Quality Outdoor Furniture

Is your outdoor setting failing under the pressures of living outdoors? Understanding the reasons your outdoor furniture hasn’t lasted will help you avoid making the same mistakes again. Ensuring you purchase quality outdoor furniture all comes down to understanding the materiality and componentry.

1. You’ve selected an inferior timber

One of the main reasons your outdoor furniture hasn’t lasted relates to the materiality.

Wood is one of the more popular materials for outdoor furniture. It’s natural, raw finish adds warmth to an outdoor space and marries well with the surrounding landscape. However, if you’ve purchased a timber setting that’s rotting or cracking, it may be because you’re timber isn’t as suitable for outdoor use.

Softwoods, such as pine or cedar, are typically inexpensive but aren’t as resistant to the outdoor elements and will require covering up. If you’re looking for timber furniture that can withstand the pressures that come with outdoor usage, opt for a hardwood such as teak. Hardwoods may have a higher price tag, but are incredibly durable and won’t warp, or crack like softwoods.

Quality outdoor furniture will always use high quality A-grade teak as the main timber material.

2. The componentry is of poor quality

Focusing on the finer details when buying quality outdoor furniture is important if you’re seeking longevity. If your outdoor furniture hasn’t lasted, it may be built with inferior componentry made of materials that aren’t able to cope with the external environment.

High-quality componentry will greatly determine how long the furniture lasts. If the furniture will be placed in an exposed or harsh environment, such as the coast, high-quality compontentry is paramount.

Zero in on details such as the welding and the material of the screws and bolts. Asking questions about the joinery will help you avoid the nasty surprise of furniture falling apart just as the weather gets warmer. Be sure to advise the team of where you’re placing the furniture so they can help you choose the right pieces for your outdoor space.

3. Foam cushions don’t allow for drainage

One of the most common complaints about upholstered outdoor furniture is moulding fabric and cushions. Therefore it’s important for those pieces of furniture that are exposed to the exterior elements more regularly that it is made of cushions that allow for drainage. Think quick dry foam that won’t go mouldy covered in UV resistant quality fabric.

If you’re placing outdoor furniture in a location that is regularly exposed to rain and sunshine, we recommend reticulate foam cushions that have less Dacron wrap. This will aid adequate drainage. In spaces which are partially undercover, you have more flexibility to choose a plush sofa with Dacron wrapped foam.

Regardless of where you position your outdoor furniture, a little care goes a long way. If you can choose a hardier piece with reticulated foam, it’s likely to be more durable. We suggest at times when your furniture is exposed to rain, you tip it on its side to allow the water to run out of the cushions.

Feature image: Eco Outdoor Jan Juc® Dining Table