The idea of metal furniture seems unappealing for indoors as metal isn’t an indoor material but an outdoor metal furniture setup will take your patio look to the next level. Besides offering years of durability, strength, and value for money, a metal outdoor furniture set is highly suitable for outdoor weather conditions.
From metal outdoor sofa sets to a metal dining table for large outdoor barbeque summer gatherings, a metal chaise lounge, or simply a compact metal outdoor chair, you get many options with metal furniture. And if you are wondering what kind of metal is used in the patio outdoor décor and furniture setup, aluminum, steel, or iron are the main materials of interest for a metal outdoor sofa set.
That being said, the choice for a metal frame outdoor sofa becomes diverse, and one must pick out the most suitable outdoor sofa set for their patio décor. Below is a detailed buying guide to help you choose the best metal outdoor sofa for your outdoor gatherings. So let’s check them out!
Type of Material
The first factor that impacts a metal sofa set’s performance is the material used. Sofa sets made from different materials exhibit different properties hence are suitable for different weather conditions. Below are some common metal outdoor sofa types.
Aluminum
Aluminum offers ease of maintenance; it can stand up against tough weather conditions such as extreme winds, rains, and cloudy and even sunny seasons. Moreover, aluminum furniture is also less expensive as compared to other options. It is lightweight, looks aesthetic, and is easy to move around. So if you wish to relocate your outdoor furniture several times a year, aluminum is recommended.
Steel
If you prefer a grass-laid foundation for your patio, then an outdoor steel sofa set is a perfect choice, as the lightweight furniture is easy to move to leave no scratches on the ground. It is a more durable choice than aluminum and can withstand heavier loads better. However, one drawback of steel is its ability to retain heat, making it unsuitable for hotter months. Also, if you prefer black metal outdoor sofa design, steel is not a suitable choice as the black color and steel material will retain extra heat.
Iron
Wrought iron or iron outdoor furniture has a vintage metal outdoor sofa touch to it, which is why many people prefer this material for outdoor seating. Iron also looks graceful in a modern patio setting, and though its aesthetic value is pretty high, the heavy weight of the furniture makes it harder to move around.
Weather Resistant
Though some types of metal furniture offer better weather resistance than others, several add-on features can make a piece of furniture more durable and resistant to weather changes. Also, not all types of metal furniture require the same amount of weather-resistant finish; some are naturally more capable of withstanding weather conditions than others.
Though aluminum and stainless steel furniture can withstand moderate rain and snow, iron is unsuitable for such weather conditions. Hence, when it comes to iron, look for a metal patio furniture set with a powder-coated finish, an anti-corrosion coating, or another type of waterproof finish when shopping.
Comfort
Another important factor that will govern the choice of outdoor furniture to a huge extent is the comfort offered by the piece of furniture. Whether it is an outdoor chair, a sofa, or a dining set, if the person sitting on them is not comfortable, then what’s the point? Besides the furniture’s heavy and firm base, cushioning effect is highly important. Ergonomically shaped seats and cushions will make outdoor furniture more comfortable and enjoyable for the guests. But one thing to ensure is that the fabric for the cushions you choose is resistant to mold and mildew, common in regions with high precipitation rates.
Price
The price of any furniture item, whether indoors or outdoors, is a crucial factor too. Metal furniture is an inexpensive option compared to wooden or wicker outdoor furniture. Also, aluminum is the least expensive metal furniture option you can buy. If you want to score a great discount, then learning about the best time for outdoor furniture purchase is also important.
During certain seasons and sales, outdoor furniture is discounted, so you can easily get your hands on the best products. As fall approaches, shop for outdoor furniture in late July or early August. Since there won’t be any for sale over the winter, this is the time when it is most likely to be cheap yet still accessible.
Storage
Many people desire outdoor furniture to be left out all year. This is mainly because, practically, it is tough to move around the furniture, especially if you have picked heavier options like wrought iron. Now when it comes to storage, some outdoor furniture has foldable designs and wheeled bases, making it easy to move around. In other cases, outdoor furniture like aluminum can be left all year round without worrying about rust or mildew attacks.
Consider the Space
Several space options exist, from compact to large designs, for an outdoor sofa set. To ensure the outdoor sofa you choose looks perfect for the space, measure the space you have and the shape of the space. The size of your outdoor furniture and the type of layout you go for should be determined by the area and layout of your outdoor space, just like when outfitting a living or family room. The most important thing is to provide room around your furniture so that you may comfortably move about.
Ease of Maintenance
Many people pick outdoor metal furniture because of the ease of maintenance. But as metal furniture comes in different materials, the ease of maintenance also varies. To reduce maintenance requirements, choose patio furniture that is easy to care for. Most aluminum, teak, cedar, and all-weather wicker furniture can withstand any elements that nature may provide. These materials can be used to create furniture that will last for years with a little routine cleaning.
