Outdoor furniture - which is best?

[Flora]

What would be the best outdoor furniture to buy as far as being low maintenance? We have finished landscaping our garden and we now have a nice pergola area for entertaining and BBQ's. I need to buy some outdoor furniture, a table and 6 chairs. But I am unsure about what to buy.

[Julie-Ann]

Personally I am not a fan of wood or wicker furniture.

Traditional style wicker just doesn't stand up to the weather. The new synthetic weaved style furniture is a better option. How well that lasts in the weather depends on the quality of the material that is weaved, and the frame. You do get some pieces with Aluminium frames which are better for the weather. Trilogy sells a range with Aluminium frames. As for the quality of the material that is weaved - it seems you get what you pay for and the cheaper products are more likely to break down sooner.

Wood looks great but it needs to resealed so regularly. How often would depend on the amount of exposure. But if it is in full sun it would be every year. That is 1 more thing I don't have time for.

[Rubyfig]

We have cast iron chairs and a cast iron table base with a granite top. It is a few years old and still looks great.

[Orion Eusebios]

Hello guys!

For the outdoor furniture,Enamel coated extruded aluminum will outlast both of us. In any climate.It is a bit pricey,but if you wait until fall,you will find great sales..

[Julie-Ann]

Is enamel coated similar to cast aluminium? I dont know if I have seen it and it sounds great.

[Julie-Ann]

I like cast aluminium furniture the best. It takes direct sun and rain. And all it needs to be maintained is a god wash down and a polish with car wax to keep its colour.

[Susie]

Hello Flora, i can agree with Julie-ann wicker and wooden furniture does need a lot of care, we have wicker furniture in our under cover area, that gets a little sun and rain, which isnt wearing too well, and wooden furniture out in the elements, and my hubby just loves the job of re sealing the 8 chairs and table each winter (not). We did have some cheap metal furniture around the pool from K mart which rusted and all the rust bits went in the pool, so that went to the tip.

I do agree you only get what you pay for with the metal or aluminium furniture, good luck choosing and it may be worth checking that it isnt prone to rusting at all.
:):)