How to Choose Garden Furniture

If you want to buy new garden furniture, you need to know what to look for in order to get the best quality and the best deals. Just because something looks good does not mean that it is a good piece of furniture.

1. First: What to look for

   Naturally, the main hallmark of quality outdoor furniture is its ability to withstand the elements; however, there is such a wide variety of styles and materials to choose from that it may wear you out to sort through them all. Obviously, you want something that fits your style, but to find something of quality that matches your style and your intended use, familiarize yourself with the types of material available.

2. Second: Types of materials

   Most patio furniture is either made from plastic like PVC or resin, iron or wood. Each one has its own unique advantages and drawbacks, and the type of furniture you want should play a part in determining what material is the best to use. Plastic is the most weather resistant, and does not overheat in the summer, but it is made from potentially harmful chemicals. Iron resists the wind the best but it is susceptible to rust and corrosion from water; however, it is the heaviest material, making it difficult to move around. It is also the most expensive, and it gets extremely hot in the summer. The most common types of wood used in furniture are pressure-treated lumber, redwood and teak. Pressure-treated lumber is soaked with protective chemicals and pressurized to force those chemicals to the core. This type of lumber is unsuitable for picnic tables or anything involving food, and the chemicals cause screws, nails and bolts to corrode. Redwood holds up very well against inclement weather but is very soft and susceptible to fading from the sun. Teak is probably the best choice of wood; it resists water and insect damage without chemicals, and holds up the best under constant use. Because of its natural color, Teak does not require paint, but it does fade with age. When that happens, lightly sand the wood to restore its natural color.