Outdoor furniture frames, tabletops and upholstery need to retain structural integrity and their appearance over many seasons, and through a variety of weather conditions. Additionally, the time and effort needed to maintain materials throughout the year, as well as their “green-ness” and costs are important aspects to examine. Before you make a decision, it’s important to understand the factors to consider when choosing outdoor materials.
Rain & Moisture
If you live in an area where there are frequent rainstorms, or that has high humidity, you want to be sure that your furniture is resistant to damage from various water-based issues. Standing water or retained moisture can not only physically degrade the material, but it can also lead to health risks.
Mold, Mildew & Rot
Humid or moist conditions create an environment where various fungi thrive. Organic materials that retain water are susceptible to mold and mildew, which can cause respiratory problems, irritation and other health issues. However, they typically don’t damage the material and can be cleaned off. Rot, on the other hand, leads to biodegradation and decomposition (decay) of the material.
Rust & Corrosion
Metals containing iron or steel are susceptible to corrosion when continuously exposed to water and oxygen. The corrosive oxidation process slowly weakens these metals, resulting in visible rust and other discoloration. Salt in the air and water accelerates the chemical process, so rusting is often more prevalent in coastal regions.
Warping
Materials that allow water penetration can dry unevenly, resulting in warping (twisting or bowing) of the original shape. Initially, it may be imperceptible, but over time it can noticeably distort the material, misalignment seams and loosen screws and other fasteners used to hold the furniture together.
Sun & Temperature
If you live in a sunny area or one with dramatic seasonal climate shifts, you’ll need to look for outdoor materials that can withstand damage from harsh UV rays and fluctuations from extreme heat to cold.
Fading
Constant exposure to the sun can cause many materials to fade and lose their luster over time. The aesthetic change can be appealing (e.g. patina) or simply a decreased vibrancy of color or uneven spotting.
Cracking
Some materials noticeably expand and contract when heated or cooled. They can crack, split, warp or become brittle when exposed to extreme temperatures or drastic fluctuations. Dry air can also cause furniture to bend and crack.
Heat Retention
The heat can also lead to other logistical problems. Patio furniture placed in the sun can get hot and uncomfortable (or unsafe) to touch. Nobody wants to burn their skin when they sit down in or attempt to reposition a poolside lounge chair.
Wind
If you live in an open and extremely windy area, it’s important that your outdoor furniture is heavy enough that it doesn’t tip over or blow away. It doesn’t take much to damage a beautiful lightweight deck chair or dining table when challenging Mother Nature, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Otherwise, you’ll need to continually store or secure your items when they’re not in use.
Durability
Some outdoor materials may last for years under ideal conditions. But might need to be replaced every couple of seasons when exposed to inclement weather. Others can withstand a myriad of elements for a lifetime and still look new. Another variable that relates to durability is usage. If you eat outside on your patio dining table only a few times each summer, then it will have less wear and tear than sun loungers and daybeds that line the poolsides of popular upscale resorts and hotels. The more frequent the use, the more durable the materials should be.
Cleaning & Care Difficulty
Aesthetic and functional durability is also affected by how well you take care of your patio furniture. Some materials require very little attention season after season and are quick and easy to clean with simple soap and water. Others require more time-intensive care and special products to keep them looking great and working properly. If your time is at a premium, or you just don’t want the hassle, you may want to opt for lower maintenance materials.
Eco-Friendliness
Today, everyone is aware of the environmental impact of production processes and the raw materials that go into products, even if they don’t know the specifics. All things being equal, most people (hopefully) prefer to be ecologically responsible. Fortunately, most luxury brands of outdoor furniture employ “green” manufacturing practices. Use materials that are biodegradable, recyclable or certified by environmental groups such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). That said, different outdoor materials do vary in their renewability.
Cost
Most people will focus on the financial impact of choosing one material for furniture over another. You need to stay within your budget, but it’s also important to understand how expensive your materials are and their price versus benefit value in the long run. Will it need to be replaced frequently? Does it take an inordinate amount of time and effort to maintain? These are key cost considerations that you may not immediately think of when evaluating alternatives.
