In theory you could put whatever furniture you have inside out on your patio, but I think we all know that it’s not really designed for that no matter how well you cover it. The wood, cushions, and other materials are all designed to be kept indoors away from the moisture, wind, and wildlife of the great outdoors. That being said, there are various materials you can get for your outdoor furniture that can have an impact on how much it costs you and how long it lasts.

Aluminum

Aluminum is inexpensive and easy to maintain. Highly resistant to rust (some will claim to be rust proof), and durable against the elements, it’s also lightweight, making it easy to move around, but also meaning extremely high winds can blow the furniture over – a problem if you have a glass topped table. Paired with seat cushions it is comfortable and long lasting.

Wrought Iron

Much like aluminum, it’s durable and easy to maintain. Watching out for chips in the paint is important as it can lead to rusting if left unattended. The higher weight makes it more difficult to move (though not extremely), and helps to prevent the furniture from being blown over in high winds. Paired with quality seat cushions it can last for a long time.

Wicker

Wicker tends to fall short in the longevity department when compared to other materials, though it’s certainly come a long way in recent years. That being said, the visual appeal of wicker is often more appealing to homeowners than aluminum and wrought iron, and when paired with quality seat cushions can be very comfortable to sit in for extended periods of time.

Top quality patio furniture covers are a must for wicker to help prevent weather damage.

Wood

Cedar and pine are popular woods for outdoor furniture. Cedar is naturally resistant to weathering and insects, while pine will need regular staining to prevent damage from extended exposure to weather. Furniture made from these materials is very common and popular on patios as it allows homeowners to tweak the appearance of the furniture to fit their decor with the use of stains and paints.

Teak

An extremely durable wood found in Southeast Asia and Africa, Teak has been used to build outdoor furniture for years, and is even used to build ships from time to time. Very little care and maintenance is needed for teak, and it can even be left untreated for extended periods of time.

Naturally resistant to rot, insects, and moisture, teak is visually appealing and incredibly durable, making it a very popular choice. While you will probably pay a premium for it, the lack of costs to upkeep the furniture will offset the initial costs over the long run.

So Many More

There are other materials you can get your patio furniture made out of – vinyl, plastic, other woods, but these are some of the more popular and contemporary choices available today. Each has benefits and negatives, and picking the right one is really about picking which one fits your style and budget the best. As with any patio furniture, getting quality covers is recommended as being resistant to the weather and insects doesn’t mean being immune.

Author Bio: Jack Labens works for Empire Patio Covers, a leading provider of outdoor furniture covers such as patio chair covers and patio table covers. Empire Patio Covers can be found online at: EmpirePatioCovers.com .

Category: Home Management
Keywords: patio furniture materials, furniture materials, patio furniture, patio furniture covers