Please Leave Us A Message
Privacy statement: Your privacy is very important to Us. Our company promises not to disclose your personal information to any external company with out your explicit permission.
When evaluating outdoor furniture, you`re probably going to look for many of the same characteristics that you value in indoor tables, chairs and sofas – durability, comfort and style (and of course price). The primary difference, however, is that patio furniture has to endure exposure to the weather outside. While there is virtually no 100% weatherproof patio furniture, there are big differences based on the materials used.
Before you decide, it`s important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of various material options. Determine how well each aligns with the requirements of your residential or commercial environment, as well as your personal preferences and priorities. Choosing the [best" material for Outdoor Patio Furniture is dependent on matching your specific needs with the inherent qualities of each substance, since each situation is unique.
Outdoor furniture frames, tabletops and upholstery need to retain structural integrity and their appearance over many seasons, and through a variety of weather conditions. Additionally, the time and effort needed to maintain materials throughout the year, as well as their [green-ness" and costs are important aspects to examine.
If you live in an area where there are frequent rainstorms, or that has high humidity, you want to be sure that your furniture is resistant to damage from various water-based issues. Standing water or retained moisture can not only physically degrade material, it can lead to health risks.
Humid or moist conditions create an environment where various fungi thrive. Organic materials that retain water are susceptible to mold and mildew, which can cause respiratory problems, irritation and other health issues. However, they typically don`t damage the material and can be cleaned off. Rot, on the other hand, leads to biodegradation and decomposition (decay) of the material.
Metals that contains iron or steel are vulnerable to corrosion, when they are continually exposed to water and oxygen. The corrosive oxidation process slowly weakens these metals, resulting in visible rust and other discoloration. Salt in the air and water accelerate the chemical process, so rusting is often more prevalent in coastal regions.
Materials that allow water penetration can dry unevenly, resulting in warping (twisting or bowing) of the original shape. Initially, it may be imperceptible, but over time it can noticeably distort the material, misalign seams and loosen screws and other fasteners used to hold the furniture together.
If you live in a sunny area or one with dramatic seasonal climate shifts, you`ll need to look for outdoor materials that can withstand damage from harsh UV rays and fluctuations from extreme heat to cold.
Constant exposure to the sun can cause many materials to fade and lose their luster over time. The aesthetic change can be appealing (e.g. patina) or simply a decreased vibrancy of color or uneven spotting.
Some materials noticeably expand and contract when they are heated or cooled. They can crack, split, warp or become brittle when exposed to extreme temperatures or drastic fluctuations. Dry air can also cause furniture to bend and crack.
The heat can also lead to other logistical problems. Patio furniture that is left out in the sun can heat up, making it uncomfortable (or unsafe) to touch. Nobody wants to burn their skin when they sit down in or attempt to reposition a poolside lounge chair.
If you live in an open and extremely windy area, it`s important that your outdoor furniture is heavy enough that it doesn`t tip over or blow away. It doesn`t take much to damage a beautiful light weight deck chair or dining table when challenging Mother Nature, so it`s better to be safe than sorry. Otherwise, you`ll need to continually store or secure your items when they`re not in use.
Some outdoor materials may last for years under ideal conditions, but might need to be replaced every couple seasons when exposed to inclement weather. Others can withstand a myriad of elements for a lifetime and still look new. Another variable that relates to durability is usage. If you eat outside on your patio dining table only a few times each summer, then it will have less wear and tear than sun loungers and daybeds that line the poolsides of popular upscale resorts and hotels. The more frequent the use, the more durable the materials should be.
Aesthetic and functional durability is also affected by how well you take care of your patio furniture. Some materials require very little attention season after season, and are quick and easy to clean with simple soap and water. Others require more time-intensive care and special products to keep them looking great and working properly. If your time is at a premium, or you just don`t want the hassle, you may want to opt for lower maintenance materials.
Today, everyone is aware of the environmental impact of production processes and the raw materials that go into products, even if they don`t know the specifics. All things being equal, most people (hopefully) prefer to be ecologically responsible. Fortunately, most luxury brands of outdoor furniture have adopted [green" manufacturing practices and utilize materials that are biodegradable, recyclable or certified by eco-friendly organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). That said, different outdoor materials do vary in their renewability.
