The idea of having your first outdoor patio furniture set is almost as exciting as buying your first home. You imagine the feel, finish, and sight of it all coming together. Images of you comfortably enjoying the natural sights and sounds of your yard from your outdoor space are ingrained in your mind.
But, before you rush to purchase your next piece of outdoor furniture, it's important to consider the maintenance that will be required to keep it in pristine condition. You want to make outdoor living large and comfortable, but do you want to spend all your time maintaining patio furniture rather than enjoying your time in your outdoor oasis?
Patio furniture shouldn’t overwhelm you, and that’s where low-maintenance patio furniture comes in!
So, let’s get started with the basics.
What is Low Maintenance Patio Furniture?
Your time, especially during the summer, is meant to be easy; relaxing by the pool or enjoying a drink in your lounge chair come to mind. You want to maximize your time on the things that matter most to you. As such, to achieve the best in outdoor living, you have to purchase furniture that complements your lifestyle.
Low maintenance patio furniture is easy to care for and will have you spending minimal time to maintain its quality.
Where to Get Low Maintenance Patio Furniture
For starters, there are many patio furniture retailers to choose from. However, where to get low-maintenance patio furniture comes down to the material of the furniture you choose.
Low Maintenance Materials for Patio Furniture
Some furniture materials require minimal attention, regardless of the season, and are easy to clean with water and a mild soap. Other materials require special attention and time-sensitive maintenance. Then, there are some materials that require special products to maintain their original quality and workmanship, especially when exposed to changing weather conditions.
These materials will give you a hassle-free maintenance experience, giving you more time to enjoy your outdoor furniture.
Synthetic Resin
Often confused with “rattan", synthetic resin is interwoven to make highly-durable, lightweight, stylish, and low-maintenance patio furniture. These elements make it one of the best materials for outdoor furniture.
When making your selection, be sure to purchase High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and PVC Wicker.
Synthetic resin patio furniture is easy to clean and is the best choice if you're looking for low-to-no-maintenance patio furniture. Sometimes, aluminum frames are used together with synthetic resin to strengthen the furniture.
Teak
Teak is by far the best wood for your patio furniture. Often known for its all-weather capabilities, strength, and smooth finish, teak is one of the strongest and most durable woods, especially when exposed to weather conditions such as the rain or sun. The wood produces rich natural oils that provide extra protection from moisture, preventing water damage.
Other woods, like cedar and pine, have to be stored indoors during rainy and winter seasons to protect it; this isn’t the case for teak furniture. The natural oils also make the hardwood resistant to rot and decay, as well as pests and termites. Furniture made of teak material is light, allowing for easy movement, while still offering a higher load capacity. Most importantly, one of the top reasons why people prefer buying teak wood over other materials is the insulation. Teak wood aids in moderating heat, allowing for warmth throughout the winter while not becoming too hot in the summer.
Overall, Teak is definitely a great investment as it is known to last for several decades, making it one of the most ideal low-maintenance patio furniture choices.
Aluminum
Aluminum is extremely versatile, lightweight, and durable, making it an attractive option. It stays rust-free when exposed to moist air, doesn’t crack like wood when exposed to the sun for long periods of time, and is easy to clean. However, the aluminum material will not best suit a location prone to strong winds unless sheltered or weighted down. If you're looking for a great low-maintenance and low-cost option, aluminum might be the one for you!
Steel
While steel will offer you the greatest strength, it’s heavy and often more expensive than the likes of aluminum. Moving it may not be easy, but it will stand up well against the wind. If you must use it, galvanized and stainless steel will be your best options for an outdoor setting, as regular steel rusts quite easily.
Plastic
Similar to resin, plastic is made of synthetics making it lightweight and inexpensive; more, it can easily be moulded to any shape and style. The plastic make-up protects the material from fade and pests. Furthermore, it requires no paints or sealants. Plastic furniture is easy to clean and maintain, but may not stand well in windy locations. Not to mention, certain forms of plastics can be susceptible to scratching, cracking, and breakage.
Wood
While wood has a natural beauty, is easy to work with, and provides a sturdy foundation, it’s not always suitable for outdoor usage. The most affordable wood, such as pine and cedar, may not stand up well to the outdoor environment and need constant protection when not in use; they are best used for indoor spaces. Hardwoods can resist weather damage, but still need proper wood patio furniture maintenance to enhance their longevity and avoid damage caused by mould, mildew, and pests. Therefore, it might not be the best option when looking for a low-maintenance patio furniture set.
Metals
While used extensively in outdoor furniture in the past, wrought iron is no longer a common consideration for the modern outdoor setting. You want to stay away from the material due to its heavy weight, which makes it difficult to move. It is prone to rust, corrosion, and other maintenance requirements, such as constant painting. If you must use metals, opt for steel or aluminum instead.
Fabric
If you’re looking for the most comfort for your outdoor patio furniture, fabric is the ultimate choice, and can even be adapted even for indoor experiences. Although most fabrics are made of water-resistant fibres, the level of resistance depends on its fill. The fabric needs constant attention to ensure cleanliness; otherwise, it may host mold, mildew, and even insects, if not well-maintained.
The material may come with high maintenance and is susceptible to other kinds of damage, which makes it less suitable for outdoor spaces. As such, it’s key to always keep your fabric furniture protected during the rainy and cold seasons. If you must go for fabric, choose a water-resistant fabric, such as polyester, vinyl, or acrylic, that is breathable and resistant to fade from the sun.
When deciding where to get low-maintenance patio furniture, look for material that is easy to maintain and that matches your style. If you can’t find a single material that you like, mix and match to get the best of them.
While you're at it, ensure you don’t compromise on the quality of the material. The best low maintenance outdoor furniture will not only be easy to manage, but also durable for years to come.
