Best outdoor furniture materials to use
When designing outdoor spaces, the right furniture can boost and enhance the overall look and appeal of your porch, backyard, or patio. You can find all kinds of outdoor furniture that align with the aesthetics of your house. However, choosing the right material is important to ensure long-term use and ease of cleaning, both crucial factors to consider when buying furniture. So, here are some of the best materials used for outdoor furniture.
Wood
Wood has been a popular raw material for outdoor as well as indoor pieces. Wood has a natural elegance and is easy to work with. However, not all types of wood are suitable for outdoor furniture.
Teak: This is one of the popular wood choices for furniture. Though it is expensive, teak exhibits strong all-weather potential and capabilities to withstand all kinds of damage. Teak consists of natural resin and oil content that protects it from insect attacks, rot, and decay. It is strong, does not get warped easily, and is sturdy. Further, this wood can repel water, and this durability can make it last up to 50 years.
Eucalyptus: This strong Australian hardwood is durable and rot-resistant. What’s more? Eucalyptus is relatively cheap. Further, the oil in this wood acts as a natural insecticide. However, it is vulnerable to cracking if not treated with a sealant.
Shorea: This hardwood is one of the few materials that are stronger and heavier than teak. Its high oil content protects it against insects, minimizes rotting, and reduces the risk of weather damage. It is cost-effective when compared to teak and eco-friendly. However, this material can be difficult to find due to its unfamiliarity.
Acacia: It is very durable and among the best options for outdoor furniture. Acacia is a long-lasting material, has an attractive finish and grain, and is water-resistant. However, it requires regular cleaning and can be expensive.
Metal
Metal is one of the strongest and most durable materials. It offers excellent flexibility and versatility to manufacturers. However, a drawback is that it can heat easily under direct sunlight, making it difficult to use furniture built with metal. Some metals commonly used for building outdoor pieces are:
Aluminum: Aluminum is one of the most popular metals used to build outdoor furniture. It is strong, durable, lightweight, and can be worked into different shapes with relative ease. Also, it is a low-maintenance material that does not rust and is less expensive. However, the material retains heat, and hollow tubes cannot resist strong winds.
Stainless Steel: This metal alloy is extremely sturdy, making it a great material for tables and even sofas. It is an easy to clean, wind-resistant, and rust-resistant metal. But it may retain heat and can be expensive.
Wrought Iron: For ages, iron has been used for furnishings and tools because of its durability, strength, and overall appeal. Wrought iron is a heavy material, making it great for windy areas. But the cons are that it may rust easily, make for uncomfortable furniture, and require more maintenance. It also retains cold and heat and could be difficult to move because of its weight.
Plastic and resin
Plastic and resin are artificial synthetic materials that have become popular in recent times. These materials are extremely easy to mold. Some of the common types used for outdoor furniture are:
Synthetic polyethylene resin: This is an easy-to-clean and highly weather-resistant material. But, it is not heavy enough for windy environments.
Recycled or “green” Plastic: Eco-friendly recycled plastic is one of the greatest materials for furniture. It is strong, fade- and weather-resistant, and easy to clean. Further, green plastic may not require heavy maintenance. However, it may be too lightweight for windy conditions.
Polyethylene (PE): It is one of the most used materials for deck furniture. It is less expensive, but its high-density version is needed for outdoor applications.
Other materials used for outdoor furniture are concrete, high-pressure laminate, tempered glass, and fabrics like acrylic, olefin, and polyester, which are used to make slings, upholstery, and pillows. Core foam is also used as a material for furniture.
A number of factors can influence the choice of outdoor furniture, including exposure to extreme weather conditions like rain, sun, high or low temperatures, and wind; maintenance; the overall style and design of your space. Instead of choosing one material, you may decide to mix-and-match different textures and styles to give your home a modern look.
