Aluminum patio furniture is one of today’s best options to furnish your outdoor living spaces. It is classic and traditional, and gives the look and feel of wrought iron. At the same time, it is modern, lightweight and durable.
If you choose aluminum furniture for your patio, you will likely going to need only one set in your lifetime. The furniture is mostly finished with powder coat paint, which is a rock-hard finish that is very durable. Unlike many other types of patio furniture, aluminum products last for decades with very little maintenance. There are two common types: hollow aluminum tube based and solid cast aluminum patio furniture. While both are made with the same material, they really have little less in common.
Benefits of Aluminum Furniture
- It does not rust, while steel and iron do.
- It is long lasting with durable finishes and strong construction. With a good set, you can expect 30 and more years of use.
- Aside from the occasional cleaning, there really is no upkeep.
- It is virtually weather-proof, handling severe environments well. It handles cold better than other types of outdoor furniture.
- It is easy to clean; just hose down once in a while and use wild soap if necessary.
- Difficult to bend and break, it can withstand many years of frequent use. It feels more stable than some other types of furniture.
- There are an abundance of styles and designs to choose from.
- While usually powder coated, many color options and textures are available.
- It can be used with or without pillows and cushions.
- It is light enough to be easily lifted and moved, yet heavy enough to feel firm and stable and not blow around in the wind.
Aluminum Furniture vs. Other Types
Aluminum furniture is comparable to wrought iron furniture. They can have very similar designs and can look very much alike. Pricing tends to be similar. The major differences are in weight and durability as aluminum does not rust and the finish is less likely to chip.
Hardwood patio furniture is obviously very different than aluminum furniture. However, they can similar in their long life durability, traditional styles, and mostly similar prices. Aside from generally bring more expensive and long lasting, aluminum furniture is really not comparable to other types of outdoor furniture like synthetic, resin and hollow aluminum pieces.
Aluminum Furniture Quality and Pricing
There are different quality levels in the cast aluminum category. Lesser quality sets are most likely machine assembled or manufactured. While there is nothing wrong with this, attention to detail might not be quite so evident. Also, watch out for finish quality; if a piece has a poor or damaged finish when it is new, it will develop further problems as it ages.
On the other hand, skilled craftsmen with high standards of perfection usually put high quality sets together. The molds forming the aluminum can be hand carved into intricate designs and patterns, like the ones in the Daffodil Cast Aluminum Garden Bench - Aged Iron by Alfresco Home. The finishes are going to be richer and more detailed. Also, the higher the quality, the more likely it will be enhanced using thicker aluminum and more bracing.
Prices are usually directly proportional to the furniture quality. Higher prices most likely mean higher quality, although not always. Warranties also are a big factor when it comes to patio furniture pricing. The longer the warranty, the better a manufacturer expects the furniture to hold up. This is gauged in the price.
Aluminum Furniture Accessories
Consider getting cushions for your patio furniture, which you can find in various shapes, sizes, colors, designs and patterns. They might already be included if you buy a furniture set. Cushions will have to be stored when not in use to prolong their life and prevent mildew. Cushions usually do not last as long as the aluminum furniture, but replacement patio chair cushions are available.
While it is not absolutely necessary with cast aluminum, you might consider covers for your patio furniture like the Patio Table and Chair Set Cover - Up to 87"diameter by Duck Covers. Aluminum is durable on its own, but furniture covers will help prolong lifespan.
Aluminum Furniture Care
Even if cast furniture is thought to be low maintenance, it will still require cleaning from time to time. When this is necessary, you will want to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations closely. Usually, this involves wiping it down with a mild detergent using a soft sponge and rinsing it with water. Sometimes, it is advised to coat cast aluminum patio furniture yearly with a liquid spray wax.
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