Most people end up replacing their patio furniture much too often. For some people it's almost a yearly tradidtion! If you follow a few simple guidelines, you'll be able to buy outdoor furniture that looks great and will last a very long time.
Choice of material is probably the biggest factor to think about when choosing outdoor furniture. The material is the biggest factor in determining the weather proofness of your outdoor furniture and how long it will last with minimal maintenance from you.
Plastic and aluminum are great choices for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on cleaning or maintenance. These materials have great weather proofing and are very resistant to rain. When they start to get dirty simply soap them up and then spray them down with a garden hose.
Cast iron and steel is another choice but they will corrode and rust unless varnished or sealed with some type of weather coating. You can also look for metal furniture that has been powder coated at the factory.
Wood on the other hand can be more of a problem. Teak is probably the best wood to choose as it is pretty weather resistant. Cheaper furniture that is not made of teak can rot and go bad pretty quickly. Just a few months of bad weather is all it takes to start mold forming. Waterproofing can be improved by varnishing or staining each piece, but it requires considerable effort that most homeowners would rather avoid.
Outdoor furniture is available in a wide variety of styles, shapes, colors and materials. If you follow these tips when shopping, you'll end up with a great looking yard or patio with furniture that will last.
Sheila Jonstone loves to help consumers find a bargain. Her two latest sites will help you find a great deal on a
Sit n Stand Stroller or a
Coffee Pod Machine.
