June 02, 2020 / by Danny Mavis

These days, the idea of creating a comfortable and appealing outdoor area means to bring the indoors out. The first step towards doing this is to choose from the many quality and comfy outdoor sets for sale. While their main purpose is to give you the needed comfort when sitting, you should think about their material before making an investment. Since these furniture outdoor sets are going to be placed outdoors, they need to be made from a material that can withstand the elements. For the purpose, it is recommended to carefully go over the many types of materials in order to make the right choice.

Aluminium Outdoor Settings

Without a doubt, aluminium furniture settings are among the most popular and for a reason. Aluminium is considered a material that can resist rust and moisture damage. Additionally, its powder-coated finish acts as an added protection against the elements. The outdoor sets made of this material is durable yet lightweight, allowing to be moved from one place to another with ease. Just like with every other type of material, aluminium can be made differently. For instance, tubular aluminium that are made with cylindrical aluminium tubes is considered the lightest one on the market. On, the other hand, cast and wrought aluminium are heavy enough to withstand wind and different weather conditions but still light enough to be transported with ease. Since this is a material that can withstand rain, sun and extreme temperatures, it also requires little maintenance. All you need to do is to clean it from time to time with water. Simple as that! In case there is any dirt, you can use a mild soapy mixture to remove it.

aluminium outdoor dining setting
Source: theblockshop.com.au

Resin Wicker Outdoor Furniture Sets

Resin wicker is one of the longest-lasting types of outdoor sets material. Also known as all-weather wicker, resin wicker is a weather-resistant synthetic fibre weave that is wrapped over a metal frame, usually aluminium. Now, one of the most common misconceptions about resin wicker is its name. For instance, cane and rattan are the materials which are used for wicker furniture, and the term wicker, actually refers to the woven style in which the material is made. In other words, wicker is not a material, but the style in which the furniture is woven. Resin wicker, on the other hand, is made with strands of nylon, PVC, polyethylene or high-density polyethylene. Except for being durable, resin wicker is UV-resistant which means that it won’t fade or crack. Just like aluminium, wicker can withstand rain, wind and humidity. It is extremely easy to clean such furniture as you only need a hose and water.

grand haven 4 piece acacia wood outdoor patio sofa set with table
Source: factorybuysdirect.com

Wooden Furniture Sets

One thing is certain about wooden furniture, it is one of the warmest and most appealing types. Wood has a natural beauty and ageless appeal that has the ability to instantly turn your outdoor area from drab to fab. Since wood is a natural material, it can withstand a lot of moisture and humidity, however, there are some types that are more appropriate for outdoor use. Such are timber, oak, teak, acacia and cedar. They are considered as extremely durable and attractive. If sealed and protected good, wooden outdoor furniture can withstand rain, sunlight, humidity, wind and even extreme temperatures. Now, when compared to the two aforementioned types of outdoor furniture, wood requires a lot more maintenance. For the purpose, you will need to seal with varnishes and strains on a regular basis to prevent wrapping when the weather is too humid. If having sealed wooden furniture, you can clean it with a mild soapy water mixture in order to remove dust, dirt and pollen. If it’s painted, you should avoid exposing it to moisture. For the purpose, you will need to clean it only with a damp cloth. In case you have furniture that is made of untreated wood, you should keep it out of the rain and direct sunlight in order to preserve its quality. Such woods need to be cleaned with a lightly damp cloth.

iron outdoor furniture
Source: pinterest.com.au

Wrought Iron Outdoor Furniture

Wrought iron is another popular type of material for outdoor furniture. It is favoured for its amazing appearance, wind-resistance and sturdiness. When compared to aluminium, wrought iron furniture pieces are way heavier and more vulnerable to the elements. However, over the last few years, this material is usually treated with some weather-resistant finishes to prevent rust. When compared to aluminium, this furniture is not easily portable which can be considered as downside if you are a person who likes to change the arrangement of your outdoor space. Regarding the cleaning process, to remove any dirt or dust you should use damp cloth only. In case there is a rust, you should clean it with a mild soapy water and sand the area. Once done, you should seal it with a paint of a similar colour.