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When choosing outdoor furniture, most people want pieces which are comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Another important factor is how well the furniture withstands the outdoor elements. Ultimately outdoor furniture will look stylish, feel comfortable, and need minimal maintenance. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the best material for outdoor furniture.
There is something beautiful and timeless about wooden furniture, however, not all wood is equal when it comes to durability. Teak, without a doubt, is one of the best options for outdoor furniture. Besides its strength and all-weather capabilities, it has a beautiful grain and fades to a beautiful silvery-grey patina if left untreated. Teak has a high natural oil content. This means that it repels most water and it does not expand or contract in the drying process. Teak is also highly resistant to rot, decay, and insects. With the highest durability, teak can last up to fifty years and will retain its honey-brown colour with minimal oiling. The only downside to this material is the cost. The high demand coupled with limited availability means this wood is a little more expensive than most – but if you consider the 50-year investment, it really makes more sense to choose teak.
This is another great choice. It is lightweight and durable, withstanding rain, rust, and moisture damage far better than most materials. Aluminium also requires very little care. However, you can use wax or oil should you want to offer extra protection. This metal has a classic silvery-white look and is ideal for seating, especially dining chairs, as it is incredibly light and easy to move around. Aluminium can be painted but the best option is powder coating. Powder coating adheres better to the metal and is much more resistant to fading, especially helpful when your furniture will be exposed to salt air which tends to eat away at paint and untreated metals. Exercise caution when using aluminium in areas with high wind and remember to invest in some cushions as being a metal means it will heat up in the sun.
Synthetic resin, or all-weather wicker, is another great option. Whilst wicker furniture made from cane and rattan are also beautiful, they are quick to fade and become brittle. Synthetic resin wicker is far more durable and still offers the same homey feel as plant-based wicker furniture. It requires minimal maintenance and doesn’t fade or crack. It resistant to the elements making it last for decades without any degradation. Synthetic resin is made from high density polyethylene (HDPE) which is eco-friendly and does not emit any chemicals. This material is often used with an aluminium frame linking the qualities of both materials. This makes for the perfect combination of two of the best materials for outdoor furniture.
Whilst these are at the top of the “best material for outdoor furniture” list, other great options include wrought iron, steel, recycled plastic or plastics such as polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), and Acrylic-Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), and woods such as shorea, white oak, eucalyptus, and ipe.
At Creative Living, all our furniture is made with durability and style in mind, utilising teak, synthetic wicker, and powder-coated aluminium. To view our exclusive range, click here.