Outdoor Furniture 101

Pros

• Sturdy, Affordable, versatile, available in a lot of different styles, recyclable.
• Aluminum is a great all-weather material.

Cons 

• While Aluminum does not rust, it can still corrode, especially near saltwater & chlorine. 
• Not as heavy as other metals, hollow aluminum is not suitable for windy areas.

Pros

• Heavy & durable (once powder coated)

Cons

• Doesn’t resist corrosion very well on its own.
• Heavy & can be difficult to move. 
• Will need periodic rust prevention and possible touch-up paint to stave off rust.
• May need cushions for added comfort.

Pros

• Weighs less than iron, is very durable and can handle long-term, repeated use.
• A powder-coated finish, an anti-corrosion coating, or some other kind of waterproof finish will extend the life of your furniture and prevent rusting.

Cons

• Can be hot to touch.
• If the finish on your furniture gets scratched or chipped, it is important to cover the damage with a spray-on treatment to prevent it from rusting.

What is Wicker?

Wicker refers to the weaving technique that can be used with various materials to create unique and stylish furniture pieces. Rattan, bamboo, reed, willow, or synthetic fibers are usually used for crafting wicker furniture. With a history dating back to ancient Egypt, it has proven to be a popular choice for outdoor furniture due to its durability, lightweight nature, and versatility.

Can everyone have organic wicker furniture?

• If you live in an area like Tahoe with hard winters, consider choosing synthetic wicker. Synthetics are made with high-quality materials like polyethylene, resin, and vinyl.
• These options are more durable and weather-resistant and can withstand harsh climates better than organic wicker. While organic wicker offers a classic, organic aesthetic, it requires more care and will not hold up over time.
• Synthetic wicker, though less authentic in appearance, is typically more durable, easier to maintain, and often more affordable.

What is Teak?

Tropical hardwood that comes from the Tectona Grandis tree.

Pros

• Weather Resistant – even when not treated with oil or varnish.
• Long-Lasting – properly aged and dried teak contains natural oils that make it more weather-resistant than just about any other type of wood.

Cons

• Affordability – one of the most superior-performing timbers but one of the most expensive; while it costs more upfront, it’s likely you won’t have to replace it as early as many inferior timer pieces.
• Versatility – not as readily available as some other timbers.

Grades of Teak

Not all teak is made equal. Teak wood is classified by the region it is grown in and grade. Knowing whether teak is Grade A, Grade B, or Grade C can tell you about the age, quality, look, and durability of the wood you are buying.

• Grade A: To qualify as Grade A teak, the wood for your patio furniture must be cut from the center or ‘heartwood’ of a mature teak tree. Fully mature teak trees are usually 20 years old or older.
• Grade B: Refers to timber cut from the outer part of the heartwood. Grade B teak isn’t as reliable or long-lasting for outdoor furniture because it doesn’t have as much of the wood’s natural protective oils.
• Grade C: Teak is timber from the outer sections of a sapwood, or from immature trees. Grade C teak is uneven in color and has very little if any, natural protective oils. It is also very soft and can be easily damaged.

What is recycled outdoor furniture?

You might be wondering, what exactly is recycled plastic patio furniture? What’s it made of, and why should you choose that material over others? Purchasing patio furniture made from recycled plastic is a great way to help the environment and engage in quick and easy sustainability practices.

Generally, when we say, “recycled plastic,” we are most often talking about a material that is made from Recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE).The main compound that makes up most HDPE you can buy today is a raw plastic material that was used by consumers at one point.

Examples:

• Detergent Bottles
• Milk Jugs
• Shampoo Containers

Solution Dyed Acrylic

• Made from a liquid acrylic solution that is mixed with the dye and spun into a yarn which is then woven into fabric.
• These fabrics are great because they have the soft quality of an indoor fabric, they’re naturally water resistant, and can withstand direct sun exposure.

Polypropylene

• Has excellent properties of cleanability, abrasion resistance and resistance to mildew and chemicals.
• It’s not as soft as acrylic and is mostly used for making outdoor furniture covers.

Marine Grade Vinyl

• High UV resistance, color-fading, and mildew resistant and holds well in high-traffic environments like restaurants and hotels.
• A huge downside is that when used in warmer climates, the surface can become extremely hot to the touch.

Spun Polyester

• Unlike solution dyed acrylic, spun polyester is woven first and then screen printed. This allows for a wider range of colors & patterns.
• Though this is less expensive, it tends to be stiffer and rougher to the touch.
• Great option for indoor bench fabrics that are near a window and more prone to sunlight.