| The materials used to manufacture modern patio furniture include stones, metals, vinyl, plastics, resins, glass, and treated woods. Plastic garden furniture is naturally waterproof, so you can leave it out year-round. However, rain water will collect at the back of chairs and in nooks and crannies. As such, surprising amount of dirt can form. Wooden garden furniture can suffer through exposure to the elements and therefore needs to be periodically treated, for example with varnish. Teak is a commonly used material for outdoor furniture. It naturally contains silica which makes it resistant to fungal decay, many of the effects of water (such as rot, swelling and warping) as well as chemicals. It is also resistant to fire, acid and alkalis, there are certain oils specifically for the treatment of teak to help it resist weather and the adverse effects of being outside. Aluminium garden furniture is robust and long-lasting. Despite that, agents such as suntan lotions, perspiration and car exhausts can eat away at the powder coating that protects it although aluminium does not rust if the protective coating is compromised it will corrode and cannot usually be salvaged. |
