Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Patio Furniture

1、What is the best type of outdoor furniture?

While there isn't a particular type of patio furniture that can be considered "the best type", there are several types and each has its own unique benefits. For example, cast aluminum furniture and aluminum patio furniture cannot rust, which makes them great for coastal or humid areas. Wrought iron furniture is very sturdy and heavy, making it a great solution for windy areas. Certain types of furniture should also be avoided depending upon your climate. Wood furniture will hold up well in most parts of the country, but in states like Arizona in USA, where it's very dry, wood furniture will require more frequent up-keep or maintenance. For a complete breakdown of the benefits and qualities of each type of furniture, we recommend you download our Free Outdoor Furniture Buying Guide.

2、How long should outdoor patio furniture last?

Most high-quality outdoor furniture is designed to withstand the elements of nature, thus you should expect years of use from your patio furniture. While most manufacturers will offer 5, 10, 15 or even 20-year warranties on their products, more often than not, their product is made from materials that will extend the lifetime of the piece beyond their stated warranty period. In most cases, even if outdoor patio furniture is no longer covered under a manufacturers warranty, it may be worth the investment to refurbish your old furniture. If the furniture is of a high-quality, you can often have the pieces powder-coated and replace the cushions for a fraction of what the item originally cost.

3、What is the warranty on patio furniture?

Every patio furniture manufacturer offers a different warranty period for their products. Most high-quality outdoor furniture products will feature at least a 5-year warranty, while some may even offer a 15 or 20-year warranty on their outdoor furniture products.

4、Does outdoor furniture rust?

The short answer is yes...and no. It all depends on the material that the outdoor furniture is made of. Obviously you don't have to worry about rust on your patio furniture if it is made of a wicker or wood material, however if you have metal patio furniture, the type of metal that it is made of will determine if it can rust. Outdoor furniture that is made of aluminum, both extruded or cast, will not rust because aluminum is a non-ferrous metal which means it has no iron in it. Outdoor furniture that is made of wrought iron or steel can possibly rust. Less expensive, inferior wrought iron or steel furniture is far more likely to rust than high-quality wrought iron or steel furniture. This happens because manufacturers of low-quality metal furniture often don't take the necessary steps to protect the metal from the moisture. Quality iron or steel furniture will be far less likely to rust due to their primer and powder-coating processes during production.

5、What is the best type of outdoor cushion material?

The best type of fabric for outdoor cushions is acrylic. Because acrylic fabric doesn't contain any cotton, polyester or olefin fiber, it will not mildew, stain or break-down as easily. Currently, the leading brand of acrylic outdoor fabric is Sunbrella. Sunbrella not only uses acrylic fabric, but they solution-dye the material so that the color is solid throughout the fiber versus a pattern or color that is "printed" or "stamped" on the fabric after it has been woven. This is extremely beneficial because it ensures the fabric will be color-fast and will not fade over time and exposure to the elements.

6、Does patio furniture get hot?

If your patio furniture is made of a metal frame it will get hot when in the direct sun. Some areas of the country are hotter than others, so obviously, your geographic location will make a big difference. Some metal furniture can retain the heat more than others. For example, while aluminum furniture will be hot when in direct sunlight, it will cool down relatively quickly once it is in the shade or as the sun sets. Wrought iron and steel furniture will tend to hold the heat longer requiring a longer cooling period. A good example of this difference between the two metal types can be found in the kitchen. When aluminum foil is removed from an oven, it cools very quickly, while a iron skillet will take much longer to cool down.

7、What kind of maintenance & care is required for patio furniture?

High-quality outdoor furniture is typically low-maintenance just by virtue of the materials the manufacturers use in production. While some types of furniture require more care than others, most often you can simply use a garden hose to rinse the furniture off and keep it dust free. For more detailed instructions about outdoor furniture care and cleaning, please see our Patio Furniture Maintenance and Care instructions.

8、Should I cover my outdoor patio furniture?

Although it isn't necessary to cover your patio furniture, we recommend it. The materials our patio furniture is made of are selected for their durability and endurance. By covering your furniture, you will not only extend the lifetime of it, but you will also minimize the amount of cleaning and care your patio furniture will require to keep it looking like new.