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Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture is an essential part of our outdoor living spaces and it is important to choose quality furniture that looks good, and will stand the test of time. We’ve put together some must-know information.

Choosing Outdoor Furniture

With the huge range of outdoor furniture available and the advancements that have been made, you can find the perfect outdoor setting for you. Choose furniture that will fit in with the theme that you have chosen, remembering that it will become a feature of your outdoor area. Look at the cost of the furniture, and also its quality. Don’t forget to check the maintenance required, as some types of outdoor furniture will require more maintenance than others. How often will it need to be cleaned? Will it need to be resealed or repainted? Do you need to move it if it is raining? Also decide if you want to put your outdoor setting together yourself or if you wish for it to be delivered to you already assembled. Choose outdoor furniture that is the right size for your needs and that will fit into your space. It is a good idea to have a general idea of how many people are expected to be using your outdoor furniture on a regular or semi-regular basis.

Materials Available for Outdoor Furniture

The choice of materials for outdoor furniture is varied but here are some of your options:

• Wood – there is a huge range of wood available and the wood you choose can be stained, oiled, or painted, depending on what type of wood it is and where it is intended to be used. If you are buying wood furniture, look for solid construction, brass or stainless steel hardware, and a rich, even finish. 
• Aluminium – is a popular material for outdoor furniture as it is durable, lightweight, and rust-resistant. When choosing your furniture, look for smooth welds, stainless steel hardware, and a powder-coated or baked-on finish. Aluminium outdoor furniture may be tubular, cast aluminium, or wrought aluminium. 
• Wicker – made well, wicker is beautiful and durable. Wicker is actually a technique, with the material itself being reed which is cut from the rattan pole and woven together over a frame. Natural wicker can be damaged by exposure to the elements so it is best used in sheltered areas. You can opt to use all weather wicker, which is synthetic resin wrapped around aluminium frames or natural wicker coated in a weather resistant finish. 
• Rattan – is a member of the palm family and grows like bamboo, but it has a solid core. Rattan is harvested to make furniture, with the core being extruded to make wicker. As with wicker, rattan is best used in sheltered areas. 
• Iron – is versatile, looks classic, and is made to last. Iron may be wrought or cast. Wrought iron furniture is made from round bars that are forged by hand into simple or complex designs. Cast iron furniture is heavy and generally ornate. 
• Resin – is best used near water, and it is durable, lightweight, and requires little maintenance. Weight and size is a good indicator of the quality of resin furniture.
  
  

Ensuring you have Good Quality Outdoor Furniture

There are some tips for ensuring that you are buying good quality outdoor furniture. A substantial weight is almost always a sign of good quality. The finish should be even and rich. If it is textured, the texture should be even. On metal outdoor furniture, ensure that the finish is baked on or powder-coated. If the furniture comes with cushions, ensure that the covers are made from a fade-resistant and weather-resistant fabric. Ensure that any straps are tight, and that welds are smooth and barely noticeable. Look for pieces that you love. If you can’t afford to buy it all at once, buy it one piece at a time. In the end, you will have high quality furniture that will last forever.

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