As the warm months approach, thoughts of relaxing in the sunshine or enjoying an alfresco meal become more appealing. However, transforming your outdoor space into a comfortable and stylish extension of your home requires the right outdoor furniture. You should consider both functionality and aesthetics. Choose the furniture to create zones for different activities, such as dining, lounging, and entertaining.
Anyway, investing in quality outdoor furniture can significantly enhance your outdoor living experience. Related to that, by choosing the right materials and maintaining them properly, you can create a beautiful and durable outdoor oasis that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Here is the guide for you to choose the best furniture for your outdoor space.
Choosing the Right Materials
Outdoor furniture needs to withstand the elements while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. Here are some popular materials and their characteristics:
Wood Material
For the wood material, to make it durable you can clean the furniture regularly with mild soap and water. Then, apply sealant or oil yearly to maintain color and prevent cracking. Here are the different wood types that you can use.
1. Teak: Known for its durability and resistance to weather, teak is a popular choice for outdoor furniture. Its natural oils make it resistant to rot and insects.
Having the teak wood furniture without adding any color to it is really adorable. You can see the real color of the wood which is soft, natural, earthy, and calming at the same time. Teak Wood Furniture from @fdbmobler
2. Eucalyptus: A more affordable alternative to teak, eucalyptus also boasts impressive durability and a similar aesthetic.
The eucalyptus has a special color which is quite different from the common wood color. It has a white tone that can be the unique side of this wood to be made as furniture. We also recommend you not to add any color to the eucalyptus furniture because it is already special. Eucalyptus Wood Furniture from @old_police_station
3. Cedar: Lightweight and resistant to moisture and insects, cedar is a good option for outdoor use, though it requires regular maintenance to retain its color.
Look at the lines that the wood has for this bar table! the lines are the layers of the wood that represent the age of the wood. It is clear that the wood has such a great quality related to its age. Then, the wood is made to be as natural as possible be seen from the shapes. So adorable! Cedar Wood Furniture from @totalboat
Metal Material
If you want to make it durable, wipe down the furniture with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Then, apply a rust-resistant finish as needed. There are three types of metal materials that are mostly recommended.
1. Aluminum: Lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to move, aluminum is ideal for outdoor furniture. It can be powder-coated for added durability and a variety of color options.
The aluminum material has a silver color that can be a little bit bright. If you want a modern impression, this one can be a recommendation for you. Not to make it boring, you can add another color where in this image, the additional color is dark grey for the chairs. Aluminum Furniture from @casa_nova_raumgestaltung_ag
2. Steel: Heavier and sturdier than aluminum, steel requires a protective coating to prevent rust. Stainless steel is a more expensive but rust-resistant option.
The steel material furniture is perfect in black color. It can be made with lines and standpoints to make it minimalist and futuristic. Look at how adorable this set of steel furniture is! Steel Furniture from @harunaholdings
3. Wrought Iron: Known for its classic and elegant designs, wrought iron is incredibly durable but prone to rust if not properly maintained.
Commonly, the wrought iron material is made in indentation when being used for furniture. In case you love something classic and aesthetic at the same time, this one is the best choice! Wrought Iron Furniture from @theperfectfindconsignments
Synthetic Materials
It won’t be difficult to maintain the synthetic material furniture, you can clean it with a mixture of mild soap and water. Also, avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface. Here are the possible synthetic materials for your outdoor furniture.
1. Resin Wicker: Often made from polyethylene, resin wicker mimics the look of natural wicker but is more durable and weather-resistant.
The resin wicker material can be seen as the rattan furniture which is great since it looks natural and earthy. It has texture and pattern that become the interesting value of this kind of material. Resin Wicker Furniture from @villa_outdoors
2. Plastic: High-quality plastic furniture can be surprisingly stylish and is often resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling.
The plastic material is underestimated sometimes. But, look at how proper it can be. It can be made into varied designs and colors. It is also light so that you will get the ease when moving it. Plastic Furniture from @doitbestcom
Fabric Material
For the fabric material, acrylic and polyester are blent to resist fading, mildew, and moisture. You can maintain the furniture by removing cushions and washing covers according to manufacturer instructions. Don’t forget to store cushions indoors when not in use to prolong their life.
