Category: Home and Patio Furniture

Home and Patio Furniture refers to movable objects intended to support various human activities such as seating (e.g., chairs, stools, and sofas), eating (tables), and sleeping (e.g., beds). Furniture is also used to hold objects at a convenient height for work (as horizontal surfaces above the ground, such as tables and desks), or to store things (e.g., cupboards and shelves). Furniture can be a product of design and is considered a form of decorative art. In addition to furniture’s functional role, it can serve a symbolic or religious purpose. It can be made from many materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. Furniture can be made using a variety of woodworking joints which often reflect the local culture.

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Top 5 Durable Types of Outdoor Patio Furniture

Having the perfect outdoor patio furniture can elevate your home’s outdoor living space. Durable outdoor patio furniture lasts for years while retaining its elegant appearance. Your guests will be impressed with the beauty, comfort, and stability of your patio furniture when it’s made from eye-catching and lasting materials. 

With proper maintenance and care, you can keep your durable outdoor patio furniture looking new for years to come. To make finding the best durable patio furniture easy, we have put together a list of the top five types of patio furniture that will keep your outdoor living space comfortable and welcoming.

1. Wrought Iron Outdoor Patio Furniture

One of the most durable types of outdoor patio furniture you can have is made from wrought iron. Wrought iron furniture is timeless-looking, weather-resistant, and heavy enough to withstand most winds. You can easily clean wrought iron furniture with a damp cloth, and if you notice the paint chipping, you can touch it up with a matching color. Add a splash of color to your wrought iron patio furniture by adding durable pillows with abstract, floral, or tribal patterns.

2. Synthetic Wicker Outdoor Patio Furniture

Wicker outdoor patio furniture creates a pleasing tropical theme for your outdoor living space. This type of eye-appealing patio furniture is lightweight, making it easy to move around the patio. Synthetic wicker is made with durable resins from plants. The resin is allowed to dry and harden, giving the outdoor furniture a long life.

You can get synthetic wicker in a wide range of shades to make your outdoor living space unique to your lifestyle. In addition, synthetic wicker patio furniture can stand up to a variety of weather conditions, such as UV rays and saltwater chlorine. This type of patio furniture easily sheds dirt and dust, helping to keep it looking fresh all season long.

3. Polymer and Plastic Outdoor Patio Furniture

When you’re looking for affordable and lightweight patio furniture, consider plastic or polymer pieces. Plastic outdoor furniture holds up well to weather, is stackable, and is easy to move, store, and clean. While plastic patio furniture is cost-effective, especially if you need lots of pieces for large parties or events, it is prone to cracking and fading if left in the sunshine too long.

Buying recycled plastic furniture is a sustainable way to have this type of outdoor furniture in your backyard or on your patio. One aspect of having polymer or plastic furniture is that it can come in a wide range of colors and shapes that help to customize your outdoor living space.

4. Wood Outdoor Patio Furniture

For the ultimate in luxurious patio furniture, choose pieces made from durable hardwood like teak, ipe, white oak, cedar, acacia, or redwood. These types of wood are generally rot-resistant, insect-resistant, and have beautiful grains for an eye-catching look. While wood furniture can elevate your patio or yard, it takes maintenance to keep it looking beautiful.

You’ll want to apply weather sealant to the wood furniture and all-weather varnish to help keep it resistant to weather and solar rays. Periodically, you’ll need to sand the old varnish off, especially when it begins to peel or becomes yellow-looking. After sanding the wood outdoor patio furniture, wipe it down with a damp cloth, allow it to dry, and then apply a sealer. Finish the pieces with waterproofing, and your wood furniture will look vibrant and elegant.

5. Cast Aluminum Outdoor Patio Furniture

Cast aluminum differs from normal aluminum in the way it’s made. Most aluminum outdoor patio furniture is hollow and tubular and then bent into the shape of a chair, bench, stool, or table. Cast aluminum gets heated and poured into a mold for the shape of the desired piece of furniture. Having patio furniture molded gives it extra strength and durability while still maintaining its lightweight feature. Manufacturers of cast aluminum furniture can make the pieces unique, from ones with sleek, contemporary designs to ornate pieces similar to what you would find in wrought iron pieces.

When you’re looking for outdoor patio furniture that will last for years under the Texas sun, Houston’s Home and Patio can find the perfect sets or individual pieces for your unique backyard. Home and Patio is Houston’s premier store dedicated to outdoor living. Contact us today and our professional team will work with you to make sure you have the best outdoor patio furniture for your Texas lifestyle.

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What Type of Outdoor Furniture Holds Up Best ?

