Low Maintenance Patio Furniture
When it comes to the furniture for your patio or deck, having something that doesn't take a lot of upkeep can be pretty important. After all, you probably have enough to do without worrying about dealing with high maintenance furniture.
Ideally, you'd buy outdoor furniture that could be left out in nearly any weather without damage, looks great, and goes with your deck without seeming cheap or tacky. The good news is that furniture that does all of these things or almost all of them is readily available.
Aluminum - This lightweight metal has been used in patio furniture for years and we don't just mean folding plastic and aluminum beach chairs. There are a lot of easy to move around, low maintenance styles made from aluminum that look great and are a lot more comfortable to sit in. However, high winds can still be a problem.
Plastic - This material isn't likely to look particularly classy, but it doesn't have to seem cheap. There's some nice plastic patio furniture out there, which resist rain and wipe clean very easily. Plastic is also stain resistant and less likely to heat up uncomfortably. Remember that this furniture can't be left in freezing weather, since it will become brittle and crack.
Wrought Iron - Wrought iron is a strong and classy looking type of patio furniture than can usually be left outside all year long. It's relatively heavy, so moving it can be tricky. Cleaning is quite easy, however. Remember that not all wrought iron look furniture is actually made from this material and buy accordingly.
Teak - Most wood doesn't work for use year round and can become dirty relatively quickly. However, teak is a low maintenance choice that can work in almost all weather, which was why it was once used in the decks of wooden ships. The protective oil in the wood keeps it in great condition without much maintenance. Jut remember that teak tends to be heavy, somewhat more costly, and is a rainforest wood, so it's important to look for sustainable production. Teak is softer and more natural feeling than metal.
Fabric - There are no pieces of furniture made from fabric, but a number of low maintenance patio cushions are available. They help you be more comfortable on metal or wooden chairs. You'll need to remove them in the winter, but fabric sealants will help these cushions resist rain in warm weather.
Finding the right low maintenance patio furniture may take a little time, but it's not as hard as you might think. There are a number of great options right here on our site that can work with your decorating scheme, budget, and comfort requirements, plus they don't need lots of maintenance.
