You’ve got the perfect backyard setup going on. All you need to complete the look is outdoor furniture. Buying a set isn’t cheap, so you want to go with something that’s going to last you a while.
The problem is that any piece of furniture can be flimsy depending on where you live. Certain frames rust when exposed to high levels of moisture and sea air, for example.
Weather isn’t the only thing that you’ve got to consider when you’re making your choice. Check out this guide to learn how to pick out the perfect outdoor furniture sets for your yard.
Consider Your Environment
The main thing to keep in mind when you visit outdoor furniture stores is the weather. Almost every type of furniture has some kind of weakness when it comes to the environment.
Rainy Weather
First up on the agenda is rain. If you live in an area that sees a lot of it, wrought iron furniture frames are not your friend. All of the moisture in the air will cause it to rust.
If you want to go with the metal look, buy rust-resistant aluminum outdoor sets. Resin wicker and hard plastics are also excellent choices.
Salt Air
A lot of furniture rules centered around rainy weather work for salty coastal air as well. You’ll be dealing with a lot of moisture and humidity, so wrought iron is going to be a no-go.
Thick plastic, resin wicker, and aluminum will work fine. You can also get some outdoor door furniture made with a mixture of different materials. These will stand up to the salty air as well.
Cold Winters
Just because your area sees a lot of harsh winters doesn’t mean that you don’t want a nice patio set. You deserve to take advantage of those sunny days when you get them.
Most people who see more snow than anything else store their patio furniture away in a shed when they can’t use it. Taking it back and forth between your yard and shed is a pain, though.
High-density wicker and powder-coated aluminum should fit the bill. You can also go with teak furniture if you like the appearance of wood as long as you use a sealant on it.
Hot Summers
Hot summers can be as damaging to your outdoor furniture as harsh winters can. If you like wicker, you’ll have to go with the good stuff. Cheap wicker will fray and fall apart when exposed to the sun for too long.
You can also enhance your summer with new outdoor dining sets made out of teak. You’ll have to use a sealant on it, or the color will fade. Other than that, the heat shouldn’t bother it too much.
Most Durable Frames
So, you know what furniture is the most durable in terms of weather, but which is the strongest overall? Teak, steel, and aluminum all have something unique to bring to the table.
Teak
Teak is the most in-demand type of wooden outdoor furniture around. It’s unfortunate, but this demand coupled with its durability has made this one of the more expensive options available to you.
You’ll find that the cost is completely worth it. Unlike most woods, this one repels water. It doesn’t soak in moisture and expand or contract. This means it’s resistant to warping and cracking.
Its natural oils make it impervious to rotting, and insects can’t burry into it. It doesn’t take much maintenance to keep its beautiful light brown color.
You can wipe it clean with soap and water. It does need a little bit of oil, but if you want to skip this care step, it’s okay. The wood will fade if you do, but the silver color it turns into isn’t horrible to look at.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel furniture can be heavy to move, but that means it won’t blow away when things get a little windy. It’s resistant to rust and corrosion, even if you live in a coastal area.
If you want to add an extra layer of rust protection, we do recommend a powder coating, but other than that, you should be good to go. Like most metals, stainless steel isn’t hard to clean.
There are only two drawbacks to this material. It’s expensive, and it absorbs heat. You might be able to get around the second problem by putting your furniture somewhere shady.
If you don’t, we warn you that it will be a bit difficult to sit on for long periods of time.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a bit more popular than stainless steel because it’s cheaper. It’s also durable in its own right. It doesn’t rust when exposed to the elements, and manufacturers can twist it into all kinds of intricate shapes.
Like with most metals, we would recommend using a powder coating over it if you live in areas that see a lot of rain and moisture. It’s hollow so it will blow away in the wind.
You have to worry about it absorbing heat too. You can put a pillow cushion over it or place it in the shade to fix this problem.
Choosing Durable Outdoor Furniture for Your Home
Are you trying to find the perfect outdoor furniture for the summer? You’ve got a lot to choose from, but no matter what, you should opt for durability.
Patio sets aren’t cheap. Consider these points when you’re going shopping to ensure your investment lasts for years to come.
Now that you’ve got your furniture, it’s time to design the rest of your yard. Check out our blog daily for all the latest design tips.
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