However, over the course of time, the quality of outdoor furniture has dramatically upgraded. What’s more, the costs have also observed a sharp decline – thanks to the fierce competition between manufacturers.
Having said that, the unbound styles of outdoor furnishings are a major hindrance to making the right choice. The abundance of options can easily delude a newbie to invest in a misfit piece of furniture. So what is then the best way to squeeze the maximum return from your investment?
Well, the best way is to educate yourself about the following 7 types of patio furniture and pick the one that aligns with your home condition and lifestyle:
1. Plastic Furniture
A tight budget is typically the most anticipated impediment in the way of buying outdoor furniture sets. As mentioned above, the prices of patio fittings have indeed declined, but they are still well outside the grasp of a sizeable public. That’s where plastic furniture can save the day for you.It is unarguably the cheapest among all its counterparts. Apart from being affordable, one can easily shift it from one place to another. Just by being proactive, you can save plastic furniture from the wear and tear of the cruel climate.
To top it off, the furniture is made of recycled plastic is also readily available in the market. What can be a better deal than attaining eco-friendliness and durability both at the same time?
But it is not entirely free from downsides. For example, plastic is very vulnerable to strong wind and can be blown off rather easily. So it is safe to say that being lightweight is its asset as well as liability. In addition to that, one can’t write off its susceptibility to cracking.
Keeping these pros and cons in mind, it won’t be tough to work out whether plastic is your cup of tea or not.
2. Aluminum Furniture
Aluminum furniture is a talk of the town for a variety of benefits. To begin with, it poses equal resistance to all weather conditions. It takes rust completely out of the equation, which makes it an ideal alternative for a waterfront environment.It would be wise to consider powder coating for extra protection, especially if the atmosphere contains salty air. Polyester powder coating also reacts as a strong deterrent in the face of scratches.
As you may know, aluminum has the weakness of heating up very easily. You can negate or at least keep this threat at a minimum by scattering comfy cushions all over your deck.
Compared to plastic, aluminum does face limitations when it comes to mold it into different shapes. So aesthetic appeal is clearly a front where aluminum may slightly lag behind. Talking about its types, aluminum furniture is divided into two categories. Namely, caste aluminum and frame tubing.
Frame tubing is available at relatively cheaper rates but then you will have to compromise on durability. On the other hand, cast aluminum is expensive but it is boasted to last for a lifetime.
3. Wood Furniture
Wood furniture has been around for more than millennia now. It has a natural aura which makes it stand out from the rest. Since this furniture is made of various types of wood, each one of them needs a separate explanation for better interpretation.Teak:
Teak’s boundless popularity speaks volumes about its quality. It is estimated that teak furniture lasts about 50 years. Wood furniture generally requires hardcore maintenance. But this does not apply to teak. If anything, you will have to be attentive towards oil replenishment and that’s about it. That said, the extravagant costs of teak furniture makes it somewhat unattainable for an average consumer.Oak:
Over the years, oak has proven its resistance to water by being the go-to substance to make boats. So you can pretty much rely on oak furniture if your outdoor portion stays wet for a large part. On the downside, oak falls short of natural oil. In simple words, if left untreated, oak furniture will give up its resilience.Ipe:
Ipe also falls in the category of hardwood. Hence, oil deficiency is never going to be an issue with it. But the lifespan of ipe furniture largely hinges on how it is cut and glued.4. Wrought Iron Furniture
When we talk about iron, strength is the first thing that pops up in our mind. Being weighty, you can expect iron furniture to sustain its place against strong winds. At the same time, you will have to put an extra physical effort to move it in odd weather conditions.How can one talk about iron furniture without mentioning the “trust factor” in the whole discourse? It can’t be stressed enough that you will have to be on top of the cleaning game to save the furnishings from corrosion.
As with most of the metals, iron is deprived of temperature efficiency. It turns into freezing cold during winter and hot during summer. Again, cushions can rescue you from this challenge.
5. Wicker Furniture
Wicker furniture is made of a wide range of objects including, PVC, bamboo, willow, banana leaf and so on. Wicker furnishings are a visual treat. However, plant-centric wicker is rather feeble and can’t even stand mild adversaries posed by climate.In contrast, PVC-based wicker is much stronger. From waterproof qualities to sustainability, PVC has everything covered. All wicker fittings can barely be called heavy and, therefore, easy to maneuver.
Though synthetic wicker does possess strength, it is difficult to keep up with it for more than a few years. Talking about price, this type of furniture is never a burden on your finances.
