A Guide to Outdoor Furniture Materials in Conroe
A well-furnished outdoor patio is a great place to gather with friends and family to talk, laugh, and share. Because patio furniture Spring, TX spends most of its time outside, you need to determine whether it can stand up to weather conditions in your area to ensure you are getting the best value.
In Conroe, Texas, low temperatures rarely dip below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that you can get used to your outdoor furniture in spring, summer, fall, and perhaps even part of winter. On the other hand, you have to make sure that your patio furniture can stand up to heat and moisture as rainfall tends to be consistent throughout most of the year. Here is an overview of some of the most common outdoor furniture materials and an analysis of whether they are appropriate for Conroe.
Patio Furniture Made From All-Weather Wicker
Wicker refers to a pattern of weaving fibers together to form a distinctive design for patio furniture. Traditionally, wicker is woven of natural materials, such as bamboo, banana leaf, seagrass, rattan, and willow. Unfortunately, organic materials such as these are sensitive to rain and humidity, making them less than ideal for outdoor furniture in a consistently moist environment such as Conroe.
All-weather wicker employs the same distinctive weaving technique using synthetic fibers, such as nylon, high-density polyethylene, or PVC. In addition to being resistant to weather conditions, artificial wicker is lightweight but strong. It strongly resembles natural wicker but is much easier to clean. All-weather wicker is sustainable because it lasts a long time, and HDPE pieces can be recycled.
For the most part, all you need to do to keep all-weather wicker is to spray it with water once in a while to remove dirt and pollen. You can then let it air dry and don’t even need to use any soap or cleaner on it. On the other hand, unless you are certain that it is resistant to ultraviolet radiation, you may want to keep it out of the sun to prevent fading or cracking.
The one downside of synthetic wicker patio furniture is that it may blow away in a windy environment. Nevertheless, since the average wind speed in Conroe rarely exceeds 11 miles per hour, this may not be a significant issue.
Outdoor Furniture Made From Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is so-called because it is hammered into shape after being heated. It is different from cast iron, which gets its form from molten metal poured into a mold. Wrought iron outdoor furniture is extremely durable and can add a timeless elegance to your yard with its ornate designs, typically crafted by hand.
Before you buy wrought iron patio furniture for your Conroe home, you should know that the metal is very hard and retains heat. Cushions and upholstery may help to keep it cooler and more comfortable. Wrought iron is very heavy, keeping it from blowing away but making it harder to move around the patio.
Wrought iron patio furniture is very susceptible to rust and has to be treated specially with a weather-resistant finish to prevent this. If you find any rust on your wrought iron furniture, sand the area and seal it with paint after cleaning it with mild soapy water. Otherwise, you can use a damp cloth periodically to remove any dust or dirt.
Patio Furniture Made From Aluminum
Aluminum has many qualities that make it ideal for constructing outdoor furniture:
- Weather-resistant
- Low maintenance
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
Unlike wrought iron and many other metals, aluminum is not susceptible to rust. On the other hand, it is similar to wrought iron in that it can retain heat from the sun. While aluminum being lightweight is an advantage for rearranging the furniture, it can also be a disadvantage if a strong gust of wind comes along and the furniture gets blown over.
Although aluminum itself does not rust, oxidation could develop in chips in the paint. To prevent this, you should inspect periodically for chips and touch them up if you find any. Otherwise, you can remove dirt and dust by spraying aluminum patio furniture with a mild soapy mixture or just a stream of clear water.