Garden furniture come in all different types of materials and they all have their benefits. So, your decision for the type of material you want in your outdoor furnishings should depend more on your personal circumstances and how you plan to use them than how well they look. Whether you choose iron, metal, plastic garden furniture or some other material there are a few things you should be aware of. Making the right choice can mean the difference between a stylish outdoor space that will last you for many years and replacing what you've purchased within a year or two. Here are a few pros and cons of some of the different types of garden furniture materials.
Wood Garden Furniture
Wood is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor furniture. When cared for properly, it can be very stylish and furniture can be built in all sorts of designs. It can fit perfectly in any type of garden decor. The drawbacks are that with wooden outdoor furniture you will have to periodically treat them and maintain a protective coating to extend their durability. If you are diligent with this, you could easily expect them to last for several decades rather than just for a few years. However, if you aren't committed to this you can expect that within just a few years the constant exposure to sunlight, risk of termites, and harsh weather conditions will quickly take its toll and eat away at the wood until they will be of no use to you.
Plastic Garden Furniture
Plastic outdoor furniture are probably the most affordable. That coupled with the fact that they are resistant to rot and are easy to clean make them a popular choice. However, plastic will fade over time when exposed to the sunlight so those bright colors that attracted you in the first place will eventually become dull and faded. Plastic is also not as durable as wood or metal and won't have that nice finished and polished look of style that you can get from other materials.
Metal Garden Furniture
Of all the iron, metal, plastic garden furniture you find, metal furnishings are the most durable. This material has one enemy that you will have to work hard to fight against: rust. No matter how strong the metal is, once exposed to moisture, corrosion will begin to take its toll. While it is impossible to keep it away indefinitely you can slow down the process by applying an anti-corrosive coating whenever needed. The frequency of application will depend on the type of metal you choose. Stainless steel won't require any protective treatments because it can't rust but it can make for a very hard surface for comfortable seating.
Obviously, there are pros and cons for all types of materials you may choose for patio furniture. However, just like everything else you purchase – they're not designed to last forever so whether you choose iron, metal, plastic garden furniture, weigh out the pros and cons of what is needed to maintain them and you'll be ready to make a solid and informed decision on the furnishings for your outdoor space.