The frames, tabletops, and upholstery of outdoor furniture must maintain their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal over several seasons and under various weather conditions. As well as these, it's crucial to look at the materials' pricing, "green-ness," and maintenance requirements throughout the course of the year.
Showers & Moisture
Make sure your furniture is resistant to harm from numerous water-based problems if you reside in a location with frequent rainstorms or high humidity. Standing water or trapped moisture can harm your health as well as physically deteriorate the material.
Rot, Mildew, and Mold
Various fungi can flourish in conditions that are humid or moist. Mold and mildew can grow on organic materials that retain water, which can lead to discomfort, respiratory troubles, and other health problems. However, they can usually be removed and don't harm the fabric. Rot, on the other hand, causes the material to biodegrade and disintegrate (decompose).
Corrosion and rust
Steel and iron-containing metals are susceptible to corrosion if they are continuously exposed to oxygen and water. These metals slowly become weaker due to the corrosive oxidation process, which leaves them with noticeable rust and other blemishes. Rusting is frequently more common in coastal areas because salt in the air and water speeds up the chemical reaction.
Warping
Materials that permit water penetration may dry unevenly, causing the original shape to warp (twist or bow). While it might not be noticeable at first, it can eventually cause the material to distort dramatically, cause seams to be out of alignment, and remove screws and other fasteners that keep the furniture together.
Temperature & Sun
It's important to seek for outdoor materials that can endure damage from strong UV rays and changes from high heat to cold if you reside in a sunny area or one with significant seasonal climatic shifts.
Fading
Many materials can fade and lose their luster over time when they are exposed to the sun on a regular basis. The aesthetic change may be pleasing (such as patina) or may just be a loss of color intensity or uneven spots.
Cracking
When heated or chilled, some materials visibly expand or contract. When subjected to extremely high or low temperatures, they may split, crack, distort, or become brittle. Furniture might flex and crack due to dry air as well.
Heat Storage
Other logistical issues may arise as a result of the heat. Patio furniture exposed to the sun can warm up and become uncomfortable (or dangerous) to touch. Nobody wants to sit on or move around in a lounge chair by the pool and burn their skin.
Wind
Your outdoor furniture needs to be heavy enough to stay there if you live in a place with a lot of wind or wide spaces. When defying Mother Nature, it doesn't take much to ruin a lovely, light-weight dining table or chair, therefore it's better to be safe than sorry. If not, you'll need to constantly lock up or stow your items when not in use.
Durability
Under ideal circumstances, some outdoor materials might survive for years, but when exposed to bad weather, they might need to be changed every few seasons. Others can endure a lifetime of various elements and yet seem brand new. Usage is another factor that affects durability. The sun loungers and daybeds that line the poolside of well-known upmarket resorts and hotels will show less wear and tear if you just use your patio dining table a few times over the summer. The materials should be more durable the more frequently they will be used.
Care and Cleaning Difficulty
How effectively you maintain your patio furniture also has an impact on its aesthetic appeal and practical durability. Season after season, some materials require very little maintenance and are quick and simple to clean with just soap and water. Others need more time-consuming maintenance and specialized supplies to keep them functioning and looking excellent. Choose lower maintenance materials if your time is limited or if you simply don't want the effort.
Eco-Friendliness
Even if they are unaware of the facts, today's population is aware of how production methods and the materials used to make items affect the environment. When everything else is equal, most individuals (ideally) prefer to practice environmental responsibility. Fortunately, the majority of high-end outdoor furniture firms have embraced "green" manufacturing techniques and use recyclable, biodegradable, or certified eco-friendly materials like those from the Forest Stewardship Council. (FSC). However, the renewability of many outdoor materials varies.
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