review the various materials so one can make an informed decision on the best patio furniture for their outdoor setting.

(n.d.). Retrieved July, 2016, from http://furniture.about.com/

Synthetic Resin

Synthetic resin furniture is affordable, long-lasting, light weight and easy to keep clean. This type is also waterproof. Another great characteristic is it comes in a fabulous selection of colours that will not chip like paint. One can make their patio pop with a colourful display. Resin can also be moulded into many pieces like chairs, tables, benches, lounges and cabinets. And, it has many different styles such as contemporary, country, traditional, and western. Available in a variety of different patterns, such as wood grain, wicker-look, lattice, and even fleur d’ leis, one can express their style and personality. No matter how dramatic or simple, the synthetic resin is practical and easy to maintain.

(n.d.). Retrieved July, 2016, from http://www.ultimatepatio.com/

(n.d.). Retrieved July, 2016, from http://www.sears.ca/content/patio-furniture

Wood

Wood furniture has a great look especially if one has a rustic cabin, a lakeside getaway or a mountain retreat. Woods for furniture are categorized into two types: soft and hard. The softer woods such as pine, redwood and cypress do not weather very well and may require more maintenance and should be used in a covered patio setting for greater protection.

The hardwoods include teak, Brazilian cherry and jarrah. One of the more popular woods used in outdoor furniture today is teak. Grown in tropical rainforests this wood is extremely resilient and resists water damage, insect infestations, and rot. It is also one of the most expensive woods. Despite its hardness, it will still fade unless treated with the proper oil.

Today for the environmentally conscious, one can find furnishing made of reclaimed wood. Wood is a renewable resource, but it takes many years to grow a mature tree. Therefore the reclaimed source is a great choice.

Wood furnishings can enhance one’s outdoor living space with the deep, rich natural colours or painted in vibrant colours to suit one’s personality. Wood is a lovely renewable resource that will stand the test of time.

(n.d.). Retrieved July, 2016, from https://www.familyleisure.com/

(n.d.). Retrieved July, 2016, from http://www.canadianliving.com/

Cast Aluminum

The cast aluminum furniture is produced by putting a wood model of the piece into sand. Molten aluminum is then poured over this cast resulting in a one-piece product with no joints. Cast aluminum is light weight. This process makes a strong and durable product. Cast aluminum comes in a variety of colours and pieces.

(n.d.). Retrieved July, 2016, from http://www.ultimatepatio.com/

Wrought Iron

Used for centuries, wrought iron is a popular material for patio furnishings. Its flexible qualities lend itself to a variety of textures and designs. Composed of 99% iron, this pure metal is more stable than other forms of metal. Furnishings of this construction will withstand wind and weather. In addition, it is resistant to rust and corrosion. It is easily refinished with rust proof paint. Pair with colourful cushions and accessories, wrought iron furniture can make one’s patio sizzle with style.

(n.d.). Retrieved July, 2016, from https://www.patioproductions.com/

Steel

Steel furniture is one of the most durable, if not the most, for its qualities of strength and indestructibility. Just about every piece of patio furniture can be made from steel – chairs, loungers, couches, tables, benches and more. Steel comes in powder coated finishes of virtually every colour which can enhance one’s design. The powder coating also protects it from rust and weather. Steel furniture is heavy duty so won’t be bothered by wind.

(n.d.). Retrieved July, 2016, from http://www.patiofurniturebuy.com/steel-patio-furniture/

Recycled Plastic

There are a couple types of recycled plastic furnishings. The first known as Calcium Furniture is made from milk jugs – thus the name calcium. They are white in color just as milk. There are a few simple designs available; a chair, footstool, dining set, bar stool and lounger. Made from post consumer waste, this furniture is eco-friendly.

(n.d.). Retrieved July, 2016, from http://www.curvelive.com/Blog/2012/July/Chairs-made-from-milk-bottles

The second kind is polywood; a premier alternative wood made from 100% recyclable plastic. This product is extremely durable, weather resistant and comes in a rainbow of colours. Pieces that can be made of this plastic are dining sets, Adirondack, deep seating, benches and a variety of chairs.

(n.d.). Retrieved July, 2016, from https://www.polywoodinc.com/

(n.d.). Retrieved July, 2016, from http://www.furniturelinkca.com/

Mosaic

The art of mosaic can now be found in patio furnishings. The mosaic design is typically crafted from different marbles, travertine, and slates to pull together a beautiful, elegant pattern. Available in a variety of earth tone colours, the tiles and stones are hand cut and pieced together to make the design. Mosaic furniture is usually expressed in dining sets and accent pieces. If one prides themselves in unique, stylish pieces, mosaic may be the way to go; if not for a full setting, maybe just a stunning accent piece that will cause a stir.

(n.d.). Retrieved July, 2016, from http://www.alfrescohome.com/mosaic-furniture.html

Concrete

Concrete furnishings typically come precast; meaning it is formed at the manufacturer and transferred to your home or park. Commonly this furniture is used at public places such as parks, cemeteries and bus stops. Limited in style, concrete furniture is typically seen as picnic tables, benches, trash receptacles, planters and the like. It is very durable and very heavy; which is why it is so suitable for public places. No one is going to walk off with this furniture. It is definitely weather resistant, won’t be bothered by insects and is easy to clean. Concrete can be dyed at the manufacturing/mixing stage, so one may have a few choices of colours. If one desires heavy duty furniture, concrete is a material to be considered.

(n.d.). Retrieved July, 2016, from http://dominionprecast.com/

Rattan

Grown in Southeast Asia, rattan is an incredibly strong vine. The vines are woven around the rattan core or pole to craft the furniture pieces. Rattan is so strong it is said to be unbreakable by human hands. Despite its strength, rattan is also very lightweight. When looking to buy rattan furniture take notice of two characteristics; the thickness of the poles used and the clarity of the poles. Clarity refers to fewer discolorations. These characteristics are indicators of quality. Rattan is a well liked furniture style around the globe. It is versatile and can be dressed up with bright cushions to achieve one’s desired look.

(n.d.). Retrieved July, 2016, from http://classicrattan.ca/

Bamboo

Bamboo is actually a hard wood. It is very lightweight yet durable. It is considered an eco-friendly product because it is a renewable resource that grows very quickly. This furniture can endure rain, wind, and bugs. Similar to rattan, it too can be covered with vibrant cushions that will reflect one’s style.

(n.d.). Retrieved July, 2016, from http://www.green-furniture.com/

Summary

The following table details each material and the corresponding benefits and maintenance. This should prove useful in helping one to determine which type of furniture will work best with their patio and outdoor living space. No matter which material one chooses, there are plenty of options to select just the right style, look, and comfort level to create an inviting patio space with ambiance and flair.

(n.d.). Retrieved July, 2016, from http://www.homedepot.com/c/