As outdoor furniture remains outside throughout the winter season, its durability and low maintenance must be ensured with appropriate material selection. The following styles and types are perfect for your Midwest yard.
Natural Teak
Teak wood furniture has long been prized as an outdoor furniture material due to its superior strength and durability, along with natural resistance against extreme weather conditions, rotting, and pest infestation. Proper maintenance could even extend teak’s lifespan over 100 years!
Keep in mind, however, that not all teak is created equally. When shopping for a patio set made from teak wood, pay careful attention to the grade and quality used. Low-grade (which you can read about here) may be cheaper but lacks resistance against elements and requires more regular upkeep than higher quality teak products.
Teak furniture sets constructed with quality heartwood will be constructed of dense, rot-resistant wood that features an appealing honey/brown color and dense graining. Although teak is highly durable and requires little care for maintenance, regular sealing with quality sealers should be done every 6-12 months to protect its longevity and prevent it from degrading over time. Marine stores or online retailers sell quality sealers which should be applied according to manufacturer instructions for application.
Your teak outdoor furniture can also be protected in winter by investing in a heavy-duty yet breathable teak wood cover. These covers will shield it from snow, sleet, hail and other harsh winter weather conditions while preventing debris like sticks, leaves and acorns from blowing onto it and protecting from moisture damage.
Powder-Coated Steel
If your outdoor furniture is made of metal, powder coating is an effective and environmentally-friendly option to keep its condition over time. Powder coating uses no solvents for curing in an oven; thus limiting exposure to toxic fumes.
This link – https://www.homenish.com/powder-coated-vs-stainless-steel/ – states that powder coating provides a barrier that protects metals from rusting over time when exposed to moisture and oxygen, and can be applied to almost every type of metal including steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. With an array of colors to choose from it can even be customized to match any decor style!
Powder coated furniture is also much simpler to keep clean than painted pieces, making it the ideal solution for families with kids or pets who may accidentally spill drinks or food on the chair. A damp cloth will quickly wipe down its durable surface to keep it looking its best! Powder coating also offers more scratch resistance than paint options so will withstand everyday use without showing signs of wear and tear.
Sunbrella
Sunbrella is an industry leader when it comes to high-performance fabric for outdoor living spaces that is both beautiful and comfortable to lounge on. Their products can withstand all weather conditions – even being left out year round in areas that don’t experience harsh winters!
Sunbrella fabric stands out from other outdoor fabrics by being nonporous; therefore liquids like rain and snow simply roll off of its surface instead of penetrating deep into its fibers, potentially leading to mold and mildew growth. This makes cleaning much simpler; when needed you can even reapply water repellent treatment when necessary to restore it.
Sunbrella stands out from other outdoor fabrics with its superior fade-resistance. Though all fabric fades over time in direct sunlight, Sunbrella’s solution-dyed acrylic has one of the strongest fade resistance ratings compared to any material, making it virtually fade-proof. Its thousands of styles and color options ensure there’s something perfect to meet any taste or decor situation.
If you are considering buying furniture that features Sunbrella fabric, make sure the manufacturer provides a warranty and care guide that can help ensure its proper maintenance. Carefully follow any cleaning and care instructions from the St. Louis outdoor furniture provider or in the piece’s guide so your furniture lasts as long as possible; it would be wise to store them under designated zip up canvas covers when not being used to help prevent moisture damage to ensure maximum longevity of use.
HDPE Plastic
Recycled plastic outdoor furniture, commonly referred to as poly lumber or synthetic wood, and has become increasingly popular as an eco-friendly alternative that rivals natural timber in appearance. HDPE (high-density polyethylene), is used as the main ingredient and is known for being highly resistant and resilient in extreme temperatures and heavy snowfall conditions. Recycled plastic outdoor furniture often incorporates post-consumer plastic waste such as milk jugs and water bottles, creating an eco-friendly “full circle” product.
At the same time, it’s important to keep in mind that not all types of plastic are created equal – some materials might work better during winter than others, so it is vital that buyers assess each option thoroughly prior to making a decision.
No matter if it’s natural or synthetic materials, outdoor furniture can turn your backyard into the ideal spot to unwind during winter. There is sure to be an option that fits both your personal style and home’s decor perfectly!
