Outdoor spaces are made to be enjoyed. Whether we’re talking about a small balcony, a patio, deck or huge backyard, having an outdoor space of your own can improve the quality and joy of your life. Being able to indulge in the fresh air and unwind after a long and difficult working day is a perk that should not be taken for granted. And since comfort is of the essence, choosing comfortable and quality furniture is a must. The furniture’s material can make a huge difference to your experience, which is why you should consider only the best options.
Teak Wood Outdoor Furniture
Wood is one of the oldest and most popular types of material choices for furniture. Teak, in particular, is considered one of the denser types of hardwood that are mainly used for outdoor furniture. But out of all things, teak wood outdoor furniture is attractive and stylish, especially when it’s freshly cut and sanded. During that time, teak wood has a lovely golden-honey colour that’s just breathtaking. On touch, it may even feel oily because of its natural oils that act as a protective coating from insects, rot, water damage and fungus.
Although its colour may fade away over time, you can bring it back to life with the help of a teak sealer which should be applied once a year. Even though wood is considered more difficult to maintain outdoors, teak is one of the easiest types of wood to maintain. When sealed properly, this classic outdoor furniture would only need occasional deep cleaning.
So, the answer to the most commonly asked questions about teak “how to treat teak wood outdoor furniture” and “how to clean teak wood outdoor furniture” is simple. All it takes is cleaning it with soapy water and sealing its oils with a protective sealer. This practice will not only help the teak to stay protected by keeping its natural oils but will also keep its colour vivid for a long time.
Another benefit of having such premium outdoor furniture in your outdoor area is its durability and longevity. Being dense and strong, it’s almost impossible for a piece of teak furniture to be damaged by bad weather conditions. Teak wooden furniture is so heavy, that even hurricanes like Ida would have trouble knocking it over.
Taking into account all of the aforementioned benefits and the ability to be reshaped and moulded, it’s no wonder why teak outdoor furniture is considered a luxury.
Wicker Outdoor Furniture
Although made of synthetic material, wicker is considered an all-weather type of material. This, in fact, is the main reason for its use for outdoor furniture. Wicker is not an actual material, but a way to describe any product that is constructed by the weaving of semi-rigid materials. Although wicker can be made from natural materials like bamboo, rattan and willow, nowadays, wicker is mainly made from synthetic resin or polyethylene because of their durability and longevity when used outdoors. All these materials are meant to be woven onto a rigid frame made from aluminium, iron or even wood.
Just like wood, outdoor furniture made of polyethylene wicker can be used outdoors throughout the year with no consequences at all if exposed to sun or bad weather conditions. Now, although wicker doesn’t require any special maintenance, it still requires occasional dusting and cleaning as dirt and dust can easily accumulate on it. In order to clean it, all you have to do is to scrub it a little with soapy water and rinse it.
When compared to teak, wicker is lighter in weight which does not make it the ideal choice during stronger winds, hurricanes and tornados. On the other hand, being lighter in weight makes it easier to move around which is the reason why a lot of people choose it. When compared to wood, especially teak, wicker polyethylene outdoor furniture might be more affordable, but if you are looking for something durable and sturdy, something that will last a lifetime, then it’s best to invest in teak outdoor furniture.
Although wicker furniture isn’t prone to insects and rots, its core construction (which is usually made of metal) needs to be well-protected and coated. This is essential because metals are prone to corrosion and rust. The one thing that stays the same for both of these types of outdoor furniture is to add cushions in order to improve comfort. This will also add to their appearance, making them more appealing and stylish.
Since choosing the right outdoor furniture is essential for improving your comfort, you shouldn’t also forget about the surrounding area. Adding greenery in modern planters can positively affect your mind while adding string lights can make the ambience more romantic and cosy.
