9 Tips On Buying Durable Outdoor
Furniture
Furniture is an integral part of a home, and homeowners
generally lookfor pieces that can last for years. Homeowners should have
similar expectations when it comes to buying indoor and outdoor furniture.
Theweather in Australia is generally conducive to spending time outside, and
quality furniture is necessary for relaxing outdoors while at home. Buying
durable outdoor furniture is challenging, however, because there are times when
the climate is not pleasant, and outdoor furniturmust be able to withstand
the elements.
Following a few
tips on choosing durable outdoor furniture materials helps consumers find outdoor
furniture that lasts. Consumers should also take a few steps to maintain
outdoor furniture to keep it looking good. As long as they know what to look
for and how to care for furniture, shoppers should get years of use from their
outdoor furniture.
Tips
on Choosing Durable Outdoor Furniture
Manufacturers of
outdoor furniture typically produce pieces that stand up to the elements.
Understanding the different durability features helps consumers know what to
look for in outdoor furniture.
1.
Buy Weatherproof Outdoor Furniture
It is essential to buy outdoor furniture that is
weatherproof. Outdoor furniture is made from wood, metal, or plastic. Wood can
weaken and rot from moisture. Consumers who choose this material should
therefore look for treated wood or varieties that naturally resist the
elements. Treated wood repels water, while a wood suchas teak is nearly impermeable.
Metals corrode from holding moisture on the surface.
Galvanisation makes metal rust-proof, and aluminium is
naturally resistant to corrosion. Moisture from rain does not degrade plastic outdoor furniture, but UV rays from the sun can change its colour. Plastic
furniture should be therefore left in the shade while it is not being used.
2. Choose the Right Materials
The durability
of outdoor furniture also depends on the material it is made of. The table
below specifies the levels of longevity associated with different types
of woods and metals.
Material
|
Durability
|
|
Low weight belies high durability; cast
aluminium is very strong and difficult to bend; extruded aluminium is weaker
|
|
|
May be cast or wrought; heavy and
extraordinarily durable; should be treated to prevent corrosion
|
|
|
Soft wood; less durable than other types
of wood; somewhat susceptible to rot, but less expensive
|
|
|
Hard wood; very stable; maintains strength
over long period; also retains its rich red colour
|
|
|
Tropical hard wood; popular choice due to
its resistance to rotting, warping, shrinking, and swelling
|
|
|
Tightly woven; strands themselves difficult
to break but can fray over time; entire piece usually lasts a long time
|
|
|
Not as durable as other materials;
susceptible to pitting and weakening; inexpensive, so less costly to replace
|
Iron and teak
are great choices for their durability. However, furniture in any material
should last many years if the owner takes the time to maintain it.
3.
Look for Well-Constructed Outdoor Furniture
Consumers should
pay attention to how outdoor furniture is constructed if they want to buy
durable pieces. Screws should be stainless steel or brass that can withstand
rust. Durably constructed outdoor furniture may also feature wooden dowels and
pegs to hold pieces together. Furniture held together by glue or staples tends
to come apart over time.
4.
Buy Weatherproof Cushions and Pillows
Cushions and
pillows are susceptible to mildew from moisture and discolouration from
exposure to sunlight. Synthetic fabrics, such as acrylic resist mildew, and
ventilated fabrics help cushions and pillows dry more quickly to avoid water
damage. Consumers can also look for cushions and fabrics that are treated to
block UV rays.
Tips
on Maintaining Outdoor Furniture
Maintenance is a
significant aspect that contributes to durability in outdoor furniture. Even if
outdoor furniture has qualities to make it last a while, it still requires care
to keep it in good condition. Follow these steps to maintain different outdoor
furniture materials and items.
5.
Apply Oils, Sealers, and Stains to Wooden Outdoor Furniture
Stains, sealers,
and oils all
help wooden outdoor furniture maintain its appearance. They make wood less
porous so that rain drops bead up and roll off, preventing wood from rotting so
that furniture lasts longer. Some stains, sealers, and oils also block UV rays
to keep wood from discolouring. Many pieces of wooden outdoor furniture come
pre-treated, but consumers should still oil these pieces seasonally to maintain
their appearance.
6.
Clean and Treat Metal Outdoor Furniture
Metal outdoor
furniture is relatively low maintenance. Cleaning requires simply wiping it
down with a damp cloth. Consumers should avoid pressure washing since this can
damage the furniture. Aluminium is rust-proof, but iron requires application of
an anti-rust solution.
7.
Be Gentle with Rattan
Rattan is
sensitive compared with other outdoor furniture materials. One can wipe rattan
with a damp cloth to clean it, and avoid chemical cleaners and pressure washing
as these can damage rattan. Also, keep rattan outdoor furniture in the shade
when not in use as it can become discoloured from sunlight. Using rubber
stoppers beneath the legs of a rattan outdoor seat can also keep the rattan
from cracking and splitting.
8.
Protect Cushions and Pillows from Mildew and UV Rays
If cushions and
pillows do not come with fabric that blocks mildew and UV rays, the consumer
can apply spray finishes to the fabric to protect it from these elements.
Washing cushion and pillow fabric periodically keeps it clean and
fresh-smelling. Most fabrics are safe for the washing machine. If cushions and
pillows become stained, faded, or odorous, one should look into replacing just
the fabric if possible. This should save money over buying completely new
cushions and pillows.
9.
Cover or Store Furniture
Although much of Australia has a suitable climate for
using patio furniture year round, many places see a good deal of rain during
winter months. Consumers should consider placing covers over
their outdoor furniture at this time of the year. The covers keep furniture
dry, maintaining it until it is ready for use in sunnier weather. Those who
prefer not to have covered furniture sitting outside may choose to store it
away. A largeshed creates
the necessary space in the absence of a basement.
Conclusion
The ability of
outdoor furniture to last depends on its resistance to weather-related damage
and the strength of material used in its construction. Consumers should
therefore pay attention to these features. Some materials, such as teak and
aluminium, are naturally resistant to damage caused by moisture, while other
materials require treatment in order to make them more durable. Furniture should
also be well-constructed, featuring quality screws or wood dowels or pegs, in
order to last. Cushions and pillows that go with outdoor furniture can be
weatherproof as well, so one should consider buying such pieces to last a long
time.
Even after purchasing
durable outdoor furniture, one should take measures to maintain it.
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