Choosing the right materials and covers can keep your patio furniture looking pristine for years.
From summer rainstorms to sweltering heat and scorching sun, good outdoor furniture has to battle the elements. Plus, if you plan to leave your outdoor furniture outside year-round (and live in an area with winter weather), it will also have to withstand below-freezing temperatures and ice. To give your outdoor furniture the best shot at survival, start by choosing materials that can handle harsh weather and temperature fluctuations. Then, invest in covers and storage units to protect pillows and cushions.
To learn how to help our outdoor furniture last for many years, we reached out to the furniture pros at Article for their best advice. Here, Nicole Hunt, the product development manager at Article, shares her top tips for choosing a patio set that will stand the test of time.
Choose Waterproof Materials
“Article headquarters are based in Vancouver, Canada, so we’re definitely familiar with rainy weather and keep it in mind when designing our outdoor products,” says Hunt. One important factor is opting for materials that are proven to withstand rain and humidity. “These include weatherproof galvanized steel and concrete composite, water resistant synthetic wicker, and teak, which is naturally weather-resistant and resistant to fungus,” explains Hunt. “When exposed to the elements, woods like teak will develop a silvery gray patina over time.”
