Summertime is around the corner, and many homeowners are looking to buy outdoor patio furniture to enjoy the weather. Popular materials used for outdoor furniture are aluminum, steel, or plastic wood.
Why is Aluminum the premium choice? It offers superior durability & strength you should expect from your outdoor furniture purchase.
Aluminum Patio Furniture
Advantages:
- Rust-free: Aluminum does not rust, which is a major benefit.
- Corrosion-resistant: Although aluminum can corrode, it is minimal and can be further minimized with powder coating, which also adds color variety.
- Minimal Color Fade: Powder coating provides a very durable finish to aluminum surfaces, making them resistant to scratches, chipping, abrasions, corrosion, and fading. This is crucial for outdoor furniture which is exposed to various elements.
- Low maintenance: It requires little upkeep and any accumulated aluminum oxide can be cleaned with soap and water.
- Lightweight: Aluminum weighs one-third of the lightest steel material.
Disadvantages:
- Difficult to weld: Welding aluminum is complex due to a protective oxide layer that forms on its surface.
- Cost-effective: Generally, aluminum is more expensive for consumers compared to steel.
- Storm-proofing: Furniture made of aluminum might blow around because it is so lightweight, especially in strong winds.
Forever Aluminum uses laser welding to bond our products forming a strong, attractive, and cost-effective solution. We also use thicker materials to ensure your patio furniture is not going to blow around in the wind like typical aluminum furniture.
Steel Patio Furniture
Disadvantages:
- Prone to rust: Steel can rust if not treated properly.
- Heavy: It is heavier, making it difficult to move.
- Requires maintenance: To prevent rust, steel furniture needs regular upkeep.
Plastic Outdoor Furniture
Disadvantages:
- Aesthetic and Feel: Plastic furniture may not offer the same upscale or natural look as wood or metal furniture. It can also feel less sturdy and less comfortable compared to more robust materials.
- Environmental Impact: While Plastic wood is often touted as an eco-friendly option because it can be made from recycled plastic, the production and disposal of plastic furniture still contribute to environmental issues. Not all plastic furniture is recyclable, and it can degrade into microplastics.
- Heat Retention: Plastic furniture can absorb and retain heat, making it uncomfortably hot to use during sunny days, especially if it's dark in color.
- Longevity and Durability: Although generally durable, plastic furniture can become brittle and crack over time, particularly in colder climates. It also may not withstand heavy weight as well as metal or solid wood furniture.
- Color Fading: Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause the colors of plastic furniture to fade or become yellowish, reducing its aesthetic appeal.
- Limited Styles and Customization: Plastic furniture typically comes in predetermined shapes and colors, offering less flexibility for customization compared to materials like wood or metal, which can be easily painted or treated.