People love to spend time outside during the summer. The patio is a place for families and friends to congregate for the Fourth of July, or any time during the summer day or evening. Patio furniture is both decorative and useful, and made to accentuate a patio area. Patio furniture is made in all kinds of durable materials; from hard plastics to wood. These days, water resistant covers are made for patio cushions and sofas, and the furniture is built to last.
History
Patio furniture has been around since the 19th century, with the invention of the simple wooden rocking chair. Since then, patio furniture design has evolved tremendously. Comfort, utilizing space and style is essential these days when it comes to patio furniture. Deep-seated patio furniture includes both comfortable and sectional sofas and chairs. Sectional sofas can be put in small spaces, or around corners. Motion chairs and rockers made from wood are designed with comfort and support in mind as well. Fitted backs on wooden chairs provide extra back support, and wide seating is available in various shapes and heights.
Water, Low Moisture and Heat Resistant Patio Furniture
Resin is made from hard, virtually indestructible plastic. Resin patio furniture is popular because it is attractive, easy to maintain and comes in a variety of solid base colors; like red, white and blue. These colors are easy to use in conjunction with decorative patio accessories. Resin is inexpensive compared to rarer wood furniture sets.
Benefits
Resin furniture is weather resistant. It can be left outside under the hot sun, because the plastic is treated during production with a solar repellent. Resin furniture is heavy, and doesn’t easily get blown around under windy conditions. Resin furniture can also withstand strong hail and rain.
Teak Patio Furniture
Teak patio furniture is made from the tropical hardwood known as teak. This type of wood is a naturally oily wood, which fares well outdoors because it doesn’t need a lot of upkeep. This is due to the natural oils in the wood. Teak furniture is more expensive than resin because some types of teak wood are considered exotic.Furniture manufacturers use teak wood because it resists decay, and also resists termites and other insects. Teak is also good when combined with metal legs on furniture, because the oils in teak help to keep the metal that comes in contact with the wood from rusting. Teak furniture does well in dry climates such as Arizona and New Mexico, or wherever the environment does not get a lot of rain.
Teak is a warm-colored wood. Buying teak patio furniture may be a solid investment in the long run because the wood is strong, and furniture made from this hearty wood lasts for years. There are three types of teak–common teak, daphat teak, and teak from the Philippines. Most teak furniture is made from common teak, for this type of teak wood is not endangered, unlike the other types mentioned.
Teak requires very little maintenance, aside from periodic cleaning with teak oil to keep the wood’s natural oils intact, and the furniture looking like new. Resin furniture is easy to leave outdoors year-round, and requires very little upkeep, aside from general cleaning with soapy water and a clean rag when dirty.
Reference
- OutbackPatio.com: Teak Outdoor Furniture http://www.outbackpatio.com/infoteakoutdoorfurniture.html
- PoughkeepsieJournal.com: New patio furniture built for chatting in comfort http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20100606/LIFE07/6060328/New-patio-furniture-built-for-chatting-in-comfort
