Outdoor Furnature

Outdoor Furniture

Buying outdoor furniture is a large investment that you don’t want to make every year. As all investments the choice of what type and style of outdoor furniture or patio furniture you purchase should be well thought out before making a final decision. Quality furniture will provide years of service although exposed to the outdoor environment. The choices in material fall into three basic categories, wood, metal, or synthetic and with in each category there are several choices; soft or hard wood, aluminum or steel metal, and poly fiber or plain plastic.

Your choice for buying outdoor furniture depends on how much money you want to invest. Keep in mind that outdoor furniture is made for outdoor use where it is exposed to the weather and environmental elements. Functionality should be the primary objective of your choice as well as maintainability.

Hard and soft wood furniture looks great on your deck or patio when it’s new but after one season it has a completely different look. It makes little difference as the type of wood your outdoor furniture is made of as all wood weathers when exposed to the outside environment, some worse than others. Soft wood absorbs more moisture than hardwood, however, hardwood overall is more durable and takes a little longer to show weathering.

When wood weathers in the environment it loses all of its onetime beauty, turning dark gray or black. The choice at this point is to either replace it or refinish it. Refinishing wood furniture is a labor intense task that requires all the finish to be removed down to the bare wood and the finish reapplied. In addition to the finish deteriorating joints that are glued during manufacturing frequently come loose and require rework.
Synthetic or plastic outdoor furniture is inexpensive and weathers well, however, it beaches out from the sun and stains easily after a single season. It is not comfortable or very durable. Synthetic outdoor furniture has had many improvements in the past few years that has enhanced its durability.
Buying outdoor furniture make of medal is certainly more durable than wood but steel furniture will eventually rust and require refinishing. Aluminum outdoor furniture is the best choice overall. It will take many years of environmental exposure before it begins to show weathering and deterioration. The most popular are aluminum tables and chairs of many different styles that include glass tops and chairs that use only a replaceable seat cushion. They are easy to maintain and the replaceable seat cushions are available at most home supply centers. Replacement out door chairs and benches can be purchased to add to a set.

Related articles:

Building a Flagstone Patio

Dry Patio Cushions

Outdoor Fireplace and Chimeneas

Outdoor Living Spaces