When you think of outdoor furniture, metal is one of the first things that comes to mind, and for good reason. It offers the perfect balance between style and function: sturdy enough to withstand the elements, but able to be worked into attractive designs. But like any other product, there are pros and cons to metal furniture, and you definitely don't want something that will break down after a couple of years. Learn more about choosing and using metal furniture from this guide.
USES AND PROPERTIES:
The main advantage of metal, of course, is its durability. Few other materials can sit out all winter and emerge looking like new. When properly constructed and treated, metal furniture can last 20 to 30 years. Most of them are treated for heat and rust resistance, and require very little maintenance.
What many do not realize is that metal furniture can be quite comfortable, too. People think "metal" and immediately picture hard-backed chairs and cold, shiny surfaces. But by adding just a few simple curves, even the world's hardest metal can be made into extremely comfortable furniture. You can also add cushions and upholstery; just make sure they're treated for the outdoors as well.
YOUR CHOICES:
Aluminum: Once considered more valuable than gold, aluminum is the biggest seller in metal furniture because of its lightness and resistance to rust and corrosion. Untreated aluminum forms a thin, oxidized layer that protects it from damage. This oxidation is what gives aluminum its trademark dull color. A better choice is to find aluminum furniture with a powder-coated finish. The powder coating not only protects the metal from the elements, but also provides an elegant, satin finish.
Most manufacturers prefer to use cast aluminum, which is made by pouring the molten metal into a cast. This process allows fine detailing and an unlimited variety of styles, including fully ergonomic designs that can rival wood and wicker.
Another variety is tubular aluminum, which is hollow and very flexible. It's a lot less sturdy, but it's very light and makes great poolside furniture. It is most commonly used for folding chairs, tables, benches, and swing sets.
Wrought Iron: The term wrought simply means "worked," and it perfectly describes how the furniture is made. Iron bars about half an inch thick, are bent, folded, and twisted into form, creating some of the most intricate furniture designs in the market. If you want a classic, elegant look for your garden, wrought iron is the way to go.
The one downside of wrought iron is its weight. While you'll appreciate heavy furniture on windy days, they will sink on soft surfaces like dirt and grass and may even crack weaker mixes of concrete. They also tend to rust and corrode if not properly waterproofed. It can be uncomfortable to sit on directly, but most manufacturers know this and offer cushioning to compensate.
Stainless steel: If you like your furniture easy and low-maintenance, go for stainless steel. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, carbon, and a variety of other metals, but it owes much of its strength to an element called chromium. Just as aluminum creates a natural protective layer, chromium forms a thin film of oxide on the surface to protect it from rust and corrosion.
That said, stainless steel furniture can still rust and corrode if you don't maintain it well. The chromium film is self-renewing, so all you have to do is clean it once in a while and clean up any spills. You don't have to bring it in every time it rains, but don't leave it soaking for too long as this can cause water marks.
BUYING TIPS:
When choosing metal furniture, keep an eye on the coat and finish. Make sure the surface is powder-coated; that is, the finish is baked onto the metal rather than painted on. Powder-coated metal needs virtually no maintenance and will keep its shine and color for longer.
Also consider the kind of weather you live in. If you get a lot of rain, you want something with heavy waterproofing or at least light enough to carry indoors. Avoid aluminum if you get really hot summers. Aluminum tends to retain heat, so you may have to wait a while for it to cool down enough to be used again.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE:
If you won't be using your furniture for a while, cover it with a plastic or vinyl sheet. Do this even if you're storing it indoors, because any exposed surface will oxidize over time. Use car wax to clean painted surfaces and follow up with a wax coating. Don't use rubbing compound, as this can make fine scratches in the paint.
Patch up any chips or peeled paint immediately to prevent rusting. To touch up, clean the spot with alcohol, sand lightly and apply the cover-up. If there's no touch-up kit available, use a car kit instead with the closest matching color. Buff the new paint with extra fine steel wool to blend it in.
Of course, regular cleaning is the best protection you can give your furniture. Most metals can be cleaned with soap and water, but it's best to get specific cleaning instructions from your manufacturer. Clean your furniture every few weeks using warm water and mild detergent, and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Remember, as long as you maintain them well, you can count on them stay with you for years.
