What's The Best Material for Your Outdoor Furniture?

Having the right set of outdoor furniture is among the many things that can make your outdoor living space functional. However, outdoor furniture comes in many different options. For this reason, you must exercise care when selecting your outdoor furniture so as not to choose the wrong option. It's not unusual to make mistakes when choosing your outdoor furniture, especially if it's your first time, because the choices can be overwhelming. And while you can consider several factors when deciding on the ideal furniture for your outdoor living spaces, the material is among the most vital ones. With that in mind, here is a quick guide to help you find the right outdoor furniture materials.

Durability

Durability is crucial when choosing your outdoor furniture. Therefore, pay extra attention when selecting your outdoor furniture material because it can make all the difference in longevity. Generally, metal is naturally stronger and more resistant to impact and outdoor elements than wood options. However, since wood is preferred for aesthetics, you can go for hardwoods that will perform well against impact, continued use and the elements. Keep in mind that hardwoods will cost you more than other wood types. You can also go for synthetics if you are on a budget, but they may not be as durable as other options, so weigh your options carefully before you select.

Weather Conditions

Outdoor furniture is designed for outside use. Therefore, since the furniture will spend its entire service life outside, it's imperative to choose materials that will withstand different weather conditions throughout the year. First, if you live in a rainy area, think about moisture resistance when selecting your outdoor furniture material. Generally, moisture damage could be in the form of warping, mould, mildew, rotting, corrosion and rust. Materials like wood allow water to penetrate your furniture pieces, making them susceptible to mildew and mould growth. What's more, they may be damaged from warping over time. Therefore, go for inorganic options like metal and synthetics like plastic.

On the other hand, metals tend to be susceptible to rust and corrosion, especially if they contain steel or iron. Therefore, to avoid such, go for aluminium, or if you must choose steel or iron, go for galvanised options that are treated to prevent corrosion.

It's also best to think about the sun and temperature when considering weather conditions. Sunny areas can cause fading of some materials because of UV rays. This tends to be common in certain types of plastics, so keep that in mind. In addition, some materials are susceptible to extreme temperature fluctuations and may crack over time. Therefore, ask about this when selecting your outdoor furniture material.