When evaluating outdoor furniture, you’re probably going to look for many of the same characteristics that you value in indoor tables, chairs and sofas – durability, comfort and style (and of course price).Choosing the “best” material for outdoor patio furniture is dependent on matching your specific needs with the inherent qualities of each substance since each situation is unique.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.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.Organic materials that retain water are susceptible to mold and mildew, which can cause respiratory problems, irritation and other health issues.Initially, it may be imperceptible, but over time it can noticeably distort the material, misalign 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.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.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.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.Fortunately, most luxury brands of outdoor furniture have adopted “green” manufacturing practices and utilize materials that are biodegradable, recyclable or certified by eco-friendly organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).You need to stay within your budget, but it’s also important to understand how expensive materials are in the long run and their price versus benefits value.It has a natural beauty, is generally easy to work with and provides a sturdy framework for tables, chairs, benches and other furnishings.Many softwoods, such as pressure-treated pine, cedar and fir are inexpensive and widely used for indoor furnishings, but do not stand up well to the elements and need constant protection when not in use.Its gorgeous honey brown appearance can be maintained with minimal oiling, or it can patina into an attractive silver-gray over time, if left untreated.Scandinavian manufacturers like Skagerak and Skargaarden embrace teak’s natural beauty and utilize its inherent strength to design artistic graceful collections of outdoor lounge and dining furniture.PROS – Durable, strong, resistant to weather, decay and insects, no cracking or warping and it’s easy to care for.It also has a high oil content that protects it against insects, minimizes rotting and resists weather damage.This strong Australian hardwood is fast-growing, lasts a long time and offers significant cost savings versus teak.But, a sealant is recommended to improve the resistance of eucalyptus to pests and minimize the negative impact of uneven moisture retention.ironwood), unlike many of its hardwood counterparts, has a deep rich colored grain which fades slower when exposed to weathering [Jankowska, Reder, Gołofit 2017].It has long been used to build boats, due to its structural ability to repel water, which also helps it resist rot.Roble is scarce, lightweight and lasts half as long as teak, while African iroko is very hard to work with, easily splinters and blunts woodworking tools.Mahogany has a beautiful reddish tint, but is coarse, requires a lot of maintenance and doesn’t handle rot as well as teak.Because of its strength, metallic frames can be thinner and shaped into more complex designs than other options, giving manufacturers greater style flexibility.Various production techniques can create metal chairs and tables that don’t require bolts, screws or other fasteners that make other types of furniture more susceptible to break down.This sturdy metal alloy is extremely strong, which makes it a great material option for large weight-bearing outdoor dining tables, sofas and sectionals.While it does get hot to the touch when exposed to the summer heat, stainless steel endures extreme temperatures better than most metals.Its composition makes it virtually immune to rust and corrosion, but a powder coating is recommended for added resistance, especially in coastal areas where salt air and water are present.If you are comparing types of stainless steel, the higher the Chromium content the more resistant the alloy is to atmospheric corrosion.Similarly, the presence of Molybdenum prevents red rust and reduces the depth of surface pitting [Mameng, Pettersson & Leygraf 2017].Garden and patio furniture made from stainless steel is heavy and will not tip over or blow away under windy conditions.It’s a great material choice for high end modern outdoor furniture since its sleek silvery metallic finish has a chic contemporary look.Not only is it relatively easy to clean, but it’s often made using recycled metals, making it an environmentally responsible choice.This is also helpful if your deck or poolside is exposed to salt air, which tends to eat away at paint and untreated metal.Throughout history, iron has been used for tools, buildings and furnishings because of its strength and durability – it can last a hundred years if properly cared for.While it is long-lasting, outdoor iron frames and tabletops can require a lot of care to clean, maintain and protect against rusting.Additionally, the metal tends to match the prevailing temperature – it gets very hot in summer and freezing cold if left out in the winter.CONS – Rusts easily, requires more maintenance, can be uncomfortable, difficult to move and retains heat or cold.Natural wicker is made from a variety of organic sources such as rattan, seagrass, bamboo, banana leaf and even willow.While strong and aesthetically pleasing, plant-based wicker is susceptible to damage from rainy weather, moisture and humidity – a poor material choice for outdoor chairs, sofas and coffee tables.High-density polyethylene (HDPE) does not emit any chemicals, is highly puncture resistant and can be exposed to UV rays for decades without experiencing any degradation [Topliff 2018].There are lower quality synthetic wickers made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which tends to become brittle and crack over time.In addition to wood, metal and plastic, luxury outdoor furniture utilizes a number of other durable materials in a variety of applications.This composite is usually comprised of kraft paper that is impregnated with resin and aluminum and then heated under high pressure to create a layered contemporary material.HPL made with pine kraft lignin is especially good for outdoor applications, as it has a low affinity for water which can cause swelling, internal stress and cracking [Ghorbani, Mahendran, van Herwijnen, Liebner & Konnerth 2017].High-pressure laminate works well as an elegant tabletop for modern styled outdoor dining and bistro tables, although it can be pricey relative to other material options.Lacquering glass increases its protection against the effects of the elements, while acid washing inures it to smudges and fingerprints.Glass is a great choice for sunroom or screened-in porch dining and coffee tables, where there is some shade to prevent the sun from reflecting off it and blinding guests.While some minimalist modern environments may incorporate solid concrete outdoor furniture into their permanent design, this composite is more frequently employed in conjunction with other materials.It can serve as a sturdy base for glass top dining and lounge tables, or as an imposing tabletop sitting upon a substantial metal frame.Fibers may be comprised of glass, steel, synthetic or organic material and they increase the structural integrity of the concrete.Outdoor furniture cushions, slings and accent pillows require fabrics that can withstand the stringent demands of constant exposure to the elements.Consequently, fabrics made from synthetic thread, infused with plastic, are much better options for outdoor upholstery covers.All things considered, acrylic fabric is best all-purpose textile for outdoor furniture cushions, throw pillows and patio umbrellas.The company has products that range from soft and suitable for urban home use up to marine grade materials that can survive the rigors of saltwater, wind and sun on yachts and catamarans.It’s tear-resistant and dries quickly, but most outdoor polyester fabrics (at least the non-treated average grade options) fade faster than other synthetic textiles.You can achieve brighter colors and more intricate patterns, but it won’t last as long when exposed to UV rays.It is an ideal choice for self-supporting sling seating like poolside sunloungers, patio dining chairs and bar stools.It’s used by many luxury outdoor furniture brands like Sifas for the seat and back slings of high-end lounge chairs and sofas.Twitchell also manufactures a variety of mesh grades that are appropriate for sun screens, awnings, tarps and fencing.PROS – Strong, resists tearing and water damage, quick drying and comes in bold colors and patterns.Consequently, the foam core of your upholstery must not only hold its shape and comfort level, but it must also be able to dry quickly and prevent damage from moisture too.It is constructed with an antimicrobial agent that protects the foam from mold and mildew growth that can occur in the drying process.floatation foam) repels water and is buoyant, making it a good choice for boat seating and life vests.It works best in low to moderate use outdoor environments, since it compresses over time and frequent use will cause it to lose shape quicker.Each material has specific instructions for cleaning various types of spills, repairing damage and protecting it from the ravages of the wind, rain and sun.Read our Patio Furniture Cleaning & Care Guide for a detailed look at a variety of materials and tips for maintaining them.USES AND INSTALLATION OF HDPE LINER TO REDUCE SOIL EROSION AND PREVENT WATER LOSS (Doctoral dissertation)
