Outdoor Patio Furnishings Buyer’s Guide

Price and style are two important factors in determining what kind of patio furniture is right for you, but another factor that bears mention is material type.

What your furnishings are made of is the primary factor in how long they will last and how good they will look year after year.

Here’s an overview of some of the choices out there, with selling points as well as drawbacks.

Metal

Wrought iron is an affordable and durable option in outdoor furniture, but is very heavy. Iron has a classical look, and gives your outdoor area a sense of visual weight and permanence. Often wrought iron designs blend in nicely with their surroundings, mimicking vines and latticework.

Choose this style if you want semi-permanent features in your garden, and if you prefer a classical, English garden feel. Because wrought iron can be hard and uncomfortable for long periods of sitting, you may want to invest in all-weather cushions. This also gives you the opportunity to change your style with the seasons or your whims.

Wrought iron furniture is treated to resist the elements, usually with powder coating or a clear finish. Should your iron pieces ever show signs of rust, you can simply sand the rusted area and apply a clear-coat or metal paint. Wrought iron furniture will last a lifetime if properly cared for.

Aluminum tends to be more expensive than iron. Aluminum is lightweight and strong. Like iron furniture, aluminum is treated with powder coating or a clear coat to keep it from exposure to the elements. Though aluminum does not rust, it can become dull and dingy when exposed to weather, so be sure your pieces are properly treated for all-season use.

Aluminum furnishings come in a wide variety of styles, but tend to sway towards the contemporary look, with clean lines and bold cushion colors.

Aluminum is a great choice if you need to move your furniture to accommodate different groups, or simply need to get it out of the way of the lawnmower. Aluminum is currently more expensive than cast iron due to the higher price of raw materials.

Resin

Resin patio furniture can be pricey, because it is the most durable and carefree option. Though many people frown at the idea of plastic furniture, today’s high quality resins offer a much more durable and attractive option that much of the discount items on the market.

True resin is a wood substitute, used in things like deck planking and fencing. Because it is engineered to replace wood, you can be sure it is strong and durable. Today’s resin furniture is meant to last a lifetime, with minimal weathering and fading. Resin furniture is UV resistant, and can be cleaned with soap and water.

Resin furniture typically tends toward the classic country look, with simulated wood grain and chunky, comfortable pieces.

Unlike wood, resin will not splinter, crack, or warp. Resin is considered a more environmentally friendly choice than hardwoods.

Wicker

Wicker furniture is available in both traditional wicker material, as well as a PVC or resin option that resembles wicker but is more durable. True wicker must be treated to resist weather, and still is not a very durable option for outdoor furniture. Being a natural plant product, wicker simply cannot resist prolonged exposure to changing weather conditions. True wicker is best used in a sheltered location such as a covered porch or sunroom. Synthetic wicker can withstand weather extremes. Wicker is typically priced similarly to aluminum.

Wicker refers to the basket-weave work that may compose whole or part of the furniture, so it can range from ultra-modern to very classical in styles. Traditional plant-based wicker nearly always reflects a country cottage feel.

Wood

Wood patio furniture is classic and functional. Often made of slats, wood furniture needs to be treated to withstand weathering. Even treated wood will not last as long as metal or resin furniture, but properly cared for, it can last for many years.

Popular choices in wood include cedar, teak, cypress, and eucalyptus. These are usually stained or oiled, or sometimes painted to provide protection against the elements. Over time, wood takes on an attractive patina, but this weathering also wears the seams and joints, and eventually most wood furniture will shrink to the point it no longer holds together.

Unlike all-weather furniture, to keep your wood furniture looking and functioning at its best, you should cover or store it in the winter. Wood furniture is typically more affordable than metal or resin pieces, and offers a natural beauty that synthetics cannot match.

Wood patio furniture is similar to resin, in that the pieces are often casual country. Another popular choice in wood furniture is an Asian feel, especially with the more expensive hardwoods.

Teak is an Asian hardwood that is highly resistant to termites. It is often used in marine applications such as boat decks. It requires no maintenance other than washing, preferably with a saltwater solution. Teak is almost never painted, just sealed with a clear oil or light stain. Teak is one of the more expensive wood choices.

Eucalyptus is a fast-growing, quickly regenerating tree that provides dense wood high in natural oils, offering natural weather resistance. Eucalyptus is a more affordable option than teak, and its quick growth make it a greener choice.

Cedar used for furniture has a wonderful aroma that is also an insect repellant. Cedar has natural fungicides and is highly resistant to rot. This wood has a naturally red tint and beautiful grain. It may be stained or painted. Cedar is an affordable wood choice.

Cypress is naturally rot and termite resistant and, like cedar, contains a natural preservative. Cypress is priced similarly to cedar and has many of the same features. Cypress is often painted.

There are many options in price and style, as well as materials for patio furnishings. The only limits are your budget and your imagination.

Determine which type of furniture best suits your outdoor living needs, then follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for storage and care, and you can be sure that your investment will last for many seasons to come.