There is nothing better than relaxing in your personal backyard patio in a deeply seated piece of outdoor furniture. Whether it is sleeping on a warm summer night or sipping a hot beverage on a cool winter’s morning, lounging in a deep seating chair or lounge can be done all year if you buy intelligently. Now with people spending more time at home than ever before because of the pandemic, it is the perfect chance to upgrade your patio space for maximum comfort. Don’t miss out any longer on getting the most out of your outdoor patio space.
Materials Matter
The important thing to remember when it comes to outdoor patio furniture is that materials matter. Depending on where you live and what the weather is like, this may be truer for some than for others. Weather and lifestyle can play a big factor in what materials are best suited for your outdoor space and it’s an important factor to consider when investing in quality outdoor furniture.
Choosing the right material can be the difference between long-lasting furniture that requires minimal upkeep and furniture that needs to be replaced within a couple of years. Let’s take a look at the most popular materials used for outdoor deep seating and which environments they are best suited for.
Metal:
Back in the day, outdoor patio furniture of quality was often made of wrought iron. This furniture was great because it was heavy and would not blow around in the wind. On the downside, it rusted very easily and required constant maintenance. Nowadays, we have evolved into using much more efficient and durable metals that will last for years.
The two main types of metals used in deep patio furniture seating these days are steel and aluminum. Steel is hands down the strongest material, the heaviest, and most expensive metal available. This makes steel furniture a great choice if you live in a very windy area or experience hurricane weather on an annual basis. On the other hand, aluminum is an incredibly lightweight and versatile metal that can be shaped into any design imaginable.
Aluminum is perfect for homes near the beach or bodies of water as it stands up to rust like no other. Aluminum also stands up to the sun’s rays better than other metals. If you live in a windy city, aluminum is not the choice for you as it will certainly blow away at a moderately strong gust of wind. Aluminum is also more affordable and easier to clean.
Pro Tip: If you decide to go with a steel frame for your deep seating patio furniture, make sure to choose a steel that has been galvanized or is labeled as “stainless”. If you don’t you will end up with a steel frame that is going to rust at the slightest hint of moisture in the air.
Wood:
Wooden outdoor furniture is pure class. Nothing screams luxury like finely crafted wooden furniture, especially if it is made of high-quality wood. The most common types of wood used in outdoor deep seating patio furniture are eucalyptus, cedar, and teak. Each type has its benefits, but in terms of durability and strength to stand up to mother nature, one wood stands above the rest.
Even though teak itself is a rarer and more expensive wood, it remains the most popular choice for wooden outdoor deep seating patio furniture. Teak is so prevalent because it can withstand very hard environments and weather. Because of its naturally high resin and oil content, teak is essentially waterproof, if not extremely water-resistant. You will never run into water permeation and wood expansion issues if you select a teak deep seating option.
Pro Tip: Teak will change color over time if left untreated. The strength and durability of the wood will not change, but you may want to invest in a quality wood sealant to prevent the wood from becoming a pale gray color. There are several great quality wood stain and sealant combos available so you can get the perfect color for your furniture while keeping it protected at the same time.
Resin and Plastic:
A very modern and increasingly popular choice for outdoor deep seating patio furniture material is high-grade synthetic resin or plastic. You will often find these options style to look like a natural wicker rattan chair, but don’t be fooled, these are anything but the easily faded natural lookalike. While this is a commonly found style, resin and plastic can be used to create all kinds of outdoor furniture.
There are a select few synthetic materials used including PVC, polyethylene, resin wicker, and nylon. These are used because they are generally accepted to be lightweight yet durable in the face of extreme weather conditions. These furniture pieces are also considerably easier to clean and maintain as not much will stick to them that can’t be easily wiped off with a towel.
Due to the incredibly malleable nature of plastic and resin, furniture pieces are often available in a wider array of colors, shapes, and sizes. In today’s world of 3D printing, your imagination is the limit on what can be brought to life.
Pro Tip: When selecting a piece of outdoor patio seating furniture with a resin or plastic frame, make sure to look for the highest quality material. Be on the lookout for pieces that state they are made of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) wicker. These are made of a much higher grade of thermoplastic and can withstand much higher temperatures.
Synthetic Fabrics:
While it is completely acceptable to have deep seating patio furniture that is unupholstered, you are sacrificing greatly in the way of comfort and relaxation. Upholstered outdoor furniture is incredibly comfortable and can elevate your deep seating experience. There are a range of materials and fabrics to choose from and those come in all kinds of colors in patterns, giving you ultimate control over the final look of your patio.
Other than style, it is important to focus on getting the right material for your environment. Most outdoor fabrics are made out of water-resistant synthetic fibers such as acrylic, vinyl, and polyester. These weaves are often breathable and resistant to moisture and UV rays.
Cushions and Comfort
As we just mentioned, choosing the right fabric for your deep seating patio furniture cushions is important. Equally as important is the material inside the cushion that will be providing your backside with all the comfort and support. You will often find cushions that come with a patio chair to be of lower quality than those you purchase separately. In the case of cushions, you do get what you pay for. Look for outdoor cushions that offer at least 3 layers of material: a center layer of memory foam in between two layers of water-resistant polyester. These cushions will intersect at the crossroads of comfort and weather resilience.
One popular brand of fabric that is found all over for outdoor furniture is Sunbrella® fabrics. These fabrics are unrivaled in their class and offer protection from the sun and rain like no others. The best part of Sunbrella® fabrics is their warranty. If you follow their instructions on maintenance and care they will back up and replace your fabric for life. Hard to beat a guarantee like that!
Cleaning and Care
Once you’ve selected the right frame material for your deep seating patio furniture and have picked your favorite cushions, it’s time to enjoy your patio space. But don’t get lost in the comfort for too long, as your furniture will require maintenance regularly. The quality of your furniture combined with the dedication to cleaning and maintaining it will completely determine the longevity of your investment. Here are our basic tips to keeping your deep seating patio furniture in tip-top shape.
- Cleaning a dry surface is easier. Start by removing the cushions and wiping down the frame of your furniture to remove any loose debris or liquid. Proceed to clean the frame thoroughly with a chemical cleaner or soap and towel once the debris is cleared. Make sure to dry the frame afterward to discourage any potential rusting around the bolts and fasteners.
- Periodic deep cleaning is advisable. Using power washing tools or hiring a professional cleaning service on a semi or annual basis will extend the life of your furniture.
- Let it dry completely. It sounds simple enough, but drying off heavy water and letting it dry fully before using again is essential to the health of your frame and cushions. No one wants mold growing underneath them as they sit.
- Protect your cushions. Even if you have invested in weather-resistant cushions, it is still advisable to bring them inside during the worst weather conditions.
Visit our All American Outdoor Living locations if you have any questions, we are happy to help.