3 Things You Need to Know About Outdoor Furniture
Before you begin furnishing, there are three things that will determine the appearance of your outdoor space. Besides being an investment factor, the below tips play a key role in your decision-making process.
1- Weather conditions affect the appearance of outdoor furniture
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Regardless of quality, something you may not consider right away is the environment your chairs, tables, and cushions will be used in. Both sun and rain affect the lifespan of tabletops and upholstery, deteriorating their appearance over many seasons.
If you live in an area with high humidity, the water retention will make the material decay over time. Moist conditions may also cause metals such as iron and steel to corrode faster. Outdoor spaces are meant to be aesthetically pleasing. Surely no one likes to see areas with visible rust or discoloration. Coastal regions are more susceptible to this rusting effect since both salt and water are more prevalent. Additionally, materials may end up drying unevenly if the water soaks them for days on end. This may cause a warping effect where materials begin to distort, screws that are meant to keep the furniture together will noticeably weaken.
On the other hand, if you live in a sunny climate, your outdoor materials may be exposed to ultra-violet rays. Nobody wants to sit on a poolside chair and burn their skin, especially when they are there to entertain themselves and relax. Besides being a health risk, materials may expand under constant exposure to the sun causing them to fade or eventually crack.
Finally, windy areas may damage your lightweight patio furniture and even blow them away!
In the next point, we will cover a range of different materials and why you might like to select them.
2 - The material influences the longevity of your outdoor furniture
Whether you are using metal or wood or any other type of furniture material, durability is what determines how regularly they have to be replaced throughout the seasons.
Wood:
As seen in our Park Regency Sharm El-Sheikh Project
For all recorded history, wood has been the most popular choice for outdoor furniture. Wood seems to have this rustic beauty that is ideal for more urban settings. Not only that, most lumbers prevent water penetration when left outdoors.
Although mahogany or eucalyptus are widely used due to their resistance to rot, teak remains to be the most durable and waterproof. Teak is a highly desirable material due to its resistance to sunlight but also because there is no need to stain or seal it thanks to its natural oils that can withstand extreme weather and pests. Teak may not be perfect for upscale resorts and hotels since they are often reclaimed from old houses or decommissioned buildings. If you want a more modern look to your backyard yet something that maintains functional durability, then opt for rattan and wicker.
Metals & others:
The most common types of metals that are made to last for outdoor constructions are steel and powder-coated aluminum. Metals are guaranteed to last for years since you can count on their strength and power.
Powder-coated aluminum is durable since it is quite resistant to rust. In warmer climates, the metal can stay relatively cool and is quite resilient in rainier areas as well. Moreover, aluminum is easy to move around considering it is lightweight, making it an attractive choice for chairs. Steel is more likely to rust but is stronger than aluminum. Its sturdiness makes It subject to harsher climates and a better alternative for larger weight-bearing pieces like sectionals.
Wrought iron can also be used and is great outdoors. It is corrosion-resistant and known to last for at least 50 years, not much maintenance is required either. Steel and wrought iron usually have to be accompanied by outdoor coverings such as cushions so that guests can sit comfortably and are generally more expensive than aluminum.
Finally, plastics are also being used today in furniture design and in advanced manufacturing processes. Plastics such as Polyethylene and Polypropylene are lightweight and can be easily recycled to create furniture. They are also impressively resistant to chemical exposure and heat; a good example is a polycarbonate, a tough plastic material that can withstand extreme resistance and transparency.
All materials have their pros and cons, choose the material you prefer but be determined to take care of it to extend its life.
3 - Maintenance is always recommended
Be prepared to take care of your furniture so that it maintains that “sharp look”. To prevent rust completely, your metal patio furniture needs to be painted or washed with mild soap and water. You can use materials such as a toothbrush or wire brush in areas on your furniture so that dirt and debris are completely removed.
Compared to wrought iron and steel, aluminum and synthetic rattan may need less periodic treatment and maintenance. Plastic or PVC can withstand all sorts of weather conditions and may also need little soap and water. Lastly, wood will need more maintenance during inclement weather or exposure to rain. To avoid your teak furniture turning grey, it needs to be regularly oiled and periodic cleaning will allow mold or lichen to be completely free from natural materials.
One final point to consider is to keep your furniture away from UV rays as much as possible. Keeping your cushions or chairs inside during winter will expand the lifespan of the materials.
To keep your materials looking good, you need to maintain your patio furniture. But if your time is at a premium, teak, aluminum, along with other suitable materials such as wicker, are ideal since they require less time-intensive care.
While no material is 100% weatherproof, it is crucial to choose the material that is a perfect fit for your environment without compromising on style. To make the best use of your time and money, Sinoalex provides you with everything you need to complete your project on time and within budget.
Whether you are furnishing a residential or a commercial space, Sinoalex can assist you in selecting the best materials for your case so that you can meet your design expectations. With our various catalogues and design services, you can ensure that your outdoor areas will be optimally furnished according to your space, style and budget.
