Choosing outdoor furniture today can be an overwhelming yet exciting project. There are many products to choose from, including teak, cast aluminum, extruded aluminum, wrought iron, resin, and outdoor wicker.
Here are some helpful tips:
• Know the size of the areas you would like to furnish and give some thought to how you envision using your space.
• Keep in mind you may want an eating area, a seating area, poolside chaises, or a bar area, just to name a few. Not everything has to match, but it should coordinate.
• Shop around and become educated before you commit. A trained salesperson will advise and educate you. It is important to know that the materials used can withstand the elements. Here are some examples:
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum is an aluminum alloy that is formulated to create heirloom-quality furniture that will last for generations. On close examination you will find that this product is finely sculpted, elegantly designed and scaled to be as comfortable as it is beautiful. This product will never rust and has a heavy, solid construction, which is perfect for high-wind areas.
Extruded aluminum
Extruded aluminum is a very versatile, durable and strong product that will not rust through Mother Nature’s ever-changing seasons. Many of the extrusions are proprietary and use internal reinforcing ribs to provide the additional strength expected when purchasing a quality piece of outdoor furniture. Lighter in weight than cast aluminum, this furniture will give you many years of comfort and pleasure.
Wrought iron
Wrought iron is a heavy gauge of hot and cold rolled carbon steel rod and tube. This material boasts remarkable strength and allows for light and airy designs for which traditional wrought iron furniture is famous. Wrought iron can rust; however, high-end companies have made a substantial investment in top advanced polyester finishes that provide the consumer with warranties of up to five years against rusting.
Resin
Resin products are virtually impervious to all weather elements while offering sturdiness, relaxation and easy maintenance. Resin is made of 100 percent recyclable material.
Outdoor wicker
There are several categories for this furniture: aluminum with vinyl wrap; aluminum with resin; and aluminum with manmade fiber. All outdoor wicker is the perfect union of revolutionary technology and elegance. It is impervious to weather and built from quality materials. This timeless furniture will provide you with a lifetime of outdoor pleasure.
Teak
There is plantation-grown teak and what the industry calls black market teak. Premium-grade teak is straight, has an absence of knots, splits and crack, and has an even overall color. Teak is a closegrained hardwood with a high natural oil content. Teak is resistant to rotting and almost impervious to the effects of snow. These characteristics combine to make it the ideal timber for beautiful outdoor wood furniture. Unlike other materials, teak must be oiled to retain its golden hue. Left unmaintained, it will return to its natural look — a weathered gray.
Cushions
Fashionable and functional fabric is what you need for outdoor furniture. Durable, 100 percent solution-dyed, all-weather acrylic is ideal. It feels soft and comfortable and retains its color and strength, withstanding years of exposure to sunlight and rain. Select a fabric that resists mildew, rot, chlorine and atmospheric chemicals and is easy to clean.
Mesh slings
Sling fabrics have come a long way from when they were first introduced into outdoor furniture. Today they are a durable heat-sealed PVC with a life expectancy of five to 15 years. Thanks to the heat seal, they are resistant to tearing and fraying. This mesh fabric is a cool and comfortable alternative to cushions.