Finding Comfort Outside Your Home
With Spring just around the corner many of us are considering new outdoor furniture. Some want to add comfort to an already idyllic surrounding, or to create a quiet place to enjoy a respite from the rigors of the world, and some just want to replace the bargain brand from last year. Before you forge ahead, it’s best to arm yourself with a bit of knowledge as to what makes a good piece of outdoor furniture.
Consider what you want from your furniture. A place to sit or lounge by the pool? A comfortable bench for a garden setting, or a perfect rocker or swing for the front porch? What do you want it to do? Recline, glide, swing, rock? And lastly, do you have a preference for what type of furniture you want? Outdoor furniture is available in many price points, from inexpensive resin pieces, imported painted metal, to beautiful teak, extruded aluminum, and cast aluminum furniture designed and manufactured for years of use. Outdoor furniture is, and should be, an investment - an investment in comfort, good looks, and durability. Assuming you're ready to proceed with your purchase, let’s look at the most popular types of outdoor furniture available today and their advantages.
Aluminum and Sling Selections
Moderately priced outdoor furniture is available in extruded aluminum frames (better quality extruded aluminum frames are made from virgin aluminum ingots, are welded, polished, phosphate undercoated, and then finished) with either strap or sling seating, and with complementary pieces such as tea tables, cocktail tables, and so on. Aluminum frames are available in a host of colors, some of which are "in vogue," and others that are traditional and remain timeless. If you choose extruded aluminum-frame furniture be certain to apply a good coat of non-hazing automotive wax every few months. Most frames today use "powder coat" finishes which are extremely durable, and require very little maintenance. A quick dusting or a seasonal wash with a mild detergent should be all you need to keep it looking new.
Vinyl straps are widely used today and can be comfortable and practical, but they do require maintenance to ensure long life. Straps should be washed monthly with a mild detergent, water, and a soft sponge. Then you should apply a good coat of vinyl protectant, allowing the straps to dry overnight. Exposure to UV rays will shorten the life of vinyl straps.
Slings are extremely popular, both for their comfort and the wide variety of available colors. Slings are made of acrylic, or coated polyester, and can last for years. You must clean them frequently, using water with a mild soap and a soft sponge. The primary enemy of slings is the sun. UV rays hasten their deterioration. When not in use it best to store your sling seating in a covered area.
Cast Aluminum: An Investment for a Lifetime
Cast aluminum furniture is available in many stylish designs, from bold contemporary to classic scrollwork. Cast aluminum furniture is an investment that will pay off handsomely over the years, as its life expectancy is virtually limitless. Exposure to harsh environments, such as salt sea spray, or extended winter snow and ice may dull the look, but they will not hasten the demise of this fine furniture. When choosing cast aluminum furniture keep the following in mind: You will have this furniture for a very long time. A trendy style or color may be out of vogue long before you’re ready to pass this furniture down to the children. Usually, better manufacturers of cast aluminum furniture offer cushions for comfort. These cushions should only be exposed to the outdoor elements when in use. When not in use they should be stored in a dry environment away from harmful UV rays.
Wrought Iron's Timeless Designs
Wrought iron furniture has been around for decades and remains popular. With ever-improving finishing techniques, wrought iron furniture is now available in colors not seen in years past. Although it is durable, it is still “iron” and not recommended for coastal use or for exposure to harsh environments such as snow, ice, and frigid temperatures. Easily cared for, wrought iron furniture can be cleaned occasionally, using a mild soap solution, and a dry cloth. Should the finish chip, be certain to clean the area and repaint immediately to prevent rust or deterioration.
Wicker: It Can Be Used Outdoors
Outdoor wicker furniture was made famous by The Lloyd Flanders Company, and continues to be a comfortable alternative. For longevity, it is recommended that such furniture be considered "porch furniture" rather than outdoor furniture. There is no better choice for that comfortable front porch. To clean, a light dusting will do, along with occasional vacuuming with a brush attachment to remove dirt and dust from the weave itself.
