Creating an outdoor entertainment space for your home can be an enjoyable experience, especially as the spring months inch closer and the weather becomes warmer. However, depending on where you live and personal preference, choosing the material of your furniture is a huge factor.
Choosing the right material takes education and research. In order to select what works best for your space, you’ll need to consider factors such as aesthetics, durability, weather conditions and functionality. From there, you can decide what provides you and your guests the most comfort at the best price.
Here at Watson Brothers Patio and Hearth, we offer four furniture materials to choose from: Poly, Wrought Iron, Wicker and Aluminum. Each one has its own unique set of benefits, which we break down to help you choose the option that works best for you.
Poly
Poly is most commonly used in Adirondack chairs. It is made from recycled material, such as detergent bottles and milk jugs, which is a benefit for those wanting to live a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. The material is resistant to rain, mold and mildew, and it typically lasts 20 years or more, so if you find furniture you love you won’t have to replace it often.
Poly is essentially maintenance free, so it’s ideal for those with busy lifestyles who may not always have time to polish and clean their outdoor furniture. Plus, if you have saltwater pool in your backyard, the material won’t be damaged or become rusted. According to dutchcrafters.com, it’s “just plain easier.”
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is a “historical outdoor finishing material.” In fact, the name “wrought” actually means that it was “worked by hand” as opposed to cast iron which is made from molds.
If you’re looking for unique, handcrafted designs to create your outdoor space, this is the choice for you. Wrought iron stays strong and durable in harsh weather conditions, however, it’s important to consider that this material is much heavier than others.
For those that love to decorate, this choice in material is great for adding colorful pillows or placing around a large table, as it matches any other decor styles.
Wicker
Some say wicker is the outdoor furniture staple, and for good reason. This material comes in several designs and colors to suit style looks and needs. It can be incorporated with a modern or contemporary outdoor style and is easy to maintain.
If you’re worried about wicker holding up in certain weather conditions, no need to worry. Advances in the production of this material have led to the increase in synthetic weave that is treated with UV resistant resin to provide great protection from the elements.
This material is lightweight, so if you become bored with your outdoor arrangement, you can easily move it around. Wicker pairs well with other materials if you’re looking to add on to other furniture you already own.
Aluminum
Aluminum is lightweight and easy to move around a table if you host outdoor parties and gatherings. However, if you live in areas with high wind gusts, aluminum may not be the best choice in material for you, as it can blow around easily.
This material is built to last and is rust resistant, making it the ideal choice if you want something that will last a long time. Modern cast aluminum isn’t restricted to the plain and dull aesthetic of most aluminum chairs, like beach chairs and fold-ups. The liquid metal can be poured into intricate molds and designs to give you a variety of options.
While choosing outdoor furniture comes down to personal preferences, it’s still just as important to understand the qualities of materials before making a purchase.
Here at Watson Brothers Patio and Hearth, we would love to help you get started on choosing the right material for your space. We have a wide variety of options to choose from. And be sure to check out https://www.watsonbrotherspatioandhearth.com/outdoor-living.html for all your outdoor furniture, grilling and and outdoor kitchen needs.
