When choosing the best material for outdoor furniture, there are several factors to consider. These include durability, aesthetics, and cost. There are a variety of materials to choose from these days, each with their own particular advantages. You will need to do a little research or contact the professionals. This guide might help you get a leg up on the process.
Solid Wood
Wood has been traditionally used for patio furniture for decades or longer. The classic Adirondack chair comes to mind when thinking about wood outdoor furniture. These chairs are often constructed of solid pine or cedar and generously coated with primer and glossy paint in wonderful colors to protect the wood.
Today, wood patio furniture is often constructed of water and pest-resistant woods, such as Teak and IPE.
Teak might be the best material for outdoor furniture when it comes to wood. It is a strong hardwood that stands up to moisture in all forms. It can last for 30 to 50 years. It doesn’t need to be painted, but it can be sealed to preserve its natural color. The grain is tight, so it isn’t prone to splintering or checking.
IPE wood is a type of walnut from South America that is resistant to rot, decay, and insects. When you think of the outer shell of a whole walnut, that pretty much describes the dense nature of IPE. This wood is so structurally sound that it is used to construct decks that require little to no maintenance. Like teak, it doesn’t require painting. While it is dimensionally stable and has a rich brown color, it is also heavy. That said, you won’t need to move it into the garage for storing over the winter.
Composite Wood
You might already be familiar with composite wood products used for things like siding, decks, and fences. Composite wood for furniture is composed of a blend of synthetic resins (thermoplastics) and wood fibers. The resin holds the fibers together and offers weather-resistant properties to the material.
The material can be molded and shaped into boards that have an engraved wood grain appearance. The boards often have color pigments introduced into the mix for a solid core of color that negates the need for painting. The reasons that this might be the best outdoor furniture today are that it is moisture and pest-resistant, doesn’t splinter, needs no painting, and can be rinsed off with water.
Metal
Metal is a great material for outdoor furniture. It has been serving us well for a long time. There are two metals that stand out when it comes to patio furniture, wrought iron and aluminum.
Wrought iron is the best material for outdoor furniture if you are looking for creativity, timeless elegance, and strength. Wrought iron is a type of steel that is worked by hand to create attractive and intricate designs. This material is truly the work of skilled craftsmen. Once a piece of furniture is constructed by heating and hammering, the formed and cooled finished product can be painted with a protective coating in almost any color. What is unique about iron is that it is 100% recyclable.
In contrast to iron, cast aluminum is a lightweight metal that is surprisingly strong. Aluminum is often powder-coated in a variety of colors to offer exceptional protection. Because aluminum doesn’t contain any iron, it will not rust.
Take Away
These outdoor furniture materials rank highly as the best in terms of durability, appearance, and maintenance. There are less expensive plastic-based furniture options and quite expensive wicker and rattan options. These don’t really have the longevity of the products outlined here. When choosing the best outdoor furniture material, opt for solid wood, composite wood, or coated metal.
