Selecting weather-resistant patio, balcony, or garden furniture means ensuring all-seasons functionality and attractiveness in the outdoor living space. The right furniture must be able withstand wind, rain, and snow, or intense sun.
In addition to it being weather-resistant and functional, you also want it to look stylish. Here’s a guide to help you better understand what types of materials are best suited for various outdoor climates. And remember, Forshaw offers outdoor furnishings that are both durable and easy on the eyes.
Consider Your Climate
The initial phase of choosing outdoor furniture that withstands the weather is to think about the climate where you live. Various materials fare better in different environmental conditions:
Arid and Sunny Climates
For places with searing sunshine, elements of design such as aluminum, teak, or synthetic wicker are best. They stand up to fading and splitting under the hard solar scrutiny.
Chill and Damp Weather
Stainless steel, resin wicker, and treated wood are the better choices for areas that experience lots of rain or snow. They resist moisture and the kind of mold and mildew that can ruin lesser materials.
Humid and Coastal Climates
Coastal regions have high humidity and air laden with salt, which promotes rust and corrosion. Aluminum that has been powder-coated, teak, and marine-grade stainless steel are great alternatives, since they will resist rust and corrosion.
Durability and Maintenance
Selecting weather-resistant furniture demands an emphasis on durability. You’ll want to seek out materials that can withstand not just the occasional storm, but also the four seasons every year:
- Aluminum: Aluminum is light, resists rust, and is tough enough to handle the elements.
- Teak wood: Teak is a wood that is very much made for the outdoors, being naturally resistant to the weather because of the high oil content within the wood.
- Synthetic wicker: Made from polyethylene or polypropylene, it has durability, fade resistance, and crack and moisture resistance.
- Cast iron: A strong and beautiful material for outdoor furniture, it requires maintenance to stave off rust, especially in humid locales.
- Marine-Grade Stainless Steel: This type of steel is specifically formulated to combat the corrosive effects of saltwater in coastal environments.
Weather-Resistant Cushions and Fabrics
Cushions for outdoor furniture need to be crafted from materials that resist all kinds of weather. They’re going to have to withstand not just sun but also rain and, if you’re in a part of the country that has four seasons, snowfall. The experts at Forshaw suggest opting for one of the following:
- Sunbrella: This fabric offers high performance, and it is known for its ability to resist fading and for its water resistance. It is easy to clean, can take a lot of use, and can withstand the kinds of conditions that you might find outdoors.
- Olefin: This is a synthetic fiber that’s resistant to fading, mildew, and stains. It is durable and lightweight, making it a great option for cushions and pillows.
- Acrylic, Solution-Dyed: This fabric resists fading, stains, and water. It’s perfect for very exposed furniture cushions.
Forshaw Offers Stylish, Reliable Outdoor Furniture for Every Climate
Choosing weather-resistant outdoor furniture is a matter of style, durability, and functionality. You must understand not just the look that works for you but also your climate and what materials will hold up under the various climate conditions you experience.
