As temperatures begin to rise, it’s time for outdoor entertaining! The patio furniture is brought out from storage, and the grill is fired up. Unfortunately, last season’s pieces often look worn or dated and require updating seating options. There are now so many choices that even first-time buyers can become overwhelmed by all the available materials, styles, and selections. So if you want to upgrade your outdoor furniture this year – don’t worry – there’s something perfect for everyone!
Aluminum is one of the most sought-after materials for outdoor furniture today, and there are many reasons why. You will find a large selection of furniture sets made with this material, from tubular to cast aluminum outdoor furniture.
Know About Aluminum Furniture
Aluminum patio furniture is a perfect choice for outdoor seating as it’s lightweight, easily molded, and won’t rust! This popular metal became trendsetting in the early 60s and continues to be embraced today when furnishing poolside areas. Enjoy its functionality while you benefit from its timeless style.
Not only does aluminum outdoor furniture offer stylish and customizable designs, but it is also lightweight for easy portability. Its comfortable seating style will look great in any outdoor setting while being incredibly low-cost compared to other commercial furniture or poolside pieces. Furthermore, this type of furniture is durable enough to handle the elements and easily cleans – making it a no-brainer choice!
History of the Use of Aluminum for Outdoor Furniture
As early as 1787, scientists had a hunch that an unknown metal was present in alum. In 1825, Hans Christian Oersted unearthed a small amount of aluminum. Then, it took two years before Friedrich Wöhler managed to create samples large enough for researchers to estimate its fundamental characteristics. It wasn’t until Henri Étienne Sainte-Claire Deville made advancements in this method in 1854 that commercial production of this valuable metal became feasible.
Extensive Use
During the 1920s, a strong and versatile metal was used extensively in construction. Initially, it was mainly utilized for decorative detailing like art deco designs. However, people soon built large-scale structures, such as the Empire State Building, with this same material! Not only is this metal structurally sound, but it’s recyclability makes it highly economical – up to 85 percent of today’s use of this metal comes from recycled sources! Recycling requires minimal effort since melting down easily separates materials, making cost and environmental efficiency practically go hand in hand.
Empire State Building and Garden Furniture
In 1930, for the first time in history, an enormous amount of aluminum was used to build the iconic Empire State Building. Fast forward nearly two decades later, and metal garden furniture production began utilizing this strong yet rust-resistant material. Aluminium is now LEED standard certified due to its Leadership Environment Energy & Design attributes.
For more than nine decades, the Empire State Building has featured aluminum in its construction, and it still stands strong without requiring any maintenance. Comparatively, since their installation 90 years ago, the steel windows have deteriorated significantly and had to be replaced with ones featuring aluminum frames!
Obtaining aluminum was initially an expensive process. However, due to the technological advancements of the 1920s, extracting it became a cost-effective endeavor in America. Today’s skyscrapers wouldn’t be possible without this metal since it is at least 60 percent lighter than its counterparts while maintaining similar strength.
Advantages of Using Aluminum for Outdoor Furniture
Aluminum is one of the most popular materials to use for garden furniture. Here are some of the advantages of using aluminum for outdoor furniture.
Durable
Aluminum is a dependable metal, making it an ideal selection for patio furniture. The pieces are intended to bear human weight and endure ever-changing temperatures and weather conditions, so durability is paramount. Whether you opt for extruded or cast aluminum, such pieces will be challenging to dent, chip, bend or break – so your furniture remains strong yet attractive over time!
Resistant to Sun Damage
Aluminum is the ideal choice for outdoor use thanks to its impressive imperishability. Even when left exposed to powerful sunlight and heat, it won’t fade in color or degrade over time. However, please be aware that despite its durability against most weather conditions, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures may cause some damage over time.
Versatile
Many colorful and captivating aluminum outdoor furniture are available to match your desired aesthetic. Choose from lightweight, modern pieces or heavier yet ornate aluminum sets – endless options! Furthermore, you can blend different materials – mix teak furniture with an aluminum table or chairs for an eclectic look that will wow any onlooker. High-quality color choices abound; find something suited for a striking statement piece, or select more neutral tones instead!
Easy to Maintain
Aluminum’s resistance to outdoor elements makes it an ideal choice for those looking to avoid having to constantly maintain and treat their materials, unlike wood which can require extra attention. Its easy-to-clean surface is a massive plus; all you need is soap and warm water – no harsh chemicals necessary! This means that aluminum has the potential to last much longer than other material options while remaining free from dirt or grime.
Eco-Friendly
If you invest in aluminum furniture for your outdoor space, not only are you helping to be kinder to Mother Nature and the environment than other materials used for outdoor furnishings, but it’s also infinitely recyclable. Being recyclable makes aluminum a great choice when creating consumer products due to its safe disposal capabilities and the ability to repurpose them into something else. Furthermore, aluminum is resistant yet durable, so people can use their pieces longer, which adds environmental benefit!
Cost-Effective
Aluminum patio furniture is significantly more cost-effective than other forms – even wooden ones. That’s because industries can mass-produce aluminum at a cheaper rate. These savings are passed on to the customers who purchase them. Crafting elaborate wooden pieces requires much effort and time; thus, you’ll typically end up paying more for them in comparison.
Different Furniture Items Using Aluminum
Aluminum is an incredibly plentiful metal found in Earth’s crust and the second most abundant metallic element. It stands out from other metals with its wide range of applications. It is also practical and 100 percent recyclable without sacrificing its original qualities. In addition, it takes just 5 percent of the energy to recycle scrap aluminum compared to what would be used for creating new aluminum!
