English
España
عرب
简体中文 When evaluating outdoor furniture, you might look for many of the same characteristics as indoor tables, chairs and sofas—durability, comfort, and style (and price, of course). However, the main difference is that outdoor furniture must withstand outdoor weather. Although there is almost no outdoor furniture that is 100% weatherproof, there are big differences depending on the materials used.
Before you make a decision, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the various material options. Determine how well each method matches the requirements of your residential or business environment and your personal preferences and priorities. Choosing the "best" material for outdoor patio furniture depends on matching your specific needs with the inherent qualities of each material, because each situation is unique.
Factors to consider for outdoor materials
Outdoor furniture frames, table tops and interior decoration need to maintain structural integrity and appearance in many seasons and various weather conditions. In addition, the time and effort required to maintain materials throughout the year, as well as their "greenness" and cost, are important aspects that need to be checked.
Outdoor materials-rain and moisture
If you live in an area with frequent heavy rains or high humidity, you need to make sure that your furniture is resistant to damage from various water-based problems. The stagnant or trapped water not only physically degrades the material, but also causes health risks.
Mold, mildew and rot
Humid or humid environment creates an environment where various fungi can thrive. Organic materials that retain moisture are prone to mold, which can cause respiratory problems, irritation, and other health problems. However, they usually do not damage the material and can be removed. On the other hand, decay can lead to biodegradation and decomposition (rot) of the material.
Rust and corrosion
Metals containing iron or steel are susceptible to corrosion when continuously exposed to water and oxygen. The corrosive oxidation process will slowly weaken these metals, causing visible corrosion and other discoloration. The salt in the air and water accelerates the chemical process, so rust is more common in coastal areas.
Warpage
Materials that allow water seepage may dry unevenly, causing warping (distortion or bending) of the original shape. At first, it may be difficult to detect, but over time, it can visibly distort the material, dislocate the seams and loosen the screws and other fasteners used to hold the furniture together.
Outdoor materials-sunlight and temperature
If you live in a sunny area or an area with severe seasonal climate changes, you need to find outdoor materials that can withstand the destruction of strong ultraviolet rays and fluctuations from extreme heat to extreme cold.
decline
Continuous exposure to sunlight can cause many materials to fade and lose their luster over time. Aesthetic changes may be attractive (for example, patina), or it may simply be a decrease in color vividness or uneven spots.
Cracking
Some materials expand and contract significantly when heated or cooled. When exposed to extreme temperatures or severe fluctuations, they can crack, split, warp or become brittle. Dry air can also cause furniture to bend and crack.
Keep warm
Heat can also cause other logistical problems. Terrace furniture placed in the sun can become hot and uncomfortable (or unsafe) to touch. When they sit down or try to reposition the poolside lounge chairs, no one wants to burn their skin.
Outdoor material-wind
If you live in an open and windy area, it is important that your outdoor furniture is heavy enough to prevent it from tipping over or blowing away. When challenging nature, it doesn’t take much to damage a beautiful deck chair or dining table, so it’s better to be safe than regret. Otherwise, you will need to continue to store or protect your belongings when not in use.
Outdoor materials-durability
Some outdoor materials can be used for several years under ideal conditions, but may need to be replaced every few seasons in bad weather. Others can bear countless elements throughout their lives, but still look new. Another variable related to durability is usage. If you only dine at the outdoor table a few times a summer, it will wear less than the sun loungers and sofa beds at the poolside of popular high-end resorts and hotels. The higher the frequency of use, the more durable the material should be.
Outdoor materials-cleaning and care
The aesthetics and functional durability are also affected by how well you maintain your patio furniture. Some materials require little attention from season to season, and can be easily cleaned quickly with simple soap and water. Others need more time in intensive care and special products to keep them looking great and working properly. If your time is precious, or you just don’t want to bother, you may need to choose lower maintenance materials.
Outdoor materials-environmentally friendly
Today, everyone knows the environmental impact of the production process and the raw materials entering the product, even if they do not know the specific details. When all conditions are the same, most people (hopefully) are more willing to be ecologically responsible. Fortunately, most luxury brand outdoor furniture adopts "green" manufacturing practices and uses materials that are biodegradable, recyclable, or certified by environmental organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). In other words, different outdoor materials do differ in terms of reproducibility.
Outdoor materials-cost
After all, most people are concerned about the financial impact of choosing one material for furniture over another. You need to stay within your budget, but it is also important to understand how expensive the materials are in the long run and their price and revenue value. Does it need to be replaced frequently? Does it require too much time and effort to maintain? These are key cost considerations that you may not immediately think of when evaluating alternatives.
