Outdoor Living Furniture

There is a wide choice in the type of outdoor living furniture you can go with.  The key factors in the selection of the material are based on budget, durability, style, and comfort.   Many just cannot afford to invest a lot in their outdoor domain.  So, they usually pick plastic.  Others simply want low maintenance pieces that will last a long time.   Finally, there are the ones who want the perfect setting for their outdoor home recreation.  Let’s look more closely at the different material options available to you.

1)     Plastic – This by far is the cheapest route to go and is the most readily available.  Even local general stores carry stock of basic plastic chairs and other small pieces.   The down side is you give up durability and usually style.

2)     Wood – This is traditionally been the most common material used for outdoor furniture although plastic has really cut into the market during the last 20 years or so.  Often, wood is used to create a rustic atmosphere.   They is a wide range of the types of woods used (reference this post) and most woods used needs some form of a protective coating.

3)     Wicker/Rattan – Relative to wood is the stylish reed furniture manufactured in the wicker weave design.  Most people create a southern veranda feel to their outdoor area when choosing wicker.  The negative to wicker is that it is not very durable.

4)     Aluminum – This metal furniture is durable and economical.  It is also not a heavy material.  Aluminum, though, is prone to corrosion if not protected.  You usually sacrifice in style too.

5)     Wrought Iron – This is generally the classiest outdoor furniture material.  Wrought iron usually brings an elegance and prestige to your outdoor setting.  It’s also the most durable material of the choices.  Because of these qualities, wrought iron is expensive.   It’s also a very heavy  type of furniture.

These are your choices.  Pick the style that best suits your needs.