Aluminum is one of the most popular materials for outdoor furniture, and for a good reason. It is lightweight yet strong, resistant to sun damage and other outdoor elements, and can easily be recycled to help reduce environmental impact. Plus, it’s easy to maintain – a quick soap and water rinse will do the trick!
Wide Range of Styles and Design
Aluminum furniture comes in many styles and designs, from traditional to modern, so that you can find something perfect for any outdoor space. From chairs and tables to chaise lounges and daybeds, there is an aluminum piece to suit everyone’s taste. And with such a wide array of colors available, it’s easy to find the right hue to add a splash of color to your outdoor space.
Plus, aluminum furniture is surprisingly cost-effective, making it an easy choice for those looking to upgrade their patio without breaking the bank. So this season, consider aluminum furniture when planning your outdoor oasis! It will provide years of stylish and comfortable seating – with minimal maintenance required. Enjoy the warm weather with style this season!
Caring Tips And Precautions For Outdoor Aluminum Furniture
Cast aluminum patio furniture is designed for lasting outdoor use; however, due to the elements of sun and rain, you will need to take extra care to keep it looking its best. Regular maintenance can bring your cast aluminum pieces many years of pleasure. To maintain its luster and extend its life span, follow these easy steps for cleaning and caring for your cast aluminum furniture.
Removing Dirt and Grime
To preserve the metal frames, try to prevent dirt from accumulating as much as possible. Otherwise, it will become increasingly hard to clean off over time and may corrode the surface if left unattended for a prolonged time. A mild soap-and-water cleaning followed by thorough drying with a towel should be enough; avoid any abrasive materials, cleansers, or bleach products that could destroy its finish.
Preventing and Treating Oxidation
Although aluminum is not susceptible to rust, oxidation can still be a problem. Promptly attend to any small spots to prevent severe oxidation from occurring – once it gets too far, even metal polish might have difficulty removing it! Taking care of your furniture now will pay dividends further down the line, so make sure that whatever products you use stay within manufacturer recommendations.
Check for Calcium Buildup
Calcium buildup on cast aluminum furniture is unsightly and can cause damage if not taken care of. Primarily made up of calcium carbonate, this hard water residue appears in various colors – usually as chalky white deposits. To combat it, make your cleaning solution by mixing one part white distilled vinegar with nine parts water. Test the mixture on an unnoticeable spot before applying to ensure the finish isn’t discolored unexpectedly. With regular maintenance, you’ll be able to keep the limescale at bay.
Prevent Water Accumulation
Avoid water buildup in the frame by eliminating adjuster glides or foot caps from the bottom of its legs to protect your cast aluminum furniture from potential damage. If left to accumulate inside and freeze during winter temperatures, it can cause irreparable harm not usually included under a manufacturer’s warranty.
Check for Chips and Scratches
Regularly, make sure to check your cast aluminum furniture for any scrapes or chips on the surface. If there are any sections where the raw metal is visible, it’s best to contact the retailer or manufacturer you purchased from for repair instructions. Depending on the damage’s extent, touch-up paint may be enough of a fix – and matching frame colors can usually be found through retailers or manufacturers!
Protect with Oil or Wax
Consider using automotive wax to keep your cast aluminum furniture with a glossy, smooth surface in prime condition. This will reduce the amount of dirt and debris that builds up over time. On textured or matte finishes, regularly give it a light coat of mineral oil or baby oil to maintain the luster and avoid the buildup of grime.
With its impressive imperishability, aluminum is a great choice for outdoor furniture. Its durability and resistance to sun damage make it an ideal option that won’t fade in color or require maintenance like other materials. Plus, the wide range of styles and designs makes finding something perfect for any type of patio space easy. Not only is aluminum cost-effective, but it’s also recyclable, which helps reduce environmental impact! With regular cleaning and upkeep, your cast aluminum pieces should bring years of pleasure – so start shopping today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can aluminum rust?
Unlike other metals, aluminum does not rust. Nevertheless, aluminum is highly susceptible to corrosion when exposed to corrosive acids. Under normal circumstances, the protective oxide layer on its surface will regenerate if damaged and protect against corrosion. However, some conditions may cause this coating to become unstable and leave the metal vulnerable to attacks from galvanic corrosion – when two different types of metals are in contact with each other. Understanding how aluminum reacts under certain environments can effectively prevent such damage caused by corrosion.
2) Is it safe to use aluminum material for outdoor furniture?
Aluminum is the ideal metal for outdoor furniture, as it is lightweight yet strong and durable. In addition to being easy to shape into various forms, aluminum boasts an inexpensive price tag and does not rust – making maintenance effortless!
3) Does aluminum furniture get hot in summer?
Aluminum furniture can get hot in direct sunlight, just like any other material. To avoid this, try positioning the furniture in shaded areas or opt for a lighter color to help reflect away some of the heat. Also, choose pieces with high-grade powder coatings as they provide better insulation against heat and will not corrode when exposed to the elements. Of course, you can always add a few outdoor cushions for extra comfort and insulation!
4) Can aluminum withstand high wind speeds?
Tubular aluminum furniture is prone to blowing away in strong winds due to its lightweight, especially if cushions are present. On the other hand, cast aluminum pieces still offer ease of mobility while being heavy enough to withstand higher wind speeds with no issue.
