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The Definitive Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Aluminum Outdoor Furniture

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Aluminum Outdoor Furniture: The Definitive Buyer’s Guide

If you are shopping for outdoor furniture, you know that there are a wide variety of options in materials, costs, and styles. You may like the feel of wood furniture, but worry that it is not durable enough to withstand the elements. Or you may appreciate the aesthetic of wrought iron furniture, but need to consider the fact that it’s heavy, it rusts, and it may not provide the lasting benefits you want for the cost. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to select pieces that check all your boxes and stand the test of time. That’s why we created this comprehensive buyer’s guide to aluminum outdoor furniture.

Choosing the best material for your patio furniture can indeed be a somewhat complicated endeavor. If you are similarly torn, and just want to get the best looking and most resilient products for your dollar, then you might want to consider aluminum furniture instead. High in quality, sophisticated in appearance, and relatively low in cost, cast aluminum outdoor furniture may be your ideal choice. Aluminum is one of the best materials for outdoor use, offering unparalleled strength, weather resistance, low maintenance, and flexibility of design. Read on to discover why aluminum should be at the top of your list and how to choose the perfect set for your space.

The Addison 4pc aluminum sling patio set

Why Choose Aluminum Outdoor Furniture?

Aluminum outdoor furniture comes in a few major categories: cast aluminum, wrought or extruded aluminum, aluminum frames with woven wicker, and sling aluminum furniture; the latter two feature aluminum primarily as a framing material, while with the former two, the aluminum functions as both frame and key design feature. Each type has different aesthetic and functional benefits, giving you plenty of styles to choose from.

Here are just a few of the benefits of aluminum:

  1. Cast aluminum outdoor furniture is strong

    Thanks to its wide availability as the most common metal found in Earth’s crust, aluminum already has a long history of use in industry and engineering. Over the years, developments in how we work with aluminum have made it very strong and versatile. In fact, it is commonly used for important components in the automotive industry as well as in spacecraft and rockets.

    The aluminum 5pc Amazon dining set



    Aluminum is highly regarded for its resistance to corrosion and rust (its rust resistance is unmatched), making it perfect for use in outdoor furniture – since your patio dining sets are always exposed to the elements, it’s a good idea to make them out of some of Earth’s toughest stuff! Wood can crack, warp, and rot while iron is prone to rusting and plastics can fade. Aluminum prevails as the most durable outdoor material used in modern patio furniture!

  2. Cast aluminum patio furniture is extremely light weight

    The aluminum outdoor Villa Grande curved sectional set



    In addition to its characteristic resilience and toughness, aluminum outdoor furniture is remarkably lightweight. Clocking in at about a third of the weight of wrought iron, aluminum furniture is easy to re-arrange and store away for winter. Should you wish to move your chairs and tables into the sun or out of the rain, it won’t take much time or strength. And should you ever need to move, you won’t have any problem loading cast aluminum furniture into the back of a truck. It’s so lightweight, you won’t believe how strong it is!

  3. Affordability

    Given its superior quality and longevity, aluminum furniture is very competitively priced, especially compared to wood and wrought iron. Sets are available at every budget level, and they will last for years to come, representing great value for your investment.
  4. Cast aluminum furniture looks great!

    The aluminum Bottego outdoor dining set



    Modern cast aluminum furniture isn’t restricted to the plain and dull aesthetic of most aluminum chairs (think beach chairs and other crude fold-ups). The technique involved in casting aluminum sees the liquid metal poured into intricate sand casts, resulting in incredible detail and limitless design possibilities.

    Aluminum can be cast into any shape and combined with other materials like mesh, wicker, and fabric. This allows for unlimited design options from modern to classic to contemporary. You’ll have no problem finding a style that complements your aesthetic.

    Because aluminum furniture manufacturers do not have to worry about the weight of their material, you will find that cast aluminum furniture may feature more intricate detailing and more comfort than its wrought iron or wood counterparts. With all the aesthetic appeal of wrought iron and wood, but without the bulky weight and biodegradability, why wouldn’t you choose cast aluminum?

    As a bonus, any of our high-quality cast aluminum furniture can be paired with luxury Sunbrella fabric – the best in the industry. This state-of-the-art fabric is mildew resistant, water repellent, quick to air-dry, and designed to remain bright and colorful despite the vagaries of time and weather. It even comes with a three-year warranty that completely covers any loss of color and any damage or weakening due to weather exposure.

Factors to Consider When Buying Aluminum Outdoor Furniture

So, aluminum patio furniture is pretty great... but is it really right for you? The material is excellent in a vacuum, but whether or not it is your ideal material depends on several other factors you need to keep in mind while shopping:

Weather Conditions

Think about the climate and typical weather where you live. If you experience a lot of moisture, look for aluminum with powder coating to prevent corrosion. In coastal areas, choosing aluminum over wrought iron prevents rust. In areas with intense, prolonged sun, powder coated aluminum holds up better than wood.

Size/Layout of Your Outdoor Living Space

Make sure to measure your patio or yard space before shopping. This will determine what size furniture will fit comfortably without overwhelming the area. Also consider how much seating you need and the ideal layout. Measure any entry points to ensure the pieces will fit through gates or doorways.

Color/Style Preferences

With so many shape, color, and fabric options, it’s easy to find aluminum sets that align with your design style. Make note of the color palette and look you want to achieve before shopping and choose accordingly. Look for pieces that will complement your home.

Budget

Outdoor furniture costs vary widely based on size, build quality, and materials. Measure your space, assess your needs, and determine a comfortable budget before shopping. High quality aluminum can be purchased for virtually any budget. Make sure to consider durability and longevity so you don’t have to replace the set every few years.

Use Considerations

Think about how you plan to use your outdoor living space. Do you need dining seating or lounge chairs? By the pool or on a secluded deck? With kids and pets or for adult entertaining? Your intended uses will inform what size, shapes, and materials make the most sense.

Assembly and Maintenance

Look for aluminum furniture with easy assembly instructions and parts that bolt together simply without tools or complicated welding. Be sure to buy from a reputable retailer that provides all hardware and instructions for assembly. Also confirm how easily the set can be maintained when purchasing.

Choosing the Right Size Aluminum Furniture

One important but often overlooked step when buying outdoor furniture is making sure to choose the right size pieces for your space. A few key measurements will set you on the right path:

  • Measure your full outdoor area - length, width, any obstructed corners or angles. Account for pathways, plantings, and fixtures.
  • For dining sets - measure existing outdoor dining table or area to replace. Round tables need 4 feet clearance all around.
  • For deep seating - measure current layout or space for a sofa/chair grouping with room for coffee table and foot traffic.
  • Leave ample walkways - at least 24-30 inches for main paths so people don’t feel squeezed.
  • Measure entryways like gates, doors, staircases. Ensure furniture will pass through to the outdoor space.
  • Check for overhead clearance on balconies, patios, and porches. Make sure umbrellas and taller furniture pieces will fit.
  • For small spaces - choose nesting, space-saving tables, and furniture under 40" wide.
  • In large spaces - sizable dining tables, sectionals, and chaises work great to fill the area.

Don’t forget to account for extra seating and surface space for guests and food at parties. It’s better for pieces to feel a bit small for everyday than overly crowded when entertaining. With a few simple measurements, you can enjoy your aluminum outdoor furniture for seasons to come.

Popular Aluminum Outdoor Furniture Colors

Another great perk of aluminum furniture is the wide spectrum of powder coat finishes available to match your style. Here are some of the most popular:

Black

A versatile classic, black aluminum furniture works with any outdoor aesthetic. Pairs well with any accent color.

White

Crisp, clean white furniture immediately lightens and brightens an outdoor space. Looks elegant against colorful flowers and verdant greens.

Gray

On-trend gray aluminum sets range from weathered metal grays toblue-toned grays with universal appeal. The neutral goes with everything.

Brown

Rich chocolate, warm espresso, and distressed copper-browns complement traditional and rustic designs. Inviting and earthy.

Beige

Light, sandy beiges to creamy taupes impart a soothing, welcoming vibe. Works for coastal and cottage aesthetics.

Choose Patio Productions For Your Aluminum Outdoor Furniture

If you are exploring outdoor furniture options, try cast aluminum with Sunbrella fabric. With strength and durability, fresh designs, and lightweight convenience, aluminum outdoor furniture is the best choice for furnishing your patio or outdoor space for years to come.

If you need a hand sorting through the options, the experts at Patio Productions are always happy to help. Give us a shout in San Diego - we live for this stuff! Our team will give you personalized guidance to uncover the perfect aluminum furniture for your home and lifestyle.

Want to see our aluminum patio furniture for yourself?
Check out our Patio Productions website or
visit our showroom in San Diego!

 
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