Patio furniture comes in many shapes, sizes, and styles, and there are options for every budget. The biggest difference, though, is the material used to manufacture them. It can change the way they look, feel, and cost. It could also dictate how long those pieces will last and how easy it will be to keep them clean. With that said, let’s look at the many different types of patio furniture.
Aluminum Patio Furniture
Aluminum is one of the most widely used metals on Earth. It’s lightweight, strong, and easy to cut and shape. It is used in the construction of soda cans, beer kegs, kitchen foil, and utensils. Aluminum is also quite common in the construction of patio furniture. Not only is it lightweight and surprisingly strong, but it’s durable, versatile, and relatively easy to clean. It’s far from perfect, though. Aluminum furniture can be very uncomfortable. It also tends to hold onto the cold, which means you’ll be in for a nasty surprise if you’re wearing shorts and take a seat on chairs that have been left in the cold all night. For this reason, and the fact that it can wear quickly in extreme temperatures, aluminum patio furniture should be taken inside during the winter. Therein lies another problem, though, as it’s built to be sturdy and cheap, which means it’s formed from very few parts and is not foldable.
Plastic Patio Furniture
Plastic is cheap, abundant, weather-resistant, and strong. It’s also very lightweight, and so it’s easy to carry inside for storage. The problem with plastic patio furniture is that the quality can differ quite considerably. The furniture that we sell here at Seven Summers, for instance, is made from high-quality poly lumber, which comes from recycled plastic. It looks great, holds up well, and can withstand whatever the elements throw at it. It’s also environmentally friendly, which is always a bonus. The same can’t be said for all plastic patio furniture, so it’s important to do your research and make sure you know what you’re buying. Another issue with plastic furniture is that it’s prone to fading under direct sunlight. Most of the furniture that we sell at Seven Summers has been treated to prevent this while also reducing the risk of mold, rot, and other such issues. But these treatments are not standard.
Steel and Wrought Iron Patio Furniture
Patio furniture made from steel or wrought iron is quite common. It can remain outside for years and will survive in even the harshest conditions. In fact, wrought iron and steel furniture is often installed in parks and other public spaces due to its strength and durability. You don’t need to bring these pieces inside when the weather gets bad, but you do need to be on the lookout for rust. If it takes hold, it can do some serious damage to your furniture and greatly shorten its lifespan. Steel/wrought iron furniture is not the cheapest option and it’s also not the most comfortable, so you will need some cushions to encourage your guests to sit down. It’s generally not that attractive, either, but as with any type of patio furniture, the styles differ considerably and there are some beautiful options out there. Finally, while wrought iron furniture is a little heavy, most pieces can be moved around if you have help from a friend. Just make sure you don’t place it in the middle of the yard, as you will need to move it every time you mow the lawn.
Wooden Patio Furniture
Wooden patio furniture is the go-to option for many homeowners. It’s often favored for its natural look and the fact that it can be made to suit pretty much any style. It’s easy to accessorize and you can also find foldable options, allowing you to bring them inside. The price of wooden furniture differs considerably depending on the type of wood used and the quality of the manufacturer. Was it handcrafted by a skilled carpenter using the finest redwood or was it produced in bulk using the cheapest wood they could get their hands on? There are a few potential issues with wooden furniture. The first is that it can be pretty uncomfortable. Not as much as steel, iron, or aluminum, but you will need to purchase a few cushions for padding. Secondly, wooden furniture needs to be treated. It can rot and break down during years of exposure to wind, snow, and rain. It can split, break, crack, and become a breeding ground for bacteria. You will need to treat the wood at least once every year, although some wood holds up better than others. And that brings us to the final issue with wooden furniture. If you want to purchase furniture that will last for many years to come, you can expect to pay a pretty hefty price. If you opt for a much cheaper option, you may need to pay for a costly repair or replacement a few years down the line.
Wicker Patio Furniture
Wicker furniture is very lightweight and attractive. If you’re going for a quaint or contemporary aesthetic; it could be the perfect option. However, it’s not the most hard-wearing option, nor is it the most comfortable. You will need to pay special attention to the furniture, taking it indoors when the weather is really bad and user weather-resistant treatments to protect it against unexpected showers. A lot of wicker furniture is advertised as being weather-resistant, suggesting that it can hold up against rainwater and sunlight. That might be true to an extent, but a constant barrage of bad weather will weaken it over time. The quality of wicker furniture can also differ quite considerably. Everything from the tightness of the weave to the treatments and the additional materials (such as an aluminum frame) can impact the durability of the furniture. Generally, it’s one of those areas where you really get what you pay for. High-quality wicker furniture will not only look the part, but unlike much cheaper options, it won’t fall apart just because you leave it outside during the winter months.
Synthetic Rattan Patio Furniture
Synthetic rattan is a durable, affordable, and attractive option. The trend for this furniture seems to have been and gone, but it’s still selling quite well and seems to be popular with homeowners in hotter climates. Synthetic rattan is made from plastic strands that are coated in a protective outer layer and woven like threads. The result is a type of furniture that looks natural (from a distance, at least) and is easy to maintain. It’s weather-resistant, lightweight, and you don’t need to keep painting it or treating it. The style of rattan furniture is a little more one-dimensional than other types of furniture, but if you like the aesthetic then it’s a very good option to have.
Concrete Patio Furniture
Concrete is extraordinarily strong but it’s not the most versatile, and it’s definitely not light. Concrete is often used in combination with other materials, such as providing a base for a wooden table or a top for a metal table. It’s very durable and should last for many years. It won’t fade under direct sunlight, and it’s heavy enough not to blow away. Concrete can be poured into several different shapes and if metal is used to reinforce it, the end product will be super strong and durable. Of course, if you pay for a full set of concrete garden furniture, you better hope that you’ll be living there for many years to come, as that furniture will be a chore to move.
Tempered Glass Tabletops
Glass might not seem like the smartest choice for outdoor furniture, but it works really well and can add the finishing touch to your patio décor. It gives everything a clean and airy vibe, although you’ll need to keep the glass clean and make sure there are no smudges or finger marks to remove the natural shine. Tempered glass is often used for tabletops (dining tables, coffee tables) and can be lacquered for extra protection. You shouldn’t have any issues in winter or fall, as tempered glass is strong enough to withstand snow and hail and while it can get dirty with the rain, it’s also very easy to clean. Sunshine is more of a problem though, as it creates a lot of glare and could make for some uncomfortable afternoon drinks as you try to blink away the laser beams of sunshine.