Home and Patio Outdoor

Outdoor furniture makes spending time outdoors more enjoyable. While outdoor furniture shares many of the same comfort and style characteristics as indoor furniture, outdoor furniture must be durable enough to withstand the outside elements. Torrential rains, strong winds, blazing sun, and freezing snow can all damage your furniture. Although there are no truly weatherproof outdoor furniture products, the materials used can make a big difference.

Deciding on outdoor furnishings depends on your lifestyle, budget, and location as well as an understanding of the benefits and disadvantages of the materials used in outdoor furniture. In this guide, we discuss the pros and cons of different outdoor furniture materials and how they hold up against the elements.

Wood

Outdoor furniture made from wood is popular for its strength and durability. It also offers several options for style, finish, and comfort. The natural oils found in the wood help make it resistant to weather, water, and rust. With regular maintenance and refinishing, wood furniture can last decades. The most durable wooden furniture is often constructed of hardwoods like teak, acacia, eucalyptus, and white oak.

Pros of wooden outdoor furniture:

  • Resistant to weather, water, cracking, warping, and decay.
  • Eucalyptus is eco-friendly, sustainable, and resistant to insects.
  • Easy to maintain.

Cons of wooden outdoor furniture:

  • Requires refinishing and maintenance every two years.
  • Color can fade over time.
  • Susceptible to insects.
  • Can be expensive.

Metals

Thanks to its versatility, metal is another popular material used for outdoor furniture. Metal outdoor furniture comes in many forms, and designs can be molded into just about any shape. Depending on the type of metal used, the furniture may be heavy or lightweight, hollow or solid, painted or powder-coated. Metal outdoor furniture is commonly made from wrought aluminum, cast aluminum, stainless steel, and wrought iron.

Pros of metal outdoor furniture:

  • Durable.
  • Resistant to the wind.
  • Easy to maintain.
  • More design and style options are available.

Cons of metal outdoor furniture:

  • Prone to rust and corrosion.
  • Retains heat and cold.
  • Can be heavy, if made from wrought iron or stainless steel.
  • Might require cushions or other pads for comfort.

Resins and Plastics

Resins and plastics create low-maintenance, affordable, and lightweight outdoor furniture. Resin furniture, especially that made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), is a good option for those interested in the wicker or rattan style without the cost and long-term maintenance. Plastics are increasingly used for colorful and intricate pieces and in locations with high humidity and salt water.

Pros of resins and plastics:

  • Easy to clean and maintain.
  • Lightweight and easy to store.
  • Weather- and fade-resistant.
  • Durable.
  • Eco-friendly.

Cons of resins and plastics:

  • Too lightweight for windy locations.
  • Lower-quality resins are likely to crack, unravel, or become brittle.

Other Materials

Outdoor furniture materials aren’t limited to wood, resins, plastics, or metals. Depending on your aesthetic, lifestyle, budget, and location, furniture can be made with a combination of the four — or a completely different material. These other materials include composite, concrete, high-pressure laminate (HPL), and tempered glass. Furniture manufacturers incorporate these materials to add durability, improve design capabilities, and enhance resistance to weather.

Pros of other materials:

  • Last longer than resin and natural wood.
  • All weather-resistant, waterproof, and rust-proof.
  • Low maintenance.
  • More contemporary and modern look.
  • Can be used with other materials like wood, resin, plastic, and metal.

Cons of other materials:

  • Can be heavy and, in the case of concrete furniture, permanent.
  • More expensive than other materials.

Fabrics

Fabrics and upholstery, like linen, polyester, cotton blends, acrylic, foam, and vinyl are used to make outdoor furniture, accessories, and home decor. Commonly used in pillows, cushions, hammocks, sun shades, and floor poufs, these products increase the comfort and style of your outdoor furniture.

Pros of fabrics:

  • Weather- and fade-resistant.
  • Breathable.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Lightweight.
  • Endless design and style options.
  • Comfortable.
  • Affordable.

Cons of fabrics:

  • Often not waterproof.
  • Vulnerable to mold, moisture, and insects.
  • More durable fabrics like acrylic and quick-dry foam can be expensive.

In a city as stylish and humid as Houston, your outdoor furniture should reflect your aesthetic and lifestyle and be able to endure the elements. We hope this guide helped you determine what type of material you want your outdoor furniture to be made of.

Are you in the market for new patio or outdoor furniture? Houston Home and Patio is the premier outdoor furniture store in Houston. We offer the largest selection of outdoor furniture in the Houston area. From patio furniture to home decor and furniture repairs, our experts are here to help. Contact us online today or call 281-440-7667.

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Best Patio Furniture to Leave Outside All Year Long

Outdoor Patio with Table and Chair

Having an outdoor living space such as a deck is one of the joys of owning a home. You can enjoy the seasons together as a family and use it to entertain. Choosing the best patio furniture helps determine the success of these memorable moments.

