Wood vs Metal: The Ideal Material For Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture should be picked meticulously. This is an investment that will stay with you for years to come, or so one should hope. Outdoor furniture sets the vibe of your patio or backyard, but you need to be sure that the material you’re investing in will stand the test of time. Metal and wood outdoor furniture are the most common types of furniture available in the market today and are preferred by many. Metal outdoor furniture has been a public favourite for years, while wood patio furniture goes way back in time as the first ever material used to make furniture by mankind. 

It is natural that when you’re looking for outdoor furniture, you’re going to look for furniture that gives you the same feel and characteristics as indoor furniture. Chairs, sofas, and tables – in terms of softness, comfort, durability, size, and the numbers on the tag. Yes, outdoor furniture is not something completely different, but it does have to endure weather conditions. This is what makes the choice of material for outdoor patio furniture very important. 

The debate on metal and wood patio furniture has been going on for quite a while, and no matter what you decide, you must be aware of the pros and cons. You need to know which material is feasible for your location’s weather conditions, how often will you be using your furniture, how durable the material is, how to maintain and clean the furniture and many other things. Let’s glance at wood vs metal outdoor furniture: 

Metal Furniture

Metal is the strongest material available on the market for outdoor patio or garden furniture. Metal possesses great strength, allowing manufacturers to come up with various complex designs that become the selling point of the furniture. The metallic frames can be given different designs that not only stand out but has their own aesthetic and functional factors. Unlike other materials, you do not need screws and bolts to make or build metal chairs, tables and more. Because of this reason, they are not prone to breaking down at all. Since metal is  malleable, you can design the furniture shape as per convieniece. Keeping all the plus points aside, metal has its own drawbacks too. It can get heated very quickly under the sun making use of it uncomfortable. All types of metal, to some extent, are prone to corrosion and rust. Lastly, most metal can be challenging to move! 

Let’s explore the pros and cons of metal outdoor furniture: 

Pros:

• It does not attract any pests, bugs or insects of any kind. 
• Metal is extremely sturdy and durable. 
• It requires less maintenance and is very easy to clean! 
• There are different types of metal with their own qualities that one can choose from. 
• It is easy on the pocket as it is not that expensive and lasts for a long time. 

Cons: 

• Metal furniture can get very hot in the sun. 
• Metal is prone to rust after a certain amount of time. 
• It can be difficult to move around since most metals are heavy. 

Wood Furniture:

For over a millennia, wood has been one of the most used and preferred raw materials on the planet. Its natural beauty provides an aesthetic scale that absolutely can not be matched. The reason why wood is so aesthetically pleasing is that it is natural and adds a tinge of nature to anybody’s life who uses it. It is sturdy and provides a decent framework for sofas, chairs, tables, and more. Wood is available in two types, softwood and hardwood. Cedar, pressure-treated pine, and fir is some of the many softwoods available on the market today, but they are not ideal for outdoor use since they need to be protected always when not is used (from weather conditions). Hardwoods, on the other hand, can easily last for a couple of years if cared for adequately. Although, they are expensive and a challenge to tame. 

Pros:

• It is sturdy and can be used for a long if cared for properly 
• Natural beauty is something that only wooden furniture will bring to the patio. 
• You can choose from different styles and colours. 
• You can paint or stain it to customise it according to your aesthetic. 

Cons:

• Wood can be damaged easily by the elements
• It requires much more maintenance than wood furniture 
• It can be heavy and fragile to move around. 

FAQ

• What is the most popular type of metal patio furniture?

Aluminium is the most popular type of metal patio furniture available on the market today. It is a people's favourite since it resists moisture and rust damage. Browse through our aluminum products at Shop4Patio! 

• What is the most popular type of wood patio furniture?

Factors such as immunity, longevity, and the ability to fight off weather conditions make Teak the most popular type of wood patio furniture. Shop4Patio’s Teak collection is something you cannot miss! 

• Is wicker patio furniture a good choice for outdoor furniture?

As long as you’re living in a dry region or can store your wicker furniture away during weather changes, wicker patio furniture is great for everyone! 

• Will my outdoor furniture choices be comfortable?

You can always test your products before you buy them! Come on over to Shop4Patio’s showroom! 

• Which is better for the environment- wooden or metal outdoor furniture?

Both wood and metal seem to be the right choice if we’re thinking in a ‘green way’. Metal furniture can easily be recycled, and wood comes from nature itself! 

• What is the most budget-friendly type of outdoor furniture?

At Shop4Patio, you can find various types of outdoor furniture at different prices. Get in touch with us today to get the best deal!