KARIN MELBERG SCHWIER
Photo Courtesy: SeasideCasual Furniture
OUTDOOR FURNITURE BEST SEAT (NOT) IN THE HOUSE ‘Outdoor furniture’ used to mean a wooden picnic table and two benches. All you had to worry about was slivers. Today, consumers choose from a wide variety of materials, styles, price points, and quality ranges. We asked Michael Leier, manager, SteelMet Décor, to offer our readers some advice for furnishing outdoor spaces. “Determine the look you want first,” Michael advises. “Wood? Iron? Aluminum? Recycled plastic? Rattan?You’ll find lower to higher end quality,
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low prices to more expensive in each. Manufacturers may use hollow tubing instead of solid components to drop the price point. Understand what you’re buying.” Considerations: Wood: Has character, but needs upkeep. May absorb water, freeze, crack, and dry out in the sun. Needs to be sealed, stained or painted annually. Cast Iron: Wrought iron has a great handcrafted look. Durable but will rust even if painted.
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Can hold the temperature and may burn. Cast Aluminum: Can look and feel like wrought iron. Weathers well and many higher end brands are resistant to rust. Radiates heat. Good cast aluminum should be a heavier weight. Outdoor Lifestyle is one of the only companies that warranties against freeze damage. Plastic/Resin: Cheaper plastic degrades and gets brittle in the sun and cold. Good quality plastic holds up and is heavier.
Products made to look like real wood. Rattan: Lower end more woodbased with woven elements. Higher end cast aluminum framing with composite plastic weaving won’t fade or lose colour. High end products should last 15 – 20 years. It may be false economy to buy cheap now and have to replace it in five years. Check what bolts and connectors are made out of even if the body is rust-proof aluminum. Use