Buying and Storing Tips for Outdoor Furniture

Wood

• Description: large variety of styles and availability; longevity depends on wood type and preservative/finish
• Location: for indoor and outdoor use, depending on wood type and preservative
• Type: made from a variety of species, such as redwood, teak (which is most resistant to weathering and rot), and unfinished white wood (must be treated with an exterior penetrating stain containing a mildew inhibitor and preservative)
• Price: varies significantly depending upon the type of wood (for instance, teak is much more expensive than pressure-treated pine), finish, craftsmanship, and assembly

 

Aluminum

• Description relatively lightweight furniture that is strong, rust resistant (although it may gradually discolor over time), and able to retain its shape well
• Location: perfect for outdoor use
• Type: cast aluminum -ornate furniture made by pouring molten aluminum into a mold
   wrought aluminum -pieces that are welded or forged, often ornate
   tubular aluminum -(the largest percentage) hollow tubing welded or bolted together
• Price: varies significantly from tubular aluminum (low end) to cast aluminum (high end)

 

Wicker

• Description: strips of material (natural or synthetic) woven around a frame; this furniture often has a full, bulky appearance
• Location: strips of natural material are not intended for exposure to rain, direct sunlight, and dew; synthetic all-weather wicker can withstand the elements
• Type: natural wicker strips are made from such plants as rattan, reed, willow, or bamboo; all-weather strips are made from synthetic materials and sometimes woven around an aluminum frame
• Price: all-weather wicker pieces tend to be more expensive than those made from natural wicker

 

Iron

• Description: furniture that is heavy, versatile, and extremely durable
• Location: used both inside and outdoors (Note: Iron furniture will rust if it is not properly coated by the manufacturer and then carefully maintained by the homeowner)
• Type: wrought iron-pieces that are welded or forged, often ornate cast iron-heavy, typically ornate furniture that is formed in a mold (a less common method)
• Price: iron is often less expensive than furniture made with other materials, although design, finish, and workmanship play key roles in cost