It is fun to spend time outdoor when the weather is good. However, if you want to make the most of your time outdoors, you need good outdoor furniture. The furniture should be comfortable, functional and appropriate for outdoor use. For enhanced convenience, you can use foldable furniture that you can collapse and expand based on your requirement. With this sort of furniture, you can enjoy more space when you are alone and expand their size when more people use them. Another feature that most people look for is easy mobility. Choose furniture that is light weight, stackable and easy to move. These are some of the features you should look for irrespective of the furniture material you choose.

For external use, some of the best materials are aluminum, steel, plastic, PVC, wicker and wrought iron. Wood is another material that you can use if you are prepared to care for wooden furniture. Check out benefits and maintenance details about the best outdoor furniture materials.

Aluminum

Aluminum is good because it is extremely resistant to the environment. This material does not rust. If you apply a coat of paint on it, the material retains shine and brightness for longer. Best of all, aluminum is very durable. In order to extend durability, wash aluminum furniture with soapy water to remove accumulated dirt and pollutant particles. Choose aluminum furniture that has been powder coated. For extra protection during rough weather, apply a layer of mineral oil or car wax on the furniture.

Steel

Steel offers almost all the benefits of aluminum. However, depending on the quality and composition of steel, it is vulnerable to rusting. In order to protect it, apply a finishing layer, paint or polish on the furniture. In terms of appearance, steel looks more elegant than aluminum.

Plastic

Plastic is another very popular material for outdoor furniture. This material is lightweight and stackable. It is available in numerous colors and it performs well in moderate climates. However, plastics fade when exposed to harsh sunlight. Another problem with plastics is the growth of mildew. You can prevent this growth by applying mildew resistant cleaners on it. In order to retard fading, use UV resistant paints on them. PVC is another good material. It is similar to plastics but sturdier and more durable.

Wicker

Wicker furniture is excellent for outdoor use because it is very attractive and elegant, in addition to being durable, comfortable and resistant to damage due to climatic conditions. However, you need to maintain them regularly. Dusting is the most important thing to do. You should also apply a protective layer of varnish or paint to prevent damage due to moisture. Clean wicker furniture with mildew resistant detergents.

Wood

If you can maintain wood, it is the best choice for outdoor furniture. It is extremely elegant and durable. One very good quality of wood is that wood does not become very hot or cold to touch depending on the external temperature. It remains comfortable to touch. Furniture made of teak, pine, oak, cypress and cedar weather well and look very beautiful. In order to protect wood furniture, you should apply a protective coat and clean them regularly.

For upholstery and cushion, use materials made of polyester fibers because they do not soak water and get damaged. They are good choices for outdoor furnishings.