Wood or Aluminum: Which is Better?
Patio furniture comes in many different styles and in many different materials. Two popular materials for patio furniture include wood and aluminum. Each of these materials has advantages to consider when choosing your patio furniture. The most obvious difference between wood and aluminum in terms of patio furniture is style. If you like Adirondack-style furniture or furniture that is based on the porch swing idea, chances are these pieces will be made of wood. Wood is great for furniture in more traditional formats. Sturdy, unpainted furniture from a good outdoor hardwood such as poplar can actually gray when it is left outdoors and over the years develop a beauty that cannot be duplicated in a paint shop.
Also, there is a chance you can find furniture made by a local craftsperson if you choose wood. That means you can have a traditional but unique look for your patio and you may be able to have pieces customized by size or style. The main concern with wood is that it is an organic material and can deteriorate without some care. Water tends to speed up the deterioration process; you can prevent problems with rot due to dampness by painting the furniture (and repainting every few years), by making sure to place the furniture on a surface that either drains well or is dry, or by putting your wood furniture in an area that has a roof over it so it does not get directly wet. If you want the weathered wood look, keep your furniture outside but in a covered area.
Aluminum is a very sturdy material and it is impervious to weather. Aluminum doesn’t rust, so being exposed to rain is not a problem (unless you have cushions on the furniture). It is also a lightweight metal, so moving furniture around is a lot easier than moving a heavy wooden chair or bench. Manufacturers use aluminum to create patio furniture in a variety of styles, so you can have quite a bit of choice, particularly if your taste runs to more modern types of furniture. Aluminum or wood? It depends on your lifestyle and taste. If moving furniture is going to be a problem due to physical limitations, aluminum is a great choice. In contrast, if your house has a traditional look to it, you may want patio furniture that harmonizes with the style of the house and you’ll find that wood is also a great choice.