Summer is coming, and outdoor furniture will soon be used. You may consider that outdoor furniture should have the same characteristics as indoor furniture such as tables, chairs and sofas, such as durability, comfort and style (and of course, the price). These are necessary. But the main difference between indoor and outdoor furniture is: outdoor furniture inevitably faces the wind, the sun and the rain.
Although there is no 100% weatherproof outdoor furniture, but different materials of furniture, there will be great differences in the service life. First of all, you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of various materials to determine which material is more suitable for your residential or commercial space, your personal preference and style, and your specific needs. Strictly speaking, each application scenario is unique.
Today, we make a detailed analysis of the applicable environment, advantages and disadvantages of commonly used outdoor materials.
Factors to be considered for outdoor materials
Outdoor furniture, if you want to maintain the structural integrity and appearance after many years, year-round maintenance is also an important aspect.
1. Rain & humidity
If you live in an area with frequent rainstorms or high humidity, consider selecting materials that can resist various water-based problems. Because the residual water will not only physically degrade the material, but also bring the risk of bad human health.
2. Mold and decay
The humid environment creates an environment in which all kinds of fungi can multiply. Materials that are easy to absorb water are easy to mold, which can cause respiratory problems, irritation and other health problems. If it is maintained in time, the material will not be damaged. However, if the maintenance is not timely and rotten, it will lead to the biodegradation and decomposition of the material.
3. Corrosion
Metals such as iron or steel are susceptible to corrosion if they are continuously exposed to water and oxygen. The oxidation process slowly erodes these metals, causing corrosion or discoloration. In addition, the acidity and alkalinity of air and rain accelerate chemical processes, so rust is more common in coastal areas.
4. Micro deformation
Water permeable materials may have uneven wetting and drying inside, resulting in warping (twisting or bending) of the shape. It is difficult to detect at first, but with the passage of time, the deformation of the material can be seen clearly.
5. Sunlight and temperature
If you live in sunny areas or areas with seasonal climate change, you need to choose outdoor materials that can resist ultraviolet rays and extreme temperature differences.
6. Fading
Long term exposure to sunlight can cause many materials to fade and lose luster, such as reduced brightness and uneven spots.
7. Cracking
Some materials expand and contract significantly when heated or cooled. When exposed to extreme temperature differences between morning and night, they break, split, warp or become brittle. Also, dry air can cause furniture to bend and crack.
8. Endothermic
Terrace furniture in direct sunlight may become hot and uncomfortable (or unsafe) to touch. If do not add heat insulation cushion, serious, burn skin.
9. Wind
If you live in an open and windy place, you should consider the weight. Otherwise, when you get up tomorrow morning, the table will blow away, and the outdoor furniture will be heavy enough to avoid overturning or blowing away. Don’t challenge nature. It doesn’t take a lot of money for a mother to damage a beautiful lightweight folding chair or dining table, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Otherwise, you will need to continue to store or protect the item when it is not in use.
10. Durability
Under ideal conditions, some outdoor materials may last for several years, but in real bad weather, they may have to be replaced every few seasons. In addition, durability is related to utilization rate. If your terrace table only eats a few times a year in the summer, it will wear less and last longer than the reclining chairs on the pool side of upscale resorts and hotels.
11. Cleaning and maintenance
The beauty and functional durability also depend on the maintenance of your terrace furniture. Some simple soapy water can be cleaned quickly and easily. Some need special care products. If your time is precious or you don’t want to be bothered, choose materials that don’t require maintenance.
12. Environmental protection
Today, everyone knows that the raw materials used in the production process and products will have an impact on the environment. Most luxury outdoor furniture brands adopt the “green” manufacturing method, and use materials that are biodegradable, recyclable or certified by environmental organizations such as the Forest Management Council (FSC). The renewability of different outdoor materials is indeed different.
13. Cost
At the end of the day, most people are thinking about buying furniture and choosing what materials they want to buy. But in the long run, the relationship between price and service life is also very important. Is it necessary to replace it frequently? Does maintenance take a lot of time and effort? These are key cost considerations.
Post time: Dec-21-2020