Image Credit: Jason Boyd, Pexels

 

It's that time of year when we can finally start thinking about summer patio furniture.

If you're in the market for new patio furniture, do your homework on the best materials for patio sofas

You need to know what to expect from the various options available so you can choose the right seating style for your needs, regardless of whether you have a large space that can accommodate a deluxe wood sofa or a small patio that is just big enough for simple wicker.

Pros and cons of different patio seating styles

Teak

As Teak is naturally weather-resistant due to the oils in the wood, it is a popular choice for patio furniture. You can leave it outside all year round, and it develops a beautiful silvery patina with time, bringing a sense of authenticity and rusticity to the garden. Teak furniture might be costly due to its long-lasting features, but it can last a lifetime if properly maintained.

However, Teak is prone to decaying and will require constant maintenance to last for many years. Teak patio furniture is more susceptible to breakage and "movement" than other types of wood. For instance, seasonal shrinking and swelling owing to higher and lower moisture levels might cause issues with paintwork.

Pros of Teak

·         It gives a rustic and authentic sense to the space

·         Will endure for a decade or more with good care

·         Recyclable

·         Develops a beautiful silver color over time

Cons of Teak

·         Requires constant upkeep and care.

·         prone to warping

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron is a fantastic choice for a durable patio sofa set because it's heavy and won't be easily blown over, unlike some lighter-weight materials. To avoid rust, give your set a coat of anti-rust paint and store it out of the elements throughout the winter. There's nothing quite like wrought iron in an English garden, whether you're looking for full seating or just a pair of stylish garden benches with a decorative design.

If you are concerned about maintenance, consider this when selecting outdoor furniture. Warm soapy water and a little brush are all that's needed to clean wrought iron, and even the most difficult-to-reach places will be no problem.

Pros of Wrought Iron

·         Heavy and sturdy

·         It can be easily stored in the winter months

·         Decorative

·         Long-lasting

Cons of Wrought Iron

·         Requires protection from rust

·         Difficult to move around

·         It needs cushions for comfort

Aluminum

Aluminum is an excellent material for patio furniture. It's both beautiful and adaptable, and it's surprisingly affordable. Plus, Aluminum is widely recycled. An additional benefit of aluminum outdoor furniture is that it will not rust like iron or steel, making it an excellent investment.

Aluminum furniture is both a blessing and a curse because of its lightweight. This makes it simple to move things, but it also increases the risk of being blown away by heavy winds. Hollow-frame aluminum furniture is especially vulnerable, and any large bends or dents caused by being tossed around might make it both unsafe to use and unattractive.

Pros of Aluminum

·         Attractive and budget-friendly.

·         Recyclable

·         Long-lasting and durable

·         Rust- and corrosion-resistant

·         Lightweight

Cons of Aluminum

·         Extremely vulnerable to severe winds

Wicker

Wicker is a popular outdoor furniture material. The wicker patio is UV resistant, so you can leave it out in the sun without worrying about it bleaching or fading. Additionally, Wicker is a low-maintenance material because of its hard-wearing and long-lasting structure. In the world of interior design, wicker is a charming material, and for this reason, wicker outdoor furniture has remained popular for years.

Wicker's value as a material heavily depends on how it appears once woven. That's why new wicker furniture should be thoroughly inspected for loose threads that weren't properly built. These places can unravel, and even though it may take some time to unravel completely, it will diminish the furniture's durability and aesthetic features. Moreover, wicker patio furniture should be considered an investment because it generally comes with a higher price tag when properly constructed.

Pros of Wicker

·         Classic

·         UV resistant

·         Low maintenance

·         It can be decorated with cushions

·         Recyclable

Cons of Wicker

·         A loose weave might harm its aestheticism and durability.

Resin Wicker

Synthetic polyethylene resin is the primary component of practically all outdoor wicker furniture. The resin of superior quality is dense, weather-resistant, and environmentally beneficial. HDPE releases no chemicals, it is extremely puncture-resistant and it can endure UV radiation for decades without experiencing any damage.

Additionally, synthetic all-weather wicker is extremely durable and easy to maintain. If you're looking for high-quality synthetic wicker, go no further than polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Most wicker patio furniture is supported by an aluminum frame, boosting its weight capacity. Synthetic wicker can be dyed to look like organic material, making it practically identical to real wicker. It can also be given a rich tint that provides color to your patio or hardwood deck.

Pros of Resin Wicker

·         Extremely weather-resistant

·          Easy maintenance

·         It can look like natural wicker

·         HDPE wicker is 100% recyclable

Cons of Resin Wicker

·         Not heavy enough for many windy settings.

Recycled Plastic

Furniture made out of recycled plastic, such as milk cartons and shampoo bottles, is an eco-friendly option for the patio. It is extremely resistant to dampness, mildew, insects, and saltwater. It may be heavier than other plastics, but it is still vulnerable to strong winds. It doesn't require much care because recycled plastic is made from post-consumer waste. It resists stains and is easy to clean with a bit of soap and water.

Pros of Recycled Plastic

·         Strong and durable

·         Weather resistant

·         Easy to clean

·         Eco-friendly

Cons of Recycled Plastic

·         Too light for severe windy conditions

Ipe

When it comes to Central and South American ipe (also known as ironwood), the grain is deep and rich and fades less quickly when exposed to the elements. Ipe’s high natural oil content makes it resistant to insects, degradation, and various fungus. Hardness and density protect it against physical harm like denting and warping. While it can survive for decades, cutting and gluing ipe together is time-consuming.

Pros of Ipe

·         Durable and strong

·         Resistant to pests and fungi

Cons of Ipe

·         Hard to work with

 

So in summary, the material you should choose for your new patio furniture will depend on your climate and your specific needs. We hope this article has been helpful to you, and if you need any more help with your decision, note that your local furniture dealer will be able to guide you toward the perfect patio furniture for your specific needs. Have fun shopping and have fun relaxing on your newly-furnished patio!

 

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