Atlanta is hot, humid, and downright muggy. We have mosquitoes that you can hear coming at you from several feet away.
How on Earth do people choose gorgeous outdoor furniture that looks great year after year without seeing it destroyed by the heat and humidity?
We love the Atlanta area, we love Georgia weather, and we love helping people create amazing outdoor living spaces. So today, we’re going to show you how to choose the perfect outdoor furniture for your custom deck or outdoor living area.
Don’t Expect Quality from Cheap
I know several people who go to the local discount store year after year to buy new outdoor furniture because it’s cheap and gets them through the year. We all know people who do that. That is absolutely an option here in Atlanta as long as you have the funds to keep up with your ever-changing furniture.
Please keep in mind that cheap furniture is not quality furniture.
Cast Aluminum
Cast aluminum, or aluminum alloy, is designed to be used outdoors. It is used to manufacture bike parts, wheels, mailboxes, and of course outdoor furniture. It doesn’t rust easily, especially if proper care is taken. Any rust spots that do appear are usually easy to get rid of.
Aluminum alloy furniture requires minimal care and may be dressed up to appear top of the line. You may use any color cushions or pillows to ensure comfortable seating. Cast aluminum offers the traditional appearance of heavy metals without the weight.
*Wrought Iron, Steel, and other metals tend to rust more quickly than cast aluminum.
Resin Wicker Resin
Wicker is very durable and requires minimal upkeep. Make sure your chosen furniture specifically states that it is resin wicker, and not the cheap stuff. High-end resin wicker is UV-resistant, so it won’t fade, waterproof, and very durable. Dress your resin wicker furniture up with cushions and pillows to ensure comfort.
*Check your wicker furniture for spider webs, bug nests, and bee nests often during the spring and summer months. Yellow Jackets are well known for building nests in wicker style furniture.
Wood Furniture for Outdoor Use
Teak is one of the hardest woods used to make furniture. It is very weather resistant and creates some of the most amazing looking furniture in the world. Some pieces of teak furniture which were created in the 17th century are still in circulation today within the antique market.
Teak is a wonderful choice for outdoor furniture. You may need to clean, stain, or seal it every couple of years, but it’s very highly recommended for use outside.
Fabrics for High Humidity
Acrylic is a very popular outdoor fabric. It is very soft, UV-resistant, and it wicks away moisture from dew and rain. It holds up beautifully in Atlanta humidity as well.
Olefin and Polyester are also popular fabrics for outdoor use. They are both very durable and long lasting, easy to clean, and usually less expensive than acrylic.
No fabric is 100% maintenance-free. You must maintain the condition of your outdoor fabrics by shaking the dust off of them, spraying them off with a hose occasionally, and cleaning any potential stains with a mild soapy solution. Flip your cushions occasionally to ensure even sun exposure.
Call to Action
I hope this quick little guide to buying outdoor furniture helps you make your outdoor living area more comfortable and inviting.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss building a custom deck, patio, pergola, porch, or gazebo, please give us a call and we’ll talk details!