Outdoor Furniture That Will Save Your Wallet & Your Sanity

4/19/2023 (Permalink)

Who doesn't love snuggling up on the couch with a good book while listening to the rain fall on your window?  The unexpecting owners of beloved patio furniture, that's who.  But here's the good news: rain doesn't have to ruin the outdoor furniture that you spent hours picking out and strategically placing on your back porch.  There are certain cloth materials that are made to withstand the effects of water, woods that repel insects and mildew, metals that are made to resist the formation of rust, and synthetic materials created to hold their own against the elements.  Let's start with seating.

Durable Seating Options For Outdoor Furniture:

• The first, and probably most common water resistant seating material, is synthetic wicker or rattan.  The organic version of these materials is absolutely charming, although not the most durable.  However, synthetic wicker or rattan mimic the color and texture of the natural fibers, with the additional perks of being waterproof and resistant to fading.  Fortunately, these materials are made to last, and won't break the bank.
• If your goal is to go all natural, teak wood might be the material for you.  Though teak is durable when exposed to moisture, its natural state and place of origin definitely make it more of an investment compared to synthetic materials.  Dawning from Asian rainforests that are prone to monsoons, teak is a soldier.  It is not only waterproof, but also resistant to insects and sunlight, and doesn't attract dirt.  It may be a high dollar material, but its natural state and long lasting features make this wood worth the price.
• Powdered aluminum is also a good choice of material for your backyard oasis.  Why is aluminum a better choice than other metals?  Allow me to put on my lab coat for a moment.  Rust is iron oxide, and because aluminum has virtually no iron in it, it doesn't rust.  Aluminum can also have an anti-corrosion coating added to it as extra insurance against rust.  Class dismissed.

Now that we have covered the most reliable base materials for outdoor furniture, let's discuss how we can add a little pizazz.

No fabric is going to be one-hundred percent waterproof.  There are waxy finishes that can be added to the surface of fabrics to allow water droplets to roll off rather than soak in, but those don't last forever.  Rather than preventing your cushions from getting wet, consider investing in a material that will dry quickly, resist mold, and avoid that mildew stench that nobody enjoys.

The Best Cushion Materials To Avoid Moisture Damage:

• The first fabric on our list is going to be polyester.  No, not like your great grandma's clothing.  Polyester has come a long way since the early ages of leisure suits.  This fabric will give you an expensive look without the expensive prices.  It repels light amounts of rain and still keeps its tight, clean shape even when it gets sopping wet.
• Acrylic fabrics are also a worthy option when it comes to patio furniture cushions.  Acrylic manages to stay easy on the eyes, with its silky touch, while also being resistant to the elements.  This fabric also holds its color due to the dying process that it endures.  Acrylic fibers are typically dyed before being woven together, resulting in the fabric keeping its vibrant color through the sun and the rain.

Polyester and acrylic fabrics are considered the two best fabrics to use for patio furniture cushions, but, what about the cushion itself?  There is only one thing that I, and most cushion aficionados, will recommend: quick-drying foam.  This miracle foam is made to be outdoors in rain or shine.  It is porous, which allows water to run right through it rather than soaking it in like cotton stuffing would do.  Because of this, it also dries exponentially fast and resists the growth of mold as well as that mildew smell.  You still have to let the cushions sit out in the sun after a nice rainfall, but they will be ready for use at record speeds.  They also don't have to be replaced as often as your average cushion which will save your wallet.

In Conclusion?

You shouldn't have to panic about making an artist's impression when your in-laws decide to invite themselves over for a barbeque.  These materials that we discussed previously will be ready, and stay ready, for any occasion.  No more complaints from your mother-in-law about smelly cushions or old furniture.  Give yourself something to be proud of, no matter the weather conditions.  Synthetic wicker, teak wood, and aluminum are just a small portion of luxurious looking, weather resistant materials.  Just as Polyester and Acrylic aren't the only fabric options out there, but they are the biggest bang for your buck.  These items are just a few outdoor furniture pieces that will save your wallet, and your sanity!