At the end of the day, most everyone looks at the financial implications of choosing one material over another for furniture. You need to stay within your budget, but it`s also important to understand how expensive materials are in the long run and their price versus benefits value. Will it need to be replaced frequently? Does it take an inordinate amount of time and effort to maintain? These are key cost considerations that you might not immediately think of when evaluating alternatives.
aluminium is the most popular metal for outdoor furniture. Despite its light weight, it is strong, durable and can easily be worked into a variety of intricate shapes. Aluminum is relatively inexpensive, low maintenance and never rusts. Although it is highly weather resistant on its own, a polyester powder coating is recommended. This electrostatic process not only increases protection against the elements and scratching, it allows you to added color to the mix. While you can buy painted aluminum, powder coating adheres better to the metal and is much more resistant to fading. This is also helpful if your deck or poolside is exposed to salt air, which tends to eat away at paint and untreated metal. Like other metals, aluminum heats up, so it`s best to have seat cushions to keep you cool and comfy.
Virtually all Wicker Outdoor Furniture is made from synthetic polyethylene resin. Natural wicker is made from a variety of organic sources such as rattan, seagrass, bamboo, banana leaf and even willow. While strong and aesthetically pleasing, plant-based wicker is susceptible to damage from rainy weather, moisture and humidity – a poor material choice for outdoor chairs, sofas and coffee tables.
High quality resin is very dense, resistant to weather damage and eco-friendly. High density polyethylene (HDPE) does not emit any chemicals, is highly puncture resistant and can be exposed to UV rays for decades without experiencing any degradation [Topliff 2018]. Synthetic all-weather wicker is also strong, light weight, fade resistant and easy to clean. There are lower quality synthetic wickers made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which tends to become brittle and crack over time. Most outdoor Wicker Patio Furniture is constructed over an aluminum frame, which increases the weight it can support. Synthetic wicker can be colored an organic shade, making it virtually indistinguishable from natural wicker. It can also be given a vibrant tone that adds a pop of color to your lanai or hardwood deck.
This composite is usually comprised of kraft paper that is impregnated with resin and aluminum, and then heated under high pressure to create a layered contemporary material. HPL has a sleek look and is extremely hard, helping it resist stains and scratches. Melamine can be added to increase this laminate`s durability. It`s flame retardant and possesses antibacterial properties. HPL made with pine kraft lignin is especially good for outdoor applications, as it has a low affinity for water which can cause swelling, internal stress and cracking [Ghorbani, Mahendran, van Herwijnen, Liebner & Konnerth 2017]. High pressure laminate works well as an elegant tabletop for modern styled outdoor dining and bistro tables, although is can be pricey relative to other material options. Tempered glass is often used for outdoor tabletops, because of its resistance to temperature changes. Lacquering glass increases its protection against the effects of the elements, while acid washing inures it to smudges and finger prints. Its smooth surface provides an elegant touch, while the clarity creates an open and airy feel. Glass is a great choice for sunroom or screened in porch dining and coffee tables, where there is some shade to prevent the sun from reflecting off it and blinding guests. Depending on the thickness, glass can be very heavy and hard to move. Outdoor fabrics made from acrylic fibers are strong and resistant to both weather and use damage. It`s mold and mildew resistant and can hold up against rubbing and tearing. This is especially important for outdoor upholstery in active residential and commercial applications. Acrylic fabrics are solution dyed, which means that the threads are dyed before they are woven. This allows the textile to retain its color longer, even when exposed to direct sunlight. While it is water resistant, acrylic fabric is more breathable than other options, allowing it to stay cooler in hot weather. It`s also easy to clean with mild soap and water. All things considered, acrylic fabric is best all purpose textile for outdoor furniture cushions, throw pillows and Patio Umbrella. Sunbrella® is generally recognized as the [gold standard" of acrylic outdoor textiles. The company has products that range from soft and suitable for urban home use up to marine grade materials that can survive the rigors of salt water, wind and sun on yachts and catamarans. You get what you pay for, and premium acrylic fabrics have a much higher price tag than other materials. High Pressure Laminate (HPL)
Tempered Glass
Acrylic Fabric
Sunbrella®
LET'S GET IN TOUCH
Privacy statement: Your privacy is very important to Us. Our company promises not to disclose your personal information to any external company with out your explicit permission.
Fill in more information so that we can get in touch with you faster
Privacy statement: Your privacy is very important to Us. Our company promises not to disclose your personal information to any external company with out your explicit permission.