It might be your dream to have a large deck or patio to enjoy the outdoors during nice weather. However, the outdoor furniture you choose can add to your enjoyment or ruin the fantasy. Before you invest in a set of furniture, consider the materials available that will fit your needs.
Think About Weather
Generally, furniture that is made for outdoor use is weather-resistant, meaning it should stand up to rain and have a lower chance of mold growth. The exception is furniture made from wrought iron, which will rust over time. Most of the problems associated with mold come from the cushions of your furniture. It is easier to choose items with removable cushions, so they can be taken indoors when it rains. Another option is to be more meticulous about the cushions you choose for your furniture. You will likely want vinyl because water tends to bead up and roll off vinyl. Another option is to treat your cushions with a waterproofing spray. Since many type of fabric will react differently, spray a small section of the fabric and follow the manufactures instructions. Once the product is dry, use a glass of water to poor onto the test spot to see if the fabric resists water before spraying all the cushions.
Consider Furniture Weight
Heavy-weight outdoor furniture has benefits and pitfalls. You likely want items with a decent amount of weight, such as wood or metal, because these items will not tip over on breezy days. However, you must consider how easy it is for you to rearrange furniture or move it to a safer location when there are high gusts or a storm approaching. Unless your furniture items are bolted to the deck or concrete, it is never safe to allow the furniture to remain outside during strong storms, since they can quickly become a projectile. If you choose furniture items that are difficult to move quickly, you may want to have other plans in place to anchor them during a storm, such as a way to tie or chain down each furniture item.
Try Resin
Resin is a popular material for outdoor furniture because it combines many of the best features of other materials. For example, resin has lightweight properties, which makes it easy to rearrange or move when necessary, but has a sturdy construction unlike inexpensive plastic furniture. One of the major benefits of resin is you can find resin that resembles other materials. If you prefer the look of wood or wicker, consider resin furniture created to resemble these items. Resin is also low maintenance, but you will need to clean your resin furniture to inhibit mold growth and allow it to thoroughly dry in the sun after it rains. You can also use a protective spray that prevents mold from growing to make maintenance easier.
Carefully thinking about your outdoor furniture materials before you make a purchase will make it easier to enjoy the outdoors. Contact a furniture dealer, like Think Outside... The Outdoor Great Room Store, for more help.
