When picking out new outdoor furniture for your patio, it’s only natural to focus on style, functionality, and comfort. Something that might be easy to overlook, however, is the climate of the place you call home, and what furniture works best for this region. Outdoor furniture is made to last, but not every piece is built the same, and furniture’s ability to withstand the elements will vary depending upon the built quality and the material used.
To save yourself time and money down the road, and ensure that your furniture is suited to its new environment, here’s what you need to keep in mind.
Best Furniture For Wet Coastal Regions
Coastal regions are an excellent place to live, but salty sea air and lots of moisture can take a toll on your furniture. Choose furniture which is well-made and has strong joints (which aren’t held together with glue).- Aluminum
- Cast Aluminum
- Resin Wicker
- Teak Furniture
Aluminum and cast aluminum furniture is a popular choice for coastal regions thanks to its versatility and rust resistance. Aluminum does not rust in the way wrought iron would and its coating makes it even a better choice for salty climates. Teak is also an excellent choice. This amazing hardwood is capable of withstanding every climate and its natural oils protect it from the sun and humidity.
Outdoor Furniture Hot, Dry, and Sunny Regions
Synthetic resin and teak are the best materials for places that get a lot of hot, sunny days. Make sure to buy High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Wicker and not inexpensive PVC material. PVC has a tendency to fray, fracture, or become brittle.- Wrought Iron
- Aluminum and Cast Aluminum
- Teak Furniture
- High-Density Polyethylene
Teak is a beautiful and excellent choice. It requires little to no maintenance but it can develop a gray patina, which looks beautiful but not everyone likes it. The patina will not affect the durability of the furniture, since teak wood produces its own oil and won’t rot. Wrought Iron and Aluminum Furniture are also extremely resistant to element exposure; these materials don’t warp or crack and are suitable for extreme climates.
Best Furniture For Mild Climate
If you live in a mild to the moderate climate you have a lot of options. Whatever your needs and style preferences, Today’s Patio offers an extensive selection of high-quality patio furniture guaranteed to make your outdoor area shine. Since outdoor furniture is made to withstand the elements to a certain degree, most of these materials are suitable for mild climates:- Stainless steel
- Plastic
- Aluminum and Cast Aluminum
- Wrought iron
- Synthetic resin
- Teak
All of these materials are water-resistant and capable to withstand different degrees of sun, rain, salty climates, humidity, and use. Maintenance is always required in different degrees for each one of the furniture materials, but generally speaking, you have plenty of options to choose from if you live in a place with a mild climate.
Patio Furniture For Cold Regions
In some states, like Michigan, you might only use your patio furniture a few months out of the year. If you have a space like a large garage or shed, where you can easily store the furniture during the cold period, then you aren’t really limited by material since your furniture won’t be exposed to the elements much. But, if you don’t plan on storing the furniture your patio furniture is going to brave the snow and ice, good choices are:- Powder-coated aluminum
- HDPE Wicker
- Sealant-treated Teakwood
Choosing The Right Materials For Your Climate Will Increase The Lifespan Of Your Furniture
Outdoor furniture is made to last and withstand the elements. However, not all materials are the same. For example, Wrought Iron is not suitable for the salty environment of the coast. Natural wicker is not so suitable for extremely hot and sunny climates in the same way that Teak.Explore furniture by materials to find the perfect collection for your climate: