7 Reasons Why You Should Buy Cast Aluminum Patio Furniture
Patio furniture makes a wonderful addition to a home’s outdoor space by creating a relaxing place for family and friends to gather. When choosing the perfect patio furniture set for your home, it would be wise to consider not only the type of look that you’re going for, but also the overall durability of the furniture itself.
If you decide to go with metal patio furniture, as opposed to wood or resin, cast aluminum is one of the best choices available. Cast aluminum outperforms other common materials in several areas, including versatility, strength, weight and the level of maintenance required.
To help you create the most inviting and tranquil environment for your patio, let’s take a closer look at seven reasons why you should consider purchasing cast aluminum furniture.
1. Lightweight, Yet Sturdy
Aluminum is known to be lightweight, and you will find that cast aluminum is lighter than wrought iron, but still heavier than tubular frame aluminum. This middle-weight feature means that cast aluminum patio furniture is easier to move than wrought iron, but feels sturdier than tubular and is not as likely to blow over on a windy day. You may especially appreciate this characteristic if you ever want to relocate your move patio set. Aluminum is also known to be very robust and durable for its weight, so you can expect several years of life out of any piece of furniture that is made of this material.
2. The Beauty of Cast Aluminum Patio Furniture
It’s worth noting that cast aluminum furniture is different than your average aluminum furniture. Unlike tubular frame aluminum, which is hollow and bent into shape, cast aluminum is poured hot into a mold. This casting method makes it easy to achieve finely detailed surface textures of all kinds. Popular styles include ornate shapes that look like wrought ironwork as well as sleek, modern lines, so you will likely be able to find cast aluminum furniture in a style that you love.
3. Rust-Proof
The nature of aluminum means that, unlike iron and steel, it does not rust. This means no rust stains on your patio and no breakdown of the pieces because of rusting joints or legs. The lack of rust on cast aluminum patio furniture is a benefit no matter where you are, but may mean more to you if you live in a humid climate, such as on the coast, where salt water and marine fog can wreak havoc on all kinds of materials.
4. Lots of Styles & Colors
In addition to the wide range of styles that can be created using the casting process, there is an almost unlimited number of color combinations and textures that can be achieved through powder coating and painting. Finishes can range from smooth to bumpy and from high gloss to satin or matte to fit any decor.
It is also possible to repaint cast aluminum furniture, although, as with any refinishing job, proper surface preparation is essential. Before you try to repaint any metal furniture, take some time to research what products and procedures you should use, and always take appropriate safety precautions.
5. Low Maintenance
Due to its natural strength and inability to rust, cast aluminum furniture does not require much in the way of maintenance or cleaning. You should be able to occasionally spray it down with a hose or wipe it with a damp rag and a mild soap solution to clean it off, and that’s about all there is to it.
However, if you see a scratch in the powder coating, you should touch it up as soon as possible, just like you would with a scratch in your vehicle’s paint. The manufacturer of your piece should have some suggestions about where to find matching touch-up paint. Keep this in mind when you are shopping for outdoor furniture.
Note: Despite being low-maintenance, you may want to consider periodically applying vehicle wax or similar product that is specially designed for keeping powder coatings looking new. A good time to do this is just before storing or covering your patio set for the winter.
6. Weather-Resistant
Although it is recommended that you store cast aluminum furniture in a dry place during the winter or rainy season to keep its finish looking good, you don’t have to worry about the elements breaking down the structure of the furniture itself. This goes for rain, snow and the sun’s ultraviolet rays as well. Cast aluminum holds up well as outdoor furniture in all kinds of conditions.
7. Cushion Customization
Although the furniture frame itself can be made in a number of colors and finishes, you may want to consider purchasing a set in black or another neutral tone in order to have the most flexibility when changing your house color or outdoor decor. However, this still allows you plenty of flexibility to customize the cushions or pillows you use with each piece.
Metal patio furniture can be used without cushions, but many people opt for a set of outdoor, weather-resistant cushions to make sitting more comfortable. This option gives you the significant advantage of being able to switch up the whole look of your garden conversation area without buying new furniture. All you need to do is buy new cushions or reupholster your old ones, and your cast aluminum patio set is transformed.
Final Thoughts About Cast Aluminum Furniture
Adding cast aluminum patio furniture to your outdoor space can create an inviting and tranquil area for years to come. This beautiful, low-maintenance material is available in the form of benches and chairs for garden areas, bistro table and seating sets that fit comfortably on small patios or balconies as well as club chairs and full-size dining tables for outdoor entertaining when you have plenty of space. The options are almost limitless, and cast aluminum is worth the investment.