Enjoying Australian summer outdoors is a staple of our culture. And, with summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to update your outdoor furniture with some fresh and comfortable pieces for you to enjoy for years to come. It can be tricky, though, sometimes, when navigating all the different furniture styles and materials. We’ve already covered the best furniture for winter – but today, our Melbourne-based exposed aggregate experts have decided to write this guide breaking down some of the key materials that make up durable outdoor furniture that will survive the scorching Australian sun and elements.
Teak
One of the key worries when it comes to outdoor furniture is its durability. Being outside for long durations, it’s exposed to a myriad of elements which can wear it down over time. Teak is one of the most durable materials you can purchase for outdoor furniture and is certainly the best available timber option.
Teak’s high oil and resin content are the core factors behind its durability. These make it resistant to the environmental elements and things like insect/pest attacks. Teak also has a gorgeous, dark timber finish which suits both a modern and classic aesthetic – making it highly versatile in terms of style as well as practicality.
Metal (aluminium and stainless steel)
If you’re not a fan of timber, then metal might be more suited to your style. If you are thinking of purchasing metal-framed furnishings, then you should look at either powder-coated aluminium or stainless steel. These are both durable metals that won’t rust or corrode. They can offer sleek and minimalistic aesthetics and, with the right combination of fabrics, make for very comfortable furnishings.
Stainless steel, being a heavier metal, is a bit more difficult to move around but you also won’t have to worry about potentially strong winds blowing it around. If you’re looking for more or less stable outdoor furniture to place on your exposed aggregate concrete, then stainless steel furnishings are the way to go.
Something you should be aware of, though, is that metal is a good heat conductor – therefore, it will get quite hot when left in the sun. If your chair has metal armrests, for instance, it might be better to lay a towel or cloth over them to stop your arms from being burnt. Keep your metal furniture in a shaded place to avoid this inconvenience.
Fabrics (solution-dyed acrylic)
There are a couple of available options when it comes to fabrics. The best all-rounder, however, is solution-dyed acrylic. Because the yarns are dyed before they’re woven, a durable and long-lasting colour is established in the product that will resist wear from heavy UV exposure.
Solution-dyed acrylic is also resistant to mildew and mould issues as well as being waterproof (which is great for furniture or cushions near a pool that may get splashed). Above all else, though, solution-dyed acrylic is breathable and when made into cushions (which is one of the main products it’s made into) can be quite soft. Other furniture made out of this material includes large umbrellas and awnings.
Plastics and synthetic resins
These materials are handy for outdoor summer furniture because they’re quite durable, lightweight and also easy to maintain. The lightweight factor makes them easy to move around – especially moulded resin furnishings like high-grade polyethylene – which are available in a myriad of colours and styles and present a unique aesthetic that predominantly suits modern settings.
Synthetic resin can be used to mimic wicker furnishings – but, unlike traditional wicker rattan – the synthetic resin version will not be affected by the elements and can safely live outdoors. Our exposed aggregate experts recommend high-density polyethylene when looking for synthetic resin wicker furniture due to its increased heat endurance and durability.
Are you looking for exposed aggregate solutions in Melbourne?
If you’ve been thinking of updating your outdoor furniture, then now is the perfect time to do it before summer officially hits. In the meantime, it’s also the perfect time to consider a new or updated driveway or concrete path. A Better Driveway strive to deliver the highest quality exposed aggregate solutions across Melbourne. We’ve had experience crafting exposed aggregate driveways and paths for countless residential homes and can ensure you’re equipped with a durable and stylish exposed aggregate product just in time for the summer.
If you’d like to get in touch with us do discuss potential exposed aggregate solutions, then please don’t hesitate to phone 0412 537 776 or fill out the contact form online.