We love building custom inground pools that last a lifetime. We also love helping you find what works best for your backyard. Last week we discussed different patio furniture; plastic and wicker, this week we will be discussing wood and metal.
When thinking about wood patio furniture, there are many different types of wood that can be used such as teak, pine, cedar, eucalyptus, and redwood. Hardwoods that can last up to 50 years and are more durable are teak, jarrah and shorea. Redwood and roble last up to 25 years. When you treat wood with special oils and sealants this helps increase their lifespan significantly.
There are also softwoods such as cedar and pressure treated pine that last for years outdoors as well. Why is pine pressure treated? This helps to keep the wood from rotting and water so that it lasts for up to 20 years. Untreated pine has low resistance to rot but it is recommended to paint, seal and be stored indoors during the winter months.
There are two common metals that are made in garden and patio furniture: wrought iron and aluminum. Each of them has their own strengths and weaknesses.
Wrought iron looks great in a formal or classic setting. This is a strong, durable material and furniture designs range from traditional to contemporary. There is no need to worry about this heavy metal blowing away easily; which makes this a great choice for windy environments. This type of metal does require some maintenance to prevent rusting and increase corrosion resistance, but it can be painted to create a different look. When looking into wrought iron it is important to be aware that it does tend to heat up and burn when in direct sunlight, also making it cold on cooler days. If you are looking for comfort without cushions, this would not be the best choice as it is not the most comfortable option. Using cushions with wrought iron is a great choice so that you do not have to worry about it being too hot or cold when sitting on it. If you care for wrought iron properly you can leave the furniture outdoors all year long.
One of the biggest benefits to using aluminum is that it will not fade or rust, especially when it is coated with a powder-coat finish. You will find that this kind of metal is used in more contemporary and streamlined designs. Benefits to using aluminum for your patio furniture include: it requires less maintenance, you can clean it with soapy water, they are corrosion resistant, and it is lighter and easier to move. Unfortunately using this is a more expensive material, higher end sets can be pricey.
We have discussed two additional options for patio furniture that are both beneficial in their own ways. Now have fun shopping around for the kind of furniture you are interested in!