As weather shifts, you face another decision: how to protect your investment in patio furniture. Should you leave your furniture outside all year long, or bring it inside? You should make the choice between these two, and come to an answer well before you buy.  The right choice means getting multiple years of use out of your patio furniture, and plenty of outdoor use. Here are some factors to look for in finding the best patio furniture for year-round use as well as a few suggested sets to consider.

Factors To Consider

The best patio furniture to leave outside through fall, winter, spring, and summer is made of the hardiest materials. First, consider your climate, and follow these suggestions:

  • Favor aluminum sets. Aluminum as a material is very low maintenance and highly resistant to corrosion caused by ice and moisture. It’s also easy to clean. Stainless or galvanized steel are good options as well.
  • If you prefer wicker, choose furniture sets with wicker made of polyethylene, which also resists moisture. Make sure the set comes with a weather-resistant frame.
  • Certain wood furniture sets can also stay out the entire year. Experts recommend choosing sets made of teak, which exhibit the most weather resistance of any of the hardwoods. Other options include mahogany or oak.
  • Plastic furniture sets may not fit with your look and feel, but they are a good option to survive inclement weather. However, if it gets bitterly cold in your area, this might not be the best choice because the plastic can freeze and crack.
  • For furniture cushions, accept only those made with reticulated foam, as that material repels bacteria and fungi and moves moisture through the cushion.

Best Patio Furniture To Leave Outside

Houston Home and Patio, a family-owned and-operated business for more than 40 years and through three generations, offers a large selection of all-season outdoor furniture and accessories. Choosing the right materials makes all the difference. Here are a few of the sets with the maximum durability to consider.

Aris by O.W. Lee

Using a wrought aluminum frame that can stand up to rain and snow, the Aris by O.W. Lee collection lets you piece together a furniture set that can include sofas, loveseats, lounge chairs, swivel rocker chairs, ottomans, and other pieces. The Aris collection also includes items made of wrought iron.

Classico by O.W. Lee

Made of wrought iron, the Classico O.W. Lee collection delivers a sense of retro elegance in its design. One major characteristic of Classico is its use of spiral designs, most notably in the arms of the furniture and the base. Classico offers much to choose from to develop your set, including club chairs, swivel rocking chairs, chaise lounges, gliders, sofas, loveseats, and more.

South Hampton by Lane Venture

The South Hampton collection by Lane Venture stands up to the elements year-round with its durable wicker large-scale weave. The pieces are hand-woven over the top of a premium aluminum frame using high UV polyethylene synthetic fiber. You can build your set to include pieces such as a lounge chair, loveseat, sofa, corner section chair, right-arm and left-arm loveseat, curved settee, or circular chaise lounge.

Aris by O.W. Lee

Using a wrought aluminum frame that can stand up to rain and snow, the Aris by O.W. Lee collection lets you piece together a furniture set that can include sofas, loveseats, lounge chairs, swivel rocker chairs, ottomans, and other pieces. The Aris collection also includes items made of wrought iron.

Classico by O.W. Lee

Made of wrought iron, the Classico O.W. Lee collection delivers a sense of retro elegance in its design. One major characteristic of Classico is its use of spiral designs, most notably in the arms of the furniture and the base. Classico offers much to choose from to develop your set, including club chairs, swivel rocking chairs, chaise lounges, gliders, sofas, loveseats, and more.

South Hampton by Lane Venture

The South Hampton collection by Lane Venture stands up to the elements year-round with its durable wicker large-scale weave. The pieces are hand-woven over the top of a premium aluminum frame using high UV polyethylene synthetic fiber. You can build your set to include pieces such as a lounge chair, loveseat, sofa, corner section chair, right-arm and left-arm loveseat, curved settee, or circular chaise lounge.

Roma by Alfresco

Geared toward outside dining, the Roma collection from Alfresco, made of cast and extruded aluminum, is another set of patio furniture you can leave outside all year. Roma furniture, showcasing spiral designs, includes dining chairs, lounge chairs, bar chairs, counter chairs, and other items for a good night of entertainment.

Drew by Ebel

The Drew set from Ebel is another wicker option that you will be able to leave on your patio all year and count on its durability. These pieces are made of rust-proof aluminum frames with handwoven weaves that are sure to last. The material is fully recyclable. In addition to resisting moisture, the Drew set also stands up to harmful UV rays.

For All Your Home and Patio Needs

Across three generations, Houston Home and Patio has helped shoppers make decisions about how to make their outdoor living spaces the most comfortable they can be. We pride ourselves on not just our broad selection but also the unique customer service relationship we will build with you.

If you are looking to design your new outdoor living room, spruce up your pool, or just add a bench to complete your garden, Houston Home and Patio has you covered. We have an on-site warehouse that allows for quick deliveries. Check out our website and then visit us for a consultation on your project. Call us or contact us online for an appointment.