Choosing the Best Material for Patio Furniture for Your Needs

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It can be difficult to find the right type of patio furniture for your needs. There are many different styles and materials that you can choose from, which makes it easy to get lost in all the options. In this blog post, we will explore some things you should think about before making a purchase so that you end up with something that suits your lifestyle perfectly.

The four main materials for patio furniture

Outdoor furniture is needed to make your patio relaxing, joyful, and a place to unwind from the stress of daily life. But when purchasing your outdoor furniture, be sure to know what material can best withstand the elements. There are four main materials used for outdoor garden furniture.

Metal

Patio furniture is made from a variety of metals including, but two of the most popular are wrought iron and aluminium.

Consider a metal patio set if you have an older home with stone or brickwork that needs protecting as plastic can scratch those surfaces.

Wrought iron is a strong and durable metal, making it heavy to move. Because it is so heavy, if you live in a windy climate, outdoor furniture made from wrought iron could be a great option for you. However, it needs a lot of maintenance to ensure it does not rust. So living in an area that gets a lot of rain may not be the best place to have furniture made from wrought iron.

Also, because it is made from iron, if placed in direct sunlight, it heats up relatively quickly. That can make it hot to the touch on a really sunny day! But as long as wrought iron furniture is cared for properly, it can be left outdoors year-round.

As for aluminium, it will not fade or rust, especially if it has been coated with a powder-coat finish. Compared to wrought iron, aluminium stays cooler when placed in direct sunlight and is easier to move. A downside to this metal though is that it is usually found to be more expensive. However, it is corrosion resistant and survives for long periods of time.

Steel and aluminum frames are more durable than wrought metal but rusts easier if left outside for long periods of time. Wrought iron will never corrode so it’s a good option as well. If you have pets that like to chew on wood furniture, then the metal option is a good one.

A disadvantage to metal furniture is that it’s too hard for some people to sit in and can be an eyesore. The aluminum will also get hot outside so may not be the best option if you’re going for a more modern look for your outdoor space. Wrought iron has a better appearance but does require regular upkeep with either paint or rust treatment as part of

Plastic

This is the most inexpensive option. However, plastic isn’t as sturdy. It’s also lightweight and can blow away easily. It is easy to maintain, though.

If you’re willing to spend a little more money, then you can get more sturdy plastic furniture which will last a little longer. You will still want to store your plastic furniture if you’re expecting lots of wind.

There are lots of styles of plastic patio furniture to choose from.  You can even add things like cushions made from outdoor fabric to make them more comfortable.  There’s a wide variety of water-resistant patio furniture materials that can improve the look and feel of plastic furniture.

Wicker

This outdoor furniture material can be natural or synthetic and give the patio a cosy and rustic feel. Natural wicker is made with woven wood so it is lightweight yet very durable. Outdoor sets are usually made from synthetics to increase weather resistance and durability.

The downside is that wicker furniture is expensive. However, with the increasing use of synthetics such as resin wicker furniture, it is becoming more cost-friendly. Weather-resistant wicker can be hosed off and is designed to be left outdoors year-round.

Wood

Patio furniture comes in a wide range of wood types. Some of the more popular wood types used for outdoor furniture include cedar, pine, redwood, and teak. Hardwoods tend to last longer, with wood types like teak lasting up to 50 years. Others like redwood last for up to 25 years.

If you decide to get softwood, furniture like pressure-treated pine has a protective finish that can last for multiple years outside and is treated to resist water and rot. Untreated pine should be kept indoors during bad weather as it has low resistance to rot.

An advantage to wood outdoor furniture is that is doesn’t heat up in the sun like metal furniture does.

How to store your patio furniture

Considerations of where to store your patio furniture are key when choosing the material. You may wish to consider storing it inside in a shed or garage, or outside in an open space such as under the decking on wooden posts. Outdoor storage is best suited if you want to use wicker for example, while metal and plastic are better situated to being stored inside.

If you store your furniture inside, a good idea is to use plastic covers that are designed for patio furniture and come in various colours or styles. These will also protect the chairs from sun damage if they’re left outside during the winter months. They can be slotted over all the chair’s parts including the metal frames with ease which means you can quickly cover them if bad weather appears.

Storage option for patios

While the furniture and storing it is a key part of designing the perfect patio, you might also want to think about storage options when using the patio.

There are a lot of things that need to be kept safe on a patio. There are gardening tools, hats, blankets, and even drinks that need to be kept somewhere so they won’t get lost and ruined. Whether you have a wood deck, a brick patio, or a wraparound porch, these storage ideas will fit in nicely with the theme of your patio.

Here are some of the most popular ideas for things to add to your patio alongside your furniture for storage.

1. Coffee table cooler

If you love entertainment, a coffee table cooler can double as a table and a cooler for your drinks. There is a stylish tabletop that slides to the side to reveal a cooler that can hold all of your drinks and keep them cold and refreshing for those warm summer days out on your patio.

2. Outdoor cubbies

These cubbies can provide convenient storage and keep all of your things very organized. Labelling each compartment adds to the style and to the organization, as you will clearly be able to see where everything goes.

3. Serving cart

These carts are perfect for when you’re barbequing outside. They double as a work area, serving stand, and a storage cabinet for all of your barbequing needs. The serving carts with stainless steel accents are also very easy to clean off, which will make it easier on you after the barbeque.

4. Ottoman

The all-classic ottoman offers you three things in one. You get comfortable seating, storage, and when the cushion is flipped onto the other side, you get a functional end table.

5. Bench

Benches can double as storage and a stylish piece of furniture to sit on. Tucking your garden hoses, children’s toys, and blankets used for outdoors is a great way to use this storage bench. A stylish bench can also add to the design of your patio. We have one of these on our decking area and it is a great place to store gardening gear as well as a few patio basics.

6. Potting bench

If you’re overwhelmed by all the gardening tools and supplies you have, a potting bench is a perfect option for you. A potting bench can keep all of your gardening tools and supplies well organized and safe from the elements when not in use.

7. Mini shed

If you’re looking for a long-term storage situation, then a mini shed may be the thing for you. It doesn’t take up very much space and is perfectly sized for any of the things you have that might need a place to be.

8. Shelving

With shelving, you can place blankets, firewood, gardening tools, and even plants. Shelving is very convenient and easy to add to any outdoor decor. With one like this, you could grow some herbs such as basil or lavender and even add some storage boxes to the bottom shelf to keep patio essentials in it.

9. Deck box

These are very small storage units that can be used as multiple things. They can be used for dining, a serving station, and storage for pillows and blankets. A lot of these deck boxes are made from wicker so they will last you many years, as they are sturdy pieces of furniture.

These options offer a wide range of styles and storage. Most of these things listed double as having more than one use; not just storage.

Combining the perfect furniture with the best storage

By combining the best patio furniture with the best storage options, you create a space that is stylish, comfortable and also practical. You can easily store the items you need while using the patio and know how to best care for your patio furniture when it isn’t in use.