One of the top questions we always get from customers is “what kind of materials should I look out for when choosing outdoor furniture?” Read on to understand more about the different materials you can choose depending on the style and function you are going for!

Aluminium

Natural Living LIFE collection: DELTA Lounge 

Aluminium is aesthetically pleasing, durable, and an all-weather material for patio furniture. Because it is lightweight, the furniture can be easily rearranged as well. It does not rust and requires minimal maintenance. When aluminium patio furniture sits in the sun, it heats up easily. However, most aluminium furniture comes with slings or cushions which reduces the heated surface area, and enhances comfort for the user. Do make sure the cushions are made of fade-resistant all-weather fabric though!

Stainless Steel

Natural Living in house collection: PALAWAN Dining Set

This sturdy metal alloy is extremely strong, which makes it an excellent option for large weight-bearing outdoor dining tables, sofas and sectionals. Its high density prevents dents and other forms of damage from frequent use. As with aluminium, it does get hot to the touch when placed under the sun but it endures extreme temperatures better than most metals, and throw in some cushions and you can sit comfortably! Its composition makes it corrosion-resistant but a powder coating can add resistance. Furniture made from stainless steel will not tip over under windy conditions. It is a great choice for modern outdoor furniture, with its sleek silvery metallic finish which has a chic contemporary look.

Wrought Iron

Source: Homefaith

Wrought iron is a historical outdoor furnishing material. The word “wrought” actually means “worked” in that wrought iron is “worked by hand.” It is extremely malleable when heated and hammered into shape. This allows wrought iron to form ornate hand-crafted designs with an upscale artisan feel. Therefore, if you are looking for unique, exquisite and handcrafted designs, wrought iron is a material you can consider. However, wrought iron can be very expensive, and because they are much heavier than other materials, it would be very difficult to rearrange the furniture. Furniture made from wrought iron rusts easily and requires more maintenance as well.

Synthetic Resin Wicker

Natural Living in house collection: Madrid Lounge Set

Natural resin wicker, while beautiful, is susceptible to rain, sleet, moisture, making it a poor choice for outdoor furniture. Therefore, synthetic resin wicker are made to look like natural resin wicker but are much more durable. Outdoor furniture made from synthetic resin wicker are lightweight, flexible and comfortable. Most outdoor wicker furniture are constructed over aluminum frames, which increase the weight they can support. They often come with cushions, which should be made of all-weather fabrics to help prevent fading and wear. Minimal maintenance is required as well – simply hose it down with water and a mild soap.

Plastic

Source: Amazon

Plastic furniture can be made to resemble wicker, wood or other types of furniture. It is lightweight, low maintenance and available in a wider range of colours than other materials. It is also inexpensive, and can thus be an option if you are on a budget! However, in terms of durability, plastic fare poorly as compared to other materials, especially because it may not be able to withstand the various elements outdoor. It is thus not recommended to purchase plastic outdoor furniture if you are looking for something that lasts!

Wood

Natural Living LIFE collection: Teak coffee table

Teak, cedar, pine and eucalyptus are common types of wood used in outdoor furniture. Of them all, teak is the best type of wood for outdoor furniture. Teak is a dense-grained tropical hardwood that is often touted for its all-weather capabilities, strength, and beautiful grained finish. With proper maintenance, teak can last up to 50 years! While not as lightweight as aluminium and resin wicker, it is still mobile while offering a high load capacity. While Cedar, pine and eucalyptus are usually less expensive, they are not as dense and therefore, not recommended in humid climates like Singapore where they could rot easily or require frequent repainting.

Natural Living carries outdoor furniture that are made of synthetic resin wicker, aluminium, stainless steel and teak. As one of the largest outdoor furniture retailer in Singapore, we carry a wide range of furniture that would suit all needs and budgets. Come down to our showroom today to have a look!

Address: Big Box Level 3, 1 Venture Ave, 608521

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