Metal Heats up the Patio Furniture Market

Metal patio furniture is popular for many reasons: consumers love metal for its durability, easy maintenance and good looks.

Metal patio furniture options typically include:

• Tubular aluminum
• Cast aluminum
• Wrought aluminum
• Iron
• Wrought iron
• Cast iron
•  

If your head begins spinning every time you walk into a home improvement center or furniture store and begin looking for metal outdoor furniture, then you’re not alone. Many consumers are downright confused at the differences between outdoor metal furniture. The good news is that most high-quality metal furniture is durable, rust-resistant and easy to maintain.

Aluminum

Aluminum furniture is generally sold as tubular aluminum, cast aluminum and wrought aluminum. Aluminum is an excellent choice for outdoor materials, as it is strong, non-rusting and does not wear or corrode, even in the harshest of environments.

It is lightweight and therefore easy to move and requires minimal maintenance. Warm, soapy water is all that’s needed for general cleaning, and a liquid wax at the start of the season ensures that it maintains its good looks. Any moving parts can be treated with WD-40.

Tubular Aluminum

Tubular aluminum is an attractive type of metal outdoor furniture, as it is coated with a baked-on powder finish that is bonded to the aluminum to prevent any chipping, peeling or cracking. It is available in a wide array of finishes and textures and is six times thicker than paint.

Cast Aluminum

Cast aluminum is an extremely durable metal, handsome and elegant in design. Often considered an investment, cast aluminum outdoor furniture is generally more expensive, yet is a high-quality metal that will last for many years.

Wrought Aluminum

Like cast aluminum and tubular aluminum metal outdoor furniture, wrought aluminum is stylish, strong and durable. It is also a versatile metal material that’s often used in sunrooms and enclosed patios, as well.

Iron

Iron outdoor furniture is heavy, durable and generally inexpensive. Simply wash it with warm, soapy water, and coat it with a thin layer of car wax a couple of times a year to maintain its stylish looks. A wire brush and a small bottle of touch-up paint can easily eliminate any small rust spots.

It is best to cover or store iron furniture during the winter, and use furniture covers when the furniture is not being used.

Iron is available in a wide variety of designs, from contemporary to traditional and, if properly coated by the manufacturer, will last many years.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron is an especially popular furniture material, as the appealing curves and designs make it a handsome companion to any indoor or outdoor area. Wrought iron is available in a nice variety of coatings and designs to suit virtually any taste.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is heavy and ornate, and is a lovely material for use in a garden or patio. This versatile material is often used indoors and outdoors, and is a popular choice for public places. Choose high-end, cast iron furniture, as it is more likely to have quality coatings which will stand up to any outdoor conditions.