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How To Choose the Best Metal Patio Chair
Metal chairs are a classic choice for their durability and aesthetic appeal. Styling your home’s exterior area with metal patio chairs and upholstery is also a great way to complement your design and aesthetic.
But, just like there are subcategories for fabrics and wood patio furniture, different types of metals are used to create outdoor chairs. And not all metals are created equal. Keep reading for a primer on each material before choosing the best one for your setup.
Different Types of Metal Patio Chairs
While browsing online or in a brick-and-mortar store, you will discover a diverse selection of metals used to craft attractive outdoor chairs. The most popular types of patio furniture are aluminum, steel, and wrought iron.
Aluminum
Aluminum is formidable in its own right. Aluminum outdoor chairs are known for being lightweight, rust-resistant, and low maintenance. They are easy to stack and store amongst other metal chairs, which is convenient when determining how many chairs to put out or store away when you host a gathering at home. You can find them in a variety of colors, designs, and finishes, making them versatile and perfect for curating a stylish backyard area.
While aluminum patio chairs are great, aluminum furniture can easily get scratched or dented because of its lightweight and low density nature. If you live in a location that experiences strong winds, we recommend storing your aluminum chairs or purchasing heavy-duty covers to stop them from blowing away and getting damaged.
Steel
Known for its sleek modern look, steel furniture is a great option to complete your outdoor design. The material is lighter than wrought or cast iron, making them perfect for placing in gardens and yards without worrying about ruining your landscape.
Furniture made of stainless or galvanized steel is the best option compared to other types of steel since they don’t rust as easily. The material is denser than aluminum, making it solid and durable against general wear and tear, aesthetic damage, and whatever Mother Nature throws at it, including high wind gusts.
However, steel responds quickly to changes in temperature, so consider investing in cushions or testing the surface before use to safeguard you and your guests from burns. Though steel is lighter than wrought iron furniture, moving steel furniture can be cumbersome for those who often rearrange their outdoor space. Lastly, steel furniture is more expensive than aluminum furniture because of its strength and durability.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron patio furniture is considered traditional and recognized for its classic charm and timeless, aesthetically pleasing style. The metal material makes for sturdy furniture that can withstand harsh weather, from winter months to storms with high winds. You can leave them outdoors with a protective cover to avoid any damage to the protective paint and finish.
Wrought iron furniture is also heavier and more expensive than other metal furniture. Due to its weight, it takes work to move around. Wrought iron furniture also requires routine cleaning, sanding, and painting to prevent rust and corrosion. And similar to steel furniture, wrought iron conducts heat, so it can get scalding hot when left in direct sunlight.
Other Types of Metal Patio Chairs
While these are the three most common types of metals used for outdoor furniture, even more choices abound. Brass, cast iron, and copper are different metals used to make outdoor furniture. Each can complement any rustic to industrial-styled home.
In Summary: Pros and Cons of Using Metal Patio Chairs
Metal outdoor chairs offer solid construction and beautiful ornate designs. They come in different styles and designs that complement your preferences. Metal furniture is known for its durability against outdoor elements, ease of maintenance, and longevity compared to other outdoor materials.
On the other hand, metal patio chairs made of steel or iron are heavy, making it challenging to rearrange the layout of your backyard. The material conducts heat and cold, particularly wrought iron, meaning you have to be careful a seat in the sun isn’t hot enough to cause burns before you sit down.
For any metal outdoor seating, we highly recommend investing in comfortable upholstery to pair with the chair, loveseat, or sofa. It will add a layer of plush comfort as well as remove concerns about a potentially scalding hot seat, letting you and your guest enjoy each other’s company and the great outdoors.
Care and Maintenance of Metal Outdoor Chairs
With proper care and maintenance, your metal patio chairs will remain a durable and stylish addition to your outdoor furniture collection for a long time.
The most recommended way to maintain patio chairs is to dust them routinely and clean any residual grime with a soft, damp cloth. That way, you won’t have to worry about doing any intense cleaning down the road. We also suggest storing your outdoor chairs when they are not in use to protect them from the elements — particular rain and snow that may cause rusting. If storing is not an option, protective covers will do the trick.
However, if time gets away from you and you find yourself with dirt-coated chairs before patio season, here are a few tips to get your furniture ready for enjoyment:
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If grime is caking, use a cleaning solution of warm water and mild detergent with a non-abrasive cloth or a soft-bristled brush, wipe it down with a clean, damp towel, or rinse it with a garden hose. (Note: Avoid alkaline cleaners as they cause oxidation.)
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For stainless steel furniture, use only a white vinegar and water mixture in a 1:1 ratio.
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For an extra layer of protection against rainy days and rust, we recommend applying one to two coats of automotive paste wax or naval jelly on your chairs.
Learn how to clean outdoor furniture to enjoy all its comfort for years to come.
Style in Metal With Furniture.com
Whether you're a fan of traditional styles or prefer a more modern and industrial look, metal chairs can help bring your vision to life. You can create a relaxed space with neutral-colored cushions. Or you can liven the area up with fun and colorful pillows, blankets, and rugs, turning your outdoor space into a cozy and inviting oasis. At furniture.com, you can find the metal patio furniture set of your dreams — so start exploring your options today.