Last month we talked about the importance of style
when choosing outdoor patio furniture, Casual Outdoor Dining or Relaxing Retreat. Now,
let’s take a closer look at the individual materials used to make quality
outdoor furniture. Knowing the pros and cons of specific manufacturing
materials can help you choose the best patio furniture for your home.
Fabrics
Part of the fun in choosing new patio furniture is
browsing new color palettes and fresh summer designs. Understanding a few
common fabric industry terms can make a difference in the long-term appearance
of your outdoor cushions and throw pillows.
- 100% acrylic fabrics are water resistant,
making them ideal for outdoor use. Each strand is individually dyed before
woven into a bolt of cloth. This process allows the colors to stay truer for
longer periods of time – even in direct sunlight. However, this process also
means that you may not see as many bright and intricate patterns with these
types of fabrics.
- Spun polyester fabrics often use a
screen-printing process. The colors and patterns are printed directly onto the
fabric after it has already been woven into large bolts. This process offers
you brighter colors and more designs, but spun polyester tends to fade faster
in the sun than acrylic fabric. Spun polyester fabrics are still an excellent
option if you plan to use your patio furniture in shadier areas such as on a
covered porch.
Cushions and pillows made from acrylic or spun
polyester fabrics should be properly stored during the winter months to ensure
longer wear. Since they are both synthetic fabrics, they should also never be
dry-cleaned or tumbled dry – even on a low setting. Always remember to follow
manufacturers cleaning instructions for your outdoor fabrics.
Foam
You may not see it or even pay much attention to
it, but the quality of the foam that fills your outdoor cushions and pillows is
the next item you should consider when choosing your patio furniture.
- Regular foam is the same type found in your
indoor furniture. It can be used for your outdoor furniture as well, but only
if you take certain precautions when it comes to water. Regular foam, even when
paired with waterproofed fabric, can and will get wet if left outside. Over
time, water trapped inside the foam can mold your fabrics. Regular foam is best
used for outdoor furniture that will be well protected from unexpected summer
showers.
- Foam made for outdoor use is
specifically designed to dry quickly and resist mold. Special air holes inside
the foam allow water to run out and not pool inside the cushion. This type of
foam can be more expensive, but may be a better option if you plan to leave
your outside cushions unattended.
Chairs, Tables and Lounges
Quality outdoor furniture can be made out of most
any type of natural or manmade material. Plastic, wood, wicker and metal are
the most common. For many homeowners, budget and personal style play more of a
role when making final buying decisions.
- Plastic is an excellent choice if you
are shopping on a budget. Plastic is highly portable and a snap to clean. The
only downside is plastic may not maintain its appearance, or last as long as
other more expensive options.
- Wood gives outdoor furniture a
classic, warm feeling. Teak, pine, cedar, eucalyptus, or redwood are all
excellent choices when shopping for quality outdoor furniture. Hardwoods such
as teak tend to last longer than other types of wood furniture. Treating your
wood outdoor furniture with oils or sealants can help increase its lifespan, so
you can enjoy your furniture for years to come.
- Wicker is always a beautiful option
when choosing outdoor furniture and can be made from natural or synthetic
materials. When choosing natural wicker, look for cane, rattan, or bamboo.
Wicker gives your outdoor entertaining a cozy or rustic look.
- Metal furniture is often made from
wrought iron or aluminum. Wrought iron is best for formal or classic settings,
and is a great choice if durability is important. Like wrought iron, aluminum
is also very durable. Aluminum furniture is more expensive than wrought iron,
but requires less maintenance and will not rust.
Built to last
At Hennen Furniture, our sales representatives are
outdoor furniture experts. Our sales reps are here to help you with your
questions and concerns and can offer suggestions based on where and how you
want to use your new outdoor furniture. At Hennen’s, we carry all your favorite
patio furniture brands including Woodward, Homecrest, Tropitone, Breezesta, and
Seaside Casual. Come see our huge patio store! You’ll be glad you did!
