February 25, 2010
Garden Furniture – Selecting the Right Material
Garden furniture adds value to and enlivens any garden. A set of well-selected chairs and tables never fail to impress guests. Of course, homeowners should have more than aesthetic purposes in mind when selecting their outdoor furniture. Functionality is just as important as its style and visual appeal.
Garden furniture should not be picked out randomly. They have to be carefully selected and important factors have to be considered before you can get the right pieces of furniture for your garden or patio. One of the most important point of consideration is the material of your garden furniture. Remember that there are several kinds of materials, each catering to different functions and needs.
One of the most common materials is wood. Because it comes from nature, the material fits right in a garden and often gives the impression of style and class. Certain types of wood such as oak, cedar, teak and redwood are often preferred over other types. This is because these wood types are naturally resistant to fungi and harsh weather. Even so, these kinds of wood still have to be specially treated to make them last even longer. Moreover, proper maintenance has to be observed. Otherwise, wood will succumb to harsh conditions even with pre treatment.
Another favorite wood type is rattan. Unlike other hard wood, rattan can be woven to form different furniture shapes and more comfortable furniture styles. Just like hardwood pieces, rattan pieces have to be treated for durability. Most pieces are also made of more durable synthetic rattan.
Aluminum is another option for garden furniture material. Most contemporary pieces are made in aluminum. This material is often a favorite option because it is lightweight and is fairly comfortable especially when pads and cushions are used. Furthermore, aluminum is comparatively durable and can withstand natural conditions compared to wood. A disadvantage of using aluminum though is that time will eventually decrease the strength of its coating which can lead to irreversible corrosion.
If you are after portability, plastic is even a better choice. It is more lightweight than aluminum and more resistant to harsh outdoor conditions. Plastic usually does not degenerate unless it is intentionally damaged or exposed to too much sunlight. The material however can sometimes look cheap and can be difficult to clean.
If you want another natural look that fits right into your garden, stone is another great option. What homeowners like about stone is that it does not have to be treated like other material and it lasts longer and is more durable too. Stone in and by itself can resist damage. The downside to using stone is that it is uncomfortable to use without sufficient padding or cushion.
A final material to consider is wrought iron. Like wood, this material can give the impression of good taste and elegance. When made and treated properly, it can almost be as durable as stone. It is also a low maintenance material. Pieces of furniture made with this material though can sometimes be uncomfortable to use for long periods of time and can cost a lot.
As far as modern materials used for garden furniture, there are so many to consider. In most cases, pieces can even be a combination of two or more material, combining the aesthetic appeal of one with the functionality of the other. Choosing the right material based on comfort and durability is often the best way to find the most appropriate outdoor pieces.
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Filed under Garden Furniture by Niki Rome









