Different materials for outdoor furniture: which one is best for you?
If you want to make garden furniture yourself, you can choose from many different materials for outdoor furniture.
Tables, chairs, benches, and the like for the garden are now made of different materials. As a buyer, you are spoiled for choice because they all have advantages and disadvantages.
Steel or metal
Steel for outdoor furniture is a very reliable material! For example, this metal is very difficult to break.
As a result, garden furniture made of metal also almost always remains in good condition, since metal does not just decay! However, it is unfortunately quite difficult to work metal yourself.
That is why it is often not too obvious to start making garden furniture from metal. For example, you need very special tools to work metal properly.
Metal is a particularly popular material for tables and chairs that must be exposed to all weather conditions. When buying iron furniture, make sure that it is weatherproof and will not rust.
Bistro furniture made of metal is very common. With their Mediterranean flair, they bring a fascinating romance to any garden or terrace.
Wood is a material that is much easier to work with than metal. It is also true that garden furniture made of metal requires little or no maintenance and wooden garden furniture decays relatively quickly when you compare it with metal!
scaffolding wood
A very suitable material for making garden furniture is scaffolding wood. Scaffolding wood is a type of wood that has many advantages.
That is why it is also very economical to make garden furniture from scaffolding wood. For example, scaffolding wood is a type of wood that is very resistant to outdoor conditions.
That is why scaffolding wood can also be used excellently in the construction of garden furniture! Many people also find scaffolding wood very beautiful wood. Don’t forget to read: the most common methods of treating wood.
That is why many people use scaffolding wood when they start making garden furniture themselves. Scaffolding wood is also a bit light gray. Furthermore, this wood is made up of long fibers, which makes it difficult to break.
Plastic garden furniture
The classic for the initial equipment or the balcony is plastic furniture, and they have the advantage of being light, inexpensive, and easy to maintain.
In addition, they can be wonderfully stacked and stored in the winter. They should because the intense weather conditions can damage plastic garden furniture.
Don’t expose it to direct sun and read how to maintain the furniture over a long period.
Plastic furniture is often not as stable as it looks.
Ensure that the backrest doesn’t bend backward, that the armrests don’t slide to the side so easily, or that the table and chair legs give way or even kink when under pressure!
Remember that the chairs may have to withstand a heavy visitor! You must be able to sit comfortably and safely. The table should not wobble or even tilt if you lean on it for a while.
It isn’t easy to make garden furniture from plastic yourself.
It would be best if you had special equipment and tools that most normal people do not have. That is why plastic is often not a serious option for most people when they (want to) make garden furniture themselves.
A significant advantage of garden furniture made of plastic compared to garden furniture made of wood is that garden furniture does not need to be maintained, but not with garden furniture made of wood.
If you do not properly maintain garden furniture made of wood, this garden furniture decays pretty quickly but not the case with plastic garden furniture.
Outdoor furniture made of wood
If you want to make your garden furniture, I would also recommend that you use wood. Wood is the most accessible material to use when you want to make garden furniture yourself.
When choosing wooden tables, benches, and chairs for outdoor use, make sure that they are made of sturdy material.
Pure nature and elegance: only garden furniture made of wood can radiate that.
For example, teak, Eucalyptus, Bangkirai, and Red Meranti can withstand sun, rain, snow, and storms without significant damage or deterioration. Wood is slightly more expensive to purchase than plastic furniture.
In the long run, though, it’s worth digging a little deeper into your pocket first. You can read more about the type of wood for outdoor furniture.
Outdoor furniture made of rattan
Rattan furniture for the garden is particularly easy to maintain, and the choice of different designs and designs is unbeatable.
A particular advantage is that they are very comfortable, even without upholstery.
What types of patio furniture are there?
You have certainly come across a wide choice of different types if you want to equip your garden with furniture.
You will find everything you want in different qualities and designs, from functional tables and chairs to sofas and loungers to hammocks and lounge furniture.
It is imperative to develop a concept or plan for the design of the garden or terrace before purchasing due to the wide range and varieties of products.
What do I need for the outdoor furniture in my garden?
It should always play the most significant role in the purchase. On the other hand, there is the question of purpose.
A piece of furniture that is left outside all year round must undoubtedly be of high quality.
If you have room for accommodation in lousy weather or are looking for tables and chairs for a gazebo, value plays a minor role.
Nevertheless, you will enjoy high-quality garden or balcony furniture longer than interior ones in the long run. True to the motto: “If you buy cheap, you buy twice.”
The maintenance of a wooden outdoor furniture
A wooden garden set requires more maintenance than a plastic or metal garden set. Most woods should be oiled or stained at least once or twice a year to keep them in good condition.
Sometimes you need to sand the wood before applying the stain or oil lightly. With the stain or oil, you protect the wood against weather influences.
Many types of wood will shrink and crack under the influence of moisture and drought. By treating the wood, water does not get a chance to penetrate the wood.
Stains and lacquers usually contain chemical solvents such as white spirits, which are harmful to the environment.
However, there are also water-based oils available for hardwoods.
Therefore, these are more environmentally friendly, absorb entirely into the hardwoods, and do not leave a layer on the wood like lacquer does, for example, and offer long-term protection.
The wood looks natural with this. Lacquer does form a layer whereby the wood is better protected against scratches or bumps.
Cleaning wooden garden furniture: how do you do that?
If you have chosen wooden garden furniture, you will have to maintain it from time to time.
Don’t be alarmed, and I’m not asking you to sand and varnish your furniture every year, but cleaning your wooden garden furniture is part of it.
This job seems simple, but there are many things you need to keep in mind.
Also read: Properly maintain wooden furniture.
Can you leave garden furniture outside in the winter?
Whether you can overwinter garden furniture outside is a matter of care, quality, and material.
Furniture made of lacquered metal can easily be kept outside in winter, while tables and chairs made of plastic, wood, or rattan are best kept in the shed, garage, or cellar.
For example, if you want to overwinter your furniture on the balcony, buy protective covers for garden furniture.
What properties and functions does garden furniture have?
Good care is essential so the garden furniture or terrace can function as long as possible, depending on the material.
Wood needs more attention than poly rattan, metal needs a special varnish for longevity that prevents rust, and plastic is well served with special plastic care.
Garden furniture must also comply with aesthetic laws. As a rule, outdoor tables and chairs are more robust in terms of material and look cozier.
The design can be based on the garden, personal taste, and functionality.
