The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Outdoor Furniture
When it comes to furnishing your outdoor space, there are a lot of factors to consider. You want furniture that is comfortable and stylish, but you also need it to be durable enough to withstand the elements. In this blog post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of different types of outdoor furniture so you can make the best decision for your space.
Wooden Outdoor Furniture
Wooden outdoor furniture is classic and timeless. It’s also relatively affordable and easy to find. However, wood is not as durable as some other materials and it requires more maintenance. You’ll need to sand and refinish wooden furniture every few years to keep it looking its best.
Metal Outdoor Furniture
Metal outdoor furniture is very durable and easy to care for. It’s also usually quite affordable. However, metal furniture can get hot in direct sunlight, making it uncomfortable to use on warm days. Additionally, metal furniture can rust if it’s not properly cared for.
Plastic Outdoor Furniture
Plastic outdoor furniture is often the most affordable option. It’s also easy to care for and light enough to move around easily. However, plastic furniture is not as durable as other materials and it can fade in direct sunlight.
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing outdoor furniture. You want something that is stylish, comfortable, and durable. The most important factor in determining durability is the material the furniture is made from. Wood, metal, and plastic are all popular choices for outdoor furniture, but each has its own pros and cons. We hope this blog post has helped you narrow down your choices so you can find the perfect furniture for your space!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of outdoor furniture is the most durable? Wrought Iron is one of the most durable and longest lasting type of outdoor furniture available, many times lasting decades. Truly an investment that keeps on giving, wrought iron furniture is also the heaviest frame.
What time of year is best to buy outdoor furniture? Best Time in Fall: Late August–October
After Labor Day, outdoor furniture suppliers typically begin prepping for winter and newer models. They mark down several products to help offload the current year’s inventory. Prices can drop far into the season when stores stop designating floor space to outdoor furniture.
What kind of furniture is best outside? Typically woven in a wicker weave, synthetic resin patio furniture is stylish, low-maintenance, lightweight, and highly durable. Synthetic resin is one of the best materials for outside furniture. Always purchase High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Wicker and not cheap PVC wickers.
What material lasts the longest for patio furniture? HDPE plastic is the longest-lasting type of outdoor furniture material. It retains good-as-new shape and appearance over time. It requires minimal cleaning and doesn’t fade. It’s resistant to mold and mildew, so it works in any type of weather or environment.
What type of outdoor furniture is the most durable? – Additional Questions
Is wicker or rattan better for outdoor furniture?
Wicker furniture is popular for outdoor use because it’s lightweight and easy to move around. While rattan is durable and has traditionally been used for patio furniture, it’s not actually the best choice for outdoor use because it isn’t water resistant.
Is wood or metal better for outdoor furniture?
Metal is typically the strongest and most durable material for outdoor garden furniture. Because of its strength, metallic frames can be thinner and shaped into more complex designs than other options, giving manufacturers greater style flexibility.
What is durable outdoor furniture?
The most durable patio furniture materials include aluminum, teak, synthetic resin, iron, and steel. However, tempered glass, high-pressure laminate, and concrete can be viable alternatives for a minimalistic look.
How long does aluminum outdoor furniture last?
Cast aluminum on the other hand is extremely sturdy and durable due to its solid state. Unlike tubular aluminum, if you tried to bend or break this solid chunk of metal, you won’t have much luck! You can expect your cast aluminum furniture to last you a good 10+ years.
How long do wrought iron patio sets last?
If properly maintained, wrought iron furniture can last upwards of 60 years. It should be frequently cleaned to help increase its longevity so dirt and debris do not build up. You can clean your furniture using a hose or a mixture of mild soap and water.
What is difference between wicker and rattan?
“The difference is that rattan is a material, whereas wicker is the style and method of weaving,” Zoe explains. “Wicker can be woven from rattan as well as many other natural or synthetic materials, which is where the confusion often lies.”
How long will wicker last outside?
Natural wicker’s lifespan outdoors is only one to two years, while if used indoors only the lifespan is much longer. If left outside natural wicker will dry and become brittle quicker, causing it to crack, unravel or get holes. The elements can take a toll on natural wicker.
Can wicker furniture be left outside?
Outdoor Use: Natural Wicker vs Synthetic Resin
Synthetic wicker is perfectly fine to be used outside. Although outdoor wicker furniture is made to withstand the elements, you should always use care to ensure that any type of outdoor furniture lasts for extended periods of time.
Can rattan furniture be left outside?
yes. With top quality synthetic rattan, it is perfectly safe to keep your furniture outside all year round.
Can I leave my cushions outside under a cover?
They are absolutely fine. The covers aren’t generally waterproof, they’re water resistant.
Does rain ruin rattan furniture?
Rattan garden furniture made from high quality HDPE can be left in rain. Yes, its an absolute yes from Rattan Garden Furniture Ltd.
Can I leave patio furniture outside in winter?
Yes! Patio furniture is designed to be outdoors. However, fall and winter weather can damage your furniture if you don’t take the proper precautions. Always clean and apply protective sealants to your furniture before storing or covering it for winter.
Should you cover patio furniture when it rains?
Can you leave patio furniture outside in the rain without a cover? Technically, you can, but if you know heavy downpours are on the way, you should apply a cover to reduce the risk of rust and avoid overly soaked outdoor cushions.
What type of patio furniture can be left outside in the winter?
The majority of wicker outdoor furniture is constructed from two kinds of synthetic plastics: polyethylene and PVC. Polyethylene resin wicker is resistant to the effects of UV rays, water and snow, making it a great example of patio furniture that can be left outside during the winter.
Should you cover outdoor patio furniture?
Patio furniture covers are essential to protecting your outdoor investment. Without them, your furniture and cushions will deteriorate much faster. At some point in time, the summer season will wane and you’ll spend less time bundled up on your patio set.
What is the best material to cover outdoor furniture?
Materials. Two of the most common outdoor furniture coverings are polyester and vinyl. Each will offer protection against the elements, but the best waterproof material will be vinyl. On one hand, while vinyl is the best to keep furniture safe from water, it can trap moisture inside and lead to mildew and mold.
Does rain ruin outdoor furniture?
As a rule, most patio furniture is water-resistant but not waterproof. This means they can get wet but will accumulate damage and wear over time, especially if left uncovered or tended to.
