Outdoor dining sets are made of different materials, and choosing the best materials might be daunting since you are left with different options.
When selecting the right material for your outdoor furniture, you need to do your research well and know your available options. The truth is that no outdoor dining sets material is a bad option. The right material only depends on what you cherish more in your furniture, as each has its upsides and downsides.
This article educates you on the most popular materials for outdoor dining sets and how to make a precise choice that suits your application:
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How to Choose an Outdoor Dining Set Material
When buying a set of dining chairs and tables, you need to consider your furniture's structural integrity and appearance. This requires considering how your dining set material reacts to different seasons and weather conditions. You also want to consider the maintenance requirement of your sets, such that you can pick a material requiring low maintenance cost and effort.
Here are a few factors to put you through on your journey of selecting an outdoor dining set material:
Rain
Since your outdoor dining sets will spend more time outdoors, rain is the first factor you want to consider. How well can your dining sets withstand rain and moisture? This is essential if you reside in an area with frequent rainstorms or high humidity.
Note that water accumulation on your dining sets is detrimental to your dining sets and doesn’t mean well for your health.
Mild, Mold, and Rot
Some materials retain water and aren’t the best for outdoor pieces. Ensure you shun these materials when choosing an outdoor dining set material, as they are highly susceptible to mildew and mould. While mould and mildew might not damage your dining set, they are potential causes of different health issues, such as irritation and respiratory problems.
However, the same cannot be said of rot, as it is a leading cause of decomposition and degradation of outdoor furniture.
Rust and Corrosion
Outdoor dining set materials made from metal like steel or iron are vulnerable to corrosion and rust. The continual exposure of these metal pieces to moisture and oxygen enhances corrosion, which ultimately causes discolouration and visible rust on your furniture.
Sunlight
Other than the rain, sunlight is another common weather condition to which your outdoor dining sets are exposed. Choosing the best outdoor material for your dining table and chairs requires considering how your materials react to harsh UV rays from the sun. If you reside in an area with extreme sunlight, your dining sets may suffer discolouration from exposure to UV rays.
Durability
Durability plays an important role in the selection of outdoor dining sets. While some materials are durable under ideal conditions, they react badly to harsh conditions and may require a replacement every couple of seasons.
Durability also depends on usage, and looking for the best materials for outdoor dining sets depends on considering your usage. Choose a material that resonates with your usage. A patio dining set used once a season will last longer than one used every evening.
Maintenance Requirement
How well you clean and take care of your outdoor furniture set contributes highly to its durability, aesthetically and functionally. Some patio dining set materials offer easy cleanings, such as using soap and water, while others demand cleaning with special products to be in shape.
If you don’t have much time to care for your furniture, choose low-maintenance materials.
Best Outdoor Dining Sets Materials
Outdoor dining set makers like Art Leon are upping their game and continuously trying to offer their customers the best value for their money. One way is the use of durable materials for their products.
Again, outdoor dining sets are made of different materials, and choosing the best depends on how your use your furniture and what elements they are exposed to.
You won’t be wrong choosing any of these materials for your patio furniture:
Metal
Metal is a leading material for outdoor dining sets thanks to its high durability. Since metal can withstand different outdoor elements, most outdoor dining set makers find value in this material. However, since some metals are vulnerable to rust, you must protect them from rust-triggering elements like water.
It is worth noting that metal is of different types, including aluminum and steel. Aluminum is a lightweight option with high durability and resistance to rust. This gives peace of mind when used around salt water. Aluminum is also a great material for outdoor dining sets for ease of maintenance. Plus, they are offered at affordable prices.
On the other hand, steel is harder and heavy, with high resistance against dents and wind, and its weight doesn’t prevent moving it around. Since plain steel easily gives in to rust, galvanized and stainless steel are better options for outdoor dining chairs and tables.
Plastic
If you are hunting for a lightweight, inexpensive material, consider opting for plastic. Plastic furniture is available in various colors and can be made to mimic other materials, such as wicker rattan and wood.
One common selling point of plastic dining sets is low maintenance. Plus, plastic can withstand elements like stains, mildew, and insects, so it doesn’t peel, fade, or crack. The only major setback of plastic outdoor dining sets is that they are easily moved by wind.
Rattan
Rattan is another common outdoor dining set material with different benefits. Rattan dining sets are made by weaving natural rattan fiber strips in the wicker style. You will love wicker rattan dining sets for their lightweight, comfortability, and classic appearance.
However, rattan is vulnerable to fading due to exposure to sunlight, and it doesn’t resist moisture quite well. Hence, you must bring your rattan dining sets in or invest in a dining sets cover to protect them against UV rays and rain.
Wood
Wood is a natural outdoor furniture material and is commonly chosen for its high resistance to elements. Plus, you can easily clean your outdoor wooden dining sets with only warm water, mild soap, and a gentle cloth.
Depending on the wood type, wooden dining sets have various appearance options. Common wood types used for outdoor dining sets include teak, cedar, acacia, and cypress.
Check our outdoor furniture sections for dining sets made from different materials.
Best Upholstery Materials for Outdoor Dining Sets
Now that you know the best materials that will work best for your outdoor dining sets frame, it is equally important to know the best upholstery material. The cushion upholstery you choose for your dining set will determine the comfort you get from your furniture. That is not all; your upholstery will also contribute to the overall durability of your furniture.
Common upholstery materials used for outdoor dining sets include leather, velvet, and fabric. The best way to protect your outdoor furniture.
Related Reading: how to make outdoor furniture set?
Conclusion
When choosing the best outdoor dining sets material, you will come across different options, and knowing the best option might be challenging. However, now that you have learned what each material has to offer, you can pick a material that meets your requirements and usage.