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This is a collaborative post.
Your garden is like a calming retreat, wouldn’t you say? Come rain or shine, spending some quality time with loved ones in the comfort of your own patio is always a welcome sight. Since we’re all cooped up in our homes thanks to a certain virus that’s spreading like wildfire, going outside to enjoy the sun and fresh air is a nice change of scenery to what we’re used to most of the time.
Surely all of that sounds incredibly tempting but if you really want to make the most out of that experience, you’ll have to get all the cards right. The secret ingredient in that mix is quite the obvious one – finding comfortable and durable outdoor patio furniture to truly kick your feet up in style. Sure enough, there are plenty of ways to beautify your yard and picking your favourite pieces of outdoor furniture is the first step towards creating an enjoyable oasis.
What Is the Purpose of Outdoor Furniture?
In the long run, outdoor furniture plays a role that is both practical and functional. Essentially, you’re given the opportunity to move your indoor rooms outdoors, without actually moving anything. In other words, you’ll get to enjoy the comfort and cosiness of your home in an outdoor setting. Sounds like the best of both worlds, don’t you think?
Additionally, the right patio furniture will effortlessly increase your home’s curb appeal and make it a real show-stopper for visitors and passers-by alike. You don’t even have to splurge on a full set if you don’t feel like it – a simple table with a few chairs should do the trick.
What Are Durable Materials for Outdoor Furniture?
One question that occupies shoppers’ minds most frequently is, which materials can withstand Aussie weather conditions without deteriorating over a short span of time? Truth is, there’s no straightforward answer since quite the subjective experience. Is the weather in your area dry and warm or is it humid and near the coast? Is rain a regular occurrence or is the sun beaming constantly?
You’ll need the answers to these questions if you want to make good use of the materials’ inherent properties. Knowing what you need is the key step to making the right decision. In terms of the specific materials available, you’ll likely come across four common contenders.
Metal
This is perhaps the most popular choice, with aluminium and iron in the lead. Aluminium is a favourable option because of its lightweight design and resistance to rust and moisture damage. On the other hand, iron is a sturdy and long-lasting material that’s equally corrosion-resistant. Moreover, both of those options are largely unaffected by UV rays so the sunlight will likely not cause significant damage.
The downside, however, is that aluminium can easily get blown off by strong winds. While iron won’t be sent flying by the wind, it doesn’t fare well when exposed to salty air and humid climates.
Teak
If you’re looking for a quaint and rustic vibe to your front porch, then teak garden furniture is your new best friend due to its timeless appeal. The material itself is quite tough yet comfortable, with only the right touch of elegance to brighten up the space.
However, it’s worth noting that the scorching sun may cause wood to splinter and crack whereas frequent moisture will imminently cause it to rot. But fear not, as long as your set has a protective coating, you’ll probably end up using it for many years to come without any signs of damage.
Resin
This one suits a wide range of décor styles so you’ll have no issue implementing it into your home. The synthetic fibres are capable of withstanding rain, sunlight and high levels of humidity which is why this material is known as ‘all-weather resin’. It’s also less expensive than the other options so it might be the most suitable choice for those on a tight budget.
Concrete
Traditionally, concrete is normally regarded as a crucial construction material but these days, it has taken on a completely different role. With durability and resilience as its main features, concrete has become vital in creating stylish outdoor patio furniture that’s just as snug as it is sturdy.
But bear in mind that concrete is inherently quite heavy, porous and prone to staining. This means that liquids can soak through the surface and leave a stain whereas acidic substances such as lemon juice or vinegar can even dissolve the cement paste and cause it to lose its original form. In any case, if you’re careful with how you handle your drinks, such scenarios shouldn’t be a problem in the future.
What to Remember When Buying Outdoor Furniture
Apart from the materials, there are a couple of other aspects you should consider before breaking the bank on your new outdoor set.
Choose Low-Maintenance Furniture
Think of it this way, do you want to spend the bulk of your leisure time cleaning up your furniture or actually taking some time off to unwind and calm your nerves? If you’re more inclined towards the latter, then you should definitely opt for a set that’s easy to clean and maintain. In this way, you won’t spend hours on end scrubbing it down which will definitely tire you out even more.
With that said, metal, teak and all-weather resin all fall into the easy-care category so it’s not like your options are limited. Whichever one you decide to go with will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.
Consider the Space
While there might be plenty of outdoor sets that catch your eye, there’s no point in getting one that’s too large in comparison to the size of your patio, is there? Plan out your space and shop accordingly for the best results.
Additionally, you might want to think about making room for extra storage space that allows you to pack up your set when you’re not using it. Storing it aside when you don’t need it prevents additional damage from weather conditions as well as the everyday wear and tear.
Choose Comfort over Style
It’s not all about looks, you know? A particular set might seem quite aesthetically pleasing and easy on the eyes but that’s of no use to you if it’s uncomfortable to sit on. Sure, you do want your patio to look nice and welcoming but neither you nor your guests will be enthusiastic enough to take a seat if that means you’ll be dealing with a sore back.