Among the multitude of reasons people choose to inhabit all different parts of the globe, weather plays a crucial deciding factor. Some people prefer the balmy climes and beaches of Miami, while others prefer the crisp mountain air and skiing opportunities of Aspen. As much as one person prefers a certain climate, their outdoor furniture will do the same. Different materials of furniture will hold up better under various types of weather conditions and climates.
Wood Outdoor Furniture: good for just about anywhere
Among the various types of outdoor furniture, wood is among the most versatile and heartiest. Hardwoods like shorea and cedar are extremely strong, and others like teak were originally used on boat decks. Teak is actually an ideal choice for coastal towns for the same reason it was used for boats. The wood is extremely durable when it comes to saltwater; in fact, teak will even help to protect surrounding metals from rusting. The best thing to look for when shopping around for wood outdoor furniture is what varieties of tree are native to your part of the world. Buying locally is a good way to support your local economy, but it also keeps the cost down for you by not having to transport the wood as far. For example, cedar is predominant in many parts of the US. However, when it comes to exotic woods like teak, from Southeast Asia, you’ll of course have to make exceptions.
Wicker Outdoor Furniture: rain, rain go away
Almost every kind of wicker available, with the exception of maybe plastic wicker, cannot physically withstand any moderate to large All Weather Wicker Furniture amount of moisture, including rain, snow and sleet. The delicate fibers of cane, rattan, paper and more will start to fall apart under prolonged moisture, but it is this delicacy which gives wicker its distinct look and charm. Ideally, the best places for wicker are hot regions, but while the minimal rainfall of the Southwest, like in Arizona, might seem perfect, in fact the dry air is actually counterproductive. Ironically, wicker prefers some amount of humidity to keep fibers in good condition; too dry and they will start to break down and crack. If you live in a really arid region you might need to periodically wipe down your wicker furniture with a damp rag to prevent this from happening. In general, though, it’s the northern states that are worst for owning wicker outdoor furniture, while the Deep South is ideal.
Metal Outdoor Furniture: stay inland to stay intact
When it comes to metal furniture, the two most popular varieties are aluminum and wrought, aluminum for its extremely light weight. However, this trait makes it bad for windy parts of the world. Then there is wrought iron, the opposite insofar as weight. Wrought iron outdoor furniture is fine for windy areas. However, there is one part of the country where metal outdoor furniture should be avoided altogether, and that’s coastal regions. After enough time outdoors, all metal will begin to rust, even metal that’s been coated with rust-inhibitors. What saltwater does, then, is speed up this oxidation process. This means that if you live anywhere close to the beach (of an ocean, that is) even if you’re not exactly beachfront, there’s a strong likelihood that some of that saltwater will be carried through the air, the sand, etc. and get onto your furniture.