Thinking about purchasing an outdoor sofa chair or table? There are several factors to consider before you buy any outdoor furniture.
When exploring your options, look at the frame. The difference between average vs. superior quality is the type of material used, the thickness of the material, the type of finish, and whether or not is comes assembled or unassembled. Here are some factors to consider:
What’s it made out of? Always question what type of material is used in the frame of the furniture. Steel, cast and tubular aluminum, wood, teak, resin and synthetic outdoor wicker are typically used.
Compare the weight. Comparing the physical weight of two sofas or chairs that are similar in size and made of the same material will be a good indicator of the thickness of the material used in the frame construction. If the frame is tubular steel or aluminum the gauge or thickness of the tube is sometimes provided. Usually the thicker the better.
Watch out for scratches. Over time frames made of steel will rust if the finish is scratched. High quality steel frames will have a superior finish of several layers of paint that is very difficult to scratch off. Aluminum and resin frames will not rust but should still have a multi- layered or baked on finish. Cheaper finishes are sometimes sprayed on.
Types of Wood. If the frame is wood, examine the thickness. For example, when comparing furniture made of teak, compare the thickness of the legs and arms as well as the color of the wood. Mature teak will always have a consistent color with out streaks of white or cream which is found in less mature wood. Shorea, Curupay and Ipe are others types of wood now being used for quality outdoor furniture that offer excellent color, durability and weather resistance.
Synthetic is sassy. Synthetic outdoor wicker is very popular and is used in some of the most beautiful outdoor furniture pieces produced. Top quality wicker is all-weather and extremely resistant to fading and deterioration caused by the sun. The wicker used in mass produced furniture will quickly fade and become brittle and break within a couple of years.
How’s the Hardware? Check the hardware used in the assembly of the frame. Top quality furniture will used all stainless steel or chrome finished hardware that will not rust. For wood pieces, hardware of nuts and bolts is always better then using screws or staples.
Warranty is Security. The warranty given by the manufacturer of the item is also a good indicator of the quality. A three-year warranty on the frame is usually a minimum on a quality piece and warrantees of 10 and 15 years are often available.
Factory assembled. Frames that are factory-assembled and constructed of all-welded material will provide excellent strength over the entire lifetime of the piece.
Quality —Making your decision based solely upon the retail price and not the quality of materials used to manufacture the item can result in an expensive and unhappy experience.
There are many factors to consider before buying your outdoor living furniture. Keep in mind that value, not price — is key. With that in mind, you will enjoy your furniture for years to come.
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