When choosing patio furniture, there are more things to consider than aesthetic appeal. Other than the price, you should pick a furniture piece that’s definitely durable. Opt for items that will not only last long but those which are also easy to maintain.
Technically, the durability and user-friendliness of any patio furniture will depend on the materials used to build it. In general, there are only three basic materials that are used to make patio furniture – Plastic (PVC or resin), Wood, and Metal. Each of these materials pose benefits matched with some unavoidable drawbacks. Here are some of them:
Plastic (PVC or Resin) Patio Furniture
Since this material is man made, it is not vulnerable to natural weathering and decay. If your patio furniture are made of PVC or Resin, expect them to be 100% weather-resistant. However, some people recommend the use of resin based furniture instead of those made of PVC. Resin pieces largely resemble wicker or wood furniture items so many deem it as more stylish as compared to the pipe-like PVCs.
A particular drawback of Plastic-based patio furniture however, is the fact that they contain some chemicals which may be harmful to children. These include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), UV stabilizers, fungicides, foaming agents, and more.
Metal (Iron) Patio Furniture
Most metal patio varieties are made from iron. Generally, iron patio furniture are very durable but the overall longevity will depend on the manufacturing process used. The piece might be created through extrusion, casting, or forging/welding. So far, the sturdiest are those that were forged and welded.
Although durable and quite stylish especially when it follows a futuristic or sci-fi design, iron patio furniture pieces still have drawbacks. The common complaint is that iron pieces are hot to touch during the warm season. They also require re-painting and staining at least once every year. Most metals are also susceptible to corrosion and rusting.
Wood Patio Furniture
When it comes to wooden patio furniture items, the most popular materials are pressure-treated lumber like redwood and teak. If you want to get the most out of sturdiness, settle for those that are made out of teak. Teak is naturally water and insect-resistant and it doesn’t need any chemical treatments.
On the other hand, if you are want a wooden piece that can resist the pressures of changing seasons, go for redwood varieties. Most redwood comes from California Sequoia tree. This wood specie holds up well in cold and warm seasons. What’s more is that it naturally resists decay. However, redwood is quite vulnerable to fading when exposed to excessive sunlight exposure.
