For durability in all types of weather, metal outdoor furniture is still tops among wood and wicker contenders, with cast aluminum, in particular, leading the way.
We're not talking the flimsy, fold-up versions of long-ago summer vacations; not those lightweight pieces of silver tubing held together with strapping that could be easily tossed in the trunk and taken along to the family picnic.
Noted for its ability to resist corrosion, cast aluminum and tubular aluminum are renown for a special powder coating that helps prevent rust. Some low grade aluminum pieces don't have this protection, and one good rainstorm will prove it after you discover orange puddles underneath chairs and tables.
Compared to wrought iron, another metal that is prone to rusting and that even if initially protected with some type of finish will require regular maintenance or refinishing to keep its looks, cast aluminum is the better choice. It has a look similar to iron, but it's not as heavy, doesn't require maintenance (other than hosing off), and won't need to be painted. It also won't chip or peel. For these reasons, cast aluminum often makes the most cost-effective decision when choosing outdoor furniture.
Because of their "cast" nature due the the aluminum being poured into molds to define its design details, cast aluminum pieces offer more intricacy than does the process of wrought iron construction. The technique in designing cast aluminum pieces has become so good that it's allowed the industry to introduce outdoor furniture that has new shapes, fresh designs and extreme comfort.
Here's what you can expect in choosing well made cast aluminum outdoor furniture:
- long-term durability
- solid construction
- innovative designs
- resistant to rust
- lighter weight construction
- easy to move
- smooth weld points
- comfort
- intricate detailing
- no-fuss maintenance
- weather resistant
- handles cold and hot weather extremes
Cast aluminum also comes in a wide variety of colors; more so than wrought iron. And it comes in a wide variety of price points, depending if you purchase from a specialty garden shop, local retailer or Big Box chain store. Often, you can find items for less on the internet.
Be careful if selecting machine cast pieces—cheaper selections which often require some assembly work — as design detail will be a lower quality. Do-it-yourself construction—attaching pieces with nuts and bolts—will also mean that joint work won't be welded for smoothness and stability like on higher end cast aluminum pieces. If strength and durability are important in your selection, choose furniture that is cast by experts.
For related articles see: Recycled Outdoor Furniture and Tips for Buying Outdoor Dining Sets
 |