Teak, Cypress, and More ... Nature's Comfort
Teak furniture, the epitome of the grand lifestyle, is available in a variety of styles. Teak, a hardwood, is naturally resistant to mildew, moisture, and decay. For decades it has been used in the extreme environment of oceangoing ships, as well as finding its way to America's verandas and patios. As teak ages or "weathers" it will turn a pleasant gray. Very little care is required - an occasional dusting is all that is needed. Annually you should clean your teak furniture with a solution of four parts laundry or dish soap, and one part bleach, per gallon of water. Using a soft bristle brush, remove any visible dirt and finish by hosing off the furniture to remove all accumulated soil. Most teak is left to the elements year round and lasts for years. To ensure a long life, it is recommended that you bring your teak furniture indoors or cover it in the off-season. Note that all structural screws and bolts used in the assembly of teak are of brass or stainless steel, and will not rust.
Cypress wood has gained in popularity and is finding its way into outdoor furniture once again. Unlike teak, cypress will accept color additions, hence the wide variety of finish colors available. As with teak, it should be cleaned or dusted periodically, and deep cleaned annually. In a shaded environment cypress will maintain it’s stained color for years, but when exposed to the UV rays of the sun you should expect colors to fade.
Redwood furniture, although novel, has not found wide acceptance in the marketplace, largely due to its harvesting limits, and its large grain does not weather well when exposed to the sun.
One last unique wood finding it’s way into comfortable outdoor furniture is "jara" wood. This Australian wood is kin to teak, and is just as durable and long lasting. The beautiful redwood color can be maintained with a periodic application of "jara oil." The Australian government has done an excellent job of managing the harvest of this wood, assuring it’s presence for decades to come.
Protecting Your Investment
One final word of caution: no matter what type and style of furniture you choose, remember that your furniture’s worst summer enemy is the same as yours. The harmful effects of UV rays shorten the life of even the best fabrics, umbrella cloth, and furniture. Protect your investment with breathable covers that will minimize the effects of nature, and ensure long life for frames and fabrics. Now, you’ve decided to make the plunge: where do you start?
Furnitureland South, of course! We offer a large assortment of outdoor furniture and related products, all designed to stand the test of time, by such famous names as LaneVenture WeatherMaster, including Raymond Waites’ Natchez collection, designed by world-famous architect William Poole. LaneVenture has also introduced outdoor grills with modular components such as refrigerators, side burners, and even a bar unit, as well as very popular outdoor fireplaces. Cast Classics features tables that blend granite tiles into the table tops, and fabulously successful "chat sets." Brown Jordan is introducing a "parabolic" mesh fabric that stretches for comfort, but has memory to return to its natural shape. You'll also find Gloster teak and wicker combinations, and a marvelous "Bob Timberlake" collection, as well as "Studio Images" by Cotton Ketchie featuring lighthouses, and Images by Bob Timberlake, from Riverwood. Basta Sole, the premier umbrella resource has added new colors and sizes to their already fabulous assortment.
This Year’s Best Selections
New product is being displayed as quickly as it arrives, so stop in and see our fabulous selections including Lloyd Flanders, Pompeii, Winston, Tropitone, LaneVenture, Basta Sole, Kessler, Riverwood and much more.
Larry Nessler has been with Furnitureland South for 3 years, and is a member of the $1.25 million, and $1 million dollar clubs. His background of more than 20 years selling upholstery and bedding components, including cushioning, springs, mechanisms, aluminum castings and more, makes him one of our most knowledgeable associates. His continuing education has included design and color classes that will help ensure your ultimate satisfaction in both a well-made piece of furniture that will stand the test of time, and one that will look good doing it. Let Larry lend his expertise to your next purchase by calling him at 866.436.8056, ext. 2676, or e-mail: larrynessler@furniturelandsouth.com