Looking for the perfect outdoor home furniture? You’ll be spoilt for choice with a wide range of materials available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. But if you’re looking for something that ticks all the boxes, aluminum is a hot favorite!
It’s tough, easy to maintain, and best of all, won’t burn a hole in your wallet. Whether it’s an outdoor conversation set you are looking for or an outdoor dining set, we have answers to all your queries.
Aluminum comes in two types – Cast and Extruded, also known as Wrought. These two variants have some major differences and the type of aluminum you choose can make or break your outdoor living experience.
The question of “extruded aluminum vs. cast aluminum” is a hot topic of debate. So which is better for your outdoor space? Let’s find out by reading on!
What is Cast Aluminum?
Cast Aluminum, as we said before, is a type of Aluminum alloy made by melting pure aluminum and mixing other metals, such as silicon and magnesium, in its molten form.
This molten metal is then poured into a cast designed in the shape of the desired end product.
What is Extruded Aluminum?
Extrusion, just rolling or bending, is a method of creating wrought aluminum. In this process, the alloy is created by forcing heated aluminum along with other metals through a shaped opening. In this manner, aluminum is physically combined with the other metals to create a sturdier alloy. This process creates a long, hollow tube of aluminum that can be cut and shaped into various designs.
Extruded Aluminum vs. Cast Aluminum
As highlighted, the manufacturing process is the main difference between Extruded Aluminum and Cast Aluminum. It can be said that Cast Aluminum is stronger between the two as it has a chemical bond between the pure metal and its solute metals, whereas, in extrusion, the bond is physical.
The quality of Aluminum alloys is regulated by the “Aluminum Association” in the USA, and they have produced specific guidelines to measure the quality of Aluminum alloys.
Aluminum Outdoor Furniture
Whether it is cast or extruded aluminum, outdoor furniture has several advantages over traditional options such as wicker or wrought iron furniture.
Neither extruded or cast aluminum rusts, so you can be sure that your investment in a piece of aluminum furniture like an outdoor table or an outdoor chair would be worth it. The same cannot be said about Iron which is bound to rust when left outdoors, especially in humid climates.
Compared to other options like teak or wicker, aluminum is just a clear winner in terms of durability. Teak furniture will decay and rot and is susceptible to termite attacks, and the wicker will loosen over time. However, with aluminum, you can be sure it will hold strong to the test of time.
Cast Aluminum vs. Aluminum Patio Furniture
But which one is better for outdoor patio furniture? There is no simple answer to that as it largely depends on what factors are more important to you. If you are not bothered by the extra weight, cast aluminum would be the better option, as although it is heavier than extruded, it is sturdier too.
Another plus of cast aluminum is that generally, they come in more intricate designs since it is made in dies that can be created as per choice, compared to extruded options that are shaped using force.
Nevertheless, there is a wide range of aluminum furniture available, with loads of designs and aesthetic choices. From mid-century modern to vintage, you are bound to find aluminum patio furniture according to your taste.
Since extruded aluminum is hollow on the inside, it packs less weight. So if you want your furniture to be lightweight and easy to move and stack, then go for options in extruded aluminum.
FAQs
Is cast aluminum heavy?
Cast Aluminum is heavier than extruded aluminum, but it is lighter than iron or steel alternatives.
Does cast aluminum rust?
No. Cast Aluminum is weather resistant in the sense that it never rusts and is waterproof.
How strong is cast aluminum?
Cast Aluminum is a very strong material, with a tensile strength of 32000 psi. It is also highly durable and resistant to corrosion, which makes it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture. Comparatively, it is stronger and more durable than many other materials commonly used for outdoor furniture, such as plastic, wicker, and many types of wood.
Does aluminum outdoor furniture get hot?
Yes. Aluminum furniture can get pretty hot if it’s sitting out in the sun for a while. But don’t worry, it’s usually made to handle outdoor conditions and has a special coating to help prevent it from getting too hot. Compared to Iron, it takes up way less heat. Just make sure to take care of it properly, so it lasts longer.
Adding cushions to your aluminum outdoor bench is a great way to prevent it from getting too hot.
Is aluminum manufactured? What are its other uses?
Yes, we say aluminum is manufactured because, although it is a naturally existing mineral, it exists in an ore form and must be refined into pure aluminum.
Even after refining, the metal is still unsuitable for daily-use objects. To make aluminum moldable and sturdy, alloys are made by mixing pure aluminum with other metals such as zinc, magnesium, and silicon.
Aluminum is one of the best types of outdoor furniture, and can be used in several other things such as stools etc.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting outdoor patio furniture, aluminum is a no brainer. Not only is aluminum furniture built to last, but it can handle whatever nature puts them through. Between the two types, cast aluminum is a strong material that can withstand rough handling and heavy use, making it the perfect choice for those who want to put their furniture through the wringer, on the other hand, extruded aluminum is pretty light and easy to move around, making it a breeze to stack away when not in use.
Let’s not forget the price tag – neither type of aluminum would break the bank. At the end of the day, the decision between aluminum and cast aluminum will come down to what you’re looking for in outdoor furniture. But one thing’s for sure, you can’t go wrong with either of these top-quality choices!
