Cheers for fewer chores
We bet you're not shopping for outdoor patio furniture because you want more things to fix and paint. The whole idea is to relax, so steer yourself toward low maintenance, durable outdoor furniture in chairs, tables and hammocks. New manufacturing materials and fabrics don't wither and rot and never need painting. They love rain and sun, and you'll love all the free time you just bought yourself.
Resin wicker cleans quicker
Wicker was once the leading outdoor furniture style because it was more comfortable than wood and survived water better. The trouble was that it wore out fast, with splinters that were a nasty surprise when you sat.
The new resin wicker patio furniture solves all that. Made from virgin vinyl, it has even more flexible softness and handsome good looks as natural wicker, but it's many times tougher. It resists stains and spills, so party on. Its color is infused throughout so it doesn't chip off. Wrapped around an aluminum or steel frame, resin wicker patio chairs are more comfortable, more stable and last years longer.
One word: plastics!
Another new trend in maintenance-free outdoor furniture is recycled plastic. Instead of the landfill, milk bottles and plastic bags are reformed into strong, stable patio chairs and tables that look and act like wood but are even stronger. They don't fade, don't rot, and never need painting. They're smoother to the touch and don't splinter like wood. Your caboose will thank you.
Testing your metal
Cast iron and steel furniture is coated with a weatherproofing sealant to avoid rust, so chips need to be touched up. Consider cast aluminum patio furniture because aluminum never rusts. Bonus: it weighs about half as much, so rearranging furniture is a breeze.
Wood lovers like teak patio furniture because of its natural oils that resist both water and insects. But teak is expensive. Shorea is a natural wood that is very teak-like but far more plentiful. Shorea is regulated to prevent it from being over-harvested, so it's a sustainable resource too. Both teak and Shorea go longer without paint or stain than humbler woods, leaving you more time to relax.
The fabric softeners
Cotton is soft, but it can't go more than a season or two without fading and decaying in the sun. It's susceptible to mildew, which is a real chore to get out. Nylon fabrics last longer, but they're scratchy and hot.
Outdoor patio furniture manufacturers solved all that. O'Bravia was among the first breakthrough fabrics. Made of 100% recyclable polyester, it's soft and comfortable. Olefin (Solefin) is another care-free fabric that's colorfast, water-resistant and strong. Sunbrella is a polymer-based fabric used in chairs, cushions and (you guessed it) umbrellas because of its remarkable ability to absorb the sun's harmful UV rays. This easy-to-clean fabric has been honored by the Skin Cancer Foundation for the UV protection it offers, and by Green Guard because it ranks low in emissions.
The newest low-maintenance fabric that has everyone talking is phifertex® geobella. It's the most Earth-friendly choice, made from 100% recycled Olefin yarn. It's feather-light but strong, allowing manufacturers to use smaller fibers for a softer, more natural feel. It lasts and lasts, which means less work for you.
Geobella has a more open weave, so air moves easily through it. It's more comfortable on hot days and it dries faster. It can't mildew or rot. Leave it out all winter if you want. When it's time to retire your geobella cushions, you can toss them in the recycle bin.
Getting stoned, maybe marbled
Stone and glass mosaic patio table tops are as tough as they are elegant. The natural slate and gray tones are literally born for the outdoors. Spills that could stain should be wiped up quickly, but otherwise, they're hassle-free options. The natural finish needs absolutely zero maintenance.
They clean with a wipe, wash off with a hose. How they could be improved? Here's one suggestion: maybe tomorrow's low-maintenance outdoor furniture will cook and clean up after us too